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The 5280 Holiday Survival Guide

December is fraught with the potential for poor decision-making in Colorado: ill-fated travel plans, gear you buy as a gift for her that’s really for you, pot edibles as stocking stuffers. Don’t let bad ideas mar all the merriment. Use this manual to avoid 16 common missteps and find better ways to enjoy whatever you happen to be celebrating this month.

5280 December 2018

The 5280 Holiday Survival Guide

December is fraught with the potential for poor decision-making in Colorado: ill-fated travel plans, gear you buy as a gift for her that’s really for you, pot edibles as stocking stuffers. Don’t let bad ideas mar all the merriment. Use this manual to avoid 16 common missteps and find better ways to enjoy whatever you happen to be celebrating this month.

Crested Butte’s Snowmaker: A Photo Essay

Meet the man who’s been turning Crested Butte Mountain Resort white for 17 years.

Meet the Makers Taking Advantage of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act

Centennial State residents can sell baked goods, pickles, and more straight from their kitchens to their neighbors—and you.

Skiing & Booze: Does Colorado Have A Drinking Problem?

Centennial Staters love their après-ski almost as much as they love skiing itself. But has the thrill of the party surpassed the joy of the adventure? Inside the culture of drinking that permeates our great outdoors.

How to Be a True Anti-Racist

University of Colorado Denver education professor Cheryl Matias built her career helping prospective urban teachers fight racism. Now she wants to bring her ideas to the mainstream.

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Après-Everything

A letter from the editor of the December 2018 issue of 5280.

This New Technology Will Help CDOT Manage Avalanches

The Colorado Department of Transportation is using infrared bi-oculars to help with avalanche mitigation at night, hoping to prevent high-mountain passes from being buried during the day.

A Colorado-Built Spacecraft Will Reach Its Destination This Month

Osiris-Rex will aim to be the first American mission to bring back a sample of asteroid particles—which could give clues where else we should look for life forms.

5 Organizations That Will Help You Support Local Charities

This Colorado Gives Day, these vetted groups can help narrow down the philanthropic causes you’re hoping to support.

The Utes Have Been Using STEM Principles for Centuries

A new History Colorado exhibit partially examines the intersections between science, technology, engineering, and math, and the Natives’ traditional ecological knowledge

Warm up in Three Old-Timey Saloons This Winter

These Colorado saloons are brimming with Wild West charm.

Behind the Making of One of Colorado’s Coolest Indoor Rock Climbing Walls

The centerpiece of the Limelight Hotel’s recent renovation is a 54-foot-tall rock-realistic wall, crafted with care by Boulder-based company Eldorado Climbing Walls.

Colorado’s First Members-Only Resort Opens For Skiing

This month, crazy rich alpinists will get the chance to ski endless fresh lines at Cimarron Mountain Club.

How This Local Production Company Climbed Into the Big Leagues

Peter Mortimer, president of Sender Films, a Boulder-based film production company, shares how he became the king of climbing inspiration.

This Englewood Artist Is Making Stunning Dioramas

Scott Hildebrandt, aka Mister Christmas, builds tin displays that make a big impact.

Discover Colorado Musician’s Coolest Side Projects

Behind some of the state’s biggest bands are musicians with an impressive B-side.

Dominate the Holiday Party Fashion Show in This Sleek Get-Up

Ditch the sequins and LBDs for a gorgeous velvet number.

Colorado’s Best December Events

The coolest things to do in Colorado as the holidays approach.

How to Host Your Own Tamale-Making Party

Emmy Award-winning blogger, cookbook author, and Denverite Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack shares her recipes and tips.

Where We’re Eating, December 2018

The restaurants, dishes, and drinks on our dining radar.

Il Porcellino Salumi Now Has Prosciutto

Run, don’t walk: The Berkeley deli is now slicing the first proper prosciutto made in the Mile High City.

Restaurant Review: Corrida

Feeling flush? Corrida’s expert service, innovative tapas, and costly steaks are worth every penny.

What Scents Remind You of Being Home for the Holidays?

We asked readers to weigh in on social media.

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