Checking In on the High Country

Howdy, neighbors. Buck Timber here.

It is a fine morning in the valley, provided you do not mind a breeze that can strip the paint off a barn. We are moving toward the end of January, and the mountains are finally starting to look like they mean business. I spent some time yesterday watching the elk move through Moraine Park. They do not seem to mind the cold as much as the humans do, though they have a better coat for it.

Moe Pass came by the cabin earlier. He was shivering like a leaf in a gale and claimed his wood stove was "on strike." I told him a stove does not go on strike; it simply requires a man who knows how to stack a proper cord of Douglas fir. He decided he would rather sit by my fire and drink my coffee. He is still there, and I suspect he will not leave until the sun comes up tomorrow.

Frozen Dead Guy Days originated in which Colorado town before moving to Estes Park?

Estes Park’s beloved Wine and Chocolate Festival returns Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Estes Park Events Complex.

This year, the festival welcomes all ages and boasts an even wider variety of local breweries, wineries, chocolatiers, bakeries, and specialty vendors.

General admission includes 10 chocolate tasting tickets, complimentary beverage pours, a souvenir wine glass, and a reusable tote — perfect for bringing home sweet finds.

Designated driver tickets offer a value option without the glass, pours, or tote.

Attendees can sample offerings from local favorites like Bookcliff Vineyards, Evergood Wines, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, and Snowy Peaks Winery.

Festivities include live music, fun rounds of Glow Golf, and whimsical caricature drawings, promising excitement for every guest.

Enjoy an unforgettable pairing of wine, chocolate, and mountain views in the heart of Estes Park.

Alpenglow Beauty: Skincare That Holds Up in Mountain Weather

Winter doesn’t ease up just because the holidays are over. Cold air, wind, and low humidity stick around, and skin feels it fast.

Alpenglow Beauty is made for life at elevation, where dry conditions aren’t seasonal, they’re normal. Their clean, nourishing formulas help keep skin balanced without complicating your routine.

If winter has your skin feeling tight or dry, their Whipped Tallow Balm is especially worth a look.

Explore the collection at AlpenglowBeauty.com and enjoy 20% off with code WINDY20.

Aspen & Evergreen Gallery invites artists to submit work for the Dead of Winter Art Exhibition and Frozen Dead Guy Days 2026 Art Sale this March in Estes Park.

The exhibition will coincide with Frozen Dead Guy Days, celebrating art shaped by winter, folklore, dark humor, surrealism, and the festival’s quirky spirit.

Accepted pieces will be displayed at the gallery and available for purchase; some may rotate due to limited space.

Key dates are February 15 for entry forms, February 27 for artwork submissions, and exhibitions from March 10–27 with public voting for the People’s Choice Award.

An artists’ reception is set for March 27, followed by the festival site sale on March 28.

Awards will focus on creativity and fun, with categories like Best in Show and Most Frozen Dead Guy.

To join, fill out the submission form or contact info@aspenandevergreen.com.

Things to Do: This Weekend & Next Week

This Weekend (January 30 – February 1)

• 🎨 Meet the New Artists: The Art Center of Estes Park is hosting a showcase starting Friday. It is a good way to see some talent without having to battle a snowdrift.

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• 🎸 Everclear at The Stanley: They are playing two nights at the Stanley Hotel this Friday and Saturday.

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• 🥾 Winter Hiking: The lower trails like Upper Beaver Meadows are mostly clear, though you should bring traction. Do not be like Moe and try to hike in smooth-soled boots.

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Next Week (February 2 – February 8)

• 🖼️ First Friday Art Groove (Feb 6): The local galleries stay open late. It is a fine time to walk the town, provided you wear a heavy coat.

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• 🍺 Stout Month Kickoff: Avant Garde Aleworks is starting their "Stout Month" on Saturday. They release a new heavy beer every weekend in February.

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• 🍫 The Wine & Chocolate Festival (Feb 7): This is the big event at the Event Center next Saturday. It is a good place to hide from the wind and eat your weight in cocoa.

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• 🏈 The Big Game (Feb 8): Do not forget that the Super Bowl is next Sunday, not this one. You have one more week to buy your snacks.

DID YOU KNOW? 

• The Three-Dollar Entrance Most folks today are used to the digital passes and timed entries, but it was not always so complicated. In 1939, a local homesteader named Abner Sprague became the first person to ever pay a formal fee to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. The cost was exactly three dollars. I reckon Moe Pass would still complain that it was too steep, even though Sprague seemed happy enough to pay it.

Buck's Joke Of The Day

What is a mountain climber’s favorite type of music?

Rock and roll.

Moe Pass said he prefers the sound of a silent cabin. I told him he would have better luck finding a silent cabin if he did not spend the entire afternoon talking to me.

Nederland, Colorado.