About Those Resolutions

Howdy, neighbors. Buck Timber here.

This is usually the week people start checking in on the promises they made to themselves a few days ago. Some are still going strong. Some are already being renegotiated. That tends to happen once real life shows back up.

Mo Pass said his plan was to drink more water and complain less. He’s been very hydrated. The rest is a work in progress.

This week’s got a few things worth noting, a couple worth planning ahead for.

By what point in January do most New Year’s resolutions typically start to fall apart?

Mark your calendars for January 23–25, 2026, as Estes Park welcomes back the exhilarating sport of skijoring to the Estes Park Events Complex.

Skijor is one of those things that sounds made up until you see it. A horse, a rider, and a skier all moving fast in the same direction, hoping everyone keeps their balance.

It’s coming back to the Estes Park Events Complex January 23 through January 25, and if you’ve never watched it in person, it’s worth stepping outside for.

At its simplest, skijor is speed and coordination. A horse and rider pull a skier through a course marked with gates, jumps, and obstacles. The skier hangs on, adjusts, and tries to keep up. When it works, it’s impressive. When it doesn’t, it’s still impressive, just in a different way.

Skijor fits here in a way that doesn’t need much explanation. Estes Park has always lived somewhere between skiing and horsemanship. Hidden Valley brought decades of ski history to the valley, and long before that, horses were how people worked, traveled, and made a living here. Putting the two together feels less like a novelty and more like a continuation.

Beyond the races, attendees can enjoy the Warming Hut Expo, featuring local vendors and food trucks, and the Education Foundation's Fun Zone, offering activities for children.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the fusion of skiing and horsemanship in the heart of the Rockies.

For more details and ticket information, go to runningwildevents.com and visitestespark.com.

Alpenglow Beauty: Skincare That Holds Up When Winter Doesn’t Quit

January has a way of reminding us what mountain weather is really like. Cold air, steady wind, and dry conditions that don’t let up.

Alpenglow Beauty is made for life at high elevation, where wind and low humidity are part of the routine. Their clean, nourishing formulas help keep skin comfortable and balanced without adding extra steps.

If your skin feels dry or tight after days like these, the Whipped Tallow Balm is especially worth a look.

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

Whimsadoodle Inc. is stepping in to guide the future of the Historic Park Theatre in Estes Park, preserving one of America’s most beloved cinematic landmarks.

Opened in 1913, the Park Theatre is the nation’s oldest continuously operating, purpose-built movie house.

The iconic 1929 tower still graces downtown, a testament to decades of careful stewardship by the Stanger family.

Their passion ensured the theatre remained a lively space for movies, performances, and treasured community gatherings.

This spring, Whimsadoodle will launch sensitive renovations, blending modern upgrades with respect for the building’s historic spirit and boosting accessibility for all.

As a nonprofit, Whimsadoodle encourages local support and donations to keep the Park Theatre thriving for future generations.

Meanwhile, Estes Park looks forward to hosting the First Peoples Festival in January 2026, promising vivid celebrations of Indigenous culture and the arts.

🎄 Christmas Tree Drop Off

Where: Estes Park Fairgrounds
When: December 29 through January 16
Time: Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: Trees must be stripped of all decorations. No wreaths, garland, artificial trees, or stands accepted. Closed on New Year’s Day. After hours dumping may result in fines.

Buck’s Note: The holidays officially end when you’re dragging a dry tree across frozen ground, wondering why you didn’t do this yesterday.

⭐ First Peoples Festival

Where: Various locations around Estes Park
When: January 17–18, 2026
Cost: Free

The First Peoples Festival returns this January with a weekend centered on Indigenous art, culture, and living tradition. The festival includes an Indigenous art market featuring artists from Federally Recognized Tribes, cultural demonstrations, live music, film screenings, and a Friendship Pow Wow.

Vendors represent more than 30 tribal affiliations from across the country, offering work rooted in generations of tradition and storytelling. The weekend also includes an Indigenous Film Symposium at the Estes Valley Community Center, a privately funded and Indigenous-produced First Peoples Fashion Show, and a ticketed Indigenous-inspired dinner featuring ingredients sourced from Indigenous farms.

This is a thoughtfully paced event designed to be experienced over time, not rushed through.

Buck’s Note: This one rewards slowing down and paying attention. You’ll leave with more than you came for.

DID YOU KNOW? – New Years Resolution Edition

•Most New Year’s resolutions fail not because people quit, but because they try to change too much at once.

Behavior researchers consistently find that smaller, specific habits are far more likely to stick than big, sweeping goals.

•Research shows it takes about two months for a new habit to start feeling automatic.

•Gym attendance peaks in early January and drops back to normal levels by mid-February.

Buck's Joke Of The Day

My New Year’s resolution was to stop procrastinating.

I’ve decided to start next week.

Mo Pass nodded and said, “That’s thinking ahead.”

By the second week of January.

Mo Pass said he prefers to think of it as “adjusting expectations early.”