Gold Hill

Telluride is an area filled with beautiful, special places, and all of them have meaning. For me, there is one that stands out though. Mine is at the top of the ski resort, chair 14, overlooking all the backcountry and mountains. Many people find this place special, but I have a real connection to it. 

 Anytime I look at the mountains facing me, I visualize myself skiing these rocky, tight chutes, an art that was formed in my mind. This art is a gift that helps me become a better skier and enjoy each and every single mountain. I remember the first time I came to Telluride, when I skied with my dad and brother. We decided to explore the whole mountain. Heading up chair 14, I was excited to ski the terrain below, not thinking about anything else. As I peered over the edge of the lift, I felt an instant connection, I found my place. Seeing such a sight put me into shock and made me feel warm. I sat there in awe. The rock formation was staggering and massive, most of the face looking over revelation bowl was covered in a sheer wall of rigged rock. A full view around my head was mountains that lasted forever, and the valley expanding all the way to Utah. I could see the mountains across the valley in a whole other state. So much made me feel so small but grateful for it, this made me feel at home and safe in this environment, creating a connection. This made me want to come back, over and over again. I was in Telluride a couple of days before but never felt this feeling. I still feel gratitude looking at this same spot, yet nothing like the first time. 

However, I know I am not the first to get hit with such a feeling. Joe Zoline bought 2 ranches on the mountain, Adam’s Ranch and Gorrono’s Ranch, in 1968. He hired Emile Allias, a French Olympian skier, to help design and construct the ski trails. They hired Bill Mahoney and Ed Bowers to cut trails, clear the slopes, obtain land, water, and mining rights. Then the group hired ecologists and environmental planners to protect the old town. In 1970, they put the first five ski lifts on the mountain. On December 22, 1972, the Telluride ski resort was officially opened. Yet 30 years later, in 2002, they expanded the resort, adding chair 14 and all the others. They were building something new and unique; they cared about this land so much to let the public use it. This was land that they wanted to share and to share fun. 

Humans get to look at more than we know, but only a pinch of these memories last in our stuffed minds. This lasting memory can be looked back on so well, as if I can pull it out of my mind and rewatch it. I remember the strong breeze, the music of the wind rushing past my ears. The heaviness of my lower body, my tight boots connecting the long skis, pulling me down gently. Rewatching this core, solid memory presents me the happiness everybody dreams and wishes they could have. The top of chair 14, where the wind sings its songs and the lift cranking chairlifts, is my special place.