Sky-Hi News

12/08/2025

On Thanksgiving morning, families in costumes, competitive runners and community members gathered in Winter Park for the 4th Annual Turkey Trot. This festive 5K-ish run and walk has quickly become a holiday tradition for Grand County, drawing 570 participants this year.

The race raised $27,100 for local nonprofits. The Fraser River Valley Lions Club helped raise more than $13,550, and after the race, a resident matched that amount, doubling the impact for community programs.

On Thanksgiving morning, families in costumes, competitive runners and community members gathered in Winter Park for the 4th Annual Turkey Trot. This festive 5K-ish run and walk has quickly become a holiday tradition for Grand...

12/08/2025

On Dec. 6, dozens gathered for a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. in Kremmling’s town square. The annual tradition is known for having the tallest living Christmas tree in Colorado at a staggering height of 65 feet.

This year, attendees waded through about six inches of snow from a Friday storm as they flocked to the festive ceremony. Despite the wintry conditions, spirits were high as kids threw snowballs, took pictures with Santa Claus and enjoyed free treats and hot cocoa inside.

On Dec. 6, dozens gathered for a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. in Kremmling’s town square. The annual tradition is known for having the tallest living Christmas tree in Colorado at a staggering height of...

12/08/2025

An updated winter forecast indicates an increased likelihood of drier conditions in Colorado heading into 2026, driven by below-normal snowfall and above-normal temperatures.

Meteorologists are predicting increased odds of below-normal snowfall across the Central Rockies, stretching into Colorado’s western half, according to an OpenSnow winter forecast.

An updated winter forecast indicates an increased likelihood of drier conditions in Colorado heading into 2026, driven by below-normal snowfall and above-normal temperatures. Meteorologists are predicting increased odds of below-normal snowfall across the Central Rockies,...

12/08/2025

Shopping at Thine Designs Consigns is like embarking on a voyage of discovery. Discerning shoppers are sure to find a treasure at the elegant, yet rustic thrift shop.

The consignment store combines prices that are soft on the pocketbook with stylish clothes and mountain chic décor. Located in the Granby Business Center, this hot spot has been combining fashion with sustainability for Grand County locals and visitors since 2021.

Shopping at Thine Designs Consigns is like embarking on a voyage of discovery. Discerning shoppers are sure to find a treasure at the elegant, yet rustic thrift shop. The consignment store combines prices that are...

12/08/2025

Winter Park Resort is offering free same-day lift tickets for children 12 and under from Saturday, Dec. 6 through Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Families can redeem the complimentary child tickets at the Balcony House ticket window during regular hours or purchase them in advance.

Proof of the child’s age is required. No adult lift ticket purchase is necessary to obtain the kids’ free passes, but an adult must be present to supervise participating children. The free tickets are valid for single-day use only and are non-transferable.

Winter Park is also offering free children’s lift tickets with the purchase of kids group lessons this season. The offer applies only to group lessons; private lessons and lesson packs are not included. The deal gives families a chance to spend time on the mountain, regardless of their children’s experience level.

Winter Park Resort is offering free same-day lift tickets for children 12 and under from Saturday, Dec. 6 through Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Families can redeem the complimentary child tickets at the Balcony House ticket...

12/07/2025

Guest Opinion:

For over a month, the longest government shutdown in American history has left our national parks in free fall. When the shutdown began in October, the Interior Department sent over 9,000 Park Service staff home without pay, with orders to leave most parks open with gates unlocked.

Since then, visitors have continued flocking to parks: More than 25,000 visitors poured into Utah’s Zion National Park on a single day; at New Mexico’s Bandelier National Monument, hikers went off trail across closed restoration areas; at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, sightseers walked through sensitive meadows, ignoring posted signs.

Meanwhile, there’s been virtually a public blackout about what’s been happening inside parks after key staffers were fired. That’s because top agency officials curtailed the freedom of park staff to communicate with the public, while website updates went dark. As the shutdown continues, national parks lose $1 million a day in uncollected fees.

For over a month, the longest government shutdown in American history has left our national parks in free fall. When the shutdown began in October, the Interior Department sent over 9,000 Park Service staff home...

12/07/2025

Colorado, along with 21 other states, sued the federal government last week to stop the restriction of SNAP benefits for some green card holders — a move the coalition of states claims is unlawful and would create unjust restrictions for some immigrants.

Shortly after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were restored for roughly 600,000 Colorado residents, states began fighting against guidance released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that labels some groups of legal immigrants as ineligible for food assistance, according to a news release from the office of Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.

The new guidance, issued to state SNAP agencies on Oct. 31, describes changes to program eligibility under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which narrowed eligibility for some non-citizen groups including refugees, asylum recipients and others admitted under humanitarian protection programs, the release states.

Colorado, along with 21 other states, sued the federal government last week to stop the restriction of SNAP benefits for some green card holders — a move the coalition of states claims is unlawful and...

12/07/2025

The holiday season is revving up across Grand County, with festive dinners, craft workshops, markets and performances spreading cheer to every corner of the community. From ski-side celebrations to cozy library gatherings and family-friendly parties, here’s a look at what’s happening this December.

The holiday season is revving up across Grand County, with festive dinners, craft workshops, markets and performances spreading cheer to every corner of the community. From ski-side celebrations to cozy library gatherings and family-friendly parties,...

12/07/2025

For two decades, organizers say the Festival of Trees has marked the unofficial start to the holiday season in Grand County.

“It’s a lot of fun,” event organizer Greg Grooms said. “This is really the heart and soul of Grand County.”

What began as a small community gathering has grown into one of the area’s biggest traditions, Grooms said, with an estimated 1,200 attendees gathering at the Grand Park Recreation Center last year.

For two decades, organizers say the Festival of Trees has marked the unofficial start to the holiday season in Grand County. “It’s a lot of fun,” event organizer Greg Grooms said. “This is really the...

12/07/2025

1 year ago: New fire station opens in Winter Park to serve eastern Grand County Fire and EMS personnel, along with other stakeholders, gathered Dec. 4, 2020 to celebrate a new East Grand Fire Protection...

12/07/2025

December nights are the longest — and often some of the coldest — of the year.

While some may dread December’s darkness, Colorado astronomy guide Mark Laurin — who is better known as Astro Mark — said this month can be magnificent for stargazers and offers one of the best meteor showers of the year.

“The effort is going to be bundling up, but the beauty of being out there this time of year is that there is so much happening in the night sky,” said Laurin, who teaches astronomy in conjunction with the Colorado Tourism Center and as an adjunct instructor for the Keystone Science School. “… The amazing contradiction about astronomy and stargazing is that the best time to look is probably the most difficult time to look.”

December nights are the longest — and often some of the coldest — of the year. While some may dread December’s darkness, Colorado astronomy guide Mark Laurin — who is better known as Astro Mark...

12/07/2025

With a major winter storm in the forecast for this weekend, Colorado backcountry officials are warning that the fresh snow will lead to a significant increase in avalanche danger across the state.

Colorado Avalanche Information Center Deputy Director Brian Lazar said the dry start to the season has meant that avalanche risk remained low throughout most of November due to the lack of snow. This upcoming storm will change that.

“It will certainly be helpful for our snowpack in the longterm,” Lazar said. “However, the short-term effects will be a dramatic uptick in avalanche danger as we start to rebuild our snowpack.”

With a major winter storm in the forecast for this weekend, Colorado backcountry officials are warning that the fresh snow will lead to a significant increase in avalanche danger across the state. Colorado Avalanche Information...