One of the best traditions at Tytanium Ideas is Fuel Day—a time to recharge, explore new places, and reconnect with friends. This year, I had the pleasure of heading to Colorado for an extended weekend filled with skiing, unique experiences, and fantastic food with dear friends.
Skiing at Copper Mountain
My Fuel Day adventure began with a trip to Copper Mountain, where we hit the slopes. The fresh mountain air, beautiful views, and pristine snow made for the perfect day. This was the first ski trip out of California, and if I am honest, the snow was still snow. But being at a resort as big as Copper Mountain’s made for an unforgettable trip. Hopefully next time, we will get a fresh powder day.
Exploring Leadville
Leadville, Colorado, is a town steeped in history and known for its impressive elevation of 10,152 feet, making it one of the highest incorporated cities in the United States. On this bright, sunny day, I had the perfect opportunity to explore the charm of this historic mining town while soaking in the beautiful mountain views. Leadville’s picturesque streets and old-world charm set the stage for a truly memorable experience.
Ski Joring
In the heart of Leadville, I had the chance to experience ski joring. If you’ve never heard of it, search some videos on YouTube and you’ll see a horse pulling a skier through a snow-covered course. The precision, speed, and teamwork on display were truly impressive, and the excitement of watching skilled riders and skiers race across the snow was one of the most unique parts of the trip. Ski joring perfectly embodies the adventurous spirit of the area and gave me a taste of Colorado’s outdoor culture.
A Stop at Melanzana: Exclusive Outdoor Gear
While in Leadville, I couldn’t miss visiting Melanzana, a local brand famous for its high-quality outdoor clothing. Typically, you need to schedule an appointment to shop (which can be up to 9 months in advance), and there’s a limit of two items per appointment. This is an endeavor to stop consumerism and higher price resale, calling for people to utilize the quality piece they buy instead of having multiple pieces for show. However, during my visit, they had an overstock rack where I was lucky enough to find a jacket. Melanzana’s commitment to craftsmanship was evident as I watched their team work on creating each piece with exceptional care and attention to detail. Their dedication to quality makes every piece a unique treasure that is truly American-made.
The Local Spots
Throughout the weekend, I enjoyed some great local experiences. Beau Jo’s Pizza was a must-try, with their mountain pies featuring honey on the crust—a sweet and savory treat that hit the spot after a day of adventure. We went on a nature walk to a lookout that pointed out all the different peaks in the Rocky Mountains. To top it off, we attended church together, providing a peaceful moment of reflection and connection that left me grateful for the weekend and the memories we created.