Mountain Almanac for the Week of January 13

Tuesday, Jan. 13

Yoga. Community yoga classes are scheduled at the Church in the Wildwood on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. and another class is slated for Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.  These popular classes are led by Beth Knox and Lainie Thomas.

The Green Mountain Falls Planning Commission will meet on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the GMF Town Hall. The meeting is available in-person, or via the town’s website.

Lead your community in 2026 and beyond! The City of Woodland Park invites leaders, engaged citizens, and community members with a voice and vision to consider serving. The next Municipal Election will take place in April, and preparations are officially underway. Nomination petitions for open City Council seats are now available for pickup and circulation. The mayor’s position and three council seats are up for grabs. Completed petitions must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office no later than Monday, January 26 at 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment to pick up nomination petitions, please contact the City Clerk’s office at: 719-687-5295. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to help support and guide your community into the future.

Wednesday, Jan. 14

Free Community Concert.  Scheduled at the Ute Pass Cultural Center for Wednesday, Jan. 14 as part of the city’s regular concert series. This month we feature the Midnight Riders, a popular classic rock act and fixture of the area for decades. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert occurring from 6 to 8 p.m. Plus, the Woodies Bar is open for adults. The concert is being sponsored by the city of Woodland Park. For more details, visit the city’s webpage or call 719-492-3971.

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for Jan. 14 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the upper level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises are available to enhance your walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Free admission.

Thursday, Jan. 15

TOPS. Takes Off Pound Sensibly. Meets every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Ave.) Green Mountain Falls, Co 80819. Affordable, effective weight-loss. However, the TOPS class will not be meeting on Christmas Day.

The Woodland Park City Council will meet on Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the WP Council Chambers, located next to city hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Friday, Jan. 16

Explore Ice Castles in Cripple Creek.  Yes, this iconic attraction is finally ready for viewing for the 2026 season. It is the sculpted as “World of Ice and Light.” Since 2011, Ice Castles has dedicated itself to creating an experience that lasts long after the ice melts. Step through icicle-adorned archways and into a wonderland of towering castles, twinkling tunnels, and magical ice sculptures. Visitors leave with lasting memories of joy and inspiration. Due to a recent barrage of balmy weather in December, one of the warmest December months on record, the attraction just recently opened for the season and will continue through early March. This will be the third season this attraction has been held in Cripple Creek.  Tickets are now available, so don’t delay making plans to see the Ice Castles. Visit the city’s tourism website for more details.

Saturday, Jan. 17

 NFL Divisional Playoff Games.  It is now down to the Big Eight for the 2025 NFL playoff season, with Round Two slated for this weekend. Two playoff games for both the AFC and NFC will occur Saturday and Sunday, with the winners then squaring off for the Conference Championship the following weekend, and then the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 8.  At the time of this writing, it wasn’t quite certain of the definite opponent of the Denver Broncos, the winner of the AFC West Division for the first time in 10 years, for Round Two. The Broncs, who got a bye in Round One, have gained the Number One Seed throughout the playoff as long as they keep winning. As a result, the post-season football action will get pretty intense for the next two weekends. NFL playoff action offers a great opportunity to enjoy the action at your favorite local sports bar, eatery, or regular hangout. See more details in related stories in this week’s TMJ

Upcoming

Take a Hike.  The New Year is a prime opportunity to partake in a kick-off of scheduled New Year hikes at Mueller State Park. Typically, improving your health is one of the most coveted New Year resolutions. Nothing can allow folks to reach this goal in the Teller high country then hitting nearby trails. Mueller State Park offers regular weekend treks, which also offer a little information on the park’s wildlife attributes. Visit the park’s website of call them at 719-687-2366 for more details.

Chamber Business After Hours. Join us for the next Business After Hours, the premiere networking event in Teller County. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the Chamber, this is your chance to reconnect with friends, clients, and fellow business owners — and meet new contacts in a relaxed, informal setting. Expect good food, drinks, door prizes, and plenty of opportunity to share what you’re working on and learn what others have going on. Bring your business cards, your conversation, and your spirit of community — you never know where the next connection might lead. See you there. The Jan. After Hours event, scheduled for Jan. 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. is being hosted by the FaithfulHearts Equine Leaning Center, locate at 1 Zuni Point, Woodland Park, 80863. The event is free, but you must register ahead of time. For more information, and to register, visit the chamber’s website, or 719-687-9885

Cripple Creek Ice Festival. The organizers of the Cripple Creek Ice Festival are excited to announce that planning is underway for the 2026 Cripple Creek Ice Festival, which will take place from February 14 to 22.

The head-to-head carving challenges will also return to the event on Saturdays at 12:00, 1:30, and 3:00. Carvers will compete in a stadium setting for a $1,000 cash prize each weekend.  Carving teams will also be doing their best to win the People’s Choice Award for a huge cash prize.  Plan your visit and cast your vote for the most impressive carving. As always, this event is free and open to the general public.  Carvers will be working throughout the event on their sculptures.  Activities, vendors, and head-to-head carving competitions will only take place on the weekends (Feb 14-16 and Feb 21-22) including President’s Day.  The vendor and activities will happen between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. Dress warm and enjoy this incredible event.   Please note that Bennett Avenue will be closed to vehicle AND PEDESTRIAN traffic on February 10th and 17th for ice delivery. For more information, and to be involved in a variety of sponsorship opportunities, visit the city’s tourism website.