Howelsen Hill is a small ski area in Steamboat Springs – just a fraction of the size of Colorado’s largest ski resorts. But it’s had an outsized impact on the state’s ski culture, and it's been the training ground for many Olympians since it opened in 1915. As part of our weeklong look at the people and places that shaped Colorado, hear about Howelsen Hill and its founder, Carl Howelsen.

Colorado celebrates its 150th birthday later this year – and throughout 2026, the KUNC newsroom will feature fascinating stories from the state's history. We kick things off this week on In The NoCo with the story of a massive ice palace in Leadville. It drew tourists from around the world in the late 1800s.

The Arapaho language is at risk of disappearing, as fewer members of the tribe have learned to speak it. But a team of language experts at CU Boulder is working to preserve the Arapaho language – and help future generations learn it too.

Astronomers searching for Earth-like planets outside our solar system will soon get a boost from a new space telescope. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder are working with NASA to design and build the new observatory. Hear more about how this could change our understanding of the universe.

Proponents of Colorado’s wolf restoration program have a tangible way to show off their support while driving. It’s a specialty license plate that reads “Born to Be Wild.” The money it generates helps provide ranchers with nonlethal tools to keep wolves from preying on their livestock. And so far the license plate has been a success – even in places that said “no” to wolves at the ballot box.

Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful experience. And it’s not just the crowds – research shows the noise of a busy airport like DIA can add to travelers’ anxiety levels. Which is why Denver airport officials have launched an effort to turn down the noise.

A leading conservation organization says owls need a little help along the Front Range– and they've created a program to get Colorado homeowners involved in the effort. The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies wants residents to build boxes in their backyards where owls can live. Find out why, and how people are getting involved.

A lot of us in Colorado can’t wait to head to the mountains to ski or snowboard. But hitting the slopes can be a lot more fun – and easier on your body – if you do some simple exercises or stretches before your first runs of the season. A sports medicine expert helps you get ready for ski season.

If you’ve taken your kid to see Santa at a local mall, or hosted Santa at your work party, you may have wondered where that Santa learned his magic. There’s a good chance they trained at the Professional Santa Claus School, based here in Colorado. The school’s founder says they’ve trained thousands of Santas over the past four decades.

A Swiss company is working to develop a futuristic transportation technology right here in Colorado. The Hyperloop would whisk materials – or people – between cities through giant metal tubes at speeds of several hundred miles per hour. And the company just completed a successful trial run at their test track in Pueblo.