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Freedom from Historical Summer Season Internet Lag

Summer is here and so are our seasonal neighbors, friends and visitors. More people means more events, more business, and yes, more traffic – even on the internet. Now that Trailblazer Broadband has completed the build-out of more than half of its fiber infrastructure, Trailblazer clients will have significantly better summer experience than in the past.

Here’s how:

Better bandwidth in the fiber optic network means less slowing when more people are using the internet simultaneously.
Trailblazer’s three – yes 3! – redundant fiber paths out of town mean service continuity with far less chance of service interruptions.

Trailblazer is the only local option for internet with symmetrical speed of up to 1 GIG (1,000 Mbps) for downloads AND uploads with no data caps. Most alternatives only offer around 20 Mbps for uploads as part of “1 GIG” service.

Why does it matter? Upload speeds are critical to anything where you are SENDING rather than RECEIVING information over the internet, such as

  • Video calls (FaceTime with the grandkids, anyone?),
  • Backing up files to the Cloud
  • Uploading vacation and wedding photos to social media for friends and family

Yes, we’re tooting our own horn a bit, but we know that when you’re in Estes Park, you want to spend as much time enjoying the beauty and fun of the outdoors, not sitting behind a computer screen. We’re here to make that happen!

Smart Gardening for Colorado: Embracing Sustainability and Water-Wise Landscapes

Smart Gardening for Colorado: Embracing Sustainability and Water-Wise Landscapes

Cultivating a Water-Wise Colorado Garden

In Colorado, where water is precious and drought conditions are common, responsible gardening practices are more important than ever. Xeriscaping—a landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation—has long been a staple of smart, sustainable gardening here. But now, thanks to the power of smart technology and fiber internet from Trailblazer Broadband, it’s easier than ever to cultivate eco-friendly gardens that thrive in our unique climate.

Whether you’re growing native plants, herbs, or vegetables, gardening can be both therapeutic and rewarding. But the physical effort and constant upkeep often required can be daunting. Fortunately, smart gardening technology offers innovative tools to help Colorado gardeners save time, conserve water, and boost yields—all while protecting our natural resources.

Smart Gardening in Colorado: Technology Meets Sustainability

Smart gardening integrates modern technology into traditional gardening practices to help you monitor, automate, and optimize your garden using devices that sync with your smartphone or tablet. These tools are especially valuable in water-conscious states like Colorado, where efficient irrigation and climate-appropriate plant choices make all the difference.

Here’s how smart tech is transforming sustainable gardening across the Centennial State:

🌱 Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems are a game-changer for water conservation. These systems use soil moisture sensors, weather data, and plant-specific watering needs to deliver just the right amount of water—only when it’s actually needed. This means healthier plants, lower utility bills, and significantly less water waste.

Local Tip: Look into rebate programs from local water districts like Northern Water or Resource Central in Boulder for discounts on smart irrigation tools and consultations.

🌿 Advanced Soil Sensors

Good soil health is key to a flourishing garden. Smart soil sensors take the guesswork out of gardening by measuring critical metrics like moisture levels, temperature, and nutrient content. This data empowers gardeners to make informed decisions about watering, fertilizing, and planting—minimizing both waste and effort.

🌼 Xeriscaping and Native Plants

Colorado is the ideal environment for xeriscaping, which emphasizes drought-tolerant native plants like blue grama grass, blanket flower, and Rocky Mountain penstemon. These plants require far less water than traditional turf lawns and support local pollinators and wildlife.

Want to learn more? Check out the Colorado Native Plant Society and the Plant Select® program for ideas on what to plant in your region.

🤖 Smart Gardening Devices

From automated drip irrigation to robotic weeders and mowers (for those who still maintain some grass), smart gardening tools can dramatically reduce the physical labor required for upkeep. These devices use GPS, AI, and advanced programming to care for your garden efficiently—freeing up more time to enjoy the outdoors rather than toil in it.

The Future is Fiber-Powered and Eco-Friendly

All of these innovations are powered by fast, reliable internet. Trailblazer Broadband’s high-speed fiber network ensures that your smart gardening tools stay connected and responsive—whether you’re adjusting irrigation schedules from your kitchen or checking soil conditions on vacation.

As Colorado communities grow more climate-conscious, the future of gardening will be defined by low-water, low-maintenance, and high-tech solutions. By embracing smart gardening, you can do your part to protect our natural resources while cultivating a vibrant and sustainable outdoor space.

Helpful Colorado Resources for Smart, Sustainable Gardening:

Ready to grow smarter? Let Trailblazer Broadband connect your garden to the future—one drop of water at a time.

Full Bars and Full Plates: How High-Speed Fiber Internet Fuels Summer Success in Estes Park

Full Bars and Full Plates: How High-Speed Fiber Internet Fuels Summer Success in Estes Park

Ah, summer in Estes Park. The wildflowers are blooming, the sun’s out a little longer, and the streets are buzzing with excited guests ready to explore Rocky Mountain National Park (yes folks, it IS open!), enjoy local eats, and hunt for the perfect souvenir. For businesses in our charming mountain town, the summer season is the big show—the time when all the prep work pays off. And behind the scenes? High-speed fiber internet from Trailblazer Broadband is the secret ingredient helping it all run smoothly.

Whether you’re serving espresso or trail maps, fiber internet makes sure your summer rush is a success story.

Powering Every Corner of the Guest Experience

In Estes Park, guests expect more than breathtaking views—they expect fast service, easy access to information, and the ability to stay connected. That’s where Trailblazer Broadband shines. Here’s how fiber internet supports our local businesses through the hustle and bustle of peak season:

Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Guests scrolling through menus, ordering from QR codes, or leaving glowing reviews while sipping lattes need quick, seamless internet. Fiber ensures everything from your payment system to your kitchen display screen runs without a hitch. Want to stream a little live music on your patio or let guests post their food photos instantly? You’re covered.

Lodging & Campgrounds
Today’s campers are digital nomads, and hotel guests travel with more devices than luggage. Offering reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk—it’s an expectation. With Trailblazer Broadband, lodging owners can confidently offer free guest Wi-Fi that actually works (even when the kids are streaming movies and parents are video-chatting with friends back home).

Retail Shops & Boutiques
From mobile POS systems to inventory management and digital loyalty programs, retail runs on internet. Fiber connectivity means no hiccups at checkout, whether your guest is buying a T-shirt or a one-of-a-kind handmade craft. And while they shop, they can tag your store on Instagram—free marketing powered by fast uploads!

Entertainment & Tour Operators
Booking tickets, processing credit cards, managing schedules—these all need reliable connectivity. Fiber internet allows real-time updates for tours and rentals, keeping operations running smoothly. And if you’re offering virtual waivers, mobile check-ins, or drone video previews of a zipline ride? No buffering here.

Adventure & Outdoor Services
Hiking, biking, horseback riding—Estes Park is a basecamp for adventure. Many guests plan their excursions online and rely on your website for details. Trailblazer’s reliable internet means you can update trail conditions, rental availability, or last-minute weather alerts instantly. You can even stream trail cams or host live Q&As with your guides.

Happy Guests, Happy Businesses

At the end of the day, fast internet isn’t just about convenience—it’s about experience. When your guests can easily research activities, share their Estes Park adventures in real time, and stay connected with loved ones, they’re more likely to stay longer, spend more, and come back again.

High-speed fiber also empowers businesses to operate more efficiently—reducing downtime, enhancing communication with staff, and improving customer service. It’s the quiet hero of a five-star experience.

Local Residents, We See You Too

We know summer brings more than sunshine—it brings traffic. As the town fills up, so do the roads, the sidewalks, and the coffee shop lines. But thanks to Trailblazer’s 100% fiber network, your internet speed stays consistent, even when guest activity peaks.

Whether you’re working remotely, catching up on streaming after a long shift, or just trying to order groceries online while dodging the downtown rush, you can count on a stable, high-speed connection that keeps your daily life running just as smoothly as the businesses around you.

The Summer Advantage, Powered by Fiber

Trailblazer Broadband isn’t just about speed—it’s about reliability, scalability, and local support. As Estes Park continues to grow as a premier destination, our fiber network is here to grow with it, giving every business—from the quaint bookstore to the bustling brewery—the tools to thrive.

So this summer, let the trails be packed, the patios full, and the checkout lines humming. With Trailblazer Broadband, your internet won’t slow you down, no matter how fast the season moves.

Here’s to a connected, successful, joy-filled summer in Estes Park. Let’s blaze some trails—together.  Powered by Trailblazer Broadband. 100% Local. 100% Fiber.

Connecting with Associations as We Build Our Fiber Network

Cooperation is the key to any successful endeavor, and it is particularly important where the construction of the Trailblazer Fiber Network is concerned.  Before running fiber to a neighborhood, one of the first steps is to work with the area Homeowners and Condo Associations, property managers, and business complex owners to communicate the construction plans and ensure that appropriate permissions are obtained.

“Because we are part of the Town infrastructure and this is our community, we want to get things right from the start,” says Kim Smith, Trailblazer’s Customer Experience Manager.

Most of Trailblazer’s fiber runs are contained within existing utility easements; however, in running new lines through a neighborhood, there are often additional considerations for roads, driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping.

“It’s important to have strong communication as we move forward to ensure that we coordinate with associations in the area.  Whatever the situation, it is always our goal to run fiber with minimal disruption to the surroundings and to the residents and businesses in the area,” Kim adds.

The Trailblazer team begins to contact HOAs and COAs in upcoming construction areas as quickly as possible to avoid delays in providing service to residents and businesses.   If your area is receiving service in the next few months, Trailblazer would be happy to give a brief presentation at your next association meeting to prepare for the construction process. HOA board members are encouraged to contact the Trailblazer Customer Support Team at 970-577-3770 for more information.

2nd Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament is August 13

By ESTES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
July 22, 2021 at 7:50 a.m.
Published in the Trail Gazette

The 2nd Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament on August 13 is sponsored by the Town of Estes Park and Trailblazer Broadband to say thank you to the business community. Supporting sponsors this year include The Bank of Estes Park, Edward Jones and Aldrich Builders. Our Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ lunch and beverages are sponsored this year by Bank of Colorado, Westover Construction, Mortgage Solutions and Estes Valley Recreation District. New this year will be 18 hole sponsors sampling their goods and services throughout the day, from the 1:30 p.m. shotgun start to the award ceremony.

“Last year we created the golf tournament in six weeks as a survival gap measure for the Chamber in a pandemic year,” said Chamber Board Chair Derek Vinge. “This year we’re already off to a strong start and the tournament will keep our operations strong while we continue building toward our membership goal of 400 by the end of the summer.”

Estes Chamber of Commerce
The Estes Chamber develops its operating funds from membership, events and two flagship fundraisers each year, including The Chamber Cup.
Like many chambers, the Estes Chamber develops its operating funds from membership, events and two flagship fundraisers each year, including The Chamber Cup. The growth of the Chamber in the past year demonstrates that this community values having a unique and unbiased voice for business. The Chamber still has several sponsorship options open to promote your business. Contact Executive Director Donna Carlson at donna@esteschamber.org to discuss sponsorships. Register a foursome for $500 or a single for $150 at esteschamber.org/chamber-cup.

KREV-LP Running from New Site

The broadcast signal is once again reaching much of the Estes Valley, and the availability of Trailblazer Broadband at the new location allows live streaming to more listeners in remote locations.

Many seasonal visitors to Estes Park take advantage of the streaming service to listen to KREV-LP. To try the live stream, go to the website at www.krevlpfm.org, and click on “Listen Now.” The station will be off the air for a short period during installation of some equipment upgrades that will improve the stereo signal.

Now that the tower has been installed and the equipment has again been hooked up, KREV-LP has resumed its usual announcement and program schedule.

“We are deeply grateful for the patience of our listeners and underwriters during this long process,” says KREV-LP board chair Cay Lacey. Although the station was not able to conduct any fundraising during the pandemic, all commitments for on-air underwriter recognition will be fulfilled, and underwriters for 2020 will receive a full year of on-air credits. The KREV-LP board hopes to get back to regular fundraising through an in-person campaign this fall.

KREV-LP serves the Estes Valley with a varied mix of music, public service programming, and local announcements. To support Community Radio for the Estes Valley, visit the website at www.krevlpfm.org for more information on how to become an underwriter or contributor to help with the costs of relocating the tower. Click on the “Become an Underwriter” tab at the top of the page to fill out the on-line form, and someone will contact you to complete the process. KREV-LP also accepts donations through credit cards or PayPal through the “Donate Now” link on the website.

06/09/21 – By Cay Lacey for the Trail-Gazette