To know Boot Tan Fest (BTF) is to experience it — first-hand, surrounded by an outrageously beautiful constellation of women and nonbinary participants. It’s a community that shines from every facet of a disco ball, swoops you up with love and cheers on the most authentic version of you. In short, BTF is a microcosm of humanity’s full potential.
Jenny Verrochi, BTF and Buck Wild Coffee founder, once had a radical idea: shredding naked in the woods. Twenty-six women joined her noble quest. This year, over 600 people danced, skied and laughed at Sunlight Mountain Resort. A true evolution.
“It’s become so much bigger than we could imagine,” shared Verrochi in a pre-event interview. “It truly is for everybody and we couldn’t have pulled it off without everybody participating and spreading the joy.”
Joy was apparent the moment I pulled into Sunlight on Friday, April 11. At 9am, the camping area was already swirling with positive vibes and creatively decorated tailgates. I missed the first night that included live music, a talent show and tattooing, so I quickly grabbed my ski gear, some snacks and headed to the vendor village.
With a cup of Buck Wild Coffee in hand, I perused over 30 of the country’s most inclusive nonprofits and outdoor brands. Each organization — like Coalition Snow, Planned Parenthood and Fruita-based Roam Fest — was a clear nod to BTF’s mission to cultivate recreation for everyone.
After briefly reconnecting with the lovely Anna Tedström of Hoohah, a local upcycled apparel company, I ogled some sweet fleece overalls by California-based ROWDYalls — not grabbing a pair is my only regret. I also learned about the brand Gnara and their award-winning GoFly zipper technology that allows women to pee without taking any layers off. Okay, not grabbing their gear is my second regret.
Onward, I met VNTRbirds, an adventure company that brings women and nonbinary people together to gain backcountry skills, confidence and self-reliance. Co-founders and sisters Leanne and Kelley Wren hosted an uphilling clinic earlier that day. I also stopped by the Radical Gear Exchange booth where attendees could pick any item — namely snowboards, ski boots and jackets — for free. Booth runners Morgan Kravarik and Rachael Scala-Welch and I discussed innovative ways to remove outdoor access barriers. Women really should rule the world.
By noon, excitement was ramping up as the weekend’s crown jewel was next: the naked party lap. Attendees could uphill or ride the lift. I chose uphilling with my friend Liz, who has been diligently influencing me to attend BTF for years. We fell in stride with a group of folks from around the western states and discussed privilege, menstruation and idyllic safe places.
Less than an hour later, we crested the last hill to witness what happens when safe places become real: pure jubilation. Folks were accessorized in fluorescent colored wigs topped with sparkling cowgirl hats, giggles and shrieks of delight scored the moment’s soundtrack and compliments permeated through the crowd. The naked party lap was absolute Barbie-core. Before long, I was swept down the mountain in a wave of glitter.
There is something to be said about hundreds of prosocial people descending a mountain together. Smiling faces flew by while cheers accented a successful landing. I savoured the lap – hoping to harness that positive energy for the future – before reconnecting with Liz and the Telluride girls. Dare we ski the rest of the afternoon sans clothing? Yep. There was no better way to bid adieu to Sunlight’s Primo Lift, slated for replacement this year.
Pleasantly exhausted and tanned (or burned), in places the sun doesn’t always shine, we made our way to the aprés-ski, complete with sauna, cold plunges and beats by DJ Maro.
After a brief nap, I spent the rest of the evening absorbed in connection and music. Wildly dressed, we twirled in the campground dirt, while raffle winners were revealed on the Main Stage by BTF leadership and nonprofit beneficiary EDGE Outdoors — a powerful initiative that dismantles systemic barriers, particularly in snow sports, and promotes inclusivity and wellness for Black, Indigenous and Women of Color.
I listened carefully to new friends as they expressed feelings of healing and liberation because of this gathering — conversations I will keep close to my heart. Together we swayed to cosmic cowgirl Christie Huff before boot stomping with Lena Marie Schiffer and Ani Casabonne. DJ Harmony of LVDY closed out the evening with a wild set that had everyone howling at the full moon. For a music festival fanatic, this was an unforgettable lineup.
Days later, while attempting to wrangle the words that encapsulated my first BTF experience, I recalled some wisdom from Professor Slu, art educator and guide for BTF’s journaling session: during reflective practice, channel gratitude. I am grateful to connect with a place where everyone — cis, trans and queer — is safe and seen, for playfulness and deep belly laughs and the flow of intentional community.
I hope you read this and feel empowered to be someone’s sparkle. BTF is the future. In the words of Shania Twain, “Let’s go girls!”
Author’s note: Sincere gratitude to the dedicated BTF staff and volunteers. You made the magic happen. Join the herd at www.boottanfest.com