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Colorado - Tue. 11/04/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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SM ENERGY, CIVITAS TO MERGE IN $12.8 BILLION DEAL
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Denver-based SM Energy and Civitas Resources will merge in an all-stock transaction creating a $12.8 billion oil and gas company with operations in Colorado, Texas, and Utah. Civitas shareholders will own 52 percent and SM Energy shareholders 48 percent of the combined entity, which will retain the SM Energy name and NYSE listing. SM Energy CEO Herb Vogel will lead the company until his March retirement, after which President Beth McDonald will take over. Civitas, formed through post-pandemic M&A, recently saw its CEO depart and is temporarily led by board chair Wouter Van Kempen. The merger aims to unlock free cash flow, strengthen the balance sheet, and accelerate shareholder returns. The new board will include six SM Energy and five Civitas members. Headquarters will remain in Denver, though the exact location is undecided.
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DENVER SUMMIT FC TO OPEN AT EMPOWER FIELD, TARGETS NWSL RECORD
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Denver Summit FC will host its inaugural home match at Empower Field on March 28, 2026, aiming to break the National Women’s Soccer League’s single-game attendance record of 40,091. The expansion club, awarded the league’s 16th franchise, will begin its season on the road before debuting at the 76,125-seat stadium. Season-ticket holders can buy additional tickets starting Nov. 10, followed by Club 5280 members on Nov. 11 and the general public on Nov. 12. The team’s temporary 12,000-seat stadium in Centennial is expected to open in April, with a permanent 14,500-seat venue planned for 2028 at Santa Fe Yards. Bondholder concerns over the site’s redevelopment shift were addressed by owner Rob Cohen, who emphasized long-term benefits. President Jen Millet called the opener a “statement” for women’s sports. The club has signed three players and agreed to terms with seven more, pending playoff eliminations.
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KIMBERLY-CLARK TO ACQUIRE KENVUE IN $48.7 BILLION DEAL
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Kimberly-Clark will acquire Kenvue, the Tylenol and Band-Aid maker spun off from Johnson & Johnson, in a $48.7 billion cash-and-stock deal expected to close in late 2026. The merger will create a consumer staples giant with 10 billion-dollar brands and projected 2025 net revenue of $32 billion. Kimberly-Clark stock fell 14 percent while Kenvue rose 12 percent following the announcement. The companies anticipate $1.9 billion in cost synergies within three years. CEO Mike Hsu emphasized the strategic shift toward higher-growth, higher-margin products. Three Kenvue board members will join Kimberly-Clark’s board. The deal follows recent industry moves to counter rising input costs and shifting consumer behavior. Kimberly-Clark previously exited private-label diaper production and sold a majority stake in its international tissue business. The acquisition positions it to compete with Procter & Gamble, though P&G remains larger.
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WEDNESDAY’S ‘SUPER MOON’ WILL BE THE CLOSEST LUNAR DISTANCE OF 2025
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The full moon rising at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday will be the closest to Earth this year at 221,726 miles, marking the first of two “super moons” in late 2025. December’s full moon will follow at 221,808 miles, while the year’s farthest lunar distance—252,706 miles—will occur Nov. 19. The moon’s elliptical orbit causes these variations. According to NASA, a super moon appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the faintest full moon. After December, the next super moons will occur in December 2026 and January 2027. The data comes from timeanddate.com, which uses U.S. Naval Observatory and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory sources. Denver’s next total lunar eclipse is expected in the early hours of March 3.
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DENVER RECORDS HOTTEST NOVEMBER DAY AS SNOW REMAINS ELUSIVE
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Denver hit 83 degrees on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, marking the city’s hottest November day on record, according to the National Weather Service. The previous high of 81 degrees was set on Nov. 27, 2017. Sunday’s temperature also broke the daily record of 78 degrees from 2008. Forecasts predict highs in the upper 60s to low 70s throughout the week, with wind expected through Tuesday. No rain or snow is forecast, and Denver has yet to record its first measurable snowfall of the season. On average, the city sees the first snow by Oct. 8. If no snow falls by Nov. 14, it will be the 10th latest on record; a further delay could place it among the top three latest snowfalls in city history.
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WINTER PARK SELECTS PITKIN COUNTY MANAGER JON PEACOCK AS NEXT TOWN MANAGER
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Winter Park has chosen Pitkin County Manager Jon Peacock as its next town manager, with a start date of Jan. 12, pending council approval. Peacock, who has led Pitkin County since 2011, cited the chance to reunite with his family in Winter Park as a key factor in his decision. His new salary will be $255,000, compared to $278,924 in Pitkin County. Peacock must provide 30 days’ notice before leaving, and Pitkin County will soon begin planning for his replacement. He expressed pride in nearly 15 years of service to Pitkin County but said Winter Park’s upcoming projects offered a compelling opportunity. The Winter Park Town Council is expected to finalize his contract Tuesday, after which he will formally resign from Pitkin County.
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COLD-HARDINESS MODEL COULD BE BREAKTHROUGH FOR COLORADO PEACH FARMERS
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Colorado State University has launched a new cold-hardiness model that predicts peach floral buds’ survival rates using growth stage data and real-time weather conditions. Developed over five years by Associate Professor Ioannis Minas, the tool draws on freezing tests of 6,000 to 10,000 buds and is accurate within about 1 degree Celsius. Funded by USDA and Colorado Dept. of Agriculture grants, the model is the first of its kind for peaches, though similar tools exist for grapes and cherries. It is now being implemented in Orchard Mesa and four other sites statewide, offering growers a way to anticipate frost damage and prepare protective measures. Minas plans to expand the model with forecast integration to predict risks days ahead. Farmers have responded enthusiastically, calling it a valuable tool for managing one of the biggest threats to perennial fruit crops.
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SPEED LIMIT PROPOSED FOR ANIMAS RIVER TRAIL
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Durango city councilors will vote Tuesday on a proposed 10 mph speed limit for bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and similar wheeled devices on the Animas River Trail and other paved multi-use trails. The ordinance, prompted by a rise in unsafe riding incidents, applies to motorized and non-motorized users and carries a $100 fine for violations. Enforcement would be handled by the city’s Open Space Rangers, who may use discretion. Riders may exceed the limit only when no other trail users are present. The city will install speed limit signs if the ordinance passes. Courtesy practices like yielding, slowing at blind corners, and announcing before passing are encouraged. The public may comment at the meeting, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today in the Smith Chambers at Durango City Hall or online. The city estimates 10 mph as the pace of a fast run, not a sprint.
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STEAMBOAT RESORT LAUNCHING NEW MOUNTAIN SAFETY TEAM
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Steamboat Resort will debut a Mountain Safety Team in bright orange coats before the 2025 Christmas holidays, marking a new initiative to improve guest safety and visibility on the slopes. Unlike ski patrol, which focuses on medical response, and Ambassadors, who assist guests, the new team will concentrate on speed management, education, and conflict resolution. Backed by the National Ski Areas Association, the program mirrors successful efforts at Copper Mountain and other resorts. The team will include seven paid staff and about 28 volunteers, with authority to suspend passes for reckless skiing. Members will promote the Responsibility Code, visit schools, and enhance safety culture with employees and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Resort leaders say the effort reflects growing demand for visible safety presence, while community feedback has been strongly positive.
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SUMMIT CONCERT BAND TO PERFORM VETERANS DAY CONCERT
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The Summit Concert Band will join Summit High School and Summit Middle School students for a free Veterans Day concert on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Summit Middle School auditorium. Supported by the Summit Rotary Club, the event will honor veterans from each branch of the service during the performance. A bake sale beforehand will benefit the Tri-M Music Honor Society’s leadership development program. Organizers emphasize the concert as both a community celebration and an opportunity for students to perform alongside local musicians while recognizing veterans’ contributions.
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ASPEN GAS PRICES REMAIN AMONG HIGHEST IN COLORADO
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GasBuddy data show Colorado’s average gas price fell 4.5 cents last week to $2.78 per gallon, 23.4 cents lower than a year ago. Nationally, prices dipped to $2.99 per gallon, though analysts warn of potential rebounds due to refinery issues. Aspen continues to post some of the state’s highest prices, with regular gas at $4.80 on Main Street, $4.50 at the Aspen Business Center, $4.70 in Snowmass, and $3.79 in Woody Creek.
Historical gasoline prices in Colorado and the national average going back 10 years:
- Nov. 3, 2024: $3.01/g (U.S. Average: $3.05/g)
- Nov. 3, 2023: $3.41/g (U.S. Average: $3.40/g)
- Nov. 3, 2022: $3.45/g (U.S. Average: $3.77/g)
- Nov. 3, 2021: $3.53/g (U.S. Average: $3.40/g)
- Nov. 3, 2020: $2.22/g (U.S. Average: $2.10/g)
- Nov. 3, 2019: $2.83/g (U.S. Average: $2.60/g)
- Nov. 3, 2018: $2.91/g (U.S. Average: $2.75/g)
- Nov. 3, 2017: $2.56/g (U.S. Average: $2.52/g)
- Nov. 3, 2016: $2.14/g (U.S. Average: $2.22/g)
- Nov. 3, 2015: $2.12/g (U.S. Average: $2.19/g)
Neighboring areas and their current averages:
- Fort Collins — $2.73/g, down 4.4 cents from last week’s $2.77/g
- Colorado Springs — $2.73/g, down 2.8 cents from last week’s $2.75/g
- Denver — $2.69/g, down 8.2 cents from last week’s $2.77/g
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COLORADO SKI AREAS UNVEIL EXPANSIONS, NEW LIFTS & EVENTS FOR 2025-26
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Colorado’s ski season is opening with major changes across the state, highlighted by Monarch Mountain’s long-awaited No Name Basin expansion. Resorts are investing in new lifts, terrain, snowmaking, and guest experiences, while smaller areas are experimenting with bold pricing strategies.
Here are the key updates:
- Monarch Mountain: No Name Basin expansion adds 377 acres, 12 runs, and 1,000 vertical feet; new Tomichi Lift provides access. Marks a 50 percent terrain increase.
- Arapahoe Basin: Ikon Base Pass holders get unlimited access until Dec. 19; new $20 parking reservations required on peak weekends.
- Aspen Snowmass: Two new lifts debut, including a six-seat high-speed chair; Elk Camp Restaurant expands; “Hot Dogger” pop-up opens.
- Breckenridge: Hosting Rockstar Energy Open festival Dec. 19–21 alongside Ullr Fest.
- Ski Cooper: Weekday tickets rise slightly to $49, still among the state’s most affordable.
- Copper Mountain: Upgraded snowmaking; Rosi’s Run to host inaugural Stifel Copper Cup races.
- Granby Ranch: Launching Renegade Ridge on West Mountain; new scenic deck and snack hut on East Mountain.
- Keystone: Opening luxury Kindred Resort with lodging, dining, spa, and ski school facilities.
- Loveland: Replaces 42-year-old Lift 7 with wider triple chair; adds gourmet hot chocolate bar.
- Purgatory: Celebrates 60th season with $9 tickets on select dates; expanded snowmaking.
- Sunlight Mountain: Largest capital project ever with new Segundo and Primo lifts.
- Telluride: Extends life of Lifts 5 and 12; new snowmaking near Lift 4.
- Vail: Expands après scene with new dining and entertainment, including Two Elk Biergarten.
- Winter Park: Celebrates 50 years of Mary Jane with “Send’er November” perks; Amtrak Winter Park Express expands service.
- Wolf Creek: Building new Stokin’ Boards Rental Shop as part of base-area upgrades.
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MARKET UPDATE - 11/03/2025 Close
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(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
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Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
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Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
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30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 10/30/2025)
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*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
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Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
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