Help Dani Skinner's Dream of Ale Yak

My name is Dani Skinner. I am the owner of a startup business, Ale Yak Food and Beer Garden, in Leadville, Colorado. I’d like to tell you my story.

I first moved to the Arkansas Valley when I was 19, and I’ve lived here for the greater part of 12 years. You could say that these mountains and their people have raised me, that they’ve grown me into the woman that I am today. I have had the joy of working many jobs here, from raft and snowmobile guide, to server and bartender, to over a half a decade as a wildland firefighter.

I have lived in this valley long enough to see many people and businesses come and go, long enough to see what the residents want and need. What Leadville needs is more food options, and more opportunities for community members to become small businesses owners themselves.

While away on wildfires all last summer, I became so homesick, that I understood that my time as a full-time wildland firefighter was nearing its end. With this realization, birthed the idea of my business, Ale Yak Food and Beer Gardens. A place where the community and travelers alike could come and enjoy a beautiful outdoor space with good food and refreshing beverages. Where small businesses, like food trucks, musicians, and art vendors could come share their passions. A platform for a multitude of small business owners who might otherwise not be able to afford a storefront.

I am proud to say that I have built my business from the ground up over the past year. I have negotiated a three-year lease with the choice of purchase on an undeveloped piece of land with great views of Turquoise Lake. I have worked incredibly hard to obtain the necessary licensing and permitting, including planning and zoning permits, a retail food license, and a liquor license. I have been working to get electricity, to excavate, and to obtain a permit from CDOT for a paved entrance onto the property.

After receiving my engineered traffic study and permit application, CDOT has responded back to me with their requirements for moving forward on the entrance. Without going too deep into the details, there is a great deal of expensive requirements for us to proceed with paving this access.

I am, in every other way, on track to open by mid-June. However, with these new requirements, I have been forced to halt all progression until I can raise the additional financial capital to proceed.

I am seeking help. I have been spending night and day working to figure out a solution, and I am venturing down every possible avenue. I will figure this out, no matter what, but I wanted to create a way for the community to assist me, if you are so willing. Any amount that you donate will be so incredibly appreciated. I hope that when Ale Yak is open, you can smile, knowing that you helped us get there.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Dani Skinner

Ale Yak LTD. Founder & Owner