As anyone who has snowshoed his way to the top of Mt. Bierstadt can attest, trekking is a healthy good time, but it can also be thirsty work. A thermos of hot tea is the ultimate refresher while navigating the miles of local snowshoe trails. Here, five local tea blenders have paired beloved brews and snacks with their favorite snowshoeing trails. Be sure to bring these along on your next wintry hike.

Bhakti Chai
303-484-8770, www.bhaktichai.com
Tea Sweetened black tea with a spicy blend of cardamom, fresh ginger, black pepper, fennel, and clove
Picnic pairing Raspberry-buckwheat muffin
Trail Brainard Lake
Getting there Take Highway 72 north through Ward, then follow the sign west to Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Tea tips “[This] gives you a little bit of that caffeine buzz for energy, and also the fresh ginger and the black pepper for energy and vitality.” —Brook Eddy, founder and CEO

5280 December 2008
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Strength of Spirit, Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
1770 13th St., Boulder, 303-442-4993, www.boulderteahouse.com
Tea Caffeine-free herbal tea with lemon balm, nettle leaf, chamomile, schisandra berries, red clover blossoms, linden leaves, Siberian ginseng, flowers, and oat straw
Picnic pairing Tuna pasta with whole-wheat noodles
Trail Camp Dick Trail
Getting there Take Highway 72 past Nederland to Peaceful Valley Campground and Camp Dick. Turn left into Roosevelt National Forest.
Tea tips “Herbs like nettle leaf, ginseng, and schisandra offer support to a strong body, and lemon balm, chamomile, and oat straw are added to alleviate stress and promote a calm mind.” —Sara Stewart Martinelli, owner and tea blender

Roastaroma, Celestial Seasonings
4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, 303-530-5300, www.celestialseasonings.com
Tea Caffeine-free, coffeelike herbal tea with roasted barley, roasted chicory, roasted carob, cinnamon, allspice, and Chinese star anise
Picnic pairing Roast beef sandwiches with horseradish
Trail Sourdough Trail
Getting there Take Highway 72 north past Nederland. For south trailhead, turn west at County Road 116 (Rainbow Lake Road). For north trailhead, take Highway 72 north through Ward and follow the sign west to Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Tea tips “It’s a hearty tea that adds a little substance to your activity.” —Charlie Baden, senior blend master

Red Rocks, The TeaSpot
1801 13th St., Suite 170, Boulder, 303-442-4832, www.theteaspot.com
Tea Caffeine-free rooibos tea with vanilla and almond bits
Picnic pairing Almond butter and honey sandwiches
Trail Peaks Trail
Getting there Take I-70 west to Exit 203. Take Highway 9 south into Breckenridge. Turn right at Ski Hill Road to Peak 8; look for Peaks Trail sign.
Tea tips “If you’re truly sweating and losing a lot of vitamins and minerals, I think this is your best choice.” —Maria Uspenski, founder, president

Bengal Breakfast, Teatulia Tea
1055 Auraria Parkway, Suite 200, www.teatulia.com
Tea Teatulia’s boldest black tea, with a delicate aftertaste, harvested in Bangladesh
Picnic pairing Bread, cheese, and salami
Trail Moose Stomp, Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Getting there Take I-70 west to Exit 232. Take U.S. Highway 40 north about 30 miles. Turn right onto County Road 83 and take the right-hand fork for three miles to Devil’s Thumb Ranch.
Tea tips “It’s a very full-bodied black, but with a soft, delicate finish.” —Linda Appel Lipsius, COO