Paul Andersen has been a professional writer for 45 years. His writing career has earned him credits as a television scriptwriter, book author, magazine contributor, and columnist and contributing editor for the Aspen Times, where he currently writes a weekly opinion column, “Fair Game,” for which he has won awards from the Colorado Press Association.

Andersen has authored 15 books and written dozens of television scripts, including, “China: The Panda Adventure” for IMAX Films. His latest book, The High Road to Aspen, won the Colorado Book Award’s Gold Medal in June 2015.

Andersen’s career began in 1977 as a reporter for the Gunnison Country Times. In 1980, he became a reporter/editor for the Crested Butte Chronicle where he reported on all aspects of Gunnison County, including the AMAX mining project and controversy.

In 2013, Andersen founded the non-profit Huts For Vets, which he designed to help U.S. military veterans plagued by trauma find peace and healing in the wilderness at the 10th Mountain Huts of Aspen.

Today, Andersen leads wilderness hikes and seminars at the Aspen Institute,  mediates local community planning projects, and hikes, skis and bikes the mountains and deserts of the American West.

Sponsored by Kate & Al Vogel

Co-sponsored by High Country Conservation Advocates