“Winter Bliss” is the creation of Phil Howard of Tin Shed Metalworks. For this chairlift, Howard welded a simple, clean steel base, adding stained wood to the seat and back. The chairlift stands out for its clean lines and overall craftsmanship.

While this is Howard’s first creation for the Playhouse Project, he has completed eight to 10 chairlift designs in the past out of his small home welding shop. 

“This four-seater is the biggest (chairlift) I have done, so I knew it needed a strong foundation to make it into a usable bench,” he said.

Howard worked on Winter Bliss with the help of his wife, Lindsey, when he needed an extra set of hands. He runs his small business, Tin Shed Metalworks, on the side while also working a full-time job.

“My dream would be to make this my full-time job and pursue custom metal art and furniture for residential and commercial use,” he said.

For Howard, an avid skier and former backcountry snowcat guide, the Playhouse Project combined his love of skiing and his passion for creating custom metal art and furniture. One of Howard’s large pieces can be seen in The Westerly, a gallery in downtown Steamboat.

“I am always willing to help out, and with Playhouse Project offering a chairlift project, I knew it would be a good fit,” he said.

A repeat supporter of Playhouse Project, Breckenridge Grand Vacations builds and manages properties across Summit County and surrounding areas. BGV Gives, the philanthropic arm of Breckenridge Grand Vacations, aims to strengthen the company’s legacy as a people-first organization by supporting meaningful causes throughout the communities it serves.

One of the main focus areas for BGV Gives is human services, of which Mountain Dreamers — the nonprofit that organizes Oso Outdoors — is a key partner. Justine Zawatski, philanthropy manager for Breckenridge Grand Vacations, said the company feels strongly about supporting local organizations who give back to the community. 

“One of the major benefits of living in Summit County is the access to outdoor sports like skiing and snowboarding, yet these activities can be inaccessible to many of our community members,” Zawatski said. “Oso Outdoors seeks to break down that barrier to access through the Snowboard Lesson Equity Project, providing lessons to immigrants and BIPOC locals living in these counties who are skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Living in a mountain town built on recreation and tourism, we believe that programs like Oso Outdoors are essential for creating a community where everyone feels that they belong.”

Zawatski said Breckenridge Grand Vacations is always looking for innovative ways to further support the community. Organizations interested in partnering with BGV Gives can reach out to jzawatski@breckenridgegrandvacations.com.

Bid on this chair at PlayhouseProjects.org.

Built by Tin Shed Metalworks • 970-764-5753 • TinShedWelding.com
Sponsored by Breckenridge Grand Vacations • 970-547-8748 • BGVGives.org