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Living Their Dreams
JOHN & CARLOTTA HORN

As a kid in northern Wisconsin, schussing down a 225-vertical-foot wisp of snow known as Kettle Bowl Hill, John Horn’s passion for skiing and dream of someday living in the mountains was ignited. Carlotta, his friend from English class, had no idea she, too, would share that dream.

John studied law because, “I knew it was something I could practice in a ski resort,” while Carlotta’s love for children led her into teaching. In 1977, five days after they married, the Horns headed to Denver with no idea of where they would live. They first went to Winter Park and later, upon returning from a trip to Mexico, decided to check out Telluride. During their first visit, the couple met Primo, a local who raved about the past season’s snow. “That was it. We got our stuff and came back to stay,” said John.

It was a heady time in the dusty little ski town and businesses were minimal. John waited tables and flipped burgers at the Silver Jack, one of the few eating establishments. Carlotta had more than couple jobs on her plate. “I had 11 jobs the first year I was here,” she laughed. “And our first house on main street had no heat. We froze and could hear our next-door neighbors through the walls. But we were young and it didn’t really matter.”

“It wasn't about things, it was about skiing, and life was low-key,” added John.

Eventually, Carlotta began teaching at the elementary school and John started his law practice. “In 30 days, I had more work than I could handle,” he recalled. His career flourished and, as attorney for the ski company, he handled planning and zoning issues during Mountain Village’s early development. Development of Aldasoro Ranch with Dirk DePagter followed.

Today, John and a partner joined forces as St. Sophia Partners. They are developing The Ridge, a 17-acre parcel between the Gondola and Coonskin Ridge. “It's the crown jewel of the mountain,” beamed John. “Nothing will be seen from Telluride, though.”

The Horn family, with children Allison and Emily, live in the first house built in Mountain Village, a log home that reflects their casual style. Carlotta still substitutes at the elementary school. John, a 22-year volunteer with the fire department, has also coached little league and soccer. John and Carlotta are avid skiers and hikers and are so thankful they happened on Telluride all those years ago. “We dearly love Telluride,” said John. “We want to help make it the best environment for locals and visitors. It's a delicate balance.”