About 'PacaHat

Our alpacas live in a high mountain valley in Tabernash, Colo., near the Winter Park Ski Resort.

Their soft, dense, water-repellent fleece helps to keep them warm and dry throughout the snowy, cold winters (our hats will do the same for you!).

The annual shearing party takes place in early June and our “naked” boys are then moved from the barn and fenced corrals to a pasture lush with meadow grass and fresh, clear mountain spring water.

We’re often asked what is the difference between alpaca and traditional beaver or rabbit fur hats…and probably the biggest and most important difference is that no animal has to give their life for your hat. Our shearings are like you getting a haircut!

Alpaca don’t mind the cold because alpaca fiber is SUPER insulating. They do, however, seem to HATE rain and wind. A little shower sends them running for shelter!
A baby alpaca is called a cria (kree-uh)

All the fleece used to make ‘PacaHats come from our herd and is hand-felted and shaped for each style. . Every hatband – whether jeweled, leather, metal, or braided horsehair – is selected to enhance the hat’s style and color.

The Alpaca Registry of America recognizes a wide variety of natural colored fleece that these animals provide – brilliant, bright white to deep, solid, true black, and 14 colors in between from fawn to dark silver grey.

If you would like to know more about having a ‘PacaHat custom made just for you – or someone you know – CONTACT US

Meet The Guys

AMICO

My name means “friend” in Italian, I like everyone and everyone likes me. Most people think I look like a rockstar with my crazy hair.

BLAZE

The herd “elder”, I am the name-sake of the Blazing Star Ranch in Englewood, Co. My “other mom” thought I’d enjoy the views and mountain lifestyle, so I’m now the old man at The Silver Spur Ranch.

CHARLIE

The quiet one. I prefer to keep to myself but do like to romp and wrestle with a couple of my herd mates.

FRASER

I’m known as “the baby”. I’m not named for the town near Winter Park, but the locals act like I’m the town mascot! The youngest of the herd, I get my way most of the time and am super soft and very lovable.

ICE

I am usually the troublemaker in the group, but have the sweetest face and the most beautiful fleece. I keep telling them that the others are jealous and I’m just defending myself! I was the head of the herd when the ranch first started out.

JEFFERSON

You will know me because of the one brown spot between my ears on the back of my head. Ice, Socs and I came to SSR together in early 2018.

JEREMIAH JOHNSON

Just call me “big guy” because I’m huge compared to most of the others here. (I think I might have a bit of llama in me-shhhhh!) I stand guard and protect everyone with Blaze. I’m part of the group known as “the outlaws”.

JESSE JAMES

I’m the other “outlaw”. I’m a big boy too and dark, rich black. Jeremiah is my best friend and we do everything together…including getting into trouble!

SOCS

I was one of the original Three Amigos that started it all. Back then, I was the only dark brown ‘paca in the bunch and I felt a little left out…but not anymore! PS I like to rodeo…which in ‘paca talk means I’m the last one to get caught when we get out!

TAS

I look like a big calico cat! I’m the one who will come up to you immediately…especially if you have pellets in your hand!

HARRY

My full name is H. Potta because the white on the top of my head looks like a lightening bolt when I’m sheared. And… because my “smile” is pure MAGIC!

OUTLAW

I’m not part of the original “outlaws”. I’m actually more of a rebel than an outlaw…my bloodline is top notch…my dad is 20x champion BSRA Snowmass Enlightenment’s Patron. He’s a real stud…literally!
Trust me, I am far too handsome and sweet to be an outlaw! (check out my eyelashes!)

SANTANA

Blaze and I go way back.  So when I came to SSR we were immediately friends.
I’m not exactly sure where the name came from, but one thing for certain, my first mom, Karen Champion, really likes Carlos Santana’s music.

STORMY

You probably guessed it…I was born just before a storm hit! But my real claim to fame is that I’m Fraser’s cousin, and like him, I have beautiful dark brown fleece
and a fantastic personality (even if I do say so myself!)  

We THINK we may know what the Loch Ness Monster is now!