In honor of Small Business Saturday this year, we asked our ambassadors in mountain towns across the Rockies to tell us about their favorite independently owned and operated businesses. It's the small businesses that enrich our everyday by reflecting local character and nurturing the fabric of the community.

Jackson, Wyoming:

• Sweet Cheeks Meats: The go-to butcher shop with the best breakfast burrito in town. Great staff that support local farmers in the region and keep the ski bums well fed. ~Max Martin: Pro skier and health professional

• Vertical Harvest: Local produce in a state that's not friendly to growing produce! This company is the future of urban environments and we get to see it come to life in downtown. With a mission to better the community and make healthy food more accessible, how can you not love this company? ~Sam Schwartz: Mountain business man and stoke master

• Fitzgerald's Bicycles: Locally owned and operated, Fitzy's is more than just another bike shop, they are a provider of memories. Not only will they keep your bike running and the adventure ideas spawning, but they go the extra mile for customers, locals and visitors alike, to learn what you want to do with your bike and help you create a better future on two wheels. ~Charlie Hagen: Outdoor enthusiast, amateur bike racer and mechanical engineer

Aspen and Carbondale, Colorado:

• Cripple Creek Backcountry: Possibly one of the only exclusive backcountry stores in the country? Started by local, Doug Stenlick, they have you covered for day tours and extended overnights in the backcountry. ~Ann Driggers: Weekend warrior and master of the micro adventure

• Aspen Shakti: Local yoga studio in town that is always doing everything they can to serve the community. Each fall they usually offer a 30 day challenge for locals and if you complete it then you get a free year of yoga! ~Christy Mahon: Mountain adventurer and eco-warrior

• Explore Booksellers: A bookstore that has been a mountain town cultural gem through the decades in Aspen with over 40 years of history. Housed in an old Victorian home on Main Street, it is an intellectual and political hub for the town. ~Christy Mahon: Mountain adventurer and eco-warrior

Park City, Utah:

• Atticus Coffee: Combine a love for the outdoors with the passion for good coffee and you get Atticus Coffee. They welcome all, but embody the core values of a mountain town. Plus a percentage of their sales are donated to local charities and non-profits. ~Megan Dingman: Pro Skier and mountain scrambler

• Ritual Chocolate: Ritual is such a gem because it was started by a true PC local (Robbie Stout). They clearly make artisan chocolate, but they also offer a great little cafe tucked away off Main Street. ~Jay Burke: Local legend and mountain town member

• Fairweather Natural Foods: Fairweather has survived for years, despite Whole Foods and others coming into the area. They have a great selection of all your favorite fresh and healthy essentials. ~Jay Burke: Local legend and mountain town member

Ketchum, Idaho:

• Maude's Coffee and Clothes: Founded by a few trusty locals, Maude's serves the best coffee around. Their beans are locally roasted, they serve a cinnamon roll that is simply irresistible and they have a rad vintage shop inside! Basically no better place for a daily stop. ~Nicole Jorgenson: Ski patroller and EMT

• Apple's Bar & Grill: This is the mainstay for keeping the true ski culture alive in Ketchum. Ski and snowboard movies and races loop on the TVs, posters of local legends and other ski paraphernalia adorn the walls. This place gives you hope that the spirit of skiing is in good hands. ~Ray Gadd: Marketing manager and professional photographer

• The Wax Room: With 25+ years in Ketchum, this is the place that has been helping local athletes win medals far and wide in snow-sports competitions. A high quality, local spot. ~Ray Gadd: Marketing manager and professional photographer

Whitefish, Montana:

• Great Northern Cycle and Ski: When it comes to reliable bike and ski service, Great Northern is the best in the area. It's locally owned by two local shredders who treat everyone with respect and even serve a mean cup of joe while you're in there. ~Brad Ludden: Founder of First Descents, kayak athlete and entrepreneur

• Sweet Peaks: The local ice cream shop founded by a long time Montana local. There is always a line around the block for their original flavors and they just generally make everyone happier, because, well, you know, ICE CREAM! ~Brad Ludden: Founder of First Descents, kayak athlete and entrepreneur

• Montana Coffee Traders: A staging place for you day's adventure, a gathering place for meetings and just generally a great place to grab some tasty coffee and hang. ~Brad Ludden: Founder of First Descents, kayak athlete and entrepreneur