Meteorologist takes on high-altitude building challenge
“Mark vs. the Mountain” follows TV weatherman and family as they build the highest elevation house in New Mexico
Chief meteorologist Mark Ronchetti of KRQE News
13, has another starring role, as part of a 20-episode reality program called Mark vs. the Mountain. The series launched Sept.
9, on FOX New Mexico and streamed online, chronicles the challenges Ronchetti and his family face as they build the highest altitude house in the state at over 10,600 feet in Angel Fire. For the adventure, Ronchetti is joined by his wife, Krysty Ronchetti, and their two young daughters.
“We had been contemplating building a mountain home for the past couple of years, so when we found this location, I knew building at this elevation would not only pose construction challenges but extreme mountain weather challenges,” said Ronchetti, a man who loves talking about extreme weather. “The combination of those two elements sounded like good TV to me. We build a house and KRQE makes a show of it. So, I pitched the idea of turning our experience into a reality series to the general manager at KRQE.”
KRQE, where Ronchetti is chief meteorologist, greenlighted the 20-episode program in the spring. Filming of the show began in May and continues through the winter as the Ronchettis’ complete their dream vacation house in Angel Fire. The episodes will introduce the rest of the Ronchetti family and will highlight contractors and vendors who help them on the project.
“No one has built a home at this elevation in our state and under these type of weather conditions,” said B.J. Lindsey, builder, Lindsey Custom Homes. “So, when the Ronchettis’ approached us about being involved as their contractor, we jumped at the opportunity. Who doesn’t want to become a pioneer in something new?”
The episodes will coincide with the start of FOX NFL Sunday and will lead into the pregame program each week. KRQE plans to make the episodes available on their website each week. Additionally, like KRQE’s Balloon Fiesta coverage, the station and the Ronchettis’ hope to share “Mark vs. The Mountain” with other Nexstar TV station markets.
Krysty Ronchetti is a former TV news anchor who met Mark after college when they worked at the same TV station in Colorado.
“Our show is almost a show within a show,” said Krysty Ronchetti, co-host of “Mark vs. the Mountain.” “We plan to let viewers in on what it takes to not only build a house but what it takes to build a TV program. Our crew is part of what makes doing this possible and fun. We want viewers to see all the backstory and off-camera moments. Plus, I always enjoy watching blooper reels, so why wouldn’t we include those moments in our episodes?”
“Mark vs. the Mountain” will air into February 2019.