What a spectacular time of year!  Today I saw a herd of antelope and buffalo guiding their babies across the meadows by the Blue River!  Elk are usually hanging around the valley, too. The sun is bright and hot, the air is cool and crisp, the colors are vivid, and trails are accessible- mostly.  Head out with binoculars and confidence – because you have the resources to point you to the right trails.  No need to get stuck in the mud.

Perhaps my favorite site for trail conditions is TRAILFORKS.  Search by activity type and narrow down what conditions you’d like, or which condition you’re trying to avoid.  The posts are dated so your know how current they are, sometimes there are notes like, “trees down across trail on upper portion”.

Check out ORIC -Outdoor Recreation Information Center – This site is packed full of practical information about hiking trails, difficulty levels, and conditions.  There’s loads of easy-to-access info for pretty much any outdoor recreation you’re planning.

Before you hit the trail gear up at Alpine Sports in Breckenridge.  They’ll hook you up head to toe: sun hats to boots, canteens to cuddle duds.  They carry all the latest trends and the neatest gadgets.  Personally, I like browsing the camping gear and pet stuff.

 

 

Its official. Its Spring time in Summit County!!

We made it through the winter and what a fantastic winter it was!! Breckenridge had a record breaking 111″ of powder in March.

If you still need more downhill time, Breckenridge has lifts open daily until Monday, May 27th.  Enjoy the Bud Light Beach at the base of Peak 7 where snow beach volleyball, Adirondack chairs and mixed music create the perfect après experience.  Live music Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3pm.

If you’ve already put your gear away, there is plenty to do in Summit this springtime.  Why not help out your community?

TOWN CLEAN UP DAY IS SAT MAY 18, 2019.

The towns of Dillon, Frisco, Breckenridge and Silverthorne invite residents, visitors and businesses to participate in Community Clean-Up Day.  Towns will provide all of the necessary materials for participants such as trash bags and gloves. Volunteers will meet in the morning to pick up refreshments, instructions, supplies and head out to clean our community. Following the work portion of the day, volunteers are invited to post-clean-up picnics and parties featuring live music and free beer. Don’t forget sunscreen and water and a big pat on the back for helping keep our community beautiful!!

Volunteer check-in is 9AM. Breckenridge participants meet at the Riverwalk Center,  Dillon at Town Hall,  Frisco volunteers meet at Frisco Historic Park & Museum and Silverthorne at Rainbow Park.

HAVE FUN & THANK YOU FOR KEEPING SUMMIT BEAUTIFUL 

 

We’re still getting snow, folks!  Last year’s lack has been this year’s gain- record snow falls and killer skiing and boarding are pushing closing dates back.  Here’s who is still open in Summit County…

Loveland’s last ride is May 5th.

Breckenridge set their closing date at May 27.

Arapahoe Basin hangs in there till early June and possibly later on the weekends.

How can you get there?

If you’re coming in from Denver we’ll pick you up at the airport!  Call us at 970-668-6000 and ask about the best prices and times for your trips.  Once you’re in the county there’s a free bus that will bring you to the mountain, A Basin has a bus that runs a loop to and from Keystone Resort all day.  Summit Express provides private charters for groups and parties.  The prices are low this time of year so peeps in the know are booking now and saving cash!

Don’t miss this:   WAVE: Light + Water + Sound

Breckenridge is host to this outstanding art exhibit from May 30th to June 2nd.  It’s set up in and around Blue River Plaza downtown and it’s free!  Artists use Breck’s bridges and other water features as a canvas, then add light and color, sound and music to turn the area into an interactive art installation.  It’s a multisensory experience that excites the imagination and develops wonder.

 

Races start in June; 5K’s, half marathons and trail runs can be found in Frisco and Breckenridge.  So, it’s time to tie up your sneakers, or strap on your sandals, now.

I was a chubby kid with zero desire to ever run.  I was a college freshman who put on, not 15, but 40 lbs!  After graduation I was a fat girl in a fit city with active friends.  That’s how it started for me.  Pilates every morning and hacky sack till 2 AM with my new friends, playing sand volleyball till the sun went down.  I started biking and walking around Duluth, MN (lots of hills).  Somewhere in this activity I decided to try running.

To my surprise I loved it! I didn’t go fast or far, often I would run/walk a trail.  Run uphill, walk any downhill portions.  I was energized and thrilled that I enjoyed it.  I lost 60 lbs and for the first time in my life shopped at regular clothing stores.

Well, fast forward several years… I got married, moved away from all my friends and family and got kinda fat again.  I’m not back to where I started, but I don’t want to get there!  So I signed up for a 5K on the 4th of July.  It’s in my hometown with friends- motivation enough for me to start training.  Not just for the race, but for the lifestyle.

So, me and my two pups are hitting the road today.  We’ll start slow, take care of our feet and build up our cores.

Happy trails to you and me!

Springtime weather in Summit County is unpredictable. Some days are sunny and the snow can’t melt fast enough. While other days are brisk and snowy.  No matter what Mother Nature throws our way, everyday in Summit is gorgeous and filled with opportunities to have FUN!!

Its closing weekend at Copper Mountain. No shortage of fun to be had here! Close out Copper’s winter season with a splash.

Take a chance at Red Bull SlopeSoakers! This SAT 04/20, the 8th annual is SlopeSoakers contest combines a Slopestyle Rail Jam and a Pond Skim at the base of Center Village, followed by FREE Live Music from Andy Grammer from 3:30-5.  Sunday, Copper is hosting the world’s largest Easter egg hunt. All ages are invited to participate both on mountain and throughout the village, with more free music 3:00 – 4:30pm  by The Struts. For a complete listing of closing weekend activities visit www.coppercolorado.com

Wanna meet the Easter bunny? Come to The Outlets at Silverthorne this Saturday!!  Bring your kids and your camera and head over to the blue village at The Outlets. The Easter bunny will be visiting from 11-2pm along with a FREE petting zoo!!  For the adults, there’s a golden egg hunt with 5 chances to win $300 Outlet gift cards. Store have special spring sales all weekend in case you need to buy your Easter bonnet or fill you baskets with goodies.

If you’d like to worship on Sunday before you ski, here is a list of on mountain Easter services:

Breckenridge — At 6 a.m. on Easter Sunday, load the Quicksilver lift on Peak 9 at Breckenridge Ski Resort up to a special location at 10,000 feet for a free sunrise Easter service. No lift ticket is required; however, ski equipment will not be allowed up the chair and you must by on the lift by 6:10 a.m. Dress warmly for the chair ride and be a part of this service; coffee and pastries will be available for purchase on location at Ten Mile Station.

Copper Mountain — Ride the American Eagle Chairlift at Copper Mountain Resort to the Nature Center behind Solitude Station for an Easter service that starts at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5. You must have a lift ticket or pass and be able to ski or ride down the mountain.

For a complete listing of all Holy Week services: www.summitdaily.com/explore-summit/events/easter-worship-services-in-summit-county

HAPPY EASTER SUMMIT COUNTY

USASA Nationals are coming to a close, the skiing and snowboarding competitions showcased awesome talent and brought families to our beautiful Copper Mountain resort.

What’s next?  Here’s a few ways to enjoy the season…

Copper Brew Bus– it starts at 10 Barrel Brew Pub in Denver on Sat 4/13, heads up to Copper Mountain for riding, food, beer, and live music, then heads back to the pub.

Live music by Max Frost– same day, adjacent beach.  Enjoy a free concert to compliment your buzz.

Woodward Copper Barn is celebrating their 10th anniversary April 19-20!  There will be live music, free beer and pizza.  In case your not already convinced; it’s a big indoor playground with a skate park, gymnastics gear, and people of all ages learning to catch air.

Also on Saturday the 20th, Red Bull Slope Soakers.  Skiers and snowboarders are welcome to compete for prizes in this pond skim with rails, and a panel of judges.

There’s more!  Check out the full schedule here.

Last call for Keystone slopes till next winter.  Let’s celebrate the record snowfall and awesome season with Grammy winning singer/songwriter Tim O’Brien!  If you enjoy Doc Watson, Nickel Creek, and Chris Stapleton, I think you’ll love Tim O’Brien.

Warren Station is the place to be on April 6th, doors open at 8 pm. Tickets starts at $20 and may be purchased here.

Ski Keystone, then get in a few runs at Arapahoe Basin- there’s a shuttle that runs a loop from Keystone’s River Run Village to A-Basin from morning to closing time.  Check out the schedule here.

I like to celebrate with wings and a gin & tonic- no better place for that than Kickapoo Tavern on River Run Road.  Try pairing your wings with the Parmesan truffle fries- AMAZING.

 

 

Can you feel the lull?  There’s less hustle and bustle, a bit more breathing room, and a lot less frenzy.  It seems like the perfect time to slow things down and take in the local offerings.  I think I’ll start with a glass of red wine.  The cheap stuff, because I don’t know the difference.

Pretend like you’re European (maybe you are) and take a long leisurely lunch, start with a wine tasting and winery tour at Carboy Winery in Breckenridge.  Their wine experts can tell you the difference.  RSVP here- Breckenridge@carboywinery.com, or call 970-771-3944. Tastings and tours start at noon and 3 pm everyday for $25 a head.

Now that you’re pleasantly buzzed and well fed, get creative with your friends.  Breck Create hosts a variety of artistic classes for all tastes- maybe do the welding class once that buzz wears off.

If indoor art isn’t your thing take advantage of the warming weather, tie a fly and fish one of Summit County’s many rivers and streams.  Breckenridge Outfitters– one of the most decorated Orvis endorsed Outfitters in the country- has rentals, guides, packages, and the knowledge to get you into the river without a fuss.