Breckenridge for the Non-Skier

March 9, 2021 by Raequel Rhodes

Breckenridge is a ski town best known for 2,908 acres of ride-able terrain spanning over 5 peaks. Groomers, glades, bumps and bowls- Breckenridge Ski Resort has it all. But there is way more to Breckenridge than just skiing. If you are planning a mountain get-away this winter and you don’t ski, there many options from high adrenaline to super effortless activities.

Meet a Giant Troll

TROLL Meet Isak Heartstone, a 25-foot tall troll sculpture made from recycled materials built in 2017 by Danish recycle art activist Thomas Dambo. Isak Heartstone, is open year round and free to visit. He is an easy 5 minute walk from the Trollstigen Trailhead located in the south-east corner of the Breckenridge Ice Arena, 189 Boreas Pass Rd. Parking is free but limited. For more information visit https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/plan-ahead-and-prepare/Plan your Trip.

Don’t Watch a Mystery. Solve one!

Relax your body and challenge your mind at ESCAPE ROOM BRECKENRIDGE. Your group will be locked away in a private themed room to test your problem solving skills in a race against the clock. Together your group will solve riddles, crack codes and find clues in order to escape doom. ESCAPE ROOM BRECKENRIDGE ranks the challenges from Easy for younger players to Hard for more strategic sleuths. Themes include Breckenridge Wizard School, Hollywood Secret Agent and Captain Steelhook’s Treasure Hunt. Reservations are required. Group max is 8 people. For additional information or to book your escape visit https://www.escaperoombreckenridge.com/

Tubing Makes Everyone Smile!

While there is not a tubing park in Breckenridge, you can tube for FREE at the Carter Park sledding hill. Ask your front desk or property management company if they have snow tubes or sled available for guest use, or sleds are available for purchase at the City Market and Food Kingdom grocery stores.

If you need more adventure, jump on the Summit Stage FREE Bus and head over to the Frisco Adventure Park. Their multi-lane, 1200-foot tubing hill features a magic carpet to pull riders uphill. Open until 6PM. Reservation Required. https://www.townoffrisco.com/play/winter-tubing-skiing/tubing/

You don’t have to ski to Après

Lifts close at 4 pm and then its time for après libations. Enjoy cocktails, tasty Mediterranean appetizers and laughs as you watch the sun go down on BoLD‘s heated patio. BoLD, is conveniently located at Main Street Station, 505 Main Street. BoLD offers indoor and outdoor dome seating and has an amazing happy hour from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily. For more information or to make reservations visit their website https://www.boldbreck.com

Whatever you decide to do while visiting Breckenridge, have fun, stay safe and please wear a mask.

Get Hitched in Breckenridge

February 23, 2021 by Raequel Rhodes

Here comes the Bride.

2020 was a make it or break it year for many relationships. Congratulations to all the couples who made it through Covid and are heading to the alter in 2021. To all the couple who had to postpone their 2020 wedding; we are ready for you. Mother Nature provides the most spectacular décor you could possibly image. Wedding season in Summit County is year round. So what are you waiting for?

The Lodge at Breckenridge, a boutique hotel overlooking the Town of Breckenridge, is an ideal location for your dream mountain wedding. The Lodge at Breckenridge can accommodate all your guests in their 45 rooms and suites. They have 2 luxury private homes perfect for groomsmen or bridal parties, an onsite bar and restaurant, private decks, and a day spa all located minutes from world class skiing. The Lodge at Breckenridge allows pets, just in case your best man is man’s best friend.

Wedding Trends

2021’s matrimonial trend is the micro-wedding. Micro-weddings are a cross between an elopement and a big, traditional wedding. Its an inmate event with close friends and family. Its a much easier and safer option during Covid-19. Smaller weddings can be simple and relatively inexpensive, fairy-tale extravagant or anywhere in-between. Why Knot Weekday Weddings are a great way to save money with a weekday ceremony. Your friends and family can take advance of shorter weekday lift lines on the days prior to the big event. For more information about weddings at The Lodge at Breckenridge https://thelodgeatbreckenridge.com/weddings-private-events/weddings/

Stress is an Option.

If your heart is set on a large event, Breckenridge offers multiple large venues to accommodate your every wish. Larger weddings, particularly during a pandemic, are more challenging to plan. Hiring a wedding planner to manage your event will reduce stress and red tape. Its best to hire a local wedding planner. Denver planners may not be familiar with the quirks of Summit County. Wedding Planners are familiar with local health ordinances and restrictions. Shawna Henderson, at Breck Mnt Weddings, lives year round in Breckenridge and has assisted dozens and dozens of happy couples creating their dream day. You can find additional information about wedding planners here: https://breck-mtn-wedding.business.site

Can my cousin marry us?

One of the most unique aspects of any Colorado wedding is the officiant. Your cousin, brother, uncle, or best friend does NOT need to become ordained online to preside over your ceremony. Legally, couples may solemnize their marriage in Colorado. This means that you do not need an officiant or witnesses. You do need a license that may be obtained weekdays at a County Clerks office in Colorado. Fill out the short application. Both parties will need to provide a legal form of identification. The fee is $30. You will receive your license valid for 35 days in about 15 minutes. For additional information on obtaining a marriage license in Summit County visit https://www.summitcounty.org/276/Marriage-Licenses

Summit County is a great place to begin your new life. No matter where you decide to tie the knot, we wish you only the best.

Congratulations from Summit Express!

The Groundhog was Right

February 19, 2021 by Raequel Rhodes

Mother Nature is Awake

Summit Express Vans Winter with skiers.jpg It seems like Mother Nature was napping early ski season. Keystone, Copper Mountain and Breckenridge have been up and running for months. December and January snow fall totals were lower than this powder-hound had hoped, but the combination of exceptional grooming and man made snow provided vacationers with great conditions for every skill levels. February brought back to back arctic storms across the Rocky Mountains and much of the southwest. If Mother nature was resting; she is awake now. Conditions are excellent! Check for yourself with live on mountain cameras.

https://www.coppercolorado.com/the-mountain/webcams/mountain

https://www.keystoneresort.com/the-mountain/mountain-conditions/mountain-cams.aspx

https://www.breckenridge.com/the-mountain/mountain-conditions/mountain-cams.aspx

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

The warmest days of February could possibly be behind us. There is no reason to suffer on the slopes if you dress properly.

FACE MASKS are required in public places including lift lines. Disposable cloth, thin nylon and cotton masks freeze up and slip off. The best mask I have found for skiing was designed for athletes and costs $30. INVEST!!! You will not regret it. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/c/accessories-facemasks-hoods-gaiters/

Base Layers, also known as Long Underwear, are a must. Even on cold days, your body sweats. Your base layer should be moisture wicking. Sweat is absorbed and pushed away from your skin keeping you warm. Yes to wool. No to Cotton.

Layers. Layer. Layers. Light weight fleece or wool top over your base layer. Add a vest if you tend to be cold.

Ski Jacket. The best jackets to keep you warm are insulated and water resistant. Jackets have a variety of features like hoods, zippers vents and tons of pockets. Jackets come in all sorts of patterns and textures. Feel free to make a fashion statement with your outerwear.

Bibs or Snow Pants. Like jackets, should be insulated, water resistant and made of a moisture wicking fabric. Save your jeans for après.

Ski Socks are specially made to support your foot and keep your toes warm while skiing and riding. Avoid cotton socks. They do not absorb sweat. Wet feet are cold feet. Avoid wearing 2 pairs of socks. This restricts blood flow and makes your feet colder.

Gloves or Mittens. Mittens tend to be warmer than gloves. You don’t need ski- or snowboard-specific, but do choose water resistant and insulated gloves or mittens to keep your digits toasty.

WEAR A HELMET! Not only do helmets protect your head from injury, they keep your noggin warm.

Protect your Eyes from wind, sun, snow glare, and ultra-violet rays with polarized googles. Googles can be pricey but are worth it. Photokeratitis or snow blindness, is a sunburn to the cornea. Its not permeant but it is painful. If you don’t have googles, choose a sunglass with sport quality glass, plastic and polycarbonate lenses.

STAY WARM. HAVE FUN.

Copper Mountain 2021

January 25, 2021 by Raequel Rhodes

Welcome to Copper Mountain 2021

It’s just 3 weeks into the new year and already 2021 feels extra special. Here’s hoping for the safety and well being of family, friends, co-workers, community, and every visitor to Summit County.

I’m feeling optimistic this year! Several long months ago I feared there would be NO ski season at all. I could not have been more wrong.

Winter 20/21 is in full swing. And it’s really fun!!

I had the pleasure to ski Copper Mountain last week. It was glorious! Copper has over 120 open trails sprawling across 1700 acres of various terrain. From steep tree runs and bowls off the t-bar to family-friendly tubing and the snow coaster; there truly is something for everyone.

If you have not planned your winter get-away, it’s not too late.

Everything you need to know before you go can be found at https://www.coppercolorado.com The knowledgeable Copper Reservation team will help you plan your perfect Colorado vacation by calling 888-760-7561. It’s certainly not too late to plan a trip, but you will need to make a plan. Covid limitations=less availability, so make reservations for everything from Airport shuttle to Snowmobiles.

Copper Mountain is a self-contained resort community. Everything you want or need is within walking distance of Copper Center Village. Copper has an inner resort bus system to drive you where you need to be whether it’s groceries, gear, or dining. You absolutely do not need a car if you are staying at Copper.

Dining options at Copper are plentiful and affordable.

The resort has added lots of physically distanced outdoor dining seats in Center Village as well as Grab & Go dining options. So grab a burger and a seat and enjoy the uphill view of snowboarders doing tricks on Woodward half pipe. Additional information on Copper Mountain dining https://www.coppercolorado.com/things-to-do/dining-apres/on-mountain-dining

Plan your runs on the Lift

Colorado resorts, for safety reasons, allow only people traveling together to ride up the gondola together. It’s just a few extra minutes on your first ride up the American Flyer and American Eagle lifts. Once you get up the mountain there are multiple mid-way lifts to help you avoid the base. It’s always a good idea to look at the trail map on your ride up.

You simply can’t go wrong visiting Summit County this year. I hope I see you at Copper soon.

Ski Reservations or Lack Thereof

January 2, 2021 by Kevin W

Forgot to book Epic pass ski reservations or just didn’t make them in time? Have no fear . . There is so much more to do here.

The new reservations system for skiing has certainly made the whole aspect of the sport a little harder than just waking up. . .checking the weather . . .and going skiing. These days it’s a little more stressful to book a short ski trip when the option to ski every day can be an uncertainty. Although skiing and snowboarding is our most popular activity here in the mountains, our quaint little county still offers so much more.

Here’s a few winter activities that you wont normally see on the travel brochures:

Natural Pond Skating

Summit Cove Pond– A low profile neighborhood pond 5 mins from keystone. This pond is regularly maintenance by locals. There is plenty of room to skate for leisure and goals for hockey as well. This pond is smaller and freezes very well. No worries on safety issues here
Walmart Pond– Right behind Walmart you can find another small pond. Lots of hockey games going on here. Plus if you need equipment Walmart is literally a stones throw away.
Silverthorne Elementary School pond– Just off of highway 9 before the elementary school is a large pond that often will host organized hockey games like the PBR classic.
Lake Dillon- Not into skating? Test your luck ice fishing on the lake or just relax and watch the kite boarders on a sunny day

Winter Hiking- Most people picture snowshoeing through deep snow when it comes to hiking in the winter but that is not always the case here in Summit. Most of our popular hiking trails see a lot of foot traffic all year long, which allows for easy access using just a pair of winter boots.

winter hikes in summit county < 3

The troll –Isak Heartstone has become one of the most popular hiking destinations in Breck over the past few years. He now sits in a very accessible location behind the ice rink. This enormous troll is always worth a visit. Maybe two or three visits actually.
Officers Gultch– This hike is especially nice if you have dogs with you on your trip. This spot is right off i70 on the way to Copper. It may be a little out of the way for some but it is also way less traveled than most hikes in the county and still offers amazing views as well as a large frozen lake to hike around. This is one of my favorite spots to go with my dogs, especially when the county gets crowded.
Old Lake Dillon– You might drive by this hike everyday with out knowing that it even exists. Perched above the current Lake Dillon lies an old lake that is now used as a reservoir. The only way you can even see this hidden gem is from the mountains above. . .that is unless you hike up and see if for yourself up close and personal. It’s a fairly shot hike but it will open up a slew of new views of the lake below and surrounding peaks. This hike has a great boot pack all year around and is located right off the dam road.

Good old fashioned sledding

It is not very hard find a good sledding hill around these parts. Just take a look around and you’ll see what I mean. There are hills everywhere but if you aren’t feeling adventurous then go check out the new sledding hill by the airport lot in Breckenridge. It’s one of the newer additions to that up and coming area.

Still set on skiing no matter what?

Here’s what to do: If you don’t have an epic pass or just can’t get reservations to Breckenridge and or Keystone try getting a ticket for Copper Mountain. If you can take the bus there is no need for reservations there. Hopefully you get to enjoy some ski days on your visit but if not always ask a local for some advice on what to do. We are generally pretty friendly people up here in the mountains! Most will point you in the right direction.

After a slow start. . .snow is finally starting to pile up in the mountains. Go get yourself some turns..but don’t forget a reservation!!

Be safe out there and please remember to respect all restrictions that are still set in place for our county. We thank you for helping us to keep Summit County safe

Keystone 2020- What to Expect this December

December 17, 2020 by Raequel Rhodes

Expectations for December: Keystone Colorado

Every time you visit the Rocky Mountains you can expect to be surrounded by take-your-breath-away beauty and the world’s BEST recreational downhill terrain. Keystone is no exception. So here is what you’ll need to expect this December.

Keystone is the perfect location for an unforgettable Christmas getaway. The mountain is open for skiing and boarding. Mother nature has provided a solid base. Snow making technicians have been hard at work making and moving snow around the entire mountain. Conditions are great. Of course, we want more snow!! Reminder: When you pray for snow, pray for snow in our mountains.

For the most updated conditions, visit Keystone’s website or checkout their live mountain camera. https://www.keystoneresort.com/the-mountain/mountain-conditions/mountain-cams.aspx

I’ve skied Keystone several times this December. Its been AWESOME. Here’s what you can expect on the mountain.

SE’s account manager enjoying another blue bird day at Keystone Resort

Reservations to ski are required in advance. I can not stress this enough. Reservations are required and can be purchased here: https://www.epicpass.com/info/reservation-details.aspx
Masks are required in all public areas including the lift line. It’s non-negotiable. For the safety of your family and others, please wear your mask. There are plenty of Keystone employees to help you with questions, direct you to ski school, carry your gear and to enforce this county mandated safety measure.
Gondola is restricted to parties traveling together. What this means is it takes a little longer to get up the mountain than years past, especially if you are riding as a single. Ski-like-a-local tip: Consult your trail map while enjoying the scenic gondola ride. Look for mid-mountain lifts, like Montezuma to avoid the base area. If you do ski to the base, take the Summit Express lift back up, instead of the gondola. The lines are shorter and you will not have to take off your skis. Check out the trail map: https://www.keystoneresort.com/the-mountain/about-the-mountain/trail-map.aspx
Plan your breaks. Indoor dining is closed on the mountain. Restrooms are open. There are grab and go food options mid-mountain, but you will have to eat and enjoy that beer outside on picnic tables. Restaurants in the village are open for outdoor seating. Keystone has enhanced outdoor heaters but it’s not the same as warming up for an hour over lunch at a mid-mountain lodge. Plan ahead. Eat a protein-packed breakfast before you hit the slopes. Pack a granola bar in your jacket. For more information about dining at Keystone: https://www.keystoneresort.com/explore-the-resort/during-your-stay/dining.aspx
DRINK WATER. Keystone’s base is 9,280 feet in elevation. Humidity at high altitude is very low. As a result, you may not be able to know how much moisture has evaporated from your skin. Ski-like-a-local tip: The best way to avoid injuries is to ski terrain within your ability level. Don’t forget to take breaks, especially because on-mountain lodges are not open. Remember to rest your muscles!

Keep these tips in mind when you are planning your day on the mountain and you will have a blast!!

Plus, when your ski day is over, there are still plenty of fun activities and sites to see. Bundle up and enjoy everything Summit County has to offer.

Dillon Marina Park has a giant LED Holiday Tree with music and a choreographed light show on display nightly from 5p-9p. for more information on Dillon events: https://www.townofdillon.com/events
If you need more holiday lights, check out Silverthorne’s displays. https://www.silverthorne.org/discover-silverthorne/visitor-s-guide/holiday-light-guide
If lights aren’t your thing, try bowling. Elevation Bowl in Dillon has 16 brand new lanes and is open and accepting reservations. 970-368-6435
Or go tubing in Keystone. https://www.keystoneresort.com/explore/mountaintop-snow-tubing-confirmation.aspx

Physical Distancing is a drag, but don’t let it ruin your vacation. There is still plenty to see and do. We are so happy you are coming to Colorado. The skiing is amazing. Enjoy your holidays. Have Fun. Be Safe and remember to follow all county protocols.

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