January 2010 | Summit Vacations

Monthly Archives: January 2010

Breckenridge Home Rentals: A Christmas Tradition

Written on January 23, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge Main Street, Breckenridge condos, breckenridge

Traveling during the holidays is inevitable for many of us. And, with so many families spread out from one end of the country to the other, it often takes a great deal of planning and preparation to get everyone together in one central location. Why not mix it up this year? Rather than travel home for the holidays, why not have the family all meet together in Breckenridge, the one place that really knows the meaning of Christmas spirit.

Home away from home: It’s hard work fitting the whole family comfortably under one roof in any location. Unfortunately, when the family all comes back to its home base, this often means that some members are left sleeping on the couch or settling for that old futon in the basement. There’s never enough room in the bathroom, and privacy is simply nonexistent. But, traveling with the entire family can often bring just as many drawbacks, as hotel rooms provide even less privacy and almost no comfort. Well, Breckenridge just might have the solution to this problem. Breckenridge home rentals offer all of the comforts of home, but with even more benefits. By renting a home, you can select the number of bedrooms to fit your party. And, since these homes are designed for vacationers, extra bathrooms and large living areas are usually standard in the floor plan. Plus, large, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and mountain views are all standard bonus features that make a Christmas in Breckenridge warm and inviting.

Home away from home

Town charm: There is perhaps no place that is more charming during the holidays than Victorian-inspired Main Street in Breckenridge. The whole town comes together for seasonal events that start off with the lighting of the town Christmas tree. A caroling procession begins on Main Street and travels to the Blue River Plaza, where the tree is lit amongst a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Of course, Santa joins the procession, which is also complimented with storytelling, holiday crafts workshops, and, of course, hot cocoa and cookies.

Unlimited activities: We all know that the very best way to spend the Christmas holiday is surrounded by family and friends. Sometimes, just staying in to play games, catch up, exchange gifts, or retell stories is the perfect way to spend the holiday. However, if your group is looking for some outdoor activity, Breckenridge offers no shortage of opportunities. Do a little sightseeing by taking the family on a dog sledding tour or a snow mobiling adventure. Or, bundle up and go for a snowshoeing hike or cross-country ski through snowy landscapes. Of course, spending a day or two at the Breckenridge Ski Resort is a must. Regardless of the skill level of the members of your family, Breckenridge offers terrain to match any skier or boarder. And, for beginners or those seeking improvement, the Breckenridge Ski and Ride school offers half- and full-day lessons.

Local flavor: Any holiday trip to Breckenridge must be accompanied by a visit to the Breckenridge Brewery for a pint or two of the seasonal Christmas Ale. Colorado is known for its microbrews, and the Breckenridge Brewery is one of the state’s best. After your stop in the brewery, however, why not continue the feast by bundling up and taking the family on a dinner sleigh ride? You’ll climb aboard a majestic sleigh to be transported by beautiful horses through some of the most beautiful mountain landscape in the world. Finally, the horse-drawn carriage ends at a premier Breckenridge restaurant where you’ll be wined and dined.

You’re guaranteed a holiday season like no other in Breckenridge. And, you just never know…Christmas in Breckenridge just might become a holiday tradition.

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Early Planning for Breckenridge Lodging Goes Far

Written on January 21, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Ski, breckenridge

Ski season is fast approaching the mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado, meaning it’s time to begin making plans for your annual winter trip. With snow already falling and town events dotting the calendar, there’s no better time to prepare for your Breckenridge vacation than the present. So, just what should be on your agenda?

Sick Grab!

Confirm Breckenridge lodging: The premier terrain at the Breckenridge Ski Resort is certainly no secret. And, when combined with town attractions and Main Street’s charm, Breckenridge has quickly become the place to take a ski vacation. Therefore, it’s important to make your lodging plans early. From discount lodging options to more upscale vacation home choices, Breckenridge certainly offers variety in accommodations. Still, the early bird does get the worm in Breck, so plan and book early to ensure your vacation accommodations are exactly what you imagine.

Select, and purchase, lift tickets: Let’s face it: lift tickets take a chunk out of your vacation budget. But, with some early planning, there is plenty of savings to be found at the Breckenridge Ski Resort. If you’re planning a longer vacation, you won’t find a better deal than what’s offered with the Epic Pass. With access to six of Colorado’s best ski mountains – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, and Arapahoe Basin – this pass allows skiers to access a variety of terrain (all close to Breckenridge) with no blackout dates or restrictions. The total cost is $599, which gives you your money’s worth if you use this pass at least six times. Now, for those who will only be skiing one or two days, there are still deals to be found if you act early. Shop online, compare prices, and look into bundling your lift tickets with your lodging or equipment rental. By combining costs, you’ll often find savings.

Gear up: Now is a good time to search online for equipment rentals if you don’t own your own gear. By confirming rentals now, you’ll avoid long lines at the rental shop and you can likely find discounted prices. Don’t feel limited to the Ski Resort rental shop for your equipment. Call local shops in Breckenridge and ask about discounts and promotions, or search online for private parties who rent equipment. You might even ask neighbors or friends if they have equipment you can travel with. And, finally, if you’re in the market to buy your own gear, shop now for early savings. Waiting until the height of ski season to make purchases will almost guarantee you’ll pay top dollar for equipment.

Condition your body: Skiing just cannot be compared to any other sport, which is why you plan your yearly trip to Breckenridge, right? But, along with the excitement and exhilaration of the sport comes muscle use that’s likely been out of commission for the spring, summer, and fall. Because skiing relies on lateral movements much more than the “one step in front of the other” pattern used for walking or running, it’s important to get your legs and feet back in condition to make this lateral change. Try short, side-to-side, jumps (perhaps over a stack of books or another prop). You might integrate lunges in between jumps to work your glutes, and work on your balance and posture simultaneously. Speaking of balance, work yoga sessions into your weekly routines. And, incorporate strength-training exercises by adding sit-ups and arm, leg, and shoulder weight routines into the mix.

There is no doubt that you’ve made the right decision by planning your winter ski vacation in Breckenridge. By searching for Breckenridge lodging early and purchasing your lift tickets before you get to town, you’ll have the comfort and assurance that your trip will be stress-free. Add in plans for equipment rental with a routine for ski conditioning, and you’ll be in tip-top shape to attack the slopes.

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Lodging in Breckenridge Completes Perfect Mountain Vacation

Written on January 19, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Lake Dillon, Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge condos

When it comes to planning a Colorado mountain vacation, location means everything. You want to find the town that offers great skiing, variety in lodging, and a town culture that offers shopping, dining, and nightlife. Still, you want that tucked away mountain charm, but you need to have easy access to the airport or other services close the interstate. Meeting all of these criteria, Breckenridge is Colorado’s premier mountain destination. While Breckenridge’s Main Street is about a ten-minute drive from I-70, you’d never know it. The small, Victorian-inspired town has a remote feel that gives visitors and locals easy access to the Denver International Airport, Grand Junction, or other points in between. And, those points in between are certainly worth exploring.

The Vail Valley: There is no doubt about it: Vail is a beautiful ski town. However, when it comes to choosing the town where you’ll spend the majority of your time, Breckenridge is the obvious choice. First, lodging in Breckenridge beats Vail in terms of price and value. Because Vail tailors to a more upscale clientele, vacationers find that the price tag for accommodations is almost always higher than that in Breck. Plus, Breckenridge is closer to DIA for those travelers relying on flights. However, because Breckenridge is next door to Vail, vacationers can still experience both towns. Stay in Breck and plan in a day trip to Vail to experience the best of both worlds.

Silverthorne/Dillon: Many visitors choose to ski at Breckenridge, but stay in one of Summit County towns right off the interstate. Unfortunately, they do this for the wrong reasons. While Silverthorne and Dillon might be located right off the exit of I-70, the downfalls of this are much greater than the upsides. First, winter traffic is often congested in these towns due to the amount of shopping, dining, and convenience stores that fill the town. But, aside from shopping, these towns lack much of the charm that Breckenridge offers. By taking away Silverthorne’s outlet stores and Dillon’s fast-food restaurants, Breckenridge is able to promote independent shops and restaurants to make it unique and less crowded. Additionally, Breckenridge offers just as many lodging deals as Silverthorne and Dillon, but chances are you’ll find those deals in Breckenridge condos or townhomes rather than Silverthorne and Dillon motels. Of course, you’ll also find the best of both worlds by making Breckenridge your home base. Those who can’t resist a day of outlet shopping will still be in close bargain-hunting proximity.

Keystone: Many skiers love vacationing in Breckenridge because of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. With terrain for all skill levels and extra bonus features such as terrain parks and half pipes, there’s no better mountain to spend your days. Still, many skiers live for the thrill of mountain hopping, and a Breckenridge location makes this easy. Not only is Breck close to the Vail Ski Resort, but it’s even closer to the Keystone Ski Resort. While Keystone has a lot to offer on the slopes, it can’t come close to offering the town amenities and accommodations variety that Breckenridge does. So, while you might head to Keystone for a few runs, Breckenridge offers much more off the slopes.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Denver: Breckenridge is one of the top ski resorts visited by Denver locals for good reason. Those who have just a day or two to visit know that Breckenridge provides the entire experience. Not only is the skiing world-class, but Main Street provides a perfect mix of dining, shopping, and nightlife for out-of-towners. Plus, lodging in Breckenridge gives visitors both affordability and value.

Sure, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the one location that will serve as your mountain vacation home base. However, don’t make it so hard on yourself. Come to the one place where you truly can have it all: Breckenridge.

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Breckenridge Ski In Ski Out for More Reasons than One

Written on January 17, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge condos, Ski, breckenridge

Winter sports enthusiasts love Breckenridge, Colorado, and it’s not all that hard to see why. It’s no secret that the Breckenridge Ski Resort and surrounding Ten Mile Range offer world-class skiing, snow mobiling, and snowshoeing. But, it’s the access that Breckenridge provides that puts it miles above other Colorado ski towns. That’s because Breckenridge ski in ski out condos and townhomes position visitors where the action is: right at the base of the Ski Resort. But just what does a Breckenridge ski in ski out accommodation grant you? Much more than just location.

Breckenridge ski in ski out accomodation

Freedom: Have you ever experienced the feeling of being the very first in line to open the mountain for the day? Imagine the freedom of glancing behind you to notice all the skiers and boarders who will be following your trails down the mountain since you’re positioned as leader of the pack. Fresh powder is a guarantee for that first run of the morning, as only the groomers have made it there before you. A Breckenridge ski in ski out condo makes this possible. By using your own skis as your transportation to the lift line, you not only cut out ski traffic, but you start your day concentrating on the sport you love.

Adventure: Visiting Breckenridge should be focused on the goal of seeking out new adventures and exploring new terrain. Because you’re granted so much more time on the mountain in Breck, your options open up quite a bit. Four peaks make the Breckenridge Ski Resort, and you’ll have time to attack each of them since you’re cutting out travel time to and from the mountain. Plus, Breckenridge’s five terrain parks and two half-pipes certainly are nothing to scoff at. Find the adventure there early before the crowds arrive, and you’re sure to have that half-pipe all to yourself.

Enlightenment: It’s apparent that Breckenridge offers a lot on the slopes. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Head to town and you’ll quickly find that Breckenridge is a town in constant celebration. Town events fill the calendar. For example, January’s International Snow Sculpture Championship brings worldwide talent to town. Groups of competitors craft massive ice sculptures while the town cheers and anxiously awaits the judge’s results. And, while this championship is more of a spectator sport, Breckenridge hosts plenty of competitions throughout the year that calls for participation from visitors and locals. Check Breck’s entertainment calendar for a list of updated activities and events.

Enthusiasm: There’s a reason visitors come back to Breckenridge year after year. It keeps them young and enthusiastic. Simply put, the athlete inside of you will find that a yearly trip to Breckenridge is a must. That’s because there’s always a new way to push yourself in Breckenridge. Whether it entails a one-on-one session with one of the pros at the Ski and Ride School or a backcountry adventure snowshoe, your body will be pushed to new limits each visit to Breckenridge, and it will not let you down. You’ll be surprised what new landscape and new activity can do for your soul.

Anything is possible in Breckenridge, and a ski in ski out condo puts you right where the adventure begins. Simply head out your front door and you’ll find unlimited terrain and a backcountry playground that invites you to explore for days. Why not give yourself the freedom to seek new adventures and enlighten your soul? Breckenridge ski in ski out accommodations certainly position you to do just that.

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Set your Priorities with Breckenridge Ski In Ski Out Condos

Written on January 15, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Accommodations, Breckenridge Lodging, Breckenridge condos, breckenridge

Snow is falling in Colorado, which means only one thing: It’s time to go skiing. Fortunately, Breckenridge Ski Resort opens its 2,358 acres in November and doesn’t close until April. This gives you plenty of time to pack in a productive ski season. Still, productivity is the key to a good day on the slopes. So, what are some of the best ways to spend your day in Breckenridge?

Powder Near Breckenridge Ski in Ski Out Condos

Powder day!

Start Early: While your mother and father’s constant reminders that “the early bird gets the worm” might have grown a bit old, the adage certainly rings true if you want to make the most of a powder day in Breckenridge. If you are serious about hitting the slopes, make all of your plans early. Breckenridge ski in ski out accommodations are normally the first booked, and for good reason. By staying within skiing distance from the Resort, you’ll guarantee yourself one of the first rides on the gondola. Make your accommodations now to guarantee you’re within spitting distance from the slopes.
Ease into the Day: Because you’ll be one of the first skiers on the mountain, you’ll have lots of runs to choose from. But, keep in mind that you have all day to attack some of the more technical and challenging trails. Why not start your day by assessing the scene and enjoying a peaceful ride? Find Peak 7 and take the Imperial Express SuperChair (the highest lift in all of North America) to the height of 12,800 feet for an unmatched view of the Ten Mile Range. Exit the lift on the right toward the Monte Cristo trail for early morning views of town and Lake Dillon. Cruise through the rolling hills you’ll find there, which will give you the chance to clear your head, focus on the day, and get your adrenaline pumping.
Gain the Knowledge: Breckenridge’s four peaks are massive and include more terrain than you can ever hope to conquer in just a few days. Still, you don’t want to waste time, so be sure to attack the day with a plan. Talk to locals, grab a map, and have a game plan for the day. The Ski Resort offers The Big Mountain Experience, a program in which ski experts instruct newbies on strategies for tackling some of Breckenridge’s most difficult terrain. If a challenge is what you are seeking, be sure to arm yourself with knowledge and approach each run with safety as your top priority.
Rest and Rejuvenate: Even the most expert skiers need to plan breaks into their days. Remember, you’ll be playing at high altitude in Breckenridge, so be sure to keep yourself properly hydrated and energized by taking frequent water and snack breaks. The Sevens Restaurant is located near Peaks 7 and 8 and offers full-service dining or quick meals from a pick-up window. You’ll find the Ten Mile Station at Peak 10 as well.
Complete the Cycle: If you start the day off on Peak 7, it only makes sense that you end it on Peak 10, where the more expert terrain is found. Bag the Cimarron Trail to boat that you’ve tackled Breckenridge’s former World cup racecourse. Or, choose from some of the steep blue runs or other groomed black diamonds. Either way, you’ll end your day at the Resort on a high note.

Of course, any day on the slopes should be rewarded with a stop at one of Breckenridge’s favorite après ski spots. Rest your weary bones with drink and appetizer specials, chatting with others about the magnificent day you’ve had on the slopes. Share stories, and get ideas, because you’ll soon be heading back to your Breckenridge ski in ski out condo to create the next day’s game plan.

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Breckenridge Provides the Best of All Worlds

Written on January 14, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Arts, Breckenridge Main Street, Breckenridge condos, Breckenridge spas, breckenridge dining, breckenridge restaurants

Many criteria must be met to truly call a ski town “spectacular.” While the most important factor is certainly the ski resort itself, ski towns also earn a good name through their ability to blend town charm, dining, and entertainment. After all, your winter ski trip isn’t going to be limited entirely to the slopes. You’ll want to be sure to find just the right town that blends entertainment with good food and drink, and variety with friendly, hospitable service. If your travel plans take you to Colorado, consider yourself one of the fortunate. If they take you to Breckenridge, your good fortune is immeasurable. Why? Let’s begin to count the ways.

Breckenridge Tops your Activity List. The 2008 “Best of Summit County” results are in, and the yearly poll put out by The Summit Daily News confirms that Breckenridge has it all. Because votes were cast by locals, you know the results are worth your attention. Since Breckenridge takes the top award in categories such as Best Ski Mountain, Best Place to People Watch, Best Golf Course, and Best Hiking Trail, you can be confident that your trip to Breck will be filled with premium adventure opportunities. Now that’s cause for celebration.

Celebrate with the Best Drinks in Town. All the top-rated activity in the world just wouldn’t complete a ski vacation without a good bar to unwind after a day on the slopes in celebration of après ski. You’re in luck if you’re travelling to Breckenridge. The town favorite, Mi Casa, located just at the base of the ski resort, is this year’s Best of Summit County pick for Best Après Ski. Join locals and visitors for a margarita and great Mexican food that’s sure to make each hour a happy one. If you’re style is a bit more posh, head to Main Street’s Blue River Bistro for Summit County’s Best Martini.

Breckenridge

Dine with only the Best Intentions. Dining out is certainly one of the best parts of a vacation. Not only are you afforded the chance to try some new culinary delights, but you simultaneously sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. After all, you are on a vacation, which entitles you to live it up. Still, ski town restaurants can be tricky since you have little knowledge of your options. Once again, take some advice from those who know Summit County cuisine. If you’re in to raw fish, try Mountain Flying Fish, winner of Best Sushi Restaurant. If a carnivore’s appetite is more your style, opt for Steak and Rib, voted to serve the Best Steak in Summit County. And, if you’re just looking for overall good food and service, look no farther than Breckenridge’s own Hearthstone, winner of Best Caterer, Best Restaurant, and Best Restaurant Service (weighing in a close second and third were Café Alpine and South Ridge Seafood).

Stay with the Best. Of course, wonderful food, drink, and long days of world-class skiing are key components to granting you your best vacation yet. But, don’t forget about lodging. Rather than opting for a room at a lodge, consider giving your group a bit more privacy and space with a Breckenridge condo or vacation home. Breckenridge accomodations are available in a variety of locations, floorplans, and sizes, so be sure to find just exactly the right place to complete your dream vacation.

While many ski towns offer the picturesque winter wonderland scene that is synonymous with Colorado winter, you might not find just what you’re looking for once you get inside. You can be confident with your decision when choosing Breckenridge, not only for some of Colorado’s best skiing, but for some of Colorado’s best times as well.

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Celebrate Community with Breckenridge Vacation Rentals

Written on January 12, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Arts, Breckenridge Lodging, breckenridge, breckenridge events

Being a part of a community is important. We often celebrate this with neighborhood block parties and citywide celebrations. However, when we go on vacation, community is not often a major consideration in our destination. But, since we’re giving our hard-earned money to our particular vacation spot, community just might be more important than we think. After all, by supporting a specific community by choosing it as our vacation destination, we are hopefully contributing to its success and development for years to come. For these reasons and many more, Breckenridge vacation rentals are a smart investment.

Breckneridge Main Street

Local Pride: Breckenridge’s historic Main Street is the heart and soul of town. Victorian-inspired shops, restaurants, and bars line the street, and horse-drawn carriages transport visitors from one end of town to the other. Vacationers love Main Street’s charming shops, delicious restaurants, and friendly bars. But, the entire reason Main Street exudes so much charm is because it is filled with local businesses. This means you won’t find the typical fast-food chains or large shopping monopolies. Instead, you will find local artists, retailers, chefs, and bartenders who are excited to share their town with you. These folks live by Breckenridge’s laid-back philosophy and welcome you with their hospitality. By supporting these local merchants, you help to guarantee that Breckenridge stays independent, which is the reason visitors like it so much in the first place.

Community Reciprocation: As you give to the Breckenridge community, it gives back to you. The town of Breckenridge prides itself on supporting community events that pay off for tourists and locals. For example, a free town shuttle takes passengers from one end of town to the other, a service that is unbeatable on cold and snowy afternoons. But, the real wealth of Breckenridge’s community giving is seen in its town events. As host to the International Snow Sculpture Championship, Mardi Gras Parade, and Ullr Fest, Breckenridge offers free and fun events all year long to locals and visitors.

Opportunities for Involvement: Several of Colorado’s mountain towns offer little more to visitors than mountain activity. Other than skiing and snowboarding, however, Breckenridge is a town that always has something going on. Between art workshops, community recreation, and many other scheduled classes and events, there’s no shortage of off-mountain activities to keep you busy.

Historic Roots: Other than Breckenridge, where else can you spend the morning skiing and the afternoon taking a historical look at the past? While Main Street is a historical landmark all to itself, Breckenridge also features several other opportunities to experience the history of the Wild West. The Country Boy Mine, for example, is a popular tourist destination that still gives guided underground tours to show and explain Breckenridge’s large role in the gold mining boom of the West. Additionally, the Barney Ford House Museum gives visitors a first-hand look at the home of an escaped slave whose journey on the Underground Railroad made him famous. And, you can pay a visit to Breckenridge’s earliest settlers who are laid rest at the Valley Brook Cemetery.

If you are looking for chain restaurants and big box stores to line the roads of your vacation destination, then be sure and steer clear of Breckenridge. This mountain town prides itself on its deep roots and strong community. Find out what makes Breckenridge stand apart from the crowd, and experience what it means to be a part of a unique community…even when you are on vacation.

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Snowshoeing in and around Breckenridge Colorado lodging

Written on January 10, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Lodging, Ski, breckenridge

If the sport of snowshoeing isn’t one you have tried yet, you have no idea just how much you are missing. And, there’s no better place in all of Colorado to snowshoe than Breckenridge. The town’s 300 plus inches of snow each year provide the perfect white playground for your snowshoeing adventures to begin. So, whether you’re a veteran to the sport or you’re attacking it for the first time, Breckenridge Colorado lodging offers some of the best access to premier snowshoeing terrain.

Why snowshoeing? To begin, snowshoes are quite functional. If you’re visiting Breckenridge and are lucky enough to have accommodations in rental houses off of Main Street, chances are you’ll find plenty of snow right in your back yard. Simply heading out for a walk is much easier with the help of snowshoes, which provide traction as they literally grip the snow. Just strap them onto your waterproof boots and you will get through deep snow in no time. But, snowshoes aren’t just functional items. Just like a pair of skis or a snowboard, snowshoes are sporting equipment. And, the sport of snowshoeing is gaining popularity quickly.

Snowshoeing Near Breckenridge Co Lodging

Snowshoeing in Breckenridge

Who snowshoes? Just about anyone who can walk can snowshoe. This is one reason the sport is becoming so popular. Many non-skiers love that snowboarding is not only an easy sport to catch on to, but that it also gives them a fun way to exercise and explore in the snow. Additionally, many older folks are turning to snowshoeing since it is much more low-impact than skiing. It saves the knees, but still gives those who love snowy sports something to cheer about. Finally, even skiers and boarders find many benefits to snowshoeing as it puts them in their snow-covered element, but does so in a much more peaceful way. Snowshoeing gives individuals the opportunity to connect much closer with nature, and proves a chance to hear the sudden stillness that only a snow-blanketed forest can bring.

Why Breckenridge? Breckenridge is the perfect place to try out snowshoeing for the first, or hundredth, time. First, Breckenridge rental shops rent snowshoes and poles right in town, so it’s easy to get geared up and started. And, snowshoeing is a much more affordable winter sport than skiing or boarding since no lift tickets are required. And, Breckenridge has unlimited terrain for the sport. Whether you prefer to explore in your backyard or travel on a groomed and marked trail, there is no shortage of snowshoeing in Breckenridge. Still, the absolute best reason to snowshoe Breckenridge is the scenery. While the simple image of a snow-covered pine tree is pleasing enough, views of the Ten Mile Range blanketed in snow are absolutely stunning.

Where to start? Getting started snowshoeing is simple. Strap on the shoes, grab your poles, and head outside. It can’t get any easier. But, if you want to head away from home, a good starting point is the Nordic Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Center in Breckenridge. There, you’ll find 16 km of scenic snowshoeing nature trails through a spruce forest. Group and private snowshoeing tours are also available at the Nordic Center, as are moonlight walks. Professional guides will take you through stunning vistas and wooded trails, ensuring you’ll fully embrace true winter wonderland Breckenridge style.

Isn’t it time to try something new? If you’re a skier, take some time off the slopes. Or, if you normally stay indoors during the winter, get out for an experience that is truly amazing. You set the skill level and the speed – it’s all up to you when you snowshoe Breckenridge.

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Winter Events to Complement your Breckenridge Co Lodging

Written on January 8, 2010 by Ski Bum in Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Main Street, breckenridge, breckenridge events

Sure, skiers and boarders flock to Breckenridge for the Ski Resort’s four peaks, five terrain parks, and two half-pipes. Simply put: Breckenridge offers a lot on the mountain. But, skiers and boarders stay in Breckenridge because of another simple fact: The town of Breckenridge is hopping. While there’s no shortage of fun in the summer, the winter season is a time to celebrate in Breckenridge. It shouldn’t be hard to make sure your Breckenridge Co lodging puts you in close proximity to the action. Here’s what you have to look forward to this winter season.

Lighting of Breckenridge: Breckenridge has perfected holiday cheer. December 5^th marks the start of Breckenridge’s annual holiday tradition: The Lighting of Breckenridge. Locals and visitors alike gather with hot cocoa, cookies, and caroling near the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance cabin to await Santa. Once St. Nick himself arrives in a horse-drawn carriage, he leads the procession of carolers down Main Street to the Blue River Plaza. A countdown begins, and soon enough a large town tree is lit for the holiday season.

Breckenridge Winter Events

The Dew Tour: Back by popular demand, the Dew Tour returns to Breckenridge from December 17-20. Hosting three major, multi-sport events, Breck’s Dew Tour features men and women snowboarding and free skiing competitions. Although the Tour is so popular that it’s broadcast on NBC, you can watch the excitement of the superpipe and slopsetyle competitions slope-side in Breckenridge.

Ullr Fest: By January, it’s normally dumping snow on a daily basis in Breckenridge. And, the town not only notices, but pays respect for the more than 300 inches of powder that grace the town each year. As a yearly tradition, Breckenridge honors Ullr, the mythical Norse God of Snow, with a weeklong celebration of live entertainment, the Ullympics, and an ice-skating party along Main Street. Known as Ullr Fest, this celebration runs from January 10-16. In addition to the traditional yearly events, this year’s Ullr lineup includes a celebratory bonfire, a Breck-style Dating Game, the Ullr Parade, Comedy Night, and a Chili Cook-off.

International Snow Sculpture Championships: Breckenridge wouldn’t be able to move from January to February if it weren’t for the annual Snow Sculpture Championship. Held from January 26 to February 7, competitors from all over the world come to Breckenridge to carve magnificent sculptures out of 20-ton blocks of snow. Transforming ice before spectators’ eyes, artists are allotted just 65 hours, their hands, and a few approved tools to create their masterpieces.

Mardi Gras: Breckenridge kicks the party up a notch in February as it hosts its own Mardi Gras celebration on Main Street between the 13^th and 16^th. If you’ve never experienced a Masquerade Ball at 9,600 feet, this is certainly one event you won’t want to miss. The highlight is the Breckenridge Bacchus Ball, taking place on February 21^st and featuring live music, dancing, New Orleans-style food and beverages, and one very special event: the crowning of the 2009 Breckenridge Rex and Queen.

Spring Massive: April might mark the end of ski season, but it’s certainly not a sorrowful time in Breckenridge. The Spring Massive runs from the 1^st through the 18^th. This interactive event is packed with entertainment, family activity, and competitions. Free outdoor concerns, a Bite of Breckenridge, a Massive Beer Festival, and Comedy Nights are only a few of the many treats that fill Breckenridge’s April calendar.

In comparison to Breckenridge, all other ski towns are just that—a place to ski. Breckenridge, however, is a place to ski and stay. With the range of exciting events lining Breckenridge’s winter calendar, you’d be foolish to go anywhere else.

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