Copper Mt. Stables to Remain Open

Copper Stables will be able to continue operating this year, after earlier concerns that a redevelopment project at Copper Mountain's base area might affect the popular trail-riding operation.

Copper Mountain last week submitted an application to the county for the horse staging area at Union Creek. The resort master plan allows for that use in the area, so the county will be able to approve the operation with an internal staff review without planning commission hearings, according to planning director Jim Curnutte.

As part of an extensive base-area plan, Copper will tear down the existing stables and create a wetlands on the site. The project will compensate for the loss of wetlands nearby as the resort expands parking in the Union Creek area. More parking at Union Creek is an important piece of the resort's goal of providing better service to families and beginning skiers.

Under the county permit, the wetlands project is required as part of the parking lot expansion.Stables operator

Leslie Miller, of Copper Stables, said several weeks ago she was having a hard time finding a new spot for the staging area.

Her horses will be quartered in a corral in the Corn parking lot, along Highway 91, but the staging area at Union Creek will enable her wranglers and customers to easily access the trails at the other end of the resort.

For information about Copper Mountain Stables, call (970) 968-2232.

Mountain Outfitters Hosts "Gear Drive"

Mountain Outfitters in Breckenridge is set to host a gear drive on June 13 to benefit a community foundation — Homeless Gear.

The gear drive starts at 9 a.m. at 112 S. Ridge St.

The foundation collects unwanted outdoor gear such as packs, sleeping bags and tents and distributes items to people without permanent shelters.

Outdoor vendors, including Black Diamond, Big Agnes, Mountain Hardwear and Osprey, will preview new tents and sleeping bags at the event.

One percent of all sales at Mountain Outfitters will go to 1% for the Planet — an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.

Everyone who donates items will also be entered into a raffle to win a new tent and sleeping bag. The drawing is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Peak 8 Fun Park to Re-Open this Summer

The Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park is returning this summer with the alpine SuperSlide, mountain biking and SuperPutt slated to open June 19.

Because of construction continuing at the Peak 8 base area, parking will be available at the gondola lots — with buses providing transport.

The park was closed last year for the construction.

This year it is to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Activities also include a climbing wall, trampoline, rides on Colorado SuperChair and gemstone panning.

Bergenhof’s Alpine BBQ and Sevens are to open daily for lunch and dinner beginning Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Summit High School to get Synthetic Turf

Groundbreaking for a new synthetic turf field at Summit High School’s Tiger Stadium is set for Monday — after a year of fundraising about $610,000 from local governments, businesses and residents.

“It’s going to be a real awesome asset for Summit County,” said Tom Looby of the turf steering committee.

“So many people have contributed to the effort. It’s just amazing.”

The field and a running track are to be ready for fall semester as part of phase I.

Summit School District kicked in an extra $200,000 toward the track's completion.

The ultimate $1.25 million goal — anticipated for completion next year — includes a synthetic practice field and bleachers.

Spring has Arrived in Breckenridge

The aspen trees are almost all leafed out, the Blue River is running high and the Breckenridge Golf Club opened a few days ago.

Yes, spring is finally here.

It's a great time to plan a trip to Breckenridge and invest in some property.

Home Depot for Silverthorne?

Home Depot has submitted a building plan that Silverthorne’s planning staff.

The building plan gained staff approval Friday for a 100,000 square-foot store just south of Interstate 70 near the outlet stores at the base of the Dillon Dam.

The approval is conditional — Home Depot must address nine issues, including previous concerns about wetlands impacts and traffic.

The design will be reviewed by the planning commission.

“The most recent version of the Home Depot plan is, for the most part, consistent with town standards,” said Mark Leidal, Silverthorne’s community development director.

“The next step is to review the proposal with the planning commission and town council.”

Open House Signs in Breckenridge

There may soon be more “open house” signs in Breckenridge, the result of a compromise the town and local real estate companies have been working on for several months.

TheTown Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve on first reading changes to the sign code to include allowing up to three directional signs leading prospective buyers to an open house.

The proposed changes to the sign code include restrictions on a sign’s design, location and times of display.

Existing code allows only for one “open-house” sign on the property.

But properties can be difficult to find among the curving roads without directional signs on main intersections.

If approved at the next town meeting, March 24, the sign-code legislation would sunset — or expire — in one year.