Friday, October 30, 2009

Breckenridge Ski Area Opens November 12

With all the recent snow Colorado has received things are looking good for the ski season.

Breckenridge will open on November 12.

Loveland ski area won the annual contest for the first ski area to open (a few weeks ago) and A-Basin wasn't far behind - opening just 3 days later.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

New Affordable Housing Project in Breckenridge

The Summit Combined Housing Authority and Mercy Housing Colorado have announced unit pricing for Valley Brook Neighborhood — a new affordable housing development in Breckenridge. The long-anticipated Valley Brook development is located at 1100 Airport Road, between Upper Blue Elementary School and the Breckenridge Police Department.

The town is supporting the project with both a donation of the land on Airport Road and a cash contribution to help cover the costs of construction.

The town will be making a final decision on the project in September or October and if approved for a fall start, the first phase of the 42 townhomes are expected to be available for closing in May 2010, with the final phase being completed in early 2011.

The neighborhood will eventually include a playground and common recreational area. Recent improvements to the nearby recreation path, which include the addition of a new bridge over the river, will make the neighborhood easily accessible to the network of paths.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Interstate 70 Discussion Continues

The Rocky Mountain Rail Authority held a meeting late last week to discuss its final version of a report that details the cost of building and operating rail lines along the I-70 corridor, as well as a Front Range line, paralleling I-25.

The report includes schematic drawings of the system, including stops at Keystone and Frisco. The study focuses on proven technologies that could be ready for operation by 2020.

According to the draft version of the report, the east-west line from DIA to the Eagle County airport would cost about $15 billion. The north-south Fort Collins to Pueblo line would cost another $5 billion.

As always, the biggest question mark is finding the money, but the rail authority board makes the case that the rail lines would enhance Colorado's overall transportation network at a time of rising oil prices and growing congestion. About 80 percent of the funding would have to come from federal sources, with the rest generated from a combination of state, local and private funds. In particular, the rail authority is looking to the federal government for infrastructure grants, citing the importance of the I-70 corridor as an “economic engine” for Colorado.

Monday, June 15, 2009

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.

Monday, June 01, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

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.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

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.

Friday, May 29, 2009

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.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

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.”

Thursday, March 12, 2009

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.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Dillon Hires New Town Planner

Bev Kaiser, was recently hired to fill the Dillon’s town planner vacancy. She will begin work on March 16.

“It’s a beautiful community, and I’m quite familiar with it,” Kaiser said of Dillon.

Kaiser has been town planner in Buena Vista, Colorado since 2007.

“We advertised for the position and received between 80 and 90 applications,” said Devin Granbery, Dillon’s town manager.

“We then did interviews with the top three or four.

”Kaiser, who used to be a Breckenridge resident, worked with Granbery when they both were employed by the Town of Silverton.“Beverly stood out,” Granbery said.

“She’s very well qualified for the position. ... She’s going to help move our planning efforts forward.”Kaiser has both mountain town and Front Range experience. She’s worked in Silverton, the upper Arkansas Valley, Durango, Reno, Westminster and she’s taught planning at the college level.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Frisco - Open Space or Affordable Housing?

Frisco residents will now decide whether affordable-housing development occurs on the Peak One parcel, after a petition was submitted to the town to require a vote before selling, subdividing or leasing town-owned parcels larger than five acres.

The Friends of Frisco Open Space group began circulating the petition in late September, touting the protection of open space in a town that is fast-approaching build out.

Although only 255 validated signatures were needed, the group collected some 428 signatures to place the issue on a mail-in ballot for the April 28 election.

Monday, February 09, 2009

30-foot Firebreak Around your House?

Homeowners here would have to create 30-foot firebreaks around their houses clear of trees and brush under a wildfire-protection ordinance being proposed by town officials.

The efforts are intended to prevent spread of fire and allow for safe evacuation for residents and safe access for firefighters.

Town staff members and the Red, White and Blue Fire Protection District are working with the Colorado State Forest Service to develop a map designating the areas covered by the ordinance.

Areas south of County Road 450 (which begins at the 7-Eleven off Colorado 9) such as the lower Warrior’s Mark and Shock Hill subdivisions likely will be among the first affected by the proposed ordinance, which would take effect this summer.

The rest of the areas within town limits will be included in the next three to four years. The fire district will conduct inspections, and property owners would required to comply within a year.

A $45 permit will be required before tree-cutting occurs. If the proposal is adopted, the first round of certified letters alerting property owners of the requirements likely would be sent this spring, Scott said.

A draft of the ordinance indicates that defensible spaces should not be created through clear cutting, but the firebreak “shall generally be created by all flammable and combustible vegetation” within the 30-foot zone.

You can visit www.firewise.org for preventative landscaping plans and suggested vegetation.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

New Restaurants and Retail in Dillon

Though the new Walgreens building on Dillon Ridge Road still stands empty, the Qdoba restaurant is on track to open in an adjacent space by the end of this month.

A new Smashburger, a retro-style burger joint from Denver, also will begin operation in the same building by April or May.

“They’re (Smashburger) on a fast track,” said Devin Granbery, Dillon’s town manager.

Granbery still doesn’t know when Walgreens will open its doors, but he predicts it to be at the end of March or early April.

“We’ve heard that they working to get open this spring,” Granbery added. “Walgreens is not communicating though. They’ll probably call us a week before and tell us when.”

Three tenant spaces are still available in Qdoba’s building. Developers and the town are working to get them leased.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Team Cannada/Yukon Wins Snow Sculpture Contest

Team Canada/Yukon won the 19th annual Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships this past weekend with a stunning snow statue of Native American elders dancing around an intricately carved totem pole.

Without power tools, internal support structures or coloring agents, the five-member team turned the giant block of snow into an image of swirling blankets and fearsome animal masks, besting 15 teams from nine countries.

The sculpture’s story is pertinent to Donald Watt, the winning team’s leader, because his own grandfather passed down carving knowledge to his father, who then gave the skills to Watt.

“We’ve been doing this for dozens of years as a team,” added Watt. “Conditions weren’t favorable but not impossible to work with.”

The winning team is currently on a world tour — they’re participating in contests in China, the United States and Canada this season.

Friday, January 09, 2009

Annual Snow Sculpture Contest


It’s that time of year again, freezing cold temperatures, the start of a New Year and the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships.


The Championship kicks off on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. with our shotgun start.


After 65 hours of sculpting, artists will put down their chisels at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.


Volunteers! This great event only happens because of the amazing volunteers that come and help every year. We are in need of snow stompers (Jan. 13-15), merchandise sales, technical assistants, dining help, people’s choice attendants and more.


If you are interested in coming to help volunteer starting Jan. 13 through Feb. 1, please e-mail Michelle Gehr, Chief of Volunteers at michelleg@townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 547-3100.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Breckenridge's Ullr Fest Starts this Sunday


Breckenridge will celerbrate its 150th anniversary this year.


A year full of celebrations honoring Breckenridge’s 150th birthday kicks off Sunday with the 46th annual Ullr Fest.


The winter festival — themed “Ullr, the Snow Miner” this year — spans a week full of stimulating activities including a bonfire, a parade and plenty of friendly competition.


“The Ullr parade has always attracted thousands of people, so we’re hoping that this year is just as successful as the previous years,” said Breckenridge Resort Chamber spokeswoman Carly Grimes. The average parade attendance is about 12,000, and jumped to about 14,000 the year MTV was in town, she said.


The Travel Channel, with host Samantha Brown, is planning to attend this year.