Dine out in Summit County on New Year's Eve

#Summit County Colorado.

Summit Daily News Link

BRECKENRIDGE

Blue River Bistro; 305 N Main St, Breckenridge; (970) 453-6974

On Dec. 31, the Blue River Bistro will present an elegant four-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu, the regular dinner menu will be unavailable this evening. Please book your reservations early as availability is limited.

Relish; 137 S Main St.; (970) 453-0989

Relish sits above the Blue River Plaza, just off Main Street with views of the ski area. The New Year’ Eve menu will be a four-course for $99 per person.

Salt Creek Steakhouse; 110 E. Lincoln Ave.; (970) 453-4949

The restaurant will be serving a special four-course menu for $96 for adults, $43 for children 12 and under.

BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT

Glow Worm Parade: Kids ages 5-13 are invited to join the glow worm parade, in which they’ll ski down green terrain in a long formation with glow sticks, giving off the appearance of a New Year’s glow worm. Registration begins at 5 p.m. at the Beaver Run Ski and Ride School, and the parade will begin at 5:45 p.m. Participants must be able to stop and turn on green terrain.

Torchlight Parade: At 6 p.m., enjoy a Breckenridge tradition as the folks of the Breckenridge Ski Resort Ski & Ride School kick off the evening with a dazzling luminary procession, parading from the top of Peak 9. The best views of this parade are from anywhere you can see Peak 9.

Fireworks: At 9 p.m. catch the brilliant fireworks display. With clear skies, these fireworks can be seen from most locations in downtown Breckenridge. All events are weather permitting.

COPPER MOUNTAIN RESORT

Moonlight Dine & Ski: Take the chairlift to Solitude and enjoy a dinner and live music. Take in the beautiful moonlit evening midmountain before skiing back down to Center Village. Reservations must be made well in advance. Book online or call Copper at (888) 219-1402

Endo’s Bar & Grill; Center Village

Open at 11 a.m., serving food until 11 p.m. Bar open until 12:30 a.m. See fireworks from the patio. Midnight champagne toast and giveaways.

Storm King Sushi Lounge; Center Village

Open 5 p.m. to midnight with open mic from 10 p.m. to midnight. There will be specials on sushi rolls and cocktails and a midnight champagne toast as well as giveaways.

Jack’s Bar; Center Village

Open from 9 a.m. to midnight with a midnight champagne toast. There will be live music from 9 p.m. to midnight and drink specials and giveaways all night long.

JJ’s Tavern; Center Village

Opens at 11 a.m. with food and drink specials. There will be live music from Moe Dixon from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

CB Grill; Center Village

The fine dining restaurant will be open from 5–9 p.m. serving a four-course dinner for $120. Reservations are required (970) 968-3113.

DILLON

Dillon Dam Brewery; 100 Little Dam St.; (970) 262-7777

The Dillon Dam Brewery will be open on New Year’s Eve with live music until 12:30 p.m.

Snake River Saloon; 23074 US-6; (970) 468-2788

The Snake River Saloon will be open for dinner, and will be celebrating its 40th annual New Year’s party. There will be live music by classic rock band Swerve.

KEYSTONE RESORT

(Reservations for Keystone dining should be made by calling (800) 354-4386 or make a reservation through Open Table.)

Der Fondue Chessel

Der Fondue Chessel dining experience offers two live bands, a dance floor and children’s play area. The evening’s celebratory menu will include: Champagne toast, cheese and dippers course, Caesar salad and chocolate fondue. The traditional raclette course will be prepared by a team of chefs and will include a lobster tail addition as a no-charge entrée for this festive evening. Reservations required.

Bighorn Bistro & Bar

Celebrate New Years Eve at the Bighorn Bistro & Bar with fireworks viewing at 9 p.m. “The Bighorn Bistro will be an excellent location to dine prior to, or during, Keystone’s 9 p.m. Firework Show over Keystone Lake,” said Russ Carlton, spokesperson fro Keystone Resort. “After dining at the Bighorn Bistro, a fireworks viewing party at the Lakeside Lodge from 8:30-10:30 p.m. will feature the best view of the fireworks as well as hors devours, a champagne toast and NYE party favors. Reservations are recommended for both, and dinner does not include the viewing party.”

Ski Tip Lodge

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Ski Tip. Enjoy a seasonal five-course menu and champagne toast for $125 per person. Accepting reservations 6–9:45 p.m. Reservations required.

Keystone Ranch

Ring in the New Year with a prefixed six-course meal. Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve Party at 9280

Spend the night enjoying music throughout the decades during 9280’s NYE Celebration. Enjoy a champagne cheers and ball drop. No reservations required.

Family cookie decorating at the Adventure Center: Free; 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Lakeside Village fireworks at 9 p.m.

Concert at Warren Station with Gipsy Moon and Trout Steak Revival; doors open at 8:30 p.m.

FRISCO

Greco’s; 311 E Main St.; (970) 668-5442

Greco’s will be open for New Year’s Eve with dining specials. The restaurant is also now open for lunch.

Silverheels; 601 Main St.; (970) 668-0345

Silverheels will be open on New Year’s Eve with a holiday menu in addition to its traditional menu. The restaurant seats until 10 p.m.

Food Hedz; 601 Main St.; (970) 668-0345

Dinner will be served on New Year’s Eve from 5–8 p.m. There will be a nightly special along with the dinner menu.

Vinny’s; 310 Main St.; (970) 668-0340

Vinny’s will open at 4 p.m., offering multiple specials for the holidays. The pub will not be open these days for happy hour.

SILVERTHORNE

Baker’s Brewery; 531 Silverthorne Lane; (970) 468-0170

The Baker’s Brewery will be offering a surf and turf $35 plate. They will also be hosting two ball drops, one at 10 p.m., and another one at midnight.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

Summit Foundation grants top $1 million

#Summit County Colorado.

Summit Daily News Link

Record-breaking donations in 2015 produced a record-breaking total for grants awarded this fall, more than $1 million, through The Summit Foundation.

The charitable organization, established in Summit County in 1984, specifically distributed $1,098,955 to 59 nonprofit agencies that provide services in Summit, Grand, Park and Lake counties.

“This has been a very good year for The Summit Foundation,” Mike Schilling, president of the foundation’s board of trustees, said in a news release. “Together with our donors we are able to reach this milestone and share the generosity of the community.”

To put this notable disbursement into better context, at this same time last year, the foundation allocated $839,166 to 48 nonprofits. While those are still significant digits, it’s approximately a quarter-million dollars less and 11 fewer recipients than this most recent round of grants announced at the foundation’s December meeting.

The Summit Foundation’s grants committee reviewed applications for more than a month, which included making site visits to meet with various representatives of each applicant.

“The Summit Foundation is able to look at each Area of Impact collectively and determine the most pressing needs,” Jeanne Bistranin, the foundation’s executive director, said in the news release. “Our reach is broad and collectively covers all of the qualities that make our community so unique and beautiful.”

In particular, the foundation provided its largest share for youth initiatives and organizations, just over half-a-million dollars. That was divvied up among a wide-ranging number of programs that included the local CATCH after-school program, a handful of preschools, a few different sports organizations, outdoor education including the local Cub and Boy Scouts and Summit High’s after prom.

Just under $400,000 was awarded to health and human service support systems, including Advocates for Victims of Assault, the local suicide prevention program, as well as child advocacy and avalanche safety organizations, the Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) in Silverthorne and the county coroner’s office toward a burial relief fund and its new survivor support service. Allowances were also provided in this same category for neighboring organizations like South Park Seniors, Park County Senior Coalition and Rocky Mountain Rural Health for residents in Fairplay and Alma.

Tamara Drangstveit, executive director of FIRC, explained that, when preparing a grant proposal, it typically has to be for a designated project. She said one of the best parts about The Summit Foundation is its willingness to allow recipients to make more of those choices once the money is bestowed.

“The Summit Foundation allows us to choose which programs we think need the funds the most and make the decision ourselves,” she said. “It gives us a lot of flexibility to partner with them to have the biggest impact.”

Though FIRC has yet to decide where exactly this annual grant will go, often a portion of it is put toward payroll for its 50 or so employees, as that’s frequently a difficult item to get covered through other donor funding.

“The real strength of the FIRC is dependent on our great employees,” she said. “And the Summit Foundation grant typically helps support the salaries of those talented employees. If we didn’t receive the funding, it would be a serious problem for the FIRC. We need those funds to help make our budget.”

In addition, the arts claimed $165,500 in total funding, spread out among such causes as the Colorado Mountain College Foundation, Lake Dillon Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Summit Concert Band and Breckenridge Music Festival. Finally, about $35,000 went toward the local environment through the Continental Divide Land Trust, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, and the High Country Conservation Center.

“We describe our work as ‘Helping people help people,’” said Schilling. “I love this phrase because it describes the community coming together to make a difference, and that’s exactly what we do. We thank our thousands of donors, and we thank the nonprofits for their tireless efforts.”

Aside from donor advised funding this year totaling about $63,000, provided through the Brunetti Family Advised Fund, Hankison Family Advised Fund, The Keltner Fund and The Lenzmeier/Williams Advised Fund, The Summit Foundation teamed up with Vail Resorts through its EpicPromise Foundation for grants totaling almost $98,000. The area’s other ski areas, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain Resort, in addition to Vail, donated transferable ski privileges that result in more than $1 million in contributions to the foundation each year.

The Summit Foundation is a Breckenridge-based 501(c)(3) governed by a board of trustees made up of 30 to 35 members of the community. According to its website, the philanthropic charity is “dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and guests of Summit County and neighboring communities.” It does this by building partnerships, mobilizing resources and summoning donors to support these local community organizations, with specific aims for health and human service, education, art and culture, sports and recreation, and environmental stewardship.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

Interstate 70 toll lane fees low for first two weeks

#Colorado

Summit Daily News Link

Colorado Department of Transporation

Two weeks after its official opening, Colorado Department of Transportation officials see the Interstate 70 Express Lane as a success. The 13-mile toll lane, stretching eastbound between Empire and Idaho Springs, began collecting tolls the weekend of Dec. 19 and opened again Dec. 26 and 27.

“It went really, really well,” CDOT communications director Amy Ford said. “It kept traffic moving and sort of helped with the delay.”

While the toll range was set for $3 to $30, with prices increasing with traffic volume, she said the toll rested at about $3 through the weekend.

“In part, it was because volumes were a little lower last weekend,” she said. “Frankly, things were moving smoothly, so we just left it at $3.”

Prior to the lane’s opening, CDOT expected tolls of $8 to $10 for typical volumes, and $10 to $15 for peak volumes on weekend afternoons.

Without a vehicle transponder, drivers may be charged an slightly increased license plate toll.

On Saturday, the new lane saw 400 vehicles, and on Sunday, it saw double. The lane reopened Monday afternoon to account for drivers returning from the mountains after the holidays.

“If we feel the need to open it, we will,” Ford said. “The lanes can carry anout 1,000 (vehicles) each.”

The target capacity for the lane is 750 to 900 cars per hour, enough traffic to keep speeds moving at a minimum of 45 miles-per-hour. When the mountain corridor sees volumes of 2,000 vehicles-per-hour, congestion begins to build up, while volumes exceeding 3,000 vehicles-per-hour result in stop-and-go traffic.

The Express Lane is intended to function during the busiest days when traffic exceeds a certain volume, especially on ski-season weekends and summer holidays when several visitors take to the road. The remainder of the week, it will function as a shoulder on the interior of the highway.

Unlike other toll lanes in Colorado, the Express Lane is not free for high-occupancy vehicles, with three or more passengers. Ford said the reasoning behind that decision was because the majority of vehicles in the corridor are already filled with passengers.

Although some drivers have raised concerns about the use of the shoulder as a lane, she said with two accidents so far, the lane still worked smoothly. After a small accident in one of the general-purpose lanes, she said traffic was redirected into the Express Lane.

“We worked with Colorado State Patrol, and they started moving traffic into the toll lane for accident clearance,” she said. “It gave us an opportunity to see how the approach works.”

CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION

While work to the Express Lane is complete, additional lane closures are planned for next week as crews complete electrical work at the Exit 241 interchange. One-lane closures are slated for the week of Monday, Jan. 4 through Friday, Jan. 8, for both the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Eastbound lane closures are planned from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, and westbound closures are slated from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A possible ramp closure at Exit 241 may occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Work will include additional fiber-optic splicing, the installation of additional signs and paving and guardrail work to finish the new Idaho Springs Bridge at Exit 241.

In the future, overnight work will be planned to demolish the old bridge at Idaho Springs, as well as landscaping and seeding along that segment of the corridor.

Road closures will be weather dependent. For additional information, call 303-223-6581.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

SkiTownConnect app launches in Summit County

#Summit County Colorado.

Summit Daily News Link

Locals and newcomers to Summit County, including the resorts of Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper and Keystone, are able to connect with one another using the new SkiTownConnect social networking app, launched Nov. 30. The app is designed to connect mountain town locals and newcomers with like interests. It is available for both iPhone and Android on the Apple App and Google Play stores. Either can be accessed by logging onto www.skitownconnect.com.

The goal with SkiTownConnect is to take the challenge out of meeting people through a social networking app. It lets users create profiles and then links them to information on people, sports, events and activities in the area that fits their profile.

“Moving to a mountain town can be a little intimidating,” said app owner, Jim Fleischer, in a statement. “Everyone seems to know each other, and it can be tough to break into the ‘scene.’ SkiTownConnect gives you the tools and information you need to make your own scene with people you truly connect with.”

A key feature of SkiTownConnect is the events section. Not only is it a listing of existing events, it gives users the framework to put together and promote their own events. Need somebody to go mountain biking with? Users can put together their own Saturday morning ride. Powder is dumping? Friends can be invited to catch first tracks, grab a GoPro, head to the back bowls, shoot video of everyone and then post on SkiTownConnect. Not big on going to bars to meet people? Use the SkiTownConnect profile section to find somebody that would like to meet for a hike instead.

The idea for SkiTownConnect was born when Jim was trying to get established with work and socializing in central Colorado. Having worked in the ski industry for seven years in the Northeast, he realized his dream and moved west. As he met more and more locals and new people in the area, though, he identified with their frustrations trying to immerse themselves in a new community. He decided to do something about it.

In order to give back to the community, five percent of the available advertising space will be allocated to Summit County nonprofits free of charge.

SkiTownConnect is coming off an initial launch in Eagle County and is now releasing into Summit County.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

Kaiser offering door-to-door medical care

#Summit County Colorado.

Summit Daily News Link

Colorado’s largest nonprofit health plan is willing to drive you to Denver, put you in a hotel, handle your medical procedure and drive you home if it’s less expensive than having your work done in the mountains.

And Kaiser Permanente still won’t lose money, said Brent Bowman, executive director of Kaiser Permanente’s mountain service area.

“It is door-to-door service. We tested it and it works. When it’s appropriate we’ll provide that service,” Bowman said. “The cost disparity is so great that it is financially beneficial to the organization and the patient.”

COLORADO MOUNTAIN MEDICAL AND KAISER

If you want to stay home, Colorado Mountain Medical partnered with Kaiser to offer primary and specialty care services to Kaiser Permanente members starting next month.

Colorado Mountain Medical has served residents in the Vail Valley for more than 35 years, and has four regional locations: Vail, Edwards, Eagle and Basalt.

Colorado Mountain Medical has a network of 26 physicians, three physician assistants and one nurse practitioner. Services include internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics and OB-GYN, as well as specialty care options including nephrology, cardiology, urology, otolaryngology, and gastroenterology.

“We’re excited to work alongside our colleagues at Colorado Mountain Medical to provide care for our Kaiser Permanente members in these mountain communities,” said Mark Carvalho, MD, vice president of external relations and mountain expansion, Colorado Permanente Medical Group.

COST COMPARISONS

Electronic medical records makes cost and quality data available, enabling apples-to-apples cost and quality comparisons, Bowman said.

“People also want choice,” Bowman said. “There is a cost for convenience. In the mountains that cost is much higher than it is in a dense urban environment.”

Bowman cited a report that indicates up to 80 percent of Avon residents’ medical care is occurring outside the mountains. In Summit County, 30-40 percent of residents get medical care in Denver, Bowman said.

“We pored over publicly recorded claims data to learn where the cost of care is different,” Bowman said.

Kaiser is opening its Edwards facility next month. Kaiser Permanente is also opening a Summit County medical office in the Basecamp retail center in Frisco, and announced a partnership with Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs.

Colorado now has five major health insurance providers: Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Cigna and Humana.

70 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Kaiser has been around for 70 years nationally. In Colorado, where Kaiser has been for 46 years — mostly metro Denver, northern and southern Colorado — it’s a $3.7 billion company.

“That provides economies of scale,” Bowman said.

Moving from the Front Range and into the mountains was the next obvious step, Bowman said, especially when the world learned that Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties had the nation’s highest health insurance costs in 2014.

“It’s a long-term play for us, a long-term commitment,” Bowman said.

Kaiser Permanente members also have access to many convenient online tools, including the ability to refill prescriptions online and view lab results. Members will be able to schedule “video visits” with a provider from home through a secure web based program.

Kaiser is a 501(c)(3) and is required to invest a percentage of its profits in the community, Bowman said.

Among the local groups is EFEC, the Education Fund for Eagle County that supports local schools.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

Breck's Gold Run Nordic Center welcomes fat bikes to groomed trails

#Breckenridge Colorado.

Phil Lindeman / plindeman@summitdaily.com

Summit Daily News Link

Fat biking has finally made its way to the Colorado Rockies.

It’s taken a few years. Fat biking is still a relatively new sport, named for the oversized tires and frames that make them perfect for riding on slick and slippery snow-packed trails. It started winning converts in the Midwest several seasons ago, and these days fat-bike races draw upwards of several hundred riders for laps on flat, fast courses in the chilly Great Lakes region.

Why has it take so long to catch on in the heart of ski country? Simple: Sometimes the snow here is just too deep, soft and, well, skiable.

“As everybody says, we’re a little bit behind on this trend because we have such good skiing,” said Chris Cowley, an employee with local event organizer Maverick Sports. “The skiing has just been so good the past couple of days that you can’t get on the fat bike. Now I say that, but I still saw four people riding bikes down my street this morning.”

Earlier this December, Cowely and Mav Sports celebrate the start of what’s hopefully a winter-sports renaissance when they hosted the first-ever Fat Bike Open at Gold Run Nordic Center in Breckenridge. The event drew nearly 70 competitors — “The turnout was even a little unexpected,” Cowley said — including dozens of locals, a few Front Range riders and even a couple of pros, like original Firecracker 50 winner Dave Wiens. He dropped by to get a little practice as racing on fat bikes before the first-annual Fat Bike World Championships this January, hosted just don’t the road in Crested Butte.

“The racing is starting to pick up around here, and, with the World Championships — of course there’s a Worlds now — there’s even more buzz on the racing side of things,” Cowley said. “That’s different than just the riding side.”

True — racing isn’t for everyone. That’s why Gold Run is embracing this funky-but-familiar new sport with open trails on select days. On Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, fat bikes are now allowed on all trails except for Hoodoo Voodoo. They’re also allowed on

“It was really to accommodate a new user group,” Gold Run manager Marika Page said. “There weren’t many places in the community where fat bikers could ride, and this provides a place where people are welcome and have access to those good, packed-out trails.”

RIDING IN WINTER

Fat bikes perform well in snow and slush, but even veteran mountain bikers need a bit of practice on mellow trails before heading onto tree-lined singeltrack. That’s where the Gold Run trails come in. Page and Cowley say access to groomed trails is perfect for beginners who are just getting their bearings on a big, slow, moon-boot-feeling fat bike.

“You get a feel for what you can handle by riding those wide, groomed trails on a fat bike,” said Nick Truitt, a local pro mountain biker and owner of Breck Bike Guides with another pro, Sydney Fox. “Once you get comfortable, you can venture out into the more intimidating singletrack around town. Honestly, if it snows and dumps, fat biking is just not the greatest sport on the trails. We tell our clients the same thing.”

Groomed trails are a beginner’s dream, but Page reminds everyone to treat the trails and Nordic users with respect. So far it’s been working just fine.

“We put a lot of responsibility on fat bikes,” Page said. “They need to know that skiers have the right of way at all times, but they have been super receptive of the rules. They are more than willing to help out.”

It’s part of embracing a new sport, Page says, especially when fat bikes are still banned on U.S. Forest Service lands. Even the government hasn’t quite caught up with an untested activity. But with respect comes respect, and officials are re-evaluating rules for winter access. The slow-but-steady process reminds Cowley of another funky sport Breck was quick to embrace: snowboarding.

“I don’t want to say fat biking is like the snowboarding and skiing controversy, but it’s a little like that,” he said. “You just have to be nice to each other out there.”

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

Summit County's best bets for the weekend

#Summit County Colorado.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News

Summit Daily News Link

The influx of visitors to Summit County this week is a sure sign of the holidays, and we’ve been blessed with some really great snow and more in the forecast just in time for Christmas. I could complain about the traffic, but I won’t, because it just means we are lucky enough to live in an amazing and beautiful area that so many people are drawn to for their rare vacation time, as well as spending their hard-earned money at our neighbors’ shops. Well, and because my car won’t start and I’m stuck 8 miles up a dirt road in the middle-of-nowhere Fairplay. When it comes to events, Christmas Day is pretty quiet around town, but you can be sure that local business, restaurants, bars and ski hills will be offering up their best between now and New Year’s Day.

MUSIC

There is an abundance of live music happening this weekend and into next week. A couple of notable highlights are Boombox playing at The Barkley Ballroom for two nights, Dec. 28 and 29, and the fact that the Snake River Saloon is celebrating its 40th annual New Year’s party on Dec. 31. The Snake brings us live music most every weekend — even in the off-season — and forty years is an incredible feat. I haven’t even been around for as long as the Snake has been throwing down its ski town NYE party. As for the show in Frisco, I’ve seen several Boombox gigs, and last year, the sold-out show the duo played at Barkley was pretty incredible. The group is a blend of rock and blues with an electronic twist, and one of the musician’s names is Zion Rock Godchaux — just thought I’d point that out.

FRISCO ESCAPE ROOM

A new escape room just opened in Frisco on Main Street. These rooms are blowing up in popularity, and its easy to see why — they are challenging, and incredibly fun. To “escape,” you must solve a series of puzzles to find codes and keys to unlock the next hint. The two locals who created the Frisco Escape Room used true Summit County history for the theme of their first activity.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

“You’ll shoot your eye out!” The classic is brought to the stage by talented locals at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. There is a performance today at 6 p.m., and every day after until Wednesday.

TUESDAY MOVIE NIGHT

The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) is putting on a movie night at the Keystone Conference Center on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.. The group is presenting a documentary film called “Fire on the Mountain,” which recounts the horrifying circumstances of an elite group of soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. There is some incredibly interesting history surrounding the 10th Mountain Division, and all the proceeds go to FDRD, which in turn takes care of our trails in the summer. It’s a big win-win.

DINE OUT

Don’t want to do any cooking this week? No judgement here — you do enough of that at home. Check out our list of some of the restaurants open and specials for Christmas Day.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.

Summit County options for dining out on Christmas Day

#Summit County Colorado

Summit Daily News Link

Ben Lindbloom / Keystone Resort

Whether here from out of town, working at the resort during the holidays, or you just don’t feel like cooking this year, there are plenty of options for dining out in Summit County. Although many restaurants will be closed for Christmas Day, we’ve compiled a list of some options for Summit County restaurants that are ready to bring out their holiday best.

BRECKENRIDGE

Hearthstone; 130 S Ridge St.; (970) 453-1148

The Hearthstone Restaurant will be open throughout the holiday season; however they are already booked for New Year’s Eve.

Blue River Bistro; 305 N Main St, Breckenridge; (970) 453-6974

Blue River Bistro will be open with dinner specials on Christmas.

Briar Rose; 109 Lincoln Ave.; (970) 453-9948

If wild game is a little more your style, a must-hit location is the Briar Rose Chophouse. They’ll be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Ember; 106 E Adams Ave.; (970) 547-9595

The cozy-yet-modern Ember will be open with specials on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Sevens; base of Peak 7

Sevens will be offering three-course prix fixe menu served all day starting at 11 a.m. Dinner will include an appetizer, main plate, which is an orange marsala braised Colorado lamb shank with sauce naturel and gremolata, Yukon gold and celeriac puree, garlic haricot vert and crimini mushrooms.

Blue Stag; 323 S. Main St.; (970) 453-2221

The Blue Stag Saloon will be open Christmas day with a special Christmas menu.

Mi Casa; 600 South Park Ave.; (970) 453-2071

Mi Casa will be open Christmas day from 3–9 p.m. with the regular menu.

Quandary Grille; 505 S Main St C1; (970) 547-5969

Quandary Grille will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a special holiday menu.

COPPER MOUNTAIN RESORT

All of the restaurants at Copper Mountain will be open on Christmas day. Morgan Whitehouse, spokesperson for Copper, said C.B. Grille in Center Village would be a great option for the day. “They serve incredible dinners with a full bar and wine list,” she said. “They’ve got a bunch of new winter menu items and use fresh local ingredients. We like to call it ‘inspired dining’ at Copper.”

KEYSTONE

Reservations for Keystone dining can be made by calling (800) 354-4386 or make a reservation through Open Table.

Bighorn Bistro & Bar

Bighorn will offer a Christmas Day buffet, featuring seasonal dishes, seafood bar and dessert bar.

Ski Tip Lodge

Ski Tip will offer a seasonal four-course dinner menu and service that continues to get rave reviews. Four-course menu is $75 per person. Reservations required. “It’s always a special evening at the award-winning Ski Tip Lodge, and guests can enjoy a seasonal four-course Christmas meal at one of Keystone’s most historic locations,” said Russ Carlton, spokesperson for Keystone Resort. “For a truly memorable evening, be sure to enjoy a specialty cocktail or appetizer by one of Ski Tip’s charming fireplaces.”

Keystone Ranch

Keystone Ranch will offer a special Christmas menu at the 1930s homestead. Reservations required.

Der Fondue Chessel

Enjoy an authentic fondue experience atop Keystone’s North Peak mountain. It is a very cozy atmosphere with an element of adventure as you arrive by gondola. Reservations required.

Black Bear Grill

Black Bear will offer a traditional Christmas dinner.

Dinner Sleigh Ride

Experience Christmas dinner on sleigh drawn by Belgian draft horses to an authentic homestead for dinner and entertainment. Reservations required.

Alpenglow Stube

The highest AAA Four-Diamond™ dining experience in North America. Chefs create delicious contemporary cuisine with a Bavarian accent to complement this unique, secluded setting.

FRISCO

Bagalis; 320 E. Main St.; (970) 668-0601

Bagalis will be open for Christmas day with the regular menu.

Silverheels; 601 Main St.; (970) 668-0345

Silverheels will be open on Christmas with a holiday menu in addition to its traditional menu. The restaurant seats until 10 p.m.

Food Hedz; 842 Summit Blvd; (970) 668-2000

Dinner will be served Christmas day from 4–8 p.m. There will be a Christmas special along with the dinner menu.

Vinny’s; 310 Main St.; (970) 668-0340

Vinny’s will open at 4 p.m., offering multiple specials for the holidays. The pub will not be open these days for happy hour.

DILLON

Red Mountain Grill; 703 E Anemone Trail; (970) 468-1010

Open from noon to 10 p.m. In addition to the full menu, there will happy hour and appetizers specials during football, as well as a traditional Christmas dinner all day, including roast turkey, roast Virginia ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and traditional fixings for $16.95.

Pug Ryan’s; 104 Village Place; (970) 468-2145

Pug Ryan’s will be open on Christmas Eve at 2 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. On Christmas Day, the brewery will be open at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. There will be special lunch hours Dec. 26 through Jan. 3, open at 11:30 a.m.

Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.