An early fall storm descended on Summit County these past few days. Yesterday morning Breckenridge Ski Resort had eight inches of snow at the base with almost a foot of new sonw at the top of the mountain.
Last night I had an additional foot of snow at my home in Breckenridge. That probably means at least twice that much on the mountain.
It is starting off just like last year when we had a big snowstorm in early October.
The 2007 Farmer's Almanac is predicting this winter to be more snowy than normal for the Colorado Rockies. Snowmaking is set to begin in mid-October for Breckenridge and Keystone.
The early snowfall has resort officials excited for opening day with Breckenridge and Keystone both opening on Friday, November 10.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Summit Foundation Hires New Executive Director
A new leader has taken over at the helm of the county's largest nonprofit organization.
Recent Breckenridge transplant Lee Zimmerman began as the new executive director of the 22-year-old Summit Foundation last Monday
.Zimmerman, 59, has 25 years' experience working for nonprofit organizations, most recently at Investment Management Consultants, a professional association in Denver. Before that, he devoted 19 years to the United Way of Walla Walla County in Washington state as executive director. In that role, Zimmerman said he enjoyed being involved with a community-based, human services oriented, charitable nonprofit organization, and is looking forward to a similar opportunity with The Summit Foundation.
Recent Breckenridge transplant Lee Zimmerman began as the new executive director of the 22-year-old Summit Foundation last Monday
.Zimmerman, 59, has 25 years' experience working for nonprofit organizations, most recently at Investment Management Consultants, a professional association in Denver. Before that, he devoted 19 years to the United Way of Walla Walla County in Washington state as executive director. In that role, Zimmerman said he enjoyed being involved with a community-based, human services oriented, charitable nonprofit organization, and is looking forward to a similar opportunity with The Summit Foundation.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Blue River Will Not Vote on Paving Roads
The fur is flying in Blue River and the feathers are ruffled. The mayor resigned last week after a heated meeting about paving the town's streets.
This week the town of Blue River Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to pull a controversial question off the November ballot that would have asked citizens whether they wanted to pay to pave the town's network of gravel roads.
The town will hold public work sessions beginning next month to discuss with residents how best to move forward with the paving issue.
One option could be paving only specific neighborhoods that want to make the investment, as opposed to smoothing all the unpaved streets in town.
The board passed a resolution at its September 5 meeting officially placing the question in the November 7 general election. At the time, trustees estimated it would cost each of the 597 affected lot owners about $18,000 - without interest - for paved roads, which they would have up to 15 years to pay.
The board decided to move forward with putting the paving question to voters several months ago after years of listening to people ask when the town planned to fix the 11 miles of gravel roads in town. The decision soon raised tensions in the small town south of Breckenridge, and opponents characterized the project as the haves vs. the have-nots, saying only the rich would be able to afford the cost of paving and others might have to move. Supporters, though, said they viewed the cost as an investment because it would boost property values.
Former Mayor Darcy Lystlund resigned the day after the board's last meeting, saying she had been verbally abused and physically threatened after the meeting by a resident who was upset over the the possibility of paying for paved roads.
This week the town of Blue River Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to pull a controversial question off the November ballot that would have asked citizens whether they wanted to pay to pave the town's network of gravel roads.
The town will hold public work sessions beginning next month to discuss with residents how best to move forward with the paving issue.
One option could be paving only specific neighborhoods that want to make the investment, as opposed to smoothing all the unpaved streets in town.
The board passed a resolution at its September 5 meeting officially placing the question in the November 7 general election. At the time, trustees estimated it would cost each of the 597 affected lot owners about $18,000 - without interest - for paved roads, which they would have up to 15 years to pay.
The board decided to move forward with putting the paving question to voters several months ago after years of listening to people ask when the town planned to fix the 11 miles of gravel roads in town. The decision soon raised tensions in the small town south of Breckenridge, and opponents characterized the project as the haves vs. the have-nots, saying only the rich would be able to afford the cost of paving and others might have to move. Supporters, though, said they viewed the cost as an investment because it would boost property values.
Former Mayor Darcy Lystlund resigned the day after the board's last meeting, saying she had been verbally abused and physically threatened after the meeting by a resident who was upset over the the possibility of paying for paved roads.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Aspen Trees at their Peak
Next to July's blooming wildflowers, the brilliant color change of fall is nature's second beckon to don hiking boots and hit the trail.
While the aspens and other foliage on Summit County's highest peaks already turned their mellower hues of yellow, gold and brown, trees at lower elevations will peak in seasonal color soon.
Late last week I was on Boreas Pass Road and snapped the photograph above.
Boreas Pass Road - A popular dirt road that is passable by two-wheel-drive vehicle is Boreas Pass Road out of Breckenridge to Cuomo, a 17-mile route. From historic Cuomo, take Highway 285 to Fairplay and Highway 9 over Hoosier Pass back to Breckenridge.
SKI Magazines Top Resorts
Vail is Number 1 again.
The resort returned to its familiar spot as the top ski resort in North America in this year's SKI Magazine readers' poll. It is the 14th time in 19 years that Vail's has had the top spot. Last year, Vail was No. 2 and Deer Valley in Utah was No. 1. The two resorts swapped places this year.
Breckenridge was ranked sixth.
Beaver Creek was ranked eighth, down from sixth last year.
Vail Resorts' five ski mountains ranked in the top 20 among Western resorts. Besides Vail and Beaver Creek and Breckenridge, Keystone was 14th and Heavenly at Lake Tahoe was 17th.
Copper Mountain, just east of Vail, ranked 19th.
The resort returned to its familiar spot as the top ski resort in North America in this year's SKI Magazine readers' poll. It is the 14th time in 19 years that Vail's has had the top spot. Last year, Vail was No. 2 and Deer Valley in Utah was No. 1. The two resorts swapped places this year.
Breckenridge was ranked sixth.
Beaver Creek was ranked eighth, down from sixth last year.
Vail Resorts' five ski mountains ranked in the top 20 among Western resorts. Besides Vail and Beaver Creek and Breckenridge, Keystone was 14th and Heavenly at Lake Tahoe was 17th.
Copper Mountain, just east of Vail, ranked 19th.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
New "Welcome to Summit County" Sign in the Works
Bob French wants to make a simple statement. The county commissioner suggested, "Welcome to Summit County" be written on new signs placed at county lines. The old phrase, "Welcome to Colorado's Playground" irked French and others because it was panned by jokesters who removed the "l" to create "pay-ground."
"It was a little slam at the real estate people and the way the county operates," French said. "I think that's inappropriate."
So simplicity was in order, and that's just how road and bridge employee Jim Slivka designed a prototype sign introduced to commissioners recently. He used the county government logo and plain text.
"I like it," French said. "It tells you where you are, has balance, is conservative but is also an attractive piece of art."
The logo is used for marketing and government business, and was originally designed by Kevin Mastin of The Mastin Group. The business won a national award for the work.
The new signs will likely be about six feet wide. They will be placed on Ute Pass and Highway 9 north of Silverthorne, Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel and at Vail Pass, and on Hoosier and Loveland passes.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
"BreckConnect" is New Name for Gondola
This winter, Breckenridge is getting its first gondola, and the new, 8-passenger lift linking the town to the Breckenridge Ski Resort has a name and an identity: the BreckConnect.
The BreckConnect Gondola is scheduled for completion during the 2006-2007 ski and snowboard season, creating a streamlined link to transport large numbers of visitors between the town and the ski resort's base area at Peak 8 and, in the future, Peak 7. The fanfare in Breckenridge began earlier this year with final approval of the project, a joint venture between Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge.
Breckenridge-based advertising agency Wilson Lass was charged with creating the identity of the BreckConnect Gondola. The new logo design depicts arrowheads pointing opposite each other at either end of the name "BreckConnect," with "Breck" displayed more prominently in bolder type. The arrows represent the gondola's connection of the town of Breckenridge with the mountain and signify the direct route and speed of travel. The use of the term "Connect" was chosen as a compliment to Breckenridge Ski Resort's popular Peak 8 SuperConnect chairlift, promoting continuity between the resort and the town.
The BreckConnect Gondola will be one of the most modern gondolas in North America with seating for eight and room for ski and ride gear inside.The new gondola will start near the Breckenridge Transportation Center located in the parking lot right off historic Main Street and will eventually have terminals at both Peak 7 and Peak 8, providing an integral link for skiers, riders and visitors from town to the ski resort base areas. It will allow the ski resort and the town to upgrade the skier experience and improve the overall experience by reducing the number of people that need to be bussed to the mountain.
Setting the stage for the planned developments on Peak 7 and 8, the 8-passenger gondola is expected to be completed by January 2007. Right now, the ski resort plans to operate the BreckConnect Gondola in both the winter and summer seasons. It will have a ride time of approximately seven and a half minutes from the transportation center to the base of Peak 8 and will be able to carry 3,000 people per hour.
The BreckConnect Gondola is scheduled for completion during the 2006-2007 ski and snowboard season, creating a streamlined link to transport large numbers of visitors between the town and the ski resort's base area at Peak 8 and, in the future, Peak 7. The fanfare in Breckenridge began earlier this year with final approval of the project, a joint venture between Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge.
Breckenridge-based advertising agency Wilson Lass was charged with creating the identity of the BreckConnect Gondola. The new logo design depicts arrowheads pointing opposite each other at either end of the name "BreckConnect," with "Breck" displayed more prominently in bolder type. The arrows represent the gondola's connection of the town of Breckenridge with the mountain and signify the direct route and speed of travel. The use of the term "Connect" was chosen as a compliment to Breckenridge Ski Resort's popular Peak 8 SuperConnect chairlift, promoting continuity between the resort and the town.
The BreckConnect Gondola will be one of the most modern gondolas in North America with seating for eight and room for ski and ride gear inside.The new gondola will start near the Breckenridge Transportation Center located in the parking lot right off historic Main Street and will eventually have terminals at both Peak 7 and Peak 8, providing an integral link for skiers, riders and visitors from town to the ski resort base areas. It will allow the ski resort and the town to upgrade the skier experience and improve the overall experience by reducing the number of people that need to be bussed to the mountain.
Setting the stage for the planned developments on Peak 7 and 8, the 8-passenger gondola is expected to be completed by January 2007. Right now, the ski resort plans to operate the BreckConnect Gondola in both the winter and summer seasons. It will have a ride time of approximately seven and a half minutes from the transportation center to the base of Peak 8 and will be able to carry 3,000 people per hour.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Snow White Chutes for Breckenridge
An area of seven steep chutes between Peak 8 and 9 that has always been off limits at Breckenridge Ski Resort will likely be open for the taking this ski season.
The resort plans to open 150 acres of terrain named Snow White, which is located in the saddle between Peaks 8 and 9 and would be accessible from the Imperial Express SuperChair, said resort spokesperson Nicky DeFord.
The above-timberline terrain skis similarly to the nearby Lake Chutes, she said.
“It’s steeper than Imperial Bowl, it’s not going to be groomed, so it’s definitely for the stronger skier,” DeFord said.
The Snow White chutes feed skiers onto the advanced Double Barrel or Way Out trails on the backside of Peak 8. Even though Snow White has always been in the resort’s operating boundary, it hasn’t been open to skiers and riders because it was at least a 45 minute hike from the top of the T-Bar before the Imperial Express opened last season. Because of that, ski patrol was more limited in how much terrain it could open at the top of Peak 8 due to the high avalanche danger, which requires control work before it can be opened to the public, DeFord said.
The new terrain isn’t offical yet; officials from Breckenridge will meet with the Forest Service this fall to put Snow White in the resort’s new master plan. After that, it should be official, DeFord said. At that time, the total cache of terrain accessed off Imperial Express will grow from 400 acres to 550 acres, DeFord said.
The resort plans to open 150 acres of terrain named Snow White, which is located in the saddle between Peaks 8 and 9 and would be accessible from the Imperial Express SuperChair, said resort spokesperson Nicky DeFord.
The above-timberline terrain skis similarly to the nearby Lake Chutes, she said.
“It’s steeper than Imperial Bowl, it’s not going to be groomed, so it’s definitely for the stronger skier,” DeFord said.
The Snow White chutes feed skiers onto the advanced Double Barrel or Way Out trails on the backside of Peak 8. Even though Snow White has always been in the resort’s operating boundary, it hasn’t been open to skiers and riders because it was at least a 45 minute hike from the top of the T-Bar before the Imperial Express opened last season. Because of that, ski patrol was more limited in how much terrain it could open at the top of Peak 8 due to the high avalanche danger, which requires control work before it can be opened to the public, DeFord said.
The new terrain isn’t offical yet; officials from Breckenridge will meet with the Forest Service this fall to put Snow White in the resort’s new master plan. After that, it should be official, DeFord said. At that time, the total cache of terrain accessed off Imperial Express will grow from 400 acres to 550 acres, DeFord said.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Biofuel Facility Up-Date
A proposed biofuel facility to heat the County Commons and the new Medical Office Building near the hospital (both near Frisco)has drawn intrest from some big multinational players in the energy sector, including Siemens and Johnson Controls, chosen as the final two bidders.
As envisioned, the plant would use wood chips from beetle-killed trees to heat the two buildings. The county received six bids for the $2 to $5 million project.
Planners met Sept. 1 to narrow that list down to the finalists, who were invited for interviews in mid-September, said Steve Hill, the county's special projects planner.
The goal is to have a plant up and running about one year from now, in time to produce heat for the winter of 2007-2008, said County Commissioner Bill Wallace.
Both Wallace and Hill said there don't appear to be any significant stumbling blocks in terms of permitting or other regulatory issues.
As envisioned, the plant would use wood chips from beetle-killed trees to heat the two buildings. The county received six bids for the $2 to $5 million project.
Planners met Sept. 1 to narrow that list down to the finalists, who were invited for interviews in mid-September, said Steve Hill, the county's special projects planner.
The goal is to have a plant up and running about one year from now, in time to produce heat for the winter of 2007-2008, said County Commissioner Bill Wallace.
Both Wallace and Hill said there don't appear to be any significant stumbling blocks in terms of permitting or other regulatory issues.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Parade of Homes
Yesterday marked the first day of the Summit County Parade of Homes.
The Parade of Homes is open today and tomorrow, and September 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are available at the homes for $5.
This year's Parade features homes in Breckenridge, Silverthorne and Keystone.
There are a total of 19 homes, four of which were built using many green building technologies and products. More companies are assessing their "green" practices. Consumers are also becoming more aware of the important role they play in the upkeep of our environment.
The Parade of Homes is open today and tomorrow, and September 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are available at the homes for $5.
This year's Parade features homes in Breckenridge, Silverthorne and Keystone.
There are a total of 19 homes, four of which were built using many green building technologies and products. More companies are assessing their "green" practices. Consumers are also becoming more aware of the important role they play in the upkeep of our environment.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
26th Annual Breckenridge Film Festival
The 26th Annual Breckenridge Film Festival kicks off this week. Film Festival dates are September 7 - 10, 2006 – four full days of films, festivities and fun.
Hosted by NBC-TV film critic and “Reel Talk” co-host Jeffrey Lyons, the Breckenridge Film Festival affords filmmakers and audiences the opportunity to meet and mingle with each year’s special guests in a relaxed atmosphere.
For the past 25 years, Breckenridge Film Festival audiences have enjoyed meeting actors, directors, writers and producers. In the past, many of the premieres have gone on to be honored with Academy Awards, including “L.A. Confidential,” “American Beauty,” “Frida” and “Lost In Translation.” Other outstanding premieres include ” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” “Lord of War” “The Motorcycle Diaries,” “Being Julia,” “Shark Tale” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Pleasantville” to name just a few.
Every year, the Festival selects the best Independent Films and invites the Filmmakers to the Festival where they have an opportunity to answer questions after their film screening.
This year a new Educational Program will be added to the line up. Christie Barnes, member of the Board of Directors, will host veteran director, Irvin Kershner (“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”). Mr. Kershner will hold two seminars “Acting in Movies” and “What I Taught George Lucas”. Mr. Kershner will be presented the 2006 Breckenridge Film Festival Life Time Achievement Award.
Hosted by NBC-TV film critic and “Reel Talk” co-host Jeffrey Lyons, the Breckenridge Film Festival affords filmmakers and audiences the opportunity to meet and mingle with each year’s special guests in a relaxed atmosphere.
For the past 25 years, Breckenridge Film Festival audiences have enjoyed meeting actors, directors, writers and producers. In the past, many of the premieres have gone on to be honored with Academy Awards, including “L.A. Confidential,” “American Beauty,” “Frida” and “Lost In Translation.” Other outstanding premieres include ” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” “Lord of War” “The Motorcycle Diaries,” “Being Julia,” “Shark Tale” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Pleasantville” to name just a few.
Every year, the Festival selects the best Independent Films and invites the Filmmakers to the Festival where they have an opportunity to answer questions after their film screening.
This year a new Educational Program will be added to the line up. Christie Barnes, member of the Board of Directors, will host veteran director, Irvin Kershner (“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”). Mr. Kershner will hold two seminars “Acting in Movies” and “What I Taught George Lucas”. Mr. Kershner will be presented the 2006 Breckenridge Film Festival Life Time Achievement Award.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Animal Rescue Says Thanks
Animal Rescue of the Rockies sends a big thank-you to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped make our Second annual Carter Park Bark Festival & Rummage Sale a success.
We raised $3,500 for our shelter fund to help Mariah's Promise build a facility near Divide, Colorado before winter arrives.
Special thanks to the Summit Daily, Krystal 93, RSN T.V., Starbucks, Mi Zuppa, Doc P.J., Tommy and Elisabeth Shreve & "D.J. Mike", Airport Road Auto Care, The Nenninger Real Estate Team, Breckenridge Animal Clinic, Alpine Bank, Paws & Claws, Summit Landscaping, and everyone else who donated their time and efforts to this fundraiser for the animals.
Way to go.
We raised $3,500 for our shelter fund to help Mariah's Promise build a facility near Divide, Colorado before winter arrives.
Special thanks to the Summit Daily, Krystal 93, RSN T.V., Starbucks, Mi Zuppa, Doc P.J., Tommy and Elisabeth Shreve & "D.J. Mike", Airport Road Auto Care, The Nenninger Real Estate Team, Breckenridge Animal Clinic, Alpine Bank, Paws & Claws, Summit Landscaping, and everyone else who donated their time and efforts to this fundraiser for the animals.
Way to go.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Vail Resorts Partners with National Forest Foundation
Starting this winter, Vail Resorts will tack a dollar onto sales of season passes, online lift tickets and hotel rooms to fund forest conservation projects, the company said recently.
"It's very consistent with our philosophy, which is we're looking for ways to communicate with our guests about the environment," said Rob Katz, Vail Resorts' chief executive officer.
The partnership between the resort company and the National Forest Foundation seeks to raise $600,000 this winter for projects in the White River National Forest and Lake Tahoe forests.
The announcement comes on the heels of the resort company's recent decision to go 100 percent wind power.
Customers will be able to elect not to add the extra dollar for the program.
"Whether they give the dollar or don't give the dollar, they're going to have to be educated about what it is," Katz said.
Katz said he expects a participation rate of more than 75 percent.
"It's very consistent with our philosophy, which is we're looking for ways to communicate with our guests about the environment," said Rob Katz, Vail Resorts' chief executive officer.
The partnership between the resort company and the National Forest Foundation seeks to raise $600,000 this winter for projects in the White River National Forest and Lake Tahoe forests.
The announcement comes on the heels of the resort company's recent decision to go 100 percent wind power.
Customers will be able to elect not to add the extra dollar for the program.
"Whether they give the dollar or don't give the dollar, they're going to have to be educated about what it is," Katz said.
Katz said he expects a participation rate of more than 75 percent.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Season Passes on Sale
Through Labor Day weekend, skiers and snowboarders can purchase Vail Resorts' season passes at last spring's prices - the Colorado Pass at $379 for adults, $279 for teens and $159 for children, and the Buddy Pass for $349.
The passes will be on sale at Ski-Rex at Colorado Ski & Golf in Aurora the Sports Authority's Sniagrab in Denver, all other Front Range Colorado Ski and Golf and REI locations, FlatIron Crossing and Park Meadows Mall.Beginning Sept. 5, pass prices will increase to $399 for adults, $299 for teens and $189 for kids for the Colorado Pass and $369 for the Buddy Pass.
The Colorado Pass and Buddy Pass will be on sale until Nov. 5, but prices are only guaranteed through Oct. 15, 2006.
Vail Resorts is also bringing back the $99 Four Pack pass for Colorado snowriders. The Four Pack features four days of skiing throughout the 2006-2007 winter season at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. The pass is restricted on several dates during holidays and peak Saturdays. It must be purchased in person as a photo will be taken for the pass, however pass holders from last season can renew online at www.coloradopass.com.
The passes will be on sale at Ski-Rex at Colorado Ski & Golf in Aurora the Sports Authority's Sniagrab in Denver, all other Front Range Colorado Ski and Golf and REI locations, FlatIron Crossing and Park Meadows Mall.Beginning Sept. 5, pass prices will increase to $399 for adults, $299 for teens and $189 for kids for the Colorado Pass and $369 for the Buddy Pass.
The Colorado Pass and Buddy Pass will be on sale until Nov. 5, but prices are only guaranteed through Oct. 15, 2006.
Vail Resorts is also bringing back the $99 Four Pack pass for Colorado snowriders. The Four Pack features four days of skiing throughout the 2006-2007 winter season at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. The pass is restricted on several dates during holidays and peak Saturdays. It must be purchased in person as a photo will be taken for the pass, however pass holders from last season can renew online at www.coloradopass.com.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
2018 Winter Olympics in Colorado?
A Denver committee is exploring a possible bid for the 2018 winter Olympic games.
"If the (U.S. Olympic Committee) would make a decision that they would open up bids for 2018 from any U.S. city, then we would like to be considered as a potential contender for that," Robert Cohen, chairman of the Metro Denver Sports Commission said.
Among those contacted as the group puts together its plans was the Vail Valley Foundation that puts on the Birds of Prey World Cup ski races at Beaver Creek, the only U.S. stop on the men's World Cup circuit. The foundation also hosts The Session, a pro snowboarding competition on Vail Mountain.
John Dakin, spokesman for the foundation said they've discussed conceptual plans.
"Right now it's pretty safe to say that everything is still in the investigation stage and trying to understand what they are looking for, what their goals and objectives are both in the short term and long term," Dakin said.
The USOC likely will decide within two years if it wants to make a U.S. bid for the games. Reno, Nev./Tahoe Lake; Salt Lake City; and Lake Placid, N.Y., have also expressed interest in the 2018 Games, Cohen said.
The Denver exploratory committee formed three years ago and is composed of about 30 people.
Denver was awarded the 1976 Olympic Games in 1970 but opponents, led by former Gov. Dick Lamm, then a state representative, said the games would be too costly, environmentally harmful and spur too much growth. Voters rejected funding the games in 1972 and the city withdrew as host. Innsbruck, Austria hosted the 1976 games.
The site of the 2014 Winter Games will be selected next July. The finalists are: PyeongChang, South Korea; Salzburg, Austria; and Sochi, Russia
"If the (U.S. Olympic Committee) would make a decision that they would open up bids for 2018 from any U.S. city, then we would like to be considered as a potential contender for that," Robert Cohen, chairman of the Metro Denver Sports Commission said.
Among those contacted as the group puts together its plans was the Vail Valley Foundation that puts on the Birds of Prey World Cup ski races at Beaver Creek, the only U.S. stop on the men's World Cup circuit. The foundation also hosts The Session, a pro snowboarding competition on Vail Mountain.
John Dakin, spokesman for the foundation said they've discussed conceptual plans.
"Right now it's pretty safe to say that everything is still in the investigation stage and trying to understand what they are looking for, what their goals and objectives are both in the short term and long term," Dakin said.
The USOC likely will decide within two years if it wants to make a U.S. bid for the games. Reno, Nev./Tahoe Lake; Salt Lake City; and Lake Placid, N.Y., have also expressed interest in the 2018 Games, Cohen said.
The Denver exploratory committee formed three years ago and is composed of about 30 people.
Denver was awarded the 1976 Olympic Games in 1970 but opponents, led by former Gov. Dick Lamm, then a state representative, said the games would be too costly, environmentally harmful and spur too much growth. Voters rejected funding the games in 1972 and the city withdrew as host. Innsbruck, Austria hosted the 1976 games.
The site of the 2014 Winter Games will be selected next July. The finalists are: PyeongChang, South Korea; Salzburg, Austria; and Sochi, Russia
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Farmer's Korner Noise Wall Decision
With the four-laning of Highway 9 near Farmer's Korner (just north of Breckenridge) scheduled for next summer, the one thing that residents of the Farmer's Grove subdivision could agree on is that all the new noise would need to be mitigated.
What wasn't decided was whether a landscaped berm or a concrete wall was the best solution to the new problem.
Yesterday, residents, county officials and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) agreed on a combination solution. Where there is enough width for a landscaped berm, that is what will be built, and where room gets more scarce, CDOT will build a berm and wall combination.
What wasn't decided was whether a landscaped berm or a concrete wall was the best solution to the new problem.
Yesterday, residents, county officials and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) agreed on a combination solution. Where there is enough width for a landscaped berm, that is what will be built, and where room gets more scarce, CDOT will build a berm and wall combination.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Breckenridge Film Festival
The Breckenridge Film Festival is holding a meeting on Wednesday for people willing to volunteer some time during the festival, Sept. 7-10.
Many volunteers are needed, especially in ticket sales.
Different amounts of time are available from a three-hour slot to working the entire festival.
Three hours gets you a ticket to a show.
The Wednesday meeting at 5 p.m. will be at Downstairs at Eric's in Breckenridge where those interested in volunteering can eat pizza and sign up for a slot to work.
Call the Breck Film Fest office at (970) 453-6200 for more info or to volunteer.
Many volunteers are needed, especially in ticket sales.
Different amounts of time are available from a three-hour slot to working the entire festival.
Three hours gets you a ticket to a show.
The Wednesday meeting at 5 p.m. will be at Downstairs at Eric's in Breckenridge where those interested in volunteering can eat pizza and sign up for a slot to work.
Call the Breck Film Fest office at (970) 453-6200 for more info or to volunteer.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Historic Breckenridge Museums and Mines
The Edwin Carter Museum, located at 111 N. Ridge St., is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Barney Ford House Museum, located at 111 E. Washington Ave., is also open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Museum entrance is free.
For more information, contact the Summit Historical Society at (970) 453-9022 or the Saddle Rock Society at (970) 453-5761.
The Rotary Snow Plow Parkl ocated on Boreas Pass Rd. just off Highway 9 is open every Wednesday from Noon to 3 p.m. Donations accepted.
Washington Mine tour is open every Wednesday at 1 p.m.. Located 1.1 miles from the intersection of Highway 9 and Boreas Pass Rd. on Illinois Gulch Rd. $3 charge.
Lomax Mine tour is open every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Located on Ski Hill Rd, 1/2 mile from the intersection with Park Ave. $3 charge.
The Barney Ford House Museum, located at 111 E. Washington Ave., is also open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Museum entrance is free.
For more information, contact the Summit Historical Society at (970) 453-9022 or the Saddle Rock Society at (970) 453-5761.
The Rotary Snow Plow Parkl ocated on Boreas Pass Rd. just off Highway 9 is open every Wednesday from Noon to 3 p.m. Donations accepted.
Washington Mine tour is open every Wednesday at 1 p.m.. Located 1.1 miles from the intersection of Highway 9 and Boreas Pass Rd. on Illinois Gulch Rd. $3 charge.
Lomax Mine tour is open every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Located on Ski Hill Rd, 1/2 mile from the intersection with Park Ave. $3 charge.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Great-West Celebrity Golf Tournament
Plenty of sports celebrities and Hollywood stars will participate in the Great-West Celebrity Golf Tournament this Monday and Tuesday, to benefit The Summit Foundation.
Continuing in the tradition of 2005, teams of four golfers will be matched with a celebrity and enjoy tournament play at both the Breckenridge Golf Club and Keystone Ranch Golf Course on alternate days. There will be plenty of opportunities to mingle with celebrity guests, tournament players and event sponsors at the Main Street Station Plaza for the Welcome Cocktail Party and team buy-out on Sunday, and the Golf Gala Dinner at Beaver Run Resort on Monday.
This year's play includes everyone from hometown ski racing heroes like Jake Fiala, Jason Rosener and Chris Canfield, to Olympic gold medalist Al Joyner.
It culminates with the awards reception at the Breck Golf Club on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m.
For more information, call The Summit Foundation at (970) 453-5970.
Continuing in the tradition of 2005, teams of four golfers will be matched with a celebrity and enjoy tournament play at both the Breckenridge Golf Club and Keystone Ranch Golf Course on alternate days. There will be plenty of opportunities to mingle with celebrity guests, tournament players and event sponsors at the Main Street Station Plaza for the Welcome Cocktail Party and team buy-out on Sunday, and the Golf Gala Dinner at Beaver Run Resort on Monday.
This year's play includes everyone from hometown ski racing heroes like Jake Fiala, Jason Rosener and Chris Canfield, to Olympic gold medalist Al Joyner.
It culminates with the awards reception at the Breck Golf Club on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m.
For more information, call The Summit Foundation at (970) 453-5970.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Keystone Receives FedEx Donation
The Keystone Center's program division Keystone Science School has been selected as the beneficiary of an inkjet cartridge recycling program launched in early August by FedEx and EnviroSmart.
Proceeds from the program will provide partial scholarships for up to 100 students to attend Keystone Science School's summer education programs.
The pilot program, launched August 4 at all seven FedEx locations in Memphis, Tenn., encourages FedEx employees to deposit used inkjet cartridges in workplace collection containers for recycling by EnviroSmart - the world's leading independent recycler of printer cartridges.
EnviroSmart uses FedEx to ship the used cartridges to its recycling center and also pays FedEx for each recycled inkjet cartridge.
FedEx's goal of collecting 8,000 cartridges by the end of 2006 would generate about $10,000, which FedEx is donating to support Keystone Science School's education programs.
Proceeds from the program will provide partial scholarships for up to 100 students to attend Keystone Science School's summer education programs.
The pilot program, launched August 4 at all seven FedEx locations in Memphis, Tenn., encourages FedEx employees to deposit used inkjet cartridges in workplace collection containers for recycling by EnviroSmart - the world's leading independent recycler of printer cartridges.
EnviroSmart uses FedEx to ship the used cartridges to its recycling center and also pays FedEx for each recycled inkjet cartridge.
FedEx's goal of collecting 8,000 cartridges by the end of 2006 would generate about $10,000, which FedEx is donating to support Keystone Science School's education programs.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Golden Horseshoe Meetings
The following Golden Horseshoe work group meetings are open to the public:
Recreation Distribution Group:
Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m. County Courthouse, BOCC meeting room, 208 E. Lincoln Ave., Breckenridge.
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. County Courthouse, BOCC meeting room, 208 E. Lincoln Ave., Breckenridge.
Natural Resources Group:
Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m., Breckenridge Town Hall, Planning Conference Room, 150 Ski Hill Road.
Plenary Group:
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m. County Courthouse, BOCC meeting room, 208 E. Lincoln Ave., Breckenridge.
These meetings consist of local citizens who are volunteering their time to help the town of Breckenridge, Summit County Government, and the Forest Service to develop a management plan for the area of public land east of Breckenridge known as the Golden Horseshoe. The public is welcome to attend these regularly scheduled meetings to observe and contribute comments.
For more information, contact the Summit County Open Space and Trails Department at (970) 668-406
Recreation Distribution Group:
Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m. County Courthouse, BOCC meeting room, 208 E. Lincoln Ave., Breckenridge.
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. County Courthouse, BOCC meeting room, 208 E. Lincoln Ave., Breckenridge.
Natural Resources Group:
Thursday, Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m., Breckenridge Town Hall, Planning Conference Room, 150 Ski Hill Road.
Plenary Group:
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m. County Courthouse, BOCC meeting room, 208 E. Lincoln Ave., Breckenridge.
These meetings consist of local citizens who are volunteering their time to help the town of Breckenridge, Summit County Government, and the Forest Service to develop a management plan for the area of public land east of Breckenridge known as the Golden Horseshoe. The public is welcome to attend these regularly scheduled meetings to observe and contribute comments.
For more information, contact the Summit County Open Space and Trails Department at (970) 668-406
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Fatty's Golf Tournament
Fatty's Golf Tournament was not a real golf tournament. It was a pub crawl with Whiffle balls. Players would dress up to whatever tune they danced in those days, and hit their Whiffle balls with an item of their choosing - golf club, hockey stick, badminton racket - moving from one bar to the next as quick as the pace would allow.
They played from Fatty's restaurant through the Breckenridge streets, over the river, from one end of town to the other, and then back to Fatty's.
If they could stand up when they returned after the all-day affair - which required they consume a drink at each of the 18 "holes" - there was a good chance they'd be on the leaderboard. This all took place during the late 1970s and dearly 1980s.
As Fatty's owner John Daisy recalls it, the tournament only lasted 10 years, despite popularity unlike anything that exists today.
"We used to get upward of 300 people playing in this," Daisy said.
One year, a photo from the post-tournament party graced the pages of Golf Digest.
Then, as with any of the grand-old-games in town (the old-timers bemoan), responsibility took over. Town officials required the event to be insured. That took care of the event.
It is returning this year, but not as it once was, of course. This time it will be the Fatty's-Golf-Tournament-that's-actually-a-golf-tournament. It's set for Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Breckenridge Golf Club. Costumes will still play a role. So will good old-fashioned cheer and beer. To preserve the event's history, each of the 18 holes will be named after a bar that once housed a stop on the original downtown Breckenridge links.
To sign up call Fatty's at (970) 453-9802, or go by Fatty's pizzeria. The event features a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m., and the $125-per-person registration fee includes drinks, a box lunch on the course, prizes and dinner at Fatty's afterward. All proceeds benefit Summit Youth Hockey and Summit Lacrosse.
They played from Fatty's restaurant through the Breckenridge streets, over the river, from one end of town to the other, and then back to Fatty's.
If they could stand up when they returned after the all-day affair - which required they consume a drink at each of the 18 "holes" - there was a good chance they'd be on the leaderboard. This all took place during the late 1970s and dearly 1980s.
As Fatty's owner John Daisy recalls it, the tournament only lasted 10 years, despite popularity unlike anything that exists today.
"We used to get upward of 300 people playing in this," Daisy said.
One year, a photo from the post-tournament party graced the pages of Golf Digest.
Then, as with any of the grand-old-games in town (the old-timers bemoan), responsibility took over. Town officials required the event to be insured. That took care of the event.
It is returning this year, but not as it once was, of course. This time it will be the Fatty's-Golf-Tournament-that's-actually-a-golf-tournament. It's set for Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Breckenridge Golf Club. Costumes will still play a role. So will good old-fashioned cheer and beer. To preserve the event's history, each of the 18 holes will be named after a bar that once housed a stop on the original downtown Breckenridge links.
To sign up call Fatty's at (970) 453-9802, or go by Fatty's pizzeria. The event features a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m., and the $125-per-person registration fee includes drinks, a box lunch on the course, prizes and dinner at Fatty's afterward. All proceeds benefit Summit Youth Hockey and Summit Lacrosse.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Blue River to Decide on Road Paving
The Blue River Board of Trustees has taken the initial steps to include a question on the November ballot that would form a special improvement district to pay for the paving of all the narrow, gravel roads in town.
Residents who already have homes in the town's three paved subdivisions or live on Highway 9 would not be included in the district, said Mayor Darcy Lystlund.Lystlund, who's been on the board for nearly a decade, said a meeting rarely passes by when somebody doesn't ask when the town is going to pave the dusty, pothole-ridden roads.
She said the board isn't advocating for the improvement district to pass, but wants to put the ball in the property owners' court so they can answer the paving question once and for all.
Residents who already have homes in the town's three paved subdivisions or live on Highway 9 would not be included in the district, said Mayor Darcy Lystlund.Lystlund, who's been on the board for nearly a decade, said a meeting rarely passes by when somebody doesn't ask when the town is going to pave the dusty, pothole-ridden roads.
She said the board isn't advocating for the improvement district to pass, but wants to put the ball in the property owners' court so they can answer the paving question once and for all.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Wells Music-Yamaha Piano Competition
This Sunday, teen piano prodigies Jeffrey Lee and Colin Barnett-Hart, both co-winners of the prestigious Wells Music-Yamaha Piano Competition, will perform the popular Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor with the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra.
Created by Bob Baker of Wells Music, the Wells Music-Yamaha Piano Competition was first held at the store's location in Englewood, with 25 students competing. Now, 18 years later, it has grown to become the largest Yamaha piano competition in the country. Still hosted and sponsored by Wells Music, which is now located in Denver, the week-long event features more than 450 young pianists competing in different age divisions for trophies, plaques and scholarship awards. In addition, winners of the junior and senior divisions are given the opportunity to perform with Colorado orchestras.
The Breckenridge Music Festival presents "Austrian Masterworks" Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.
The program features the BMF Orchestra with guest soloists Jeffrey Lee and Colin Barnett-Hart, winners of the 2006 Wells Music-Yamaha Piano Competition.
The concert will feature the Tchaikovsky Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23, Schubert's Symphony No. 2 in B-flat Major, D. 125, and the Mozart Requiem, featuring the Summit Choral Society and Front Range Choruses.
For ticket information: Call (970) 547-3100 or visit www.breckenridgemusicfestival.com
Created by Bob Baker of Wells Music, the Wells Music-Yamaha Piano Competition was first held at the store's location in Englewood, with 25 students competing. Now, 18 years later, it has grown to become the largest Yamaha piano competition in the country. Still hosted and sponsored by Wells Music, which is now located in Denver, the week-long event features more than 450 young pianists competing in different age divisions for trophies, plaques and scholarship awards. In addition, winners of the junior and senior divisions are given the opportunity to perform with Colorado orchestras.
The Breckenridge Music Festival presents "Austrian Masterworks" Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.
The program features the BMF Orchestra with guest soloists Jeffrey Lee and Colin Barnett-Hart, winners of the 2006 Wells Music-Yamaha Piano Competition.
The concert will feature the Tchaikovsky Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23, Schubert's Symphony No. 2 in B-flat Major, D. 125, and the Mozart Requiem, featuring the Summit Choral Society and Front Range Choruses.
For ticket information: Call (970) 547-3100 or visit www.breckenridgemusicfestival.com
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Our Future Summit
Local residents met Aug. 10 to talk about a common vision that would embody the values of a diverse cross-section of the community. Hosted by Our Future Summit, a grassroots nonpartisan public policy education organization, the gathering challenged participants to identify and discuss circumstances that would contribute to a better quality of life here in Summit County, a process initiated last February.
Meeting facilitators Jennifer Kermode and Sarah Stokes Alexander asked the audience to define important core values that make Summit County a special place to live. Many people cited environment, community, and quality of life. Growth issues were seen as a challenge. Important goals were affordable housing, sustainability, business diversity, energy independence, a strong middle class, and increased grassroots participation.
A web survey conducted prior to the meeting asked people about their concerns for the county. Affordable housing/cost of living, traffic/transportation, growth and land use and the environment were identified as having the greatest importance. As part of the February meeting, individuals were asked to submit their vision statements for the County. These have been accumulated into a library of vision statements, and are available along with survey results, at www.ourfuturesummit.org.
The next step, according to Our Future Summit president Howard Hallman, is to distribute a draft vision statement drawn from opinions and values identified in meetings and surveys.
Our Future Summit’s next community forum, After the Pine Beetle, Summit County’s Future Forest Landscape?, is set from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Community and Senior Center in the County Commons near Frisco.
The draft statement will be available online and as a handout. Our Future Summit is asking for comments on the proposed statements from residents, businesses, and civic organizations prior to presenting the results later this year. All interested individuals are urged to review accounts of the two visioning exercises, examine proposed vision statements, complete the current survey, and comment on a consensus vision statement, once available, at www.ourfuturesummit.org.
Meeting facilitators Jennifer Kermode and Sarah Stokes Alexander asked the audience to define important core values that make Summit County a special place to live. Many people cited environment, community, and quality of life. Growth issues were seen as a challenge. Important goals were affordable housing, sustainability, business diversity, energy independence, a strong middle class, and increased grassroots participation.
A web survey conducted prior to the meeting asked people about their concerns for the county. Affordable housing/cost of living, traffic/transportation, growth and land use and the environment were identified as having the greatest importance. As part of the February meeting, individuals were asked to submit their vision statements for the County. These have been accumulated into a library of vision statements, and are available along with survey results, at www.ourfuturesummit.org.
The next step, according to Our Future Summit president Howard Hallman, is to distribute a draft vision statement drawn from opinions and values identified in meetings and surveys.
Our Future Summit’s next community forum, After the Pine Beetle, Summit County’s Future Forest Landscape?, is set from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Community and Senior Center in the County Commons near Frisco.
The draft statement will be available online and as a handout. Our Future Summit is asking for comments on the proposed statements from residents, businesses, and civic organizations prior to presenting the results later this year. All interested individuals are urged to review accounts of the two visioning exercises, examine proposed vision statements, complete the current survey, and comment on a consensus vision statement, once available, at www.ourfuturesummit.org.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Summit Huts Seeking Volunteers
Summit Huts Association is seeking volunteers to help get the back-country cabins ready for the upcoming winter season.
Work days are Aug. 25 and 26 at Francie's Cabin; Sept. 16 at 17 at Janet's Cabin; and Sept. 30 at Section House and Ken's Cabin.
Contact SHA at summithuts@colorado.net or (970) 453-8583 for more info or to sign up.
Work days are Aug. 25 and 26 at Francie's Cabin; Sept. 16 at 17 at Janet's Cabin; and Sept. 30 at Section House and Ken's Cabin.
Contact SHA at summithuts@colorado.net or (970) 453-8583 for more info or to sign up.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Intrawest Bought by Fortress Investment Group
Intrawest announced the $1.81 billion dollar buyout by Fortress Investment Group Friday morning. Intrawest owns Copper Mountain and Winter Park.
Intrawest chairman and chief executive officer Joe Houssain said the deal is in the best interests of the company's shareholders.
Skier visits have grown under Intrawest's ownership in the past eight years, but some base-area businesses have languished. Some Copper residents have been unhappy with Intrawest management, and have expressed concern with the company over development plans in recent years.
Intrawest Colorado officials said the sale won't have any immediate impacts on day-to-day operations.
Intrawest chairman and chief executive officer Joe Houssain said the deal is in the best interests of the company's shareholders.
Skier visits have grown under Intrawest's ownership in the past eight years, but some base-area businesses have languished. Some Copper residents have been unhappy with Intrawest management, and have expressed concern with the company over development plans in recent years.
Intrawest Colorado officials said the sale won't have any immediate impacts on day-to-day operations.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Blue River "Pumpback"
Blue River pumpback negotiations intensified recently, as local lodge owner Tom Gleason suggested that the Summit County commissioners are delaying approval for the project at the expense of residents and businesses who can't hook up to sewer facilities unless the project goes forward.
Several other locals also spoke in favor of the $10 million project at a public hearing, touting the potential benefits of the pumpback, which would carry Blue River water from Farmer's Korner back up to Breckenridge.
"I'm a little disturbed by the infighting between the boards," said Ron Shelton, referring to the ongoing negotiations between the BOCC and the Breckenridge Sanitation District.
"You're bickering and racking up the legal bills ... There's so much positive to (the pumpback)."
At issue is county approval for the sanitation district's plan to build a roadside pipeline from the Farmer's Korner water treatment plan and pump up to 17 cfs of water back upstream. The pumpback could boost flows during the winter, when parts of the river dry up completely, especially during snowmaking season.
Water from the project could also help the sanitation district meet strict water quality standards.
The county and the sanitation district agree that the project offers significant public benefits during the winter. But they have been unable to finalize an agreement that would govern summer operations, when upstream users could potentially divert the water.
The county wants to maintain its review authority for summer operations under its 1041 powers, established by state statute to regulate areas of state interest. The "unintended consequences" of the pumpback could include harm to downstream water users in the Lower Blue, for example.
A pending application by Colorado Springs (which diverts from the headwaters of the Blue River) shows there is a risk that other parties could take advantage of the increased flows from the pumpback, with potential impacts to downstream users, said Barney White, the county's water attorney.
Several other locals also spoke in favor of the $10 million project at a public hearing, touting the potential benefits of the pumpback, which would carry Blue River water from Farmer's Korner back up to Breckenridge.
"I'm a little disturbed by the infighting between the boards," said Ron Shelton, referring to the ongoing negotiations between the BOCC and the Breckenridge Sanitation District.
"You're bickering and racking up the legal bills ... There's so much positive to (the pumpback)."
At issue is county approval for the sanitation district's plan to build a roadside pipeline from the Farmer's Korner water treatment plan and pump up to 17 cfs of water back upstream. The pumpback could boost flows during the winter, when parts of the river dry up completely, especially during snowmaking season.
Water from the project could also help the sanitation district meet strict water quality standards.
The county and the sanitation district agree that the project offers significant public benefits during the winter. But they have been unable to finalize an agreement that would govern summer operations, when upstream users could potentially divert the water.
The county wants to maintain its review authority for summer operations under its 1041 powers, established by state statute to regulate areas of state interest. The "unintended consequences" of the pumpback could include harm to downstream water users in the Lower Blue, for example.
A pending application by Colorado Springs (which diverts from the headwaters of the Blue River) shows there is a risk that other parties could take advantage of the increased flows from the pumpback, with potential impacts to downstream users, said Barney White, the county's water attorney.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
"Bark" Festival in Breckenridge
The Carter Park Bark Festival and Rummage Sale is Sunday, Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The second annual event includes door prizes, a bake sale, paw painting, canine massage, splash pools and photos.
Volunteers are needed to help with general admission, the rummage sale and activity booths.
Baked goods are also needed for the bake sale.
Call Karen Martiny at (970) 453-9717 or ask for Kathy Hickey at Starbucks in Breckenridge to help with the event. To offer a baked good, contact Charlie Jackman at (970) 453-2513 by Wednesday.
This event is a fundraiser for the Animal Rescue of the Rockies' shelter fund for Mariah's Promise Animal Sanctuary.
The second annual event includes door prizes, a bake sale, paw painting, canine massage, splash pools and photos.
Volunteers are needed to help with general admission, the rummage sale and activity booths.
Baked goods are also needed for the bake sale.
Call Karen Martiny at (970) 453-9717 or ask for Kathy Hickey at Starbucks in Breckenridge to help with the event. To offer a baked good, contact Charlie Jackman at (970) 453-2513 by Wednesday.
This event is a fundraiser for the Animal Rescue of the Rockies' shelter fund for Mariah's Promise Animal Sanctuary.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness
The Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness (FENW) is looking for volunteers for their S. Willow Creek trail project on Saturday, Aug. 19.
Volunteers are needed to work on the trail connecting Buffalo Mountain with the Gore Range Trail as it crosses the South Willow Creek drainage, installing bridges and other drainage measures.
Volunteers will hike in from the Ryan Gulch Trailhead about 3 miles. Interested volunteers should RSVP to Jonathan and meet Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at the Dillon Ranger District office in Silverthorne on Highway 9, just north of I-70.
FENW will supply a light breakfast of coffee and bagels and juice. Volunteers should bring work gloves, long pants, sturdy boots, raingear, sunscreen and food and water for lunch. FENW will host a tailgate party at the end of the day with beer, drinks, chips and snacks.
FENW is an apolitical nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994 to raise money, goods, and services to help the Dillon Ranger District maintain the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness areas. Check out FENW's new website www.fenw.org
RSVP to Jonathan at (970) 262 -2399 or rsvp@fenw.org.
Volunteers are needed to work on the trail connecting Buffalo Mountain with the Gore Range Trail as it crosses the South Willow Creek drainage, installing bridges and other drainage measures.
Volunteers will hike in from the Ryan Gulch Trailhead about 3 miles. Interested volunteers should RSVP to Jonathan and meet Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at the Dillon Ranger District office in Silverthorne on Highway 9, just north of I-70.
FENW will supply a light breakfast of coffee and bagels and juice. Volunteers should bring work gloves, long pants, sturdy boots, raingear, sunscreen and food and water for lunch. FENW will host a tailgate party at the end of the day with beer, drinks, chips and snacks.
FENW is an apolitical nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994 to raise money, goods, and services to help the Dillon Ranger District maintain the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness areas. Check out FENW's new website www.fenw.org
RSVP to Jonathan at (970) 262 -2399 or rsvp@fenw.org.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
"Ghost" Ski Areas
Swaths of grass that cut through the pine forest are the first clue of a ghost.
Rusting engines and grooming equipment sitting amid aspens are more evidence of a sighting.
Concrete footings confirm the hillside is the site of the old Holiday Hills ski area - one of dozens of ghost ski areas scattered across the region.
More than 100 ghost ski areas exist in Colorado and are documented on the Web site - ColoradoSkiHistory.com.
It's a great site for those who want to explore them on hikes or back-road trips. Or people can simply read some history or share memories of the lost ski areas. Often, rusting lift towers, rotting wooden lift signs and trail markers are all that remain. And, of course, the telltale gaps in the trees where ski runs were carved through the forest.
"We had three tow lifts and nine ski runs," said Kay Nimrod, 75, of the ski area that she and her husband, Harlan, operated from 1963 to 1973. Now retired in Colorado Springs, Harlan Nimrod was a developer who built the ski area as part of the Holiday Hills subdivision, southwest of Woodland Park. The Nimrods had never skied, but, like many other 1960s entrepreneurs in Colorado, they thought it seemed like a good business.
Rusting engines and grooming equipment sitting amid aspens are more evidence of a sighting.
Concrete footings confirm the hillside is the site of the old Holiday Hills ski area - one of dozens of ghost ski areas scattered across the region.
More than 100 ghost ski areas exist in Colorado and are documented on the Web site - ColoradoSkiHistory.com.
It's a great site for those who want to explore them on hikes or back-road trips. Or people can simply read some history or share memories of the lost ski areas. Often, rusting lift towers, rotting wooden lift signs and trail markers are all that remain. And, of course, the telltale gaps in the trees where ski runs were carved through the forest.
"We had three tow lifts and nine ski runs," said Kay Nimrod, 75, of the ski area that she and her husband, Harlan, operated from 1963 to 1973. Now retired in Colorado Springs, Harlan Nimrod was a developer who built the ski area as part of the Holiday Hills subdivision, southwest of Woodland Park. The Nimrods had never skied, but, like many other 1960s entrepreneurs in Colorado, they thought it seemed like a good business.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Dillon Ranger District Seeks Volunteers
Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) invites you to join them for a Post Fire Rehabilitation Day on Saturday, August 12th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1p.m.
They will rehabilitate burned forest land in the 2005 Ophir Fire area in Summit County.
This is an excellent opportunity for community members to participate in local efforts relating to fire, fuels, and forest health.
Meet on Iron Springs Road, located just north of the Summit County High School, on the west side of Highway 9, at 8:30 a.m. for bagels and coffee and an education segment on fuels and fire by the Summit County Fire Mitigation Program. Snacks and beverages will be provided at the end of the workday tailgate party. Volunteers are needed to help build erosion control structures and re-establish native plant species in this area. This effort will reduce: the amount of erosion; water runoff that might cause flooding; and the risk of water quality problems; and will help native plant species return to the area, providing for a healthier forest.
Volunteers should dress for a day outdoors, and be ready to get dirty. Bring water, work gloves, layered clothing including long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and insect repellent.
To RSVP for this project, contact Scott Fussell at scottafussell@yahoo.com or (970) 846-1530.
For more information on FDRD, including membership, board member and steering committee participation, and volunteer opportunities, including those on the Summer Calendar, contact Guff Van Vooren at fdrd.guff@gmail.com or 970-389-6058, or visit www.fdrd.org.
They will rehabilitate burned forest land in the 2005 Ophir Fire area in Summit County.
This is an excellent opportunity for community members to participate in local efforts relating to fire, fuels, and forest health.
Meet on Iron Springs Road, located just north of the Summit County High School, on the west side of Highway 9, at 8:30 a.m. for bagels and coffee and an education segment on fuels and fire by the Summit County Fire Mitigation Program. Snacks and beverages will be provided at the end of the workday tailgate party. Volunteers are needed to help build erosion control structures and re-establish native plant species in this area. This effort will reduce: the amount of erosion; water runoff that might cause flooding; and the risk of water quality problems; and will help native plant species return to the area, providing for a healthier forest.
Volunteers should dress for a day outdoors, and be ready to get dirty. Bring water, work gloves, layered clothing including long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and insect repellent.
To RSVP for this project, contact Scott Fussell at scottafussell@yahoo.com or (970) 846-1530.
For more information on FDRD, including membership, board member and steering committee participation, and volunteer opportunities, including those on the Summer Calendar, contact Guff Van Vooren at fdrd.guff@gmail.com or 970-389-6058, or visit www.fdrd.org.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Steep and Deep for Keystone
Powder skiers will have some new acreage this coming winter, as Keystone last week won final approval for an expanded snowcat skiing operation, pending a 45-day appeal period.
White River National Forest Supervisor Maribeth Gustafson issued a July 28 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Keystone's proposal to add both guided and unguided bowl skiing in 278 acres of terrain in the upper Jones Gulch area, off Independence and Bear mountains.
The terrain, which is already part of Keystone's permit area, is north and east of the existing snowcat-served terrain in Bergman and Erickson bowls.
Access to the new area would be via snowcat or hiking. Nearly all the skiing would be in open bowls above 11,400 feet, with some of the pitches approaching a 50 percent grade, just a bit steeper than much of the terrain in nearby North Bowl. Total snowcat skiing at Keystone would reach 858 acres with addition of the new area.
White River National Forest Supervisor Maribeth Gustafson issued a July 28 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Keystone's proposal to add both guided and unguided bowl skiing in 278 acres of terrain in the upper Jones Gulch area, off Independence and Bear mountains.
The terrain, which is already part of Keystone's permit area, is north and east of the existing snowcat-served terrain in Bergman and Erickson bowls.
Access to the new area would be via snowcat or hiking. Nearly all the skiing would be in open bowls above 11,400 feet, with some of the pitches approaching a 50 percent grade, just a bit steeper than much of the terrain in nearby North Bowl. Total snowcat skiing at Keystone would reach 858 acres with addition of the new area.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Wind Power for Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts became the second-largest corporate buyer of wind power in the nation on Tuesday when it announced it would offset 100 percent of its total electricity use by purchasing wind energy.
Through Boulder-based Renewable Choice Energy, Vail Resorts will buy 152,000 megawatt hours of wind energy a year for its five mountain resorts, including Breckenridge and Keystone, its lodging property, all of its 125 retail locations and its corporate headquarters.
Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz said that while Vail's five mountains had been using various alternative energy sources in the past - Keystone purchased enough wind energy last year to offset electricity costs of its nightskiing program - it was on a much smaller scale than what the corporation committed to on Tuesday.
Katz said the idea behind Vail Resorts' huge investment in wind power was "to reinforce our commitment to the natural environment in which we operate and be a leader on this critical effort within the travel industry."
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Vail Resorts' commitment to wind energy will avoid more than 211 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year, which is equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road or planting more than 27,000 trees.
Through Boulder-based Renewable Choice Energy, Vail Resorts will buy 152,000 megawatt hours of wind energy a year for its five mountain resorts, including Breckenridge and Keystone, its lodging property, all of its 125 retail locations and its corporate headquarters.
Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz said that while Vail's five mountains had been using various alternative energy sources in the past - Keystone purchased enough wind energy last year to offset electricity costs of its nightskiing program - it was on a much smaller scale than what the corporation committed to on Tuesday.
Katz said the idea behind Vail Resorts' huge investment in wind power was "to reinforce our commitment to the natural environment in which we operate and be a leader on this critical effort within the travel industry."
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Vail Resorts' commitment to wind energy will avoid more than 211 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year, which is equivalent to taking 18,000 cars off the road or planting more than 27,000 trees.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Nordic Skiing for Breckenridge's Golden Horseshoe
As part of the planning process for the Golden Horseshoe area, the town of Breckenridge would like to promote the idea of developed Nordic skiing in the area, including a 50-kilometer groomed trail system and potential support facilities like parking areas and warming huts.
“We’d like to put a stake in the ground ... as saying that we’d like to establish a Nordic experience,” said Town Councilmember John Warner, as the town council discussed the results of a Nordic feasibility study recently.
Council members acknowledged there are a multitude of interests at the table in the ongoing Golden Horseshoe discussions, but also said the town has been clear since the beginning of its involvement in the purchase of the B&B property (that led to the creation of the town and county owned open space) that it considers the area ripe for a crosscountry skiiing trail system. That could help the town move toward its goal of becoming a Nordic destination, council members said.
Other major destination Nordic resorts encompass at least that many, and generally more trails, with Aspen tallying 65 kilometers, Devil’s Thumb, 120 kilomters and Snow Mountain Ranch, 100 kilometers. The trails in the Golden Horseshoe would be a mix of groomed skating and diagonal stride tracks, as well as ungroomed backcountry trails, according to the feasibility report.
“We didn’t develop the Gold Run Nordic Center so people could slide around out there on the golf course,” said Mayor Ernie Blake, explaining that the idea all along has been to somehow connect that venue with a trail system in the Golden Horseshoe.
“We’d like to put a stake in the ground ... as saying that we’d like to establish a Nordic experience,” said Town Councilmember John Warner, as the town council discussed the results of a Nordic feasibility study recently.
Council members acknowledged there are a multitude of interests at the table in the ongoing Golden Horseshoe discussions, but also said the town has been clear since the beginning of its involvement in the purchase of the B&B property (that led to the creation of the town and county owned open space) that it considers the area ripe for a crosscountry skiiing trail system. That could help the town move toward its goal of becoming a Nordic destination, council members said.
Other major destination Nordic resorts encompass at least that many, and generally more trails, with Aspen tallying 65 kilometers, Devil’s Thumb, 120 kilomters and Snow Mountain Ranch, 100 kilometers. The trails in the Golden Horseshoe would be a mix of groomed skating and diagonal stride tracks, as well as ungroomed backcountry trails, according to the feasibility report.
“We didn’t develop the Gold Run Nordic Center so people could slide around out there on the golf course,” said Mayor Ernie Blake, explaining that the idea all along has been to somehow connect that venue with a trail system in the Golden Horseshoe.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Ski Area Needs Room
With construction of the new gondola well under way at the Peak 8 base area, resort officials are looking for a little extra room in their ski school and rental facilities.
The plan, subject to town review, is to put up two temporary tent-like structures this year. A 2,200 square-foot facillity for ski school, to be located just uphill of the existing Kids Kastle, and a 4,800 square-foot structure to provide rental services, proposed for the Peak 8 parking lot.
The existing 3,200 square-foot rental building will be remodeled into a locker room and first-aid facility. Both will be reviewed by the town's planning commission Aug. 1.
The resort is requesting a variance from town codes that specify size and a two-year limit for temporary structures. According to town manager Tim Gagen, the resort sought input from the planning commission during an earlier work session (Nov. 2005). At the time, the planning commission expressed concerns about the architectural compatibility of the buildings, as well as the length of time they might be standing.
While the board wasn't enthusiastic about the aesthetics of the buildings, the need for some temporary facillities is generally recognized, Gagen said.
The plan, subject to town review, is to put up two temporary tent-like structures this year. A 2,200 square-foot facillity for ski school, to be located just uphill of the existing Kids Kastle, and a 4,800 square-foot structure to provide rental services, proposed for the Peak 8 parking lot.
The existing 3,200 square-foot rental building will be remodeled into a locker room and first-aid facility. Both will be reviewed by the town's planning commission Aug. 1.
The resort is requesting a variance from town codes that specify size and a two-year limit for temporary structures. According to town manager Tim Gagen, the resort sought input from the planning commission during an earlier work session (Nov. 2005). At the time, the planning commission expressed concerns about the architectural compatibility of the buildings, as well as the length of time they might be standing.
While the board wasn't enthusiastic about the aesthetics of the buildings, the need for some temporary facillities is generally recognized, Gagen said.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Historic Breckenridge Home Up for Auction
A pricey piece of Breckenridge's rich gold mining history is coming up for sale Aug. 8 - to the highest bidder.
An historic mansion built 108 years ago by "Gold Dredge King" Ben Stanley Revett, one of Summit County's earliest colorful characters, can be all yours at an Aug. 8 auction - if the price is right.
"It's like selling an antique," said Craig King, president and CEO of J.P. King Auction Company, the national auction house organizing the public sale of the historic home and property.
Current owners Glenn and Mary Campbell operated their former business, Tiger Run Tours, near the property until selling the business in 1992.
The mansion sits on more than 14 acres, right along the edge of the nearly pristine White River National Forest, and features an anachronistic mix of century-old design features and modern amenities. The five-bedroom, three-bath home has a huge front porch and wood burning fireplace along with modern additions like a two-car garage and separate outbuilding with room for three or more cars. There are other modern touches like a hot tub and contemporary kitchen, as well as historical reminders throughout the home, such as a period crystal chandelier that dates to 1878.
Aug. 8 is setting up to be an exciting day, as King's auction company has launched a national promotional campaign to draw potential buyers to Breckenridge for the big auction. Ads in the Wall Street Journal and national magazines like the Robb Report are likely to bring interest from across the nation for the historic property.
"There are people out there that like to own historically significant properties," King said.
"We've got a 108-year old home here, and we feel like there's going to be a lot of interest in it."
Auction selling, however, has some marked differences to traditional property sales. In essence, potential buyers are required to do all of their legwork in advance - lining up financing, inspections, and answers to their questions about the property well before the bidding begins.
"When you're bidding at auction, you're bidding on a non-contingent basis - meaning that once you buy it, it's yours. So you need to be familiar with what you're bidding on," King said.
In the weeks leading up to the Aug. 8 auction, tours of the property are available by appointment through the auction company. A comprehensive information packet about the property and all the contract details is available online at www.jpking.com up until the date of the auction. Interested buyers can also schedule an appointment by calling J.P. King at (800) 558-5464, or emailing auctioninfo@jpking.com.
The auction will start at 11 a.m., and "once the bidding opens, it probably takes just 10 to 15 minutes to actually sell the property," King said.
You're likely wondering if the Revett property will sell for a price in or around your own personal ballpark. The most recent assigned value for the property: $2.7 million.
An historic mansion built 108 years ago by "Gold Dredge King" Ben Stanley Revett, one of Summit County's earliest colorful characters, can be all yours at an Aug. 8 auction - if the price is right.
"It's like selling an antique," said Craig King, president and CEO of J.P. King Auction Company, the national auction house organizing the public sale of the historic home and property.
Current owners Glenn and Mary Campbell operated their former business, Tiger Run Tours, near the property until selling the business in 1992.
The mansion sits on more than 14 acres, right along the edge of the nearly pristine White River National Forest, and features an anachronistic mix of century-old design features and modern amenities. The five-bedroom, three-bath home has a huge front porch and wood burning fireplace along with modern additions like a two-car garage and separate outbuilding with room for three or more cars. There are other modern touches like a hot tub and contemporary kitchen, as well as historical reminders throughout the home, such as a period crystal chandelier that dates to 1878.
Aug. 8 is setting up to be an exciting day, as King's auction company has launched a national promotional campaign to draw potential buyers to Breckenridge for the big auction. Ads in the Wall Street Journal and national magazines like the Robb Report are likely to bring interest from across the nation for the historic property.
"There are people out there that like to own historically significant properties," King said.
"We've got a 108-year old home here, and we feel like there's going to be a lot of interest in it."
Auction selling, however, has some marked differences to traditional property sales. In essence, potential buyers are required to do all of their legwork in advance - lining up financing, inspections, and answers to their questions about the property well before the bidding begins.
"When you're bidding at auction, you're bidding on a non-contingent basis - meaning that once you buy it, it's yours. So you need to be familiar with what you're bidding on," King said.
In the weeks leading up to the Aug. 8 auction, tours of the property are available by appointment through the auction company. A comprehensive information packet about the property and all the contract details is available online at www.jpking.com up until the date of the auction. Interested buyers can also schedule an appointment by calling J.P. King at (800) 558-5464, or emailing auctioninfo@jpking.com.
The auction will start at 11 a.m., and "once the bidding opens, it probably takes just 10 to 15 minutes to actually sell the property," King said.
You're likely wondering if the Revett property will sell for a price in or around your own personal ballpark. The most recent assigned value for the property: $2.7 million.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Ballot Initiative for Summit Housing Authority
A proposed ballot initiative that would fund a countywide housing authority for the next 10 years garnered unanimous support from the Breckenridge Town Council earlier this week.
The Summit Housing Authority is seeking endorsement from all the local towns, as well as from other key constituencies, including the real estate and development community, before moving ahead with the ballot push.
"We need to get strongly behind this," said Town Councilmember Rob Millisor, after asking Summit Housing Authority (SHA) director Bonnie Osborn how far the money would go to address the affordable housing crunch in Breckenridge and around the rest of the county.
"This will raise about $32 million in the next 10 years. How does that address the problem?" Millisor said, describing the planned initiative that would use a combination of a sales tax and development impact fees to raise money. Other council members wanted to know how many units would be built on the ground with the money, and how the funds would be distributed back to the communities where they are collected.
Osborn said it's hard to pinpoint the exact number of units that could be built, explaining that it depends on the cost of land, and whether land may in some cases be donated. At best, she said it might close the gap - projected to climb to 3,000 units in the next few years - by about a quarter.
"It's not going to make much of a dent," she acknowledged.
As currently proposed, the ballot measure would add 0.125 percent to sales taxes around the county, raising about $1.3 million annually. The impact fees would be charged per square foot of new development, climbing on a graduated scale tied to the size of projects.
The Summit Housing Authority is seeking endorsement from all the local towns, as well as from other key constituencies, including the real estate and development community, before moving ahead with the ballot push.
"We need to get strongly behind this," said Town Councilmember Rob Millisor, after asking Summit Housing Authority (SHA) director Bonnie Osborn how far the money would go to address the affordable housing crunch in Breckenridge and around the rest of the county.
"This will raise about $32 million in the next 10 years. How does that address the problem?" Millisor said, describing the planned initiative that would use a combination of a sales tax and development impact fees to raise money. Other council members wanted to know how many units would be built on the ground with the money, and how the funds would be distributed back to the communities where they are collected.
Osborn said it's hard to pinpoint the exact number of units that could be built, explaining that it depends on the cost of land, and whether land may in some cases be donated. At best, she said it might close the gap - projected to climb to 3,000 units in the next few years - by about a quarter.
"It's not going to make much of a dent," she acknowledged.
As currently proposed, the ballot measure would add 0.125 percent to sales taxes around the county, raising about $1.3 million annually. The impact fees would be charged per square foot of new development, climbing on a graduated scale tied to the size of projects.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Real Estate Market is Hot
The real estate market may be cooling off nationally, but over the summer months so far here in Summit County, the homebuying market is hot.
For the second month in a row, transaction volume — or the total dollar amount recorded for residential real estate sales — measured for the month showed a dramatic increase over the same time period last year.
This past June, real estate volume was nearly $163 million for the month — a more than 45 percent jump over June 2005.
In terms of specific June transactions, the 340 recorded were more than an 11 percent boost over the same month last year.
For the second month in a row, transaction volume — or the total dollar amount recorded for residential real estate sales — measured for the month showed a dramatic increase over the same time period last year.
This past June, real estate volume was nearly $163 million for the month — a more than 45 percent jump over June 2005.
In terms of specific June transactions, the 340 recorded were more than an 11 percent boost over the same month last year.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Breckenridge Art Fair - Benefit or Bane
One segment of Breckenridge's business community claims competition from out-of-town art dealers at the July 4th Breckenridge Art Fair is having a negative effect on their sales during the holiday.
"I think without question it impacts the high-end specialty retailers," said Breckenridge Gallery owner Gary Freese.
"I go back to the contention that the town is gridlocked on that weekend," said Freese, in the gallery business locally since 1969.
Along with other gallery owners in town, Freese thinks it doesn't make sense for the town to hold an event that essentially creates competition for local merchants - especially on town property.
Town officials, meanwhile, believe the art fair adds to the overall draw of the town during the holiday, and they have a stack of statistics to prove it, including a 2005 RRC Associates survey showing that at least some visitors come specifically for the art fair.
"I think without question it impacts the high-end specialty retailers," said Breckenridge Gallery owner Gary Freese.
"I go back to the contention that the town is gridlocked on that weekend," said Freese, in the gallery business locally since 1969.
Along with other gallery owners in town, Freese thinks it doesn't make sense for the town to hold an event that essentially creates competition for local merchants - especially on town property.
Town officials, meanwhile, believe the art fair adds to the overall draw of the town during the holiday, and they have a stack of statistics to prove it, including a 2005 RRC Associates survey showing that at least some visitors come specifically for the art fair.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Frisco Targets Greenhouse Gases
Frisco’s recent decision to sign on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is still a worthwhile move, said Stephen Saunders, head of the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization.
“I enthusiastically applaud their decision,” said Saunders, whose organization has been spreading the word about global warming impacts to the West’s snowpack and water supplies.
Saunders said the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization will this week release a joint report compiled with the Natural Resources Defense Council on climate change impacts to national parks.
Frisco joins 266 other U.S. cities in agreeing to try and meet or beat Kyoto Protocol targets by adopting anti-sprawl land use policies, with urban reforestation and public education campaigns. At the same time, endorsement of the climate agreement means Frisco will urge the state and federal government to enact policies and programs to meet the Kyoto targets, including a seven percent reduction in greenhouse gases from 1990 levels by 2012.
“I enthusiastically applaud their decision,” said Saunders, whose organization has been spreading the word about global warming impacts to the West’s snowpack and water supplies.
Saunders said the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization will this week release a joint report compiled with the Natural Resources Defense Council on climate change impacts to national parks.
Frisco joins 266 other U.S. cities in agreeing to try and meet or beat Kyoto Protocol targets by adopting anti-sprawl land use policies, with urban reforestation and public education campaigns. At the same time, endorsement of the climate agreement means Frisco will urge the state and federal government to enact policies and programs to meet the Kyoto targets, including a seven percent reduction in greenhouse gases from 1990 levels by 2012.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Raven Golf Club Offers McGetrick Golf Academy
The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks in Silverthorne will be hosting the Mike McGetrick Golf Academy, one of the top golf instructional programs in the country, for three one-day clinics this summer.
The full-day clinics, which are scheduled for July 29, Aug. 12 and Sept. 23, will include lunch at the Raven Grill. Morning sessions will be devoted to swing analysis and instruction and the afternoon sessions will cover short-game techniques.
Clinics will be limited to 16 students per session to ensure adequate personal attention. A minimum of five students, however, is required for the clinics to run.
"For McGetrick to bring his top-of-the-line instructors here is very exciting," Raven general manager Dan Guinle said.
"We are happy to have them at the Raven as they to step to the forefront in the world of golf."
The cost for the clinics is $395. Instruction will be completed by 3 p.m. at which time students can play 18 holes at a reduced rate of $55.
For more information or to register for a clinic, contact the Raven Golf Shop at (970) 262-3636.
The full-day clinics, which are scheduled for July 29, Aug. 12 and Sept. 23, will include lunch at the Raven Grill. Morning sessions will be devoted to swing analysis and instruction and the afternoon sessions will cover short-game techniques.
Clinics will be limited to 16 students per session to ensure adequate personal attention. A minimum of five students, however, is required for the clinics to run.
"For McGetrick to bring his top-of-the-line instructors here is very exciting," Raven general manager Dan Guinle said.
"We are happy to have them at the Raven as they to step to the forefront in the world of golf."
The cost for the clinics is $395. Instruction will be completed by 3 p.m. at which time students can play 18 holes at a reduced rate of $55.
For more information or to register for a clinic, contact the Raven Golf Shop at (970) 262-3636.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Mountain Community Fair
The 22nd Annual Mountain Community Fair begins Friday and runs through Sunday at the Summit County Fairgrounds, located just below the dam in Silverthorne.
This event provides family entertainment, including a CPRA-sanctioned rodeo, carnival rides and events for children of all ages.
Kids Day at the Mountain Community Fair will be Friday. Children 12 and younger are admitted free all day.
There will also be pony rides, a petting zoo, a carnival and a special kids' tent with family games, learning activities and prizes happening each day of the fair. Attendees will also enjoy bull riding, mutton bustin', and daily performances from the Jefferson County Western Aires, in addition to 4-H exhibits and fantastic food from area vendors.
Tickets will be available at the gate each day, starting at 11am. The prices are $7 for adults and$5 for kids 6 to 12. Children under 5 are admitted free.
For more information, contact Jeannie at 970-547-4076.
This event provides family entertainment, including a CPRA-sanctioned rodeo, carnival rides and events for children of all ages.
Kids Day at the Mountain Community Fair will be Friday. Children 12 and younger are admitted free all day.
There will also be pony rides, a petting zoo, a carnival and a special kids' tent with family games, learning activities and prizes happening each day of the fair. Attendees will also enjoy bull riding, mutton bustin', and daily performances from the Jefferson County Western Aires, in addition to 4-H exhibits and fantastic food from area vendors.
Tickets will be available at the gate each day, starting at 11am. The prices are $7 for adults and$5 for kids 6 to 12. Children under 5 are admitted free.
For more information, contact Jeannie at 970-547-4076.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Colorado Trail Volunteer Opportunities
The Colorado Trail Foundation and the Summit Fat Tire Society are teaming up on the Gold Hill Section of the Colorado Trail.
Volunteers can pick a day to help out. The days include: this Saturday; Tuesday, July 25; Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28.
Meet at the Gold Hill Trailhead parking lot at 8 a.m. Bring gloves, long pants, a lunch and plenty of water.
For more information contact Susan at (970) 668-5458 to sign up.
Volunteers can pick a day to help out. The days include: this Saturday; Tuesday, July 25; Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28.
Meet at the Gold Hill Trailhead parking lot at 8 a.m. Bring gloves, long pants, a lunch and plenty of water.
For more information contact Susan at (970) 668-5458 to sign up.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Swan Mountain Bike Path
Groundbreaking for the 1.5 mile Lowry section of the Swan Mountain bike path segment could be just a few weeks away, according to Brad Eckert, the open space and trails planner in charge of the project.
The bidding for the $2 million job closed June 29. Only a final review and approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is needed before work begins, Eckert said."They have to give us a notice to approve," Eckert said, explaining that construction of the path over Swan Mountain was delayed at this stage once before.
Federal funding for the work, administered through CDOT, adds a level of complexity to the approval process, he said. Eckert isn't sure if the section will be finished this year.
Most of the money for the Lowry section is available right now, with only a relatively small $45,000 funding gap remaining. A July 20 concert and silent auction is aimed at closing that gap, and more than 200 of the 250 available tickets for the event have already been sold, said the Northwest Colorado Council of Government's Liz Mullen.
Completion of the Lowry section, probably sometime during the summer of 2007, would let cyclists avoid about 2.2 miles of Swan Mountain Road. The section includes about 8,800 linear feet of pathway over an average grade of 4 percent, with a maximum grade of 7 percent.
The project has been in the works for quite some time, and Eckert said he'll be pleased when work finally begins.
The bidding for the $2 million job closed June 29. Only a final review and approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is needed before work begins, Eckert said."They have to give us a notice to approve," Eckert said, explaining that construction of the path over Swan Mountain was delayed at this stage once before.
Federal funding for the work, administered through CDOT, adds a level of complexity to the approval process, he said. Eckert isn't sure if the section will be finished this year.
Most of the money for the Lowry section is available right now, with only a relatively small $45,000 funding gap remaining. A July 20 concert and silent auction is aimed at closing that gap, and more than 200 of the 250 available tickets for the event have already been sold, said the Northwest Colorado Council of Government's Liz Mullen.
Completion of the Lowry section, probably sometime during the summer of 2007, would let cyclists avoid about 2.2 miles of Swan Mountain Road. The section includes about 8,800 linear feet of pathway over an average grade of 4 percent, with a maximum grade of 7 percent.
The project has been in the works for quite some time, and Eckert said he'll be pleased when work finally begins.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Steamboat For Sale - Again
Five years after American Skiing Company last offered the Steamboat Ski Area for sale, it’s on the market again.
American Skiing Co. officials said they have retained the investment banking firm Bear Stearns & Company to market the sale of the Steamboat Ski Area. The ski area is one of eight owned by publicly traded ASC, which is based in Park City, Utah. American Skiing CEO B.J. Fair was in Steamboat on Friday to share the news with Steamboat employees.
The company last sought to sell Steamboat as part of the financial reorganization of debt-straddled ASC in May 2001. The sale to Triple Peaks LLC for $91.4 million was scheduled to go through in March 2002, but ASC backed out at the last minute. Instead of selling Steamboat to a group led by Tim and Diane Mueller of Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt., ASC opted to sell Heavenly Mountain Resort in California to Vail Resorts.
The abandoned deal led to a lawsuit, which was finally settled for cash in July 2004. The terms of the settlement give the Muellers 30 days to take part in exclusive negotiations with ASC for the purchase of the Steamboat Ski Area. Tim Mueller said he is not sure whether he will try to acquire the ski area. The Muellers have since purchased Crested Butte Mountain Resort and are in the midst of aggressive expansion plans.
Bear Stearns can be expected to screen prospective buyers before making Steamboat’s financials available to them.
American Skiing Co. officials said they have retained the investment banking firm Bear Stearns & Company to market the sale of the Steamboat Ski Area. The ski area is one of eight owned by publicly traded ASC, which is based in Park City, Utah. American Skiing CEO B.J. Fair was in Steamboat on Friday to share the news with Steamboat employees.
The company last sought to sell Steamboat as part of the financial reorganization of debt-straddled ASC in May 2001. The sale to Triple Peaks LLC for $91.4 million was scheduled to go through in March 2002, but ASC backed out at the last minute. Instead of selling Steamboat to a group led by Tim and Diane Mueller of Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt., ASC opted to sell Heavenly Mountain Resort in California to Vail Resorts.
The abandoned deal led to a lawsuit, which was finally settled for cash in July 2004. The terms of the settlement give the Muellers 30 days to take part in exclusive negotiations with ASC for the purchase of the Steamboat Ski Area. Tim Mueller said he is not sure whether he will try to acquire the ski area. The Muellers have since purchased Crested Butte Mountain Resort and are in the midst of aggressive expansion plans.
Bear Stearns can be expected to screen prospective buyers before making Steamboat’s financials available to them.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Sound Wall for Farmer's Korner?
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced it would begin the project to widen Highway 9 near Farmer's Korner next summer.
But there's another question in the air. What - if anything - should be done to alleviate all the new noise a wider road will bring? For many residents of the newish Farmer's Grove subdivision, a concrete wall built 8 to 10-feet high between their homes and the soon-to-be-wider Highway 9 is the best answer.
At the regular county work session Tuesday, a number of Farmer's Korner-area residents showed up to hear a CDOT presentation to commissioners, detailing the options for noise mitigation in the neighborhood.
CDOT laid out three possible scenarios: build a concrete wall along the length of the subdivision, fashion a landscaped "berm" along the same stretch, or do nothing whatsoever.
But there's another question in the air. What - if anything - should be done to alleviate all the new noise a wider road will bring? For many residents of the newish Farmer's Grove subdivision, a concrete wall built 8 to 10-feet high between their homes and the soon-to-be-wider Highway 9 is the best answer.
At the regular county work session Tuesday, a number of Farmer's Korner-area residents showed up to hear a CDOT presentation to commissioners, detailing the options for noise mitigation in the neighborhood.
CDOT laid out three possible scenarios: build a concrete wall along the length of the subdivision, fashion a landscaped "berm" along the same stretch, or do nothing whatsoever.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Summit Foundation Announces Interim Director
In the wake of the departure of longtime executive director Deb Edwards at the end of June, the Summit Foundation announced plans to reorganize its governing body and named former foundation director of development Judi LaPoint to manage major fundraising on an interim basis.
In an effort to encourage all the members of its Board of Trustees to be more actively involved, the foundation has combined the full board with its smaller Advisory Board. A press release from the foundation expressed hope that the consolidation will "foster a spirit of teamwork and proactive responsibility."
The new interim development director, LaPoint, is also fundraising director for the Breckenridge Music Festival. Formerly the Summit Foundation's permanent director of development, she left the foundation last summer after two years. The fundraising position has been vacant since last fall and the board is reluctant to fill it before a replacement is found for Edwards.
"We didn't think it was fair to hire a new (permanent) development director before we have a new executive director," Board of Trustees president Larry Beebe said.
Friday was the final deadline for applications for the executive director position and Beebe said he thinks that realistically it will take another two months or so to fill the slot.
The foundation received more than 40 resumes and has started the review process.
In an effort to encourage all the members of its Board of Trustees to be more actively involved, the foundation has combined the full board with its smaller Advisory Board. A press release from the foundation expressed hope that the consolidation will "foster a spirit of teamwork and proactive responsibility."
The new interim development director, LaPoint, is also fundraising director for the Breckenridge Music Festival. Formerly the Summit Foundation's permanent director of development, she left the foundation last summer after two years. The fundraising position has been vacant since last fall and the board is reluctant to fill it before a replacement is found for Edwards.
"We didn't think it was fair to hire a new (permanent) development director before we have a new executive director," Board of Trustees president Larry Beebe said.
Friday was the final deadline for applications for the executive director position and Beebe said he thinks that realistically it will take another two months or so to fill the slot.
The foundation received more than 40 resumes and has started the review process.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Fishing in Colorado
After a hot, dry spring and early summer, monsoonal flows during the past week brought consecutive days of rain to most of Colorado. While the rainfall generally has been a benefit to a parched region, it also has affected fishing in some parts of the state. The effects have been mild in some areas, serious in others.
While many free-flowing rivers and creeks saw rising water levels, discoloration and lowered water temperatures, which affect fishing prospects, the impact on most is temporary. Many began clearing and dropping soon afterward, and most should again be in good condition by the weekend.
Heavy rain and flooding along the Arkansas River below Canon City and some of its tributaries sent a surge of water into Pueblo Reservoir. The river temporarily raised the lake level, muddied the water, carried in debris, dropped the temperature and dramatically slowed down the fishing.
With a projected return to hot, dry weather, conditions are expected to improve in about a week. Fishing in mountain lakes and reservoirs generally remains good, though some may be somewhat discolored by rain-swollen inlet flows.
For the complete, statewide fishing report, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/.
While many free-flowing rivers and creeks saw rising water levels, discoloration and lowered water temperatures, which affect fishing prospects, the impact on most is temporary. Many began clearing and dropping soon afterward, and most should again be in good condition by the weekend.
Heavy rain and flooding along the Arkansas River below Canon City and some of its tributaries sent a surge of water into Pueblo Reservoir. The river temporarily raised the lake level, muddied the water, carried in debris, dropped the temperature and dramatically slowed down the fishing.
With a projected return to hot, dry weather, conditions are expected to improve in about a week. Fishing in mountain lakes and reservoirs generally remains good, though some may be somewhat discolored by rain-swollen inlet flows.
For the complete, statewide fishing report, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Frisco Views Possible Sites for Colorado Mt. College
Frisco continues discussion about possible sites for Colorado Mountain College (CMC).
Council members and select members of the public will conduct site visits of all five potential locations for the college today.
Sites under consideration include the Frisco Peninsula, the 9.4-acre/Interstate parcel, the Dam Road, the old Summit Medical Center and land near the County Commons.
Town staff will present the compiled public feedback on the issue during the work session today and council members will continue the decision-making process that will culminate in an officially selected site at the July 25 council meeting.
CMC has expressed its preference for a single, centralized campus in Frisco, despite having an offer from the town of Breckenridge of land along Airport Road.
Council members and select members of the public will conduct site visits of all five potential locations for the college today.
Sites under consideration include the Frisco Peninsula, the 9.4-acre/Interstate parcel, the Dam Road, the old Summit Medical Center and land near the County Commons.
Town staff will present the compiled public feedback on the issue during the work session today and council members will continue the decision-making process that will culminate in an officially selected site at the July 25 council meeting.
CMC has expressed its preference for a single, centralized campus in Frisco, despite having an offer from the town of Breckenridge of land along Airport Road.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Continental Divide Trail Receives $1.2 Million
The Continental Divide Trail recently received $1.2 million in special funding as part of the President’s budget for the U.S. Forest Service for 2007, thanks to members of Congress from Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.
Use of the funds by the Forest Service, National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management will be based on high-level priorities along the 3,100-mile trail from Canada to Mexico. Special emphasis will be placed on projects that involve volunteers and private sector support.
The Continental Divide Trail was established by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978.
When complete, the “King of Trails” will be the most significant trail system in the world. Stretching along the backbone of the continent from Canada to Mexico, it accesses some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world while conserving the environment and promoting personal well being.
Use of the funds by the Forest Service, National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management will be based on high-level priorities along the 3,100-mile trail from Canada to Mexico. Special emphasis will be placed on projects that involve volunteers and private sector support.
The Continental Divide Trail was established by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978.
When complete, the “King of Trails” will be the most significant trail system in the world. Stretching along the backbone of the continent from Canada to Mexico, it accesses some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world while conserving the environment and promoting personal well being.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Fire Station Up for Sale
The Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue board of directors decided at its June meeting to put the fire department's 25-year-old Montezuma Fire Station on the market, and both the department and the town of Montezuma are hoping for a residential buyer.
"The town is concerned, and we are concerned too, that it not turn into a commercial or industrial area," Lake Dillon board of directors president Tom Hill said.
Montezuma is Summit County's smallest town, with a year-round population of fewer than 50 people. The former silver mining camp sits in the Upper Snake River Basin above Keystone. The town's unpaved main street is lined with aging houses, while the firehouse is situated at the corner of 4th Street and Main.
The former Snake River Fire Department board of directors had been discussing the selling the fire station for about two years. The Montezuma department was recently folded into the Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue.
"The town is concerned, and we are concerned too, that it not turn into a commercial or industrial area," Lake Dillon board of directors president Tom Hill said.
Montezuma is Summit County's smallest town, with a year-round population of fewer than 50 people. The former silver mining camp sits in the Upper Snake River Basin above Keystone. The town's unpaved main street is lined with aging houses, while the firehouse is situated at the corner of 4th Street and Main.
The former Snake River Fire Department board of directors had been discussing the selling the fire station for about two years. The Montezuma department was recently folded into the Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
One Busy Independence Day!
The sirens sounding through Summit County all weekend could have been one indicator.
The number of people booked into the Summit County Jail could have been another.
The gridlocked traffic in Breckenridge could have been the real indicator.
The bottom line, though, is local fire, police and ambulance workers had their hands full scrambling between calls during the bustling Fourth of July holiday weekend, which packed about 100,000 people into the county.
“We were just plain busy,” Summit County Sheriff John Minor said. “We expect that though.”
Between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, 43 people were taken to the Summit County Jail, 18 of whom are charged with DUI, Minor said.
Yes, it was a busy holiday.
The number of people booked into the Summit County Jail could have been another.
The gridlocked traffic in Breckenridge could have been the real indicator.
The bottom line, though, is local fire, police and ambulance workers had their hands full scrambling between calls during the bustling Fourth of July holiday weekend, which packed about 100,000 people into the county.
“We were just plain busy,” Summit County Sheriff John Minor said. “We expect that though.”
Between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, 43 people were taken to the Summit County Jail, 18 of whom are charged with DUI, Minor said.
Yes, it was a busy holiday.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Summit County Garden Club Tour
The 16th annual Summit County Garden Club Tour will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2006.
The tour is self-guided and will highlight 8-10 of the most mature, unusual and new alpine gardens in the area. Wildflower gardens, confined-space gardens, and rock gardens with perennial, annual and native plants are all included.
Registration is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Community/Senior Center in Frisco, Colorado.
Directions are: From I-70W exit 203 and turn south on CO Highway 9. Go 1.6 miles to CR1004. Turn right at the light. The Center is on the immediate left. A detailed map and descriptions of the gardens will be provided at the site.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on tour day. To purchase tickets in advance, prior to Monday, July 24 only, send your name and a check to Summit County Garden Club, P.O. Box 2423, Breckenridge, CO 80424. Tickets will be held at the desk the day of the tour.
E-mail sgoff24261@aol.com for information.
Proceeds from the tour are returned to the community through grants for public gardens and education in high altitude gardening. See http://www.summitcountygardenclub.org/
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Slight Change in Breckenridge Gondola
Vail Resorts will have to add another tower in the Cucumber Gulch area for the Breckenridge Gondola, but the new design shouldn't delay completion of the project, anticipated for sometime around the beginning of 2007, according resort spokesperson Nicky DeFord.
"It has to do with the road clearance," DeFord said, referring to where the gondola will cross over a realigned County Road 3. The Colorado Tramway Safety Board stipulates a certain distance between the gondola and any road crossings, and the additional tower is needed to ensure that clearance, DeFord added.
"It made sense to put the tower in now," she said, explaining that the work will be done in an area that is already heavily disturbed by construction in the area. The base of the tower will be in the berm of a new detention pond adjacent to the road, she said.
The changes to the plan require a review by the Breckenridge planning commission and approval by the town council. The planning commission will review the issue June 18 and it could go to the town council June 25, according to town manager Tim Gagen.
"I see it as (Vail Resorts) following the proper process," Gagen said, explaining that the review will determine whether the changes fall within the parameters of an existing variance to the Cucumber Gulch Protective Management Area (PMA), or whether an amendment to the PMA variance is needed. The town adopted a strict management overlay for Cucumber Gulch to protect the area's natural resource values, including outstanding alpine wetlands that provide important habitat for many plants and animals.
Gagen said the resort's preliminary plans for the gondola, the Peak 7 base area project and the road realignment didn't quite mesh, resulting in the need for the new tower.
"They found they were off by about two feet," Gagen said.
"It has to do with the road clearance," DeFord said, referring to where the gondola will cross over a realigned County Road 3. The Colorado Tramway Safety Board stipulates a certain distance between the gondola and any road crossings, and the additional tower is needed to ensure that clearance, DeFord added.
"It made sense to put the tower in now," she said, explaining that the work will be done in an area that is already heavily disturbed by construction in the area. The base of the tower will be in the berm of a new detention pond adjacent to the road, she said.
The changes to the plan require a review by the Breckenridge planning commission and approval by the town council. The planning commission will review the issue June 18 and it could go to the town council June 25, according to town manager Tim Gagen.
"I see it as (Vail Resorts) following the proper process," Gagen said, explaining that the review will determine whether the changes fall within the parameters of an existing variance to the Cucumber Gulch Protective Management Area (PMA), or whether an amendment to the PMA variance is needed. The town adopted a strict management overlay for Cucumber Gulch to protect the area's natural resource values, including outstanding alpine wetlands that provide important habitat for many plants and animals.
Gagen said the resort's preliminary plans for the gondola, the Peak 7 base area project and the road realignment didn't quite mesh, resulting in the need for the new tower.
"They found they were off by about two feet," Gagen said.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Dillon/Frisco Water Taxi in Operation
Captain Mike Russo of the Silver Queen pilots the first water taxi between the Dillon and Frisco marinas.
From now until the end of the summer, the water taxi will be available to shuttle individuals, groups, bikes and dogs between Frisco and Dillon. For $8 one-way and $15 round-trip, riders can enjoy the water and the views and avoid driving on the Dam Road.
The idea for a water taxi on Dillon Reservoir occurred to Russo soon after he moved to Summit County from New England last summer.
"I came up with it while I was having a rum runner at the Tiki Bar," he said.
Commonly seen around East Coast harbors, a marina-to-marina shuttle service seemed perfect for Summit County. Russo, 33, worked on the docks last summer at the Frisco marina. In January, he started to think more seriously about the taxi idea. Although he'd spent time on the water throughout his whole life, including eight years as a river guide in Maine, Russo decided to get his Coast Guard-approved captain's license. Once he passed the rigorous test, his next step was to find the right vessel.Most of the water taxi-type boats he found on the internet were outrageously expensive and none were located anywhere near Colorado. Luckily, he stumbled across a custom boat manufacturing company in Ohio and was able to design exactly what he needed. The basic components of the Silver Queen were built in Ohio and Russo himself finished the construction.
The boat is rated to carry 15 to 20 people, depending on their weight, and custom railings are tall enough that riders are not required to wear life-jackets.
Russo is optimistic about the potential demand for his services. The Summit Cove resident said he's committed to giving it a go for a minimum of five seasons. An agreement with the town of Frisco allows Russo to store the Silver Queen overnight at the town marina.
Frisco marina manager Phil Hofer expressed his enthusiasm about the taxi."I think it's a great idea," he said. "It's going to benefit both towns and both marinas." Hofer pointed out that, with the water taxi, visitors in Dillon will now have the option of eating out in either Frisco or Dillon.
Russo plans to start the shuttle every day around 11 a.m., and his license allows him to run it until late in the evening.
Booking the Silver QueenShuttle hours: 11 a.m. until lateFare: $8 one-way, $15 round-trip, $1 extra for bikesAvailable for breakfast charters: Two-hour minimum, call for pricing.
Call the on-board phone: (970) 486-0250
From now until the end of the summer, the water taxi will be available to shuttle individuals, groups, bikes and dogs between Frisco and Dillon. For $8 one-way and $15 round-trip, riders can enjoy the water and the views and avoid driving on the Dam Road.
The idea for a water taxi on Dillon Reservoir occurred to Russo soon after he moved to Summit County from New England last summer.
"I came up with it while I was having a rum runner at the Tiki Bar," he said.
Commonly seen around East Coast harbors, a marina-to-marina shuttle service seemed perfect for Summit County. Russo, 33, worked on the docks last summer at the Frisco marina. In January, he started to think more seriously about the taxi idea. Although he'd spent time on the water throughout his whole life, including eight years as a river guide in Maine, Russo decided to get his Coast Guard-approved captain's license. Once he passed the rigorous test, his next step was to find the right vessel.Most of the water taxi-type boats he found on the internet were outrageously expensive and none were located anywhere near Colorado. Luckily, he stumbled across a custom boat manufacturing company in Ohio and was able to design exactly what he needed. The basic components of the Silver Queen were built in Ohio and Russo himself finished the construction.
The boat is rated to carry 15 to 20 people, depending on their weight, and custom railings are tall enough that riders are not required to wear life-jackets.
Russo is optimistic about the potential demand for his services. The Summit Cove resident said he's committed to giving it a go for a minimum of five seasons. An agreement with the town of Frisco allows Russo to store the Silver Queen overnight at the town marina.
Frisco marina manager Phil Hofer expressed his enthusiasm about the taxi."I think it's a great idea," he said. "It's going to benefit both towns and both marinas." Hofer pointed out that, with the water taxi, visitors in Dillon will now have the option of eating out in either Frisco or Dillon.
Russo plans to start the shuttle every day around 11 a.m., and his license allows him to run it until late in the evening.
Booking the Silver QueenShuttle hours: 11 a.m. until lateFare: $8 one-way, $15 round-trip, $1 extra for bikesAvailable for breakfast charters: Two-hour minimum, call for pricing.
Call the on-board phone: (970) 486-0250
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Upper French Gulch Open Space Dedication
Continental Divide Land Trust invites the public to a Conservation Easement Dedication at Upper French Gulch Open Space (also known as Cobband Ebert Placer) on Saturday, July 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This 173 acre property, located east of Breckenridge, is part of the larger B and B Mines open-space purchase by Summit County Government and the Town of Breckenridge.
Cobb and Ebert Placer is one of the few intact willow complexes and wetlands along a valley bottom in the entire Upper Blue Basin, and is home to native Cutthroat trout. It is a unique piece of property that reminds us of what the beautiful mountain valleys looked like before dredge boat mining decimated the riverbeds in the early part of the last century.
Join this celebration and learn about the natural resources and conservation values of the property. There will be refreshments, brief presentations, and a nature walk. FREE.
Park at the winter trailhead parking area on French Gulch Road and walk in. For directions, more information, or to RSVP, please contact Continental Divide Land Trust at info@cdlt.org or call (970) 453-3875.
This 173 acre property, located east of Breckenridge, is part of the larger B and B Mines open-space purchase by Summit County Government and the Town of Breckenridge.
Cobb and Ebert Placer is one of the few intact willow complexes and wetlands along a valley bottom in the entire Upper Blue Basin, and is home to native Cutthroat trout. It is a unique piece of property that reminds us of what the beautiful mountain valleys looked like before dredge boat mining decimated the riverbeds in the early part of the last century.
Join this celebration and learn about the natural resources and conservation values of the property. There will be refreshments, brief presentations, and a nature walk. FREE.
Park at the winter trailhead parking area on French Gulch Road and walk in. For directions, more information, or to RSVP, please contact Continental Divide Land Trust at info@cdlt.org or call (970) 453-3875.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Fireworks in Summit County
Visitors to Summit County over the Fourth of July holiday should get their fill of watching fireworks light up the sky, but those who may have hoped to put on a show of their own are out of luck.
Due to the "very high" fire danger in the county, the sale and use of fireworks is banned everywhere except for in the town of Breckenridge, which is still writing an ordinance that would prohibit the Independence Day tradition. Inside the Breckenridge town limits, small fireworks, such as sparklers and ground spinners, are permitted, said town communications director Kim DiLallo.
"Sort of the rule of thumb we use here at the town of Breckenridge is it's permissible if it doesn't leave the ground and it doesn't go bang," DiLallo said.
Still, the town puts a lot of time and effort into putting on its own fireworks show, and with the current fire danger, the town suggests its visitors ooh and aah over that display instead of buying their own fireworks, DiLallo said.
In Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco and in unincorporated Summit County - anywhere outside one of the towns, but still inside the county - fireworks of any kind are prohibited. That means sparklers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, skyrockets - basically anything with a spark or a flame or anything that emits heat - are a no-go.
Due to the "very high" fire danger in the county, the sale and use of fireworks is banned everywhere except for in the town of Breckenridge, which is still writing an ordinance that would prohibit the Independence Day tradition. Inside the Breckenridge town limits, small fireworks, such as sparklers and ground spinners, are permitted, said town communications director Kim DiLallo.
"Sort of the rule of thumb we use here at the town of Breckenridge is it's permissible if it doesn't leave the ground and it doesn't go bang," DiLallo said.
Still, the town puts a lot of time and effort into putting on its own fireworks show, and with the current fire danger, the town suggests its visitors ooh and aah over that display instead of buying their own fireworks, DiLallo said.
In Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco and in unincorporated Summit County - anywhere outside one of the towns, but still inside the county - fireworks of any kind are prohibited. That means sparklers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, skyrockets - basically anything with a spark or a flame or anything that emits heat - are a no-go.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Frisco Sign Code to get Up-date
A comprehensive update of Frisco's sign code needs further discussion before any action on it is taken, the town council decided Wednesday. Following a presentation by community development department members and several comments by the public, council members voted to table the first reading of the ordinance that would amend the existing code.
Frisco's sign code was last reviewed formally in the 1980s.
Impetus for the comprehensive update came in part from the obvious changes in the community over the last 20 years, town manager Michael Penny said. The proposed update is the culmination of several months of public process, comprised of open houses, focus groups and several planning-commission work sessions.
Contemplated changes to the current code include a distinction between allowable signs on Main Street and those on Summit Boulevard, permitting temporary "sandwich-board" signs along the sidewalk on Main Street, decreasing the size of temporary banners in some areas and increasing the allowable size of freestanding signs along Summit Boulevard. General design guidelines have also been added.
Frisco's sign code was last reviewed formally in the 1980s.
Impetus for the comprehensive update came in part from the obvious changes in the community over the last 20 years, town manager Michael Penny said. The proposed update is the culmination of several months of public process, comprised of open houses, focus groups and several planning-commission work sessions.
Contemplated changes to the current code include a distinction between allowable signs on Main Street and those on Summit Boulevard, permitting temporary "sandwich-board" signs along the sidewalk on Main Street, decreasing the size of temporary banners in some areas and increasing the allowable size of freestanding signs along Summit Boulevard. General design guidelines have also been added.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
MTV "Cheyenne" Shot in Breckenridge Airs Tonight
Teenage singer and songwriter Cheyenne Kimball was in Summit County last January, along with her MTV crew documenting the dramatic time in her life for the series, "Cheyenne."
The episode shot in Breckenridge will air tonight at 8:30 p.m. MDT on MTV.
During her stay, cameras were rolling in Breckenridge at the Ullr bonfire, Summit High School, Breckenridge Ski Resort (where the girl who'd never seen snow before tried snowboarding) and at the Lodge and Spa in Breckenridge.
The episode shot in Breckenridge will air tonight at 8:30 p.m. MDT on MTV.
During her stay, cameras were rolling in Breckenridge at the Ullr bonfire, Summit High School, Breckenridge Ski Resort (where the girl who'd never seen snow before tried snowboarding) and at the Lodge and Spa in Breckenridge.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Summit Foundation Presents Awards
For the third year in a row, The Summit Foundation celebrated another milestone at the spring grant award presentations at Keystone Resort recently.
Thanks to the generosity of more than a thousand donors, and supporting the hard work of 30 nonprofit agencies, The Summit Foundation presented $302,265 to local organizations at their semi-annual spring grant reception.
Fulfilling its mission of improving the quality of life for residents and guests of Summit County and neighboring communities, the foundation awarded 33 grants to Summit, Park, Grand, Lake, and Eagle County nonprofit organizations. Total grantmaking by the foundation has now exceeded $8 million.
For additional information about contributing or volunteering, or for the foundation's upcoming event schedule, please call (970) 453-5970 or visit the web site at www.summitfoundation.org.
Thanks to the generosity of more than a thousand donors, and supporting the hard work of 30 nonprofit agencies, The Summit Foundation presented $302,265 to local organizations at their semi-annual spring grant reception.
Fulfilling its mission of improving the quality of life for residents and guests of Summit County and neighboring communities, the foundation awarded 33 grants to Summit, Park, Grand, Lake, and Eagle County nonprofit organizations. Total grantmaking by the foundation has now exceeded $8 million.
For additional information about contributing or volunteering, or for the foundation's upcoming event schedule, please call (970) 453-5970 or visit the web site at www.summitfoundation.org.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
NRO Presents "Broadway and Beyond" in Breckenridge
The 2006 National Repertory Orchestra, Carl Topilow, music director, is proud to present "Broadway and Beyond," Friday, June 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.
The program will feature Soprano Nancy Davis Booth performing works by Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Bernstein, Sondheim, Gershwin and Rodgers and Hart.
The program highlights include excerpts from several operas and Broadway hits, tracing the progression of song from Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti to Gershwin and Bernstein. Carl Topilow will be making a guest appearance on his clarinet.
Nancy Davis Booth is one of the most versatile singers on the scene today. Enjoying a career which includes concerts, orchestra engagements, oratorio, opera, musical theatre and cabaret.
The NRO is a non-profit organization with a mission to prepare young musicians ages 18-28 for seats in professional orchestras in the United States and abroad.
For more details about the NRO and their calendar of events, visit the website at www.nromusic.com.
To get your tickets to this National Repertory Orchestra performance, please call the Riverwalk Center box office at (970) 547-3100.
The program will feature Soprano Nancy Davis Booth performing works by Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Bernstein, Sondheim, Gershwin and Rodgers and Hart.
The program highlights include excerpts from several operas and Broadway hits, tracing the progression of song from Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti to Gershwin and Bernstein. Carl Topilow will be making a guest appearance on his clarinet.
Nancy Davis Booth is one of the most versatile singers on the scene today. Enjoying a career which includes concerts, orchestra engagements, oratorio, opera, musical theatre and cabaret.
The NRO is a non-profit organization with a mission to prepare young musicians ages 18-28 for seats in professional orchestras in the United States and abroad.
For more details about the NRO and their calendar of events, visit the website at www.nromusic.com.
To get your tickets to this National Repertory Orchestra performance, please call the Riverwalk Center box office at (970) 547-3100.
Friday, June 23, 2006
13th Annual Barbecue Challenge in Frisco
More than 65 cooking teams will set up their tents and grills on Frisco’s Main Street at the 13th Annual Coors Colorado Barbecue Challenge for today’s and Saturday’s festivities.
Sanctioned for the 11th year by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, grills and portable smokers will converge on Frisco from several states as teams vie for bragging rights and prepare their secret barbecue recipes for tasting and judging.
Starting on Friday, competitors will begin cooking for the crowds that will descend on Main Street.
“Buck a Bone” samples will be available Friday from noon until 9 p.m. Sauce and salsa competitions will take place on Friday afternoon as well as the “Kids Kook Off.”
Sanctioned for the 11th year by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, grills and portable smokers will converge on Frisco from several states as teams vie for bragging rights and prepare their secret barbecue recipes for tasting and judging.
Starting on Friday, competitors will begin cooking for the crowds that will descend on Main Street.
“Buck a Bone” samples will be available Friday from noon until 9 p.m. Sauce and salsa competitions will take place on Friday afternoon as well as the “Kids Kook Off.”
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Keystone World Music Festival
This weekend River Run at Keystone is celebrating cultures straight from the West Indies.
The calypso and reggae-influenced event blends live music, a marketplace, international dances, artwork and tasty dishes from the Caribbean Islands and beyond.
Extra-delicious flavors capture the essence of the tropics at high altitude.
Visit Energy Alley for inflatable bounce houses, island crafts and more.
At 9:15, a fireworks show lights up the night sky over River Run Village.
For more information, please contact (970) 496-4FUN.
The calypso and reggae-influenced event blends live music, a marketplace, international dances, artwork and tasty dishes from the Caribbean Islands and beyond.
Extra-delicious flavors capture the essence of the tropics at high altitude.
Visit Energy Alley for inflatable bounce houses, island crafts and more.
At 9:15, a fireworks show lights up the night sky over River Run Village.
For more information, please contact (970) 496-4FUN.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Genuine Jazz Festival Returns this Weekend
The Genuine Jazz Festival returns to Breckenridge this weekend (June 23, 24 and 25).
There are two festival newcomers, Tim Bowman and Tim (Slim Man) Camponeschi. They will play back-to-back beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday in the Ten Mile Room near the resort's Peak 9.
The show is a ticketed event. Bowman's gospel background influences his jazz. In fact, he still plays at his church in Detroit, Mich. In the 1980s, at age 21, he hit the big time, traveling the world with the Winans.
"I still love the gospel, the blues, the jazz," Bowman said. "That's just who I am in my music."
After performing jingles for commercials, he released his first record, which reached No. 18 on the Radio and Records list in 1996. By 2002, the guitarist's CD "Smile" won rave magazine reviews. His last single, "Summer Groove," hit No. 1 on the charts, and his next CD is due out in spring, showing his ever-changing creative beats.
For more information go to: www.genuinejazz.com
There are two festival newcomers, Tim Bowman and Tim (Slim Man) Camponeschi. They will play back-to-back beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday in the Ten Mile Room near the resort's Peak 9.
The show is a ticketed event. Bowman's gospel background influences his jazz. In fact, he still plays at his church in Detroit, Mich. In the 1980s, at age 21, he hit the big time, traveling the world with the Winans.
"I still love the gospel, the blues, the jazz," Bowman said. "That's just who I am in my music."
After performing jingles for commercials, he released his first record, which reached No. 18 on the Radio and Records list in 1996. By 2002, the guitarist's CD "Smile" won rave magazine reviews. His last single, "Summer Groove," hit No. 1 on the charts, and his next CD is due out in spring, showing his ever-changing creative beats.
For more information go to: www.genuinejazz.com
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Deed Restricted Housing Case Settled
In a potentially precedent-setting case, Breckenridge municipal court Judge Buck Allen accepted a plea agreement from the Indiana couple charged with violating town affordable housing covenants two days before the case was set to go to trial.
As required by the agreement, Kirk and Pam Alter pleaded "no contest" last week to the criminal charges and agreed to reimburse the town the profit they realized when they sold the property at 11 Rodeo Drive, in addition to $2,500 for town attorney fees.
The terms of the agreement stipulate the money must be paid within 30 days and that final judgment in the case will be deferred for one year, on the condition that neither incurs other criminal charges during that period.
Kirk Alter, a professor at Purdue University, and his wife Pam bought the deed-restricted single-family house in the Wellington Neighborhood in July 2004. The Alters paid $305,000 for the new two-story, three-bedroom, two-bath home. At the time, the couple signed an affidavit stating that one of them was employed within Summit County at least 30 hours a week.
During the 18 months the Alters owned the house, it appeared they only visited the neighborhood a few times, town prosecutor Seth Murphy said.
Breckenridge filed criminal charges against both Kirk and Pam last fall after unsuccessfully trying to contact the couple.
"Under the town code, it's a criminal violation," Murphy said. "Under the code they could have been assessed up to $100 a day (for every day they didn't live in the house)."
Because both Kirk or Pam were charged individually, fine amounts against them could have amounted to more than $100,000.
In response to the town action, the Alters hired an attorney and filed motions challenging the legality of the prosecution.
In January, with the case still pending, they sold the house to a local family for $379,000. After subtracting the cost of a two-car garage added while they owned the house and Realtor's fees, the Alters took home $13,021 in profit, which must now be returned to the town.
As required by the agreement, Kirk and Pam Alter pleaded "no contest" last week to the criminal charges and agreed to reimburse the town the profit they realized when they sold the property at 11 Rodeo Drive, in addition to $2,500 for town attorney fees.
The terms of the agreement stipulate the money must be paid within 30 days and that final judgment in the case will be deferred for one year, on the condition that neither incurs other criminal charges during that period.
Kirk Alter, a professor at Purdue University, and his wife Pam bought the deed-restricted single-family house in the Wellington Neighborhood in July 2004. The Alters paid $305,000 for the new two-story, three-bedroom, two-bath home. At the time, the couple signed an affidavit stating that one of them was employed within Summit County at least 30 hours a week.
During the 18 months the Alters owned the house, it appeared they only visited the neighborhood a few times, town prosecutor Seth Murphy said.
Breckenridge filed criminal charges against both Kirk and Pam last fall after unsuccessfully trying to contact the couple.
"Under the town code, it's a criminal violation," Murphy said. "Under the code they could have been assessed up to $100 a day (for every day they didn't live in the house)."
Because both Kirk or Pam were charged individually, fine amounts against them could have amounted to more than $100,000.
In response to the town action, the Alters hired an attorney and filed motions challenging the legality of the prosecution.
In January, with the case still pending, they sold the house to a local family for $379,000. After subtracting the cost of a two-car garage added while they owned the house and Realtor's fees, the Alters took home $13,021 in profit, which must now be returned to the town.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Breckenridge Chamber Awards Business and Employee of the Year
Friends Welcome, Breckenridge's communitywide guest service program, honored Breckenridge Ski Enterprises (The North Face Store and Main Street Outlet) as the 2006 Business of the Year and Kathy Franklin as the 2006 Employee of the Year.
The presentations took place the evening of Friday, June 16, at the Breckenridge Town Party at the Riverwalk Center.
Known as much for their energetic ads as their customer service, The Main Street Outlet is one of two businesses under the Breckenridge Ski Enterprises umbrella. Owners Steve and Susan Lapinsohn have been in business in Breckenridge for 14 years and are extremely proud of the way their employees level of customer service set their businesses apart.
"They consider themselves town diplomats," commented Nissa Erickson, Friends Welcome director.
The Employee of the Year, Kathy Franklin, received $4,300 in prizes from local businesses. Franklin has been a Reservations Specialist with ResortQuest for two years, but is more wildly known in the Summit Daily's Summit Up section at the "angel in a blue coat."
The blue coat is a ResortQuest logo coat she wears all the time, while going out of the way to help visitors.
The presentations took place the evening of Friday, June 16, at the Breckenridge Town Party at the Riverwalk Center.
Known as much for their energetic ads as their customer service, The Main Street Outlet is one of two businesses under the Breckenridge Ski Enterprises umbrella. Owners Steve and Susan Lapinsohn have been in business in Breckenridge for 14 years and are extremely proud of the way their employees level of customer service set their businesses apart.
"They consider themselves town diplomats," commented Nissa Erickson, Friends Welcome director.
The Employee of the Year, Kathy Franklin, received $4,300 in prizes from local businesses. Franklin has been a Reservations Specialist with ResortQuest for two years, but is more wildly known in the Summit Daily's Summit Up section at the "angel in a blue coat."
The blue coat is a ResortQuest logo coat she wears all the time, while going out of the way to help visitors.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
State Ski Resorts Set Record
Colorado ski resorts set a record this past season with 12.53 million skier visits, easily besting the previous high mark set nearly a decade ago.
Molly Cuffe, spokeswoman for the Colorado Ski Country USA industry group, said Thursday that last season's total was 500,000 more than the record set during the 1997-98 season. It was also 712,000 ahead of last year.
The figures were announced at the trade group's annual meeting in Steamboat Springs.
Nationally, the number of skiers and snowboarders in the United States reached a record 58.8 million last season, up 3.3 percent from a year ago, according to preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association, based in suburban Denver.
Industry growth is being spurred by the popularity of skiing and snowboarding with a younger crowd and equipment improvements that allow aging baby boomers to stay on the snow longer, NSAA president Michael Berry said.
A skier visit represents one person buying a lift ticket and using it to ski or snowboard.
Molly Cuffe, spokeswoman for the Colorado Ski Country USA industry group, said Thursday that last season's total was 500,000 more than the record set during the 1997-98 season. It was also 712,000 ahead of last year.
The figures were announced at the trade group's annual meeting in Steamboat Springs.
Nationally, the number of skiers and snowboarders in the United States reached a record 58.8 million last season, up 3.3 percent from a year ago, according to preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association, based in suburban Denver.
Industry growth is being spurred by the popularity of skiing and snowboarding with a younger crowd and equipment improvements that allow aging baby boomers to stay on the snow longer, NSAA president Michael Berry said.
A skier visit represents one person buying a lift ticket and using it to ski or snowboard.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Gondola in Breckenridge has to Rent "Air Space"
It's the cheapest rent in Summit County: $250 for a 30-year lease.
Granted, it's all air.
In order to run the new gondola over a small portion of the North Park Avenue right of way - which is now Highway 9 - the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is granting an airspace lease.
For a one-time payment of $250, CDOT will allow Breckenridge Ski Area to operate its gondola over the road for 30 years.Normally, CDOT requires an annual rental rate for airspace rights. But CDOT also has a policy that allows for a one-time rental of $250, if the town of Breckenridge agrees to be a co-tenant with the ski area. Because the airspace lease runs for more than a year, the town code calls for an approval by city council. Council members supported the first reading of the ordinance, and Councilmember Eric Mamula said the agreement is straightforward enough to most likely pass at the next town council meeting.
The enclosed cabins prevent riders from throwing or dropping anything onto the road, so there's no need for netting. Originally, the ski area designed the closed cabins to protect Cucumber Gulch from falling items.
Granted, it's all air.
In order to run the new gondola over a small portion of the North Park Avenue right of way - which is now Highway 9 - the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is granting an airspace lease.
For a one-time payment of $250, CDOT will allow Breckenridge Ski Area to operate its gondola over the road for 30 years.Normally, CDOT requires an annual rental rate for airspace rights. But CDOT also has a policy that allows for a one-time rental of $250, if the town of Breckenridge agrees to be a co-tenant with the ski area. Because the airspace lease runs for more than a year, the town code calls for an approval by city council. Council members supported the first reading of the ordinance, and Councilmember Eric Mamula said the agreement is straightforward enough to most likely pass at the next town council meeting.
The enclosed cabins prevent riders from throwing or dropping anything onto the road, so there's no need for netting. Originally, the ski area designed the closed cabins to protect Cucumber Gulch from falling items.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Breckenridge Ski Resort Reports Record Year
Vail Resorts CEO Robert Katz announced the resort operator's record ski season this past year.
Katz called it "potentially the best ski season in history" at the company, and he called Breckenridge "our best performer" of the five resorts that Vail operates.
This past week, Vail Resorts reported record growth and raised expectations for next year. Skier visits were up 6 percent across all five of the resorts that Vail operates - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe - but it was Breckenridge that showed the biggest jump in skier numbers. Well over 1.6 million skier days were logged at Breck this past season, a jump of more than 10 percent over the previous year.
Katz, who reminded folks that he was part of a group that brought Breckenridge under the Vail Resorts umbrella in the early 90s, recalled that "it was crystal clear from day one that the town was a terrific asset for the resort."
He lauded town officials for their foresight and vision over the years, and said that he attributed a lot of the on-mountain success at Breckenridge to the relationship that the resort has with the town.
"The fruits of that are really paying off," Katz said.
This past season, Breckenridge added North America's highest chair lift - The Imperial Express Super Chair, and finished the Skyway Skiway project, a ski-back from the resort's base areas down to the parking lots near Main Street Breckenridge.
The biggest news at the resort, however, is the new gondola taking shape. That project was announced late last year, and is the central cog to the ambitious development plans laid out by Vail Resorts.
Co-president of the mountain division for Vail Resorts and chief operating officer of Breckenridge and Keystone Roger McCarthy particularly touted the new Imperial Express, saying the new lift "really put Breckenridge on the map."
He was equally impassioned about the new gondola, saying that the opportunities for a new in-town base area are promising for the entire business community. More than that, the new gondola guarantees at least some alleviation of the Ski Hill Road gridlock that Breck suffers from during peak season. McCarthy estimated that the 19 buses currently serving the more than 1 million-plus riders every season can only handle about 1,600 people every hour. The new gondola will be able to handle at least 3,000 people every hour.
Katz called it "potentially the best ski season in history" at the company, and he called Breckenridge "our best performer" of the five resorts that Vail operates.
This past week, Vail Resorts reported record growth and raised expectations for next year. Skier visits were up 6 percent across all five of the resorts that Vail operates - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe - but it was Breckenridge that showed the biggest jump in skier numbers. Well over 1.6 million skier days were logged at Breck this past season, a jump of more than 10 percent over the previous year.
Katz, who reminded folks that he was part of a group that brought Breckenridge under the Vail Resorts umbrella in the early 90s, recalled that "it was crystal clear from day one that the town was a terrific asset for the resort."
He lauded town officials for their foresight and vision over the years, and said that he attributed a lot of the on-mountain success at Breckenridge to the relationship that the resort has with the town.
"The fruits of that are really paying off," Katz said.
This past season, Breckenridge added North America's highest chair lift - The Imperial Express Super Chair, and finished the Skyway Skiway project, a ski-back from the resort's base areas down to the parking lots near Main Street Breckenridge.
The biggest news at the resort, however, is the new gondola taking shape. That project was announced late last year, and is the central cog to the ambitious development plans laid out by Vail Resorts.
Co-president of the mountain division for Vail Resorts and chief operating officer of Breckenridge and Keystone Roger McCarthy particularly touted the new Imperial Express, saying the new lift "really put Breckenridge on the map."
He was equally impassioned about the new gondola, saying that the opportunities for a new in-town base area are promising for the entire business community. More than that, the new gondola guarantees at least some alleviation of the Ski Hill Road gridlock that Breck suffers from during peak season. McCarthy estimated that the 19 buses currently serving the more than 1 million-plus riders every season can only handle about 1,600 people every hour. The new gondola will be able to handle at least 3,000 people every hour.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Optimist Club Golf Tournament
The third annual Summit Lake Dillon Optimist Club Summer Solstice Golf Scramble will be Wednesday, June 21, at Keystone Resort's River Course.
Phil Heller, one of the co-chairs of the event, says it's a great way to officially welcome summer. Heller, who with Jean Helmer, Daphne Schroth and Nick Shama, is chairing the event for the Optimists, says they still have several slots available and need some players.
Proceeds for the event will help fund the more than 40 Optimist programs in Summit County, including the club's outstanding youth athletic and education activities.
Registration begins at noon. The shotgun start is at 1 p.m.The cost is $125 per player and includes cart, driving range, gift bag and a box lunch.
For more information or to register, call Phil at (970) 485-0750, Jean at (970) 547-2214 or Nick at (970) 468-7211. Registration forms are also available at all FirstBank locations, which is the event's major sponsor.
Phil Heller, one of the co-chairs of the event, says it's a great way to officially welcome summer. Heller, who with Jean Helmer, Daphne Schroth and Nick Shama, is chairing the event for the Optimists, says they still have several slots available and need some players.
Proceeds for the event will help fund the more than 40 Optimist programs in Summit County, including the club's outstanding youth athletic and education activities.
Registration begins at noon. The shotgun start is at 1 p.m.The cost is $125 per player and includes cart, driving range, gift bag and a box lunch.
For more information or to register, call Phil at (970) 485-0750, Jean at (970) 547-2214 or Nick at (970) 468-7211. Registration forms are also available at all FirstBank locations, which is the event's major sponsor.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Breckenridge's Backstage Theatre Children's Program
Backstage Theatre artistic director Christopher Willard came to Breckenridge last year about this time and one of the first things he noticed was the abundance of families in town.
Almost immediately, bringing children's theater to his new audience was a number-one goal. Willard isn't new to the genre; in fact, he describes it as a passion of his.
"Hyronomous A. Frog: The Frog Prince," which the Backstage is presenting this summer as the first production of their new Summer Children's Theatre Series, is the same show Willard presented at the Arvada Center in Denver nine years ago.
"I've had it in my heart for so long," he said. "It's great for kids and so wonderful for adults as well."
During his time writing, acting and directing children's theater in Denver, Willard's garnered several recognitions by the Denver Post theater critics. He views the genre as being somewhat neglected.
"There's a lot of bad children's theater out there," he said. Since it's for children, he said he thinks people believe they can just throw it together. But, he sees it as quite the opposite.
"Children are the most discerning people in those seats," Willard said. Through fidgeting and squirming they let the director know they aren't interested and alternatively they will suspend their disbelief more fully, according to Willard.
Another motive the director has to produce quality children's theater is in keeping his art medium alive. Nurturing the future performers and future audiences with a good impression of theater is essential to continuing the growth of theater and "making sure we have a theater," he said."It's such an important part of life development for kids - a place for them to learn about right and wrong, to gain life lessons, to be invigorated and entertained and to stimulate their imagination," he said.
The performances will be 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays (following the opening Friday, July 7 at 7 p.m.) and 11 a.m. Sundays running July 7 through Sept 3.
Almost immediately, bringing children's theater to his new audience was a number-one goal. Willard isn't new to the genre; in fact, he describes it as a passion of his.
"Hyronomous A. Frog: The Frog Prince," which the Backstage is presenting this summer as the first production of their new Summer Children's Theatre Series, is the same show Willard presented at the Arvada Center in Denver nine years ago.
"I've had it in my heart for so long," he said. "It's great for kids and so wonderful for adults as well."
During his time writing, acting and directing children's theater in Denver, Willard's garnered several recognitions by the Denver Post theater critics. He views the genre as being somewhat neglected.
"There's a lot of bad children's theater out there," he said. Since it's for children, he said he thinks people believe they can just throw it together. But, he sees it as quite the opposite.
"Children are the most discerning people in those seats," Willard said. Through fidgeting and squirming they let the director know they aren't interested and alternatively they will suspend their disbelief more fully, according to Willard.
Another motive the director has to produce quality children's theater is in keeping his art medium alive. Nurturing the future performers and future audiences with a good impression of theater is essential to continuing the growth of theater and "making sure we have a theater," he said."It's such an important part of life development for kids - a place for them to learn about right and wrong, to gain life lessons, to be invigorated and entertained and to stimulate their imagination," he said.
The performances will be 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays (following the opening Friday, July 7 at 7 p.m.) and 11 a.m. Sundays running July 7 through Sept 3.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Frisco Redevelopment?
Even the most casual observer on a stroll down Granite Street can tell things are changing in Frisco.
Construction dust covers the greenery, cranes swing stacks of two-by-fours high above new foundations, and yards of utility pipe lie along the street’s shoulder. All this activity is occurring in an area of town that was pretty much built-out 15 years ago.
Older, more modest buildings are being demolished to make way for new edifices, as redevelopment becomes the focus of Frisco’s growth.
The Granite Street redevelopments, as well as nearby projects such as the upcoming transformation of 2nd Avenue’s Sky Vue Motel into12 high-end duplexes, are partly the result of local geography.
According to town numbers, Frisco’s area is roughly 1,100 acres and at the end of 2005, only about 45 acres, or 4 per cent, remained undeveloped. Subtracting the town’s controversial 9.4-acre parcel leaves only 35 acres for new development.
“All the easy stuff has been developed,” Frisco’s community development director Mark Gage said. “What you’re seeing is smaller, older properties that are changing hands, and all you’ll see now is redevelopment.”
Friday, June 09, 2006
Summit Trail Running Series
The Nike Summit Trail Running Series (STRS) kicks off on Wednesday with a race at the Baker's Tank trail off Boreas Pass Road in Breckenridge.
Organizers say it's not likely to be "bigger than ever," which will be a change from recent years.
Since the town of Breckenridge took over the series' organization four years ago, it has gone up in numbers every year.
From 200 total competitors in 2003, it grew to 500 runners in 2004, then 731 runners in 2005. Series organizer Stacey Todd of the Breck Recreation Department said she expects the numbers to finally plateau this summer.
Organizers say it's not likely to be "bigger than ever," which will be a change from recent years.
Since the town of Breckenridge took over the series' organization four years ago, it has gone up in numbers every year.
From 200 total competitors in 2003, it grew to 500 runners in 2004, then 731 runners in 2005. Series organizer Stacey Todd of the Breck Recreation Department said she expects the numbers to finally plateau this summer.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Breckenridge Movie Theatre Opens for Summer
Breckenridge's independent movie theater, The Speakeasy, opens for its summer season Friday with the film "Thank You For Smoking."
Owners Mike Anderson and Guy Natanel handpick the films shown at their location in the CMC building in Breckenridge; they also make the popcorn, run the projector and personally say goodbye to attendants as they leave.
The theater invokes the artistic event a film can be with an art gallery showing local artists' work in the lounge, and informal (and sometimes formal) discussions erupting after the films.
They recently added a lounge in the gallery with coffee tables and chairs, allowing movie-goers to arrive early and stay a little later in the atmosphere.
Owners Mike Anderson and Guy Natanel handpick the films shown at their location in the CMC building in Breckenridge; they also make the popcorn, run the projector and personally say goodbye to attendants as they leave.
The theater invokes the artistic event a film can be with an art gallery showing local artists' work in the lounge, and informal (and sometimes formal) discussions erupting after the films.
They recently added a lounge in the gallery with coffee tables and chairs, allowing movie-goers to arrive early and stay a little later in the atmosphere.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Dillon Reservoir Fills - Again!
With inflow into Dillon Reservoir reaching 1,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Monday, Denver Water's high country lake filled to capacity and started to overflow through the glory hole for the second year in a row.
That's a relief for Colorado water managers after several years of sustained drought, but this season's runoff didn't bring the anticipated high water levels in local streams. An unusually dry spring - one of the driest on record in parts of the state - evaporated some of the snowpack before it had a chance to melt.
Denver Water managers Marc Waage and Bob Steger said they expect outflow from Dillon Reservoir to peak at somewhere between 600 and 1,200 cfs, between June 9 and June 12. After that, the flows should slowly decline through early July.
Raftable flows of 500 cfs or more in the Lower Blue may last for a few weeks in the middle part of the month, according to Steger.
Monday's inflow was tempered by diversions through the Roberts Tunnel. Denver Water is sending about 500 cfs under the Continental Divide into the South Platte drainage, said Silverthorne public works director Bill Linfield.
That's a relief for Colorado water managers after several years of sustained drought, but this season's runoff didn't bring the anticipated high water levels in local streams. An unusually dry spring - one of the driest on record in parts of the state - evaporated some of the snowpack before it had a chance to melt.
Denver Water managers Marc Waage and Bob Steger said they expect outflow from Dillon Reservoir to peak at somewhere between 600 and 1,200 cfs, between June 9 and June 12. After that, the flows should slowly decline through early July.
Raftable flows of 500 cfs or more in the Lower Blue may last for a few weeks in the middle part of the month, according to Steger.
Monday's inflow was tempered by diversions through the Roberts Tunnel. Denver Water is sending about 500 cfs under the Continental Divide into the South Platte drainage, said Silverthorne public works director Bill Linfield.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Breckenridge Medical Back in Business
It was business as usual again at Breckenridge Medical Center Friday afternoon after an agreement was reached between the Vail Valley Emergency Physicians and the clinic’s managing partner, Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC).
Medical care had been unavailable at the clinic since Wednesday evening, when the physician group contract with the facility expired.
Although nurses continued to provide first aid to walk-in patients on Thursday and physicians were present at the clinic in case of emergency, ambulances were diverted and patients with appointments were redirected to the Keystone Medical Center.
VVMC public relations director Scott Boie declined to give details of the new contract, but emphasized his hospital’s commitment to maintaining services without interruption.
“This will keep the clinic open until ownership issues are resolved,” he said.
A joint venture of VVMC and Denver-based HealthOne since 1992, the future of Breckenridge Medical Center remains uncertain, as both HealthOne and Centura Health, parent company of St. Anthony Summit Medical Center, have expressed interest in buying VVMC’s share of the operation.
Medical care had been unavailable at the clinic since Wednesday evening, when the physician group contract with the facility expired.
Although nurses continued to provide first aid to walk-in patients on Thursday and physicians were present at the clinic in case of emergency, ambulances were diverted and patients with appointments were redirected to the Keystone Medical Center.
VVMC public relations director Scott Boie declined to give details of the new contract, but emphasized his hospital’s commitment to maintaining services without interruption.
“This will keep the clinic open until ownership issues are resolved,” he said.
A joint venture of VVMC and Denver-based HealthOne since 1992, the future of Breckenridge Medical Center remains uncertain, as both HealthOne and Centura Health, parent company of St. Anthony Summit Medical Center, have expressed interest in buying VVMC’s share of the operation.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Beaver Run Expansion Underway
After taking a big hit during the post-9/11 economic slump, the local conference business is perking up and returning to earlier levels, says Bruce Horii, director of sales and marketing at the Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center.
To keep pace with that growth, Beaver Run is in the midst of a $3.5 million renovation that will up the level of comfort and convenience for the resort's guests, Horii said.
"We're going to be coming out of this with a new lobby bar, a new aprés ski bar and cafeteria," Horii said, explaining that the work essentially encompasses a demolition of the existing Copper Top bar and Tiffany's.
The Copper Top replacement should be done before Thanksgiving, he said.The Copper Top will be extended and probably renamed and Tiffany's will become more of a high-end lounge type area, ideal for quiet wine and martini sipping, Horii said. The apres-ski action will move from Tiffany's to the new Copper Top, he added.
The resort will also be adding a new 2,500-square-foot ballroom, with balconies and views up to the slopes of Peak 9, adding to the potential for wedding and reception business.
"We're trying to drive room revenue and add to our food and beverage revenue," Horii said. The overall intent of the project is to give the entire slopeside complex a fresh look. Beaver Run has been around for more than 20 years, and this summer's big renovation is only the latest in a series of upgrades that included remodeling of both pool areas in the last several years, as the demand for spa-type services has grown.
"This is one of the last components of the new Beaver Run," Horii said, describing the work on the 500-unit condominium and conference center. "We need to keep up with the new products that are out there and the renovations that have been done elswhere," he added.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The Keystone Center Receives Grant
The Keystone Center received a $100,000 grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to support a joint fact-finding process focused on the risks and benefits of the future expansion of nuclear power in the United States.
"The need for more baseload electricity generation coupled with concerns about climate change and the high prices of oil and natural gas have prompted discussions about the possibility of expanding the role of nuclear power," said Keystone Center president Peter Adler, Ph.D. "Before debating what role, if any, nuclear power should play in the future mix of energy sources, proponents and skeptics need to reach a common understanding about the state of the technologies and the costs, benefits and risks."
Nearly 30 individuals representing public interest groups, the nuclear and utility industries, consumer and environmental advocates, large consumers, labor representatives, state and federal regulators, energy policymakers and the financial, research and academic communities, will participate in the project, which will include three meetings and six workgroup meetings.
The Keystone Center also was recently awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for more than $500,000 to facilitate a dialogue on the role of marketing and advertising in the increasing problem of childhood obesity in the U.S.
The Keystone Center is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1975 to help facilitate cross-sector dialogues on pressing environment, energy, and public health issues. The Keystone Center does not take positions or advocate particular points of view. Instead, it brings stakeholders together and helps them build practical, consensus-based solutions that break old logjams or avert unnecessary future science and public policy battles.
"The need for more baseload electricity generation coupled with concerns about climate change and the high prices of oil and natural gas have prompted discussions about the possibility of expanding the role of nuclear power," said Keystone Center president Peter Adler, Ph.D. "Before debating what role, if any, nuclear power should play in the future mix of energy sources, proponents and skeptics need to reach a common understanding about the state of the technologies and the costs, benefits and risks."
Nearly 30 individuals representing public interest groups, the nuclear and utility industries, consumer and environmental advocates, large consumers, labor representatives, state and federal regulators, energy policymakers and the financial, research and academic communities, will participate in the project, which will include three meetings and six workgroup meetings.
The Keystone Center also was recently awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for more than $500,000 to facilitate a dialogue on the role of marketing and advertising in the increasing problem of childhood obesity in the U.S.
The Keystone Center is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1975 to help facilitate cross-sector dialogues on pressing environment, energy, and public health issues. The Keystone Center does not take positions or advocate particular points of view. Instead, it brings stakeholders together and helps them build practical, consensus-based solutions that break old logjams or avert unnecessary future science and public policy battles.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Summer Stock Theatre in Dillon & Keystone
The grand old theatrical tradition of summer stock is alive and well in Summit County, as the Lake Dillon Theatre celebrates the season with four productions scheduled to run from June through August.
"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and "Charlotte's Web" are both slated for venues in Keystone, while "Once on this Island" will be performed at the Lake Dillon Theatre and the musical "Gypsy" at the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre.
Last year marked the first season of summer stock for the Lake Dillon Theatre, with gratifyingly successful results for the company and its artistic director, Chris Alleman.
"We were in the black last year, which gave us the momentum to grow this year," said Alleman. "This is an expensive venture and we're taking a risk, but a summer stock program in Summit County could end up being huge. Our goal is to have people come in from Denver just to see the performances."
With the exception of the sophisticated adult comedy "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!" this summer's offerings will veer toward family-oriented entertainment.
Alleman attributes this choice of repertoire to the nature of the summer season traffic, with its mix of tourists, returning second homeowners and kids out of school. But in true Lake Dillon Theatre tradition, Alleman promises something for everyone.
"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and "Charlotte's Web" are both slated for venues in Keystone, while "Once on this Island" will be performed at the Lake Dillon Theatre and the musical "Gypsy" at the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre.
Last year marked the first season of summer stock for the Lake Dillon Theatre, with gratifyingly successful results for the company and its artistic director, Chris Alleman.
"We were in the black last year, which gave us the momentum to grow this year," said Alleman. "This is an expensive venture and we're taking a risk, but a summer stock program in Summit County could end up being huge. Our goal is to have people come in from Denver just to see the performances."
With the exception of the sophisticated adult comedy "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!" this summer's offerings will veer toward family-oriented entertainment.
Alleman attributes this choice of repertoire to the nature of the summer season traffic, with its mix of tourists, returning second homeowners and kids out of school. But in true Lake Dillon Theatre tradition, Alleman promises something for everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)