Trick & Treat – after a glorious fall, Old Man Winter was feeling the Halloween spirit this past week, by tricking us into thinking it was January with our 1st early season storm with 26 inches on the mountain!
Strong Pace of Sales in 3rd Quarter. Why? An exceptional selection of properties that are “on sale”, along with ridiculously low interest rates. Its been many years ago that we have seen the cost of money and real estate to be “on sale” at the same time!
As a result, the 4th quarter has started out with a “bang” - already sales are up over the whole 3rd quarter a whopping 58% and we have two more months to go!
So, if you are still “toying” with the idea of a Summit County Rocky Mtn. getaway or retirement home, there has been no better time than now and the next few months. So, book your flights, tune your skiis, have little fun and then set aside a bit of time to find your mountain get-away with me. nancy@realestate-breckenridge.net, www.realestate-breckenridge.net & NLY direct, 970-485-0293.
Mortgage Rates
U.S. averages as of September 30, 2010:
30 yr. fixed: 4.32%
15 yr. fixed: 3.75%
1 yr. adj: 3.48%
Upcoming Events and Dates of Interest
11/05/10 Keystone Ski Area Opens
11/07/10 Daylight Savings Ends – Set your clocks back one hour!
11/12/10 Breckenridge Ski Area Opens
11/25/10 Thanksgiving
12/04/10 Lighting of Breckenridge
12/31/10 Yamn – New Years Eve Celebration at the Riverwalk Center
01/09/11 Ullr Fest – 7 day event begins
01/13/11 Ullr Fest Parade
01/25/11 Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships
What's New in New Housing Design
Below are the products that are currently grabbing the most attention of the home building and remodeling industries:
Appliance Drawers. Small warming drawers, modest-sized dishwasher drawers for small loads, refrigerator drawers and microwave drawers.
Counter-depth refrigerators. Some are only 24 inches deep.
Motion-detecting faucets. Like you'd find in the restrooms of businesses.
LED lighting. These are used under cabinets and in ceiling fixtures as a longer-lasting, more efficient alternative to compact fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs.
Electric heated floors. A nice touch in bathrooms,
Showers with multiple heads and body sprays. Bathtubs are out.
Also, according to Pantone, has deemed turquoise “color of the year for apparel and home for 2010. Turquoise has made its way mark on the fashion side and is slowly moving into home accent furnishings.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Yes, winter is here
The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed Independence Pass for the season. The pass was temporarily closed on Monday due to the snowfall, adverse conditions and the winter storm forecasts.
This closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles. A re-opening of the pass following the storm was determined not to be feasible and safe, so will remain closed.
The pass's regularly scheduled seasonal closure is Nov. 7 each year. The 12,095-foot pass is closed for the winter every year for the safety of the traveling public. It is often closed temporarily before the goal date-last year, the pass closed for the season on October 29, for similar early storms. Each spring, CDOT plans the opening of Independence Pass for Memorial Day weekend in May, weather permitting.
This closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles. A re-opening of the pass following the storm was determined not to be feasible and safe, so will remain closed.
The pass's regularly scheduled seasonal closure is Nov. 7 each year. The 12,095-foot pass is closed for the winter every year for the safety of the traveling public. It is often closed temporarily before the goal date-last year, the pass closed for the season on October 29, for similar early storms. Each spring, CDOT plans the opening of Independence Pass for Memorial Day weekend in May, weather permitting.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Loveland wins the opening race
LOVELAND — Sunday's opening day at Loveland Ski Area had locals and folks from the Front Range feeling a little puff of powder under their planks.
Between a little help from Mother Nature — five inches of fresh snow — and some hard snowmaking work from Loveland employees, Chair 1 opened at 9 a.m. to an excited crowd. Winterhounds out for the first day saluted Loveland's opening day triumph — beating Arapahoe Basin by a day this year.
Loveland won the race from 1999 to 2005 until the Basin unseated the champion in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, the resorts tied for an opening day, but last season, Loveland regained the title.
Between a little help from Mother Nature — five inches of fresh snow — and some hard snowmaking work from Loveland employees, Chair 1 opened at 9 a.m. to an excited crowd. Winterhounds out for the first day saluted Loveland's opening day triumph — beating Arapahoe Basin by a day this year.
Loveland won the race from 1999 to 2005 until the Basin unseated the champion in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, the resorts tied for an opening day, but last season, Loveland regained the title.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Highway 9 widening project almost complete
The Highway 9 widening project is expected to wrap up this week, a few weeks later than previously expected.
Crews will replace a section of curb on the road and put some additional striping on the bike path at Coyne Valley before the job is concluded.
“The project is essentially finished with a few minor punch list items left to do,” said Bob Smith, project engineer with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
In June 2009 crews began construction to widen a one-and-a-half-mile segment of Highway 9 between Frisco and Breckenridge to four lanes. Though the project was originally scheduled to be completed in November, later estimates suggested the work might be done by late September.
Smith said utility delays in moving phone lines to construct a sound wall at Fairview Boulevard slowed the project down.
“We appreciate the public's bearing with us while we were doing this, we know there were some delays,” Smith said.
The speed limit along the wider sections of highway was set at 45 miles per hour. Smith said there are no plans to increase it. What is up with that? We make it a 4-lane divided highway and decrease the speed limit?
The recpath was also moved back from the highway and a bridge was put in over the Blue River north of Valley Brook as part of the $9.25 million stimulus-funded project.
Plans are under way to continue widening the highway between Tiger Road and the Agape Outpost Chapel, but the project will not move forward until additional funding becomes available.
“It's all designed, the right of way is purchased, right now there's just no funding for it,” Smith said.
Crews will replace a section of curb on the road and put some additional striping on the bike path at Coyne Valley before the job is concluded.
“The project is essentially finished with a few minor punch list items left to do,” said Bob Smith, project engineer with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
In June 2009 crews began construction to widen a one-and-a-half-mile segment of Highway 9 between Frisco and Breckenridge to four lanes. Though the project was originally scheduled to be completed in November, later estimates suggested the work might be done by late September.
Smith said utility delays in moving phone lines to construct a sound wall at Fairview Boulevard slowed the project down.
“We appreciate the public's bearing with us while we were doing this, we know there were some delays,” Smith said.
The speed limit along the wider sections of highway was set at 45 miles per hour. Smith said there are no plans to increase it. What is up with that? We make it a 4-lane divided highway and decrease the speed limit?
The recpath was also moved back from the highway and a bridge was put in over the Blue River north of Valley Brook as part of the $9.25 million stimulus-funded project.
Plans are under way to continue widening the highway between Tiger Road and the Agape Outpost Chapel, but the project will not move forward until additional funding becomes available.
“It's all designed, the right of way is purchased, right now there's just no funding for it,” Smith said.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Breckenridge hosts craft distillers festival
Colorado distillers will gather in Breckenridge on Oct. 15-16 for a showcase of handcrafted spirits complemented by restaurant specials and a downtown pub crawl.
The Craft Distillers' Still on the Hill Festival is a new Breckenridge Restaurant Association event, born of Colorado's rapidly growing artisan spirits industry, a news release said.
In the release, Jordan Via, master distiller at the Breckenridge Distillery, said he's not aware of anywhere else in Colorado where a small distiller's festival or similar event takes place.
The Grand Tasting, slated for 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 16, features several of Colorado's most talented craft distillers at an informal, walk-around event hosted by Beaver Run Resort.
From today through Oct. 16, restaurants throughout town are to offer dining specials at $18.59, an homage to Breckenridge's founding year.
The Downtown Poker Run and Pub Crawl, set for Oct. 15, lets players sample Breckenridge's best drinks and pick up cards at each location. The best hand wins craft spirits at the Grand Tasting.
Lodging specials starting at $96 per night will be offered throughout October as part of the Craft Spirits Festival and fall leaf-viewing season.
For lodging information or reservations visit www.gobreck.com or call 877-593-5260.
The Craft Distillers' Still on the Hill Festival is a new Breckenridge Restaurant Association event, born of Colorado's rapidly growing artisan spirits industry, a news release said.
In the release, Jordan Via, master distiller at the Breckenridge Distillery, said he's not aware of anywhere else in Colorado where a small distiller's festival or similar event takes place.
The Grand Tasting, slated for 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 16, features several of Colorado's most talented craft distillers at an informal, walk-around event hosted by Beaver Run Resort.
From today through Oct. 16, restaurants throughout town are to offer dining specials at $18.59, an homage to Breckenridge's founding year.
The Downtown Poker Run and Pub Crawl, set for Oct. 15, lets players sample Breckenridge's best drinks and pick up cards at each location. The best hand wins craft spirits at the Grand Tasting.
Lodging specials starting at $96 per night will be offered throughout October as part of the Craft Spirits Festival and fall leaf-viewing season.
For lodging information or reservations visit www.gobreck.com or call 877-593-5260.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Blessing of the Pets
On Sunday, the lawn outside Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church was crowded with locals and their pets. They gathered for the renewal of the church's annual pet blessing, which occurs the day before St. Francis of Assisi's day of commemoration.
Locals were carrying cat crates, toting dogs on leashes, carefully handling plastic jars containing fish, and even bearing the ashes of a former pet.
Tina Oberheide balanced a canary cage. She had hoped it might sing along with the hymns, which were part of a brief service prior to pastors Darlene Muschett and Joe Holub performing the blessings.
“Pets are an important part of people's lives, particularly in Summit County” Oberheide said. “This is a way to make them special for a day.”
The pet blessing was last done by the church several years ago before taking a multi-year hiatus, Holub explained. They hold it prior to the commemoration day for St. Francis of Assisi because the saint was known for his appreciation of nature.
“His brotherhood was all of God's creation,” Muschette said. “His love of nature was so deep.”
The service included hymns and readings from Genesis and Psalm 104, which praise all of creation, particularly its animals.
Good news is so nice to read.
Locals were carrying cat crates, toting dogs on leashes, carefully handling plastic jars containing fish, and even bearing the ashes of a former pet.
Tina Oberheide balanced a canary cage. She had hoped it might sing along with the hymns, which were part of a brief service prior to pastors Darlene Muschett and Joe Holub performing the blessings.
“Pets are an important part of people's lives, particularly in Summit County” Oberheide said. “This is a way to make them special for a day.”
The pet blessing was last done by the church several years ago before taking a multi-year hiatus, Holub explained. They hold it prior to the commemoration day for St. Francis of Assisi because the saint was known for his appreciation of nature.
“His brotherhood was all of God's creation,” Muschette said. “His love of nature was so deep.”
The service included hymns and readings from Genesis and Psalm 104, which praise all of creation, particularly its animals.
Good news is so nice to read.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Aspen Leaves
Enjoy.
Nancy
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Lawsuit over Lowe's
A lawsuit claiming the Town of Silverthorne incorrectly categorized a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse plan for the town was filed Thursday. The suit was filed by attorney Rob Waterman on behalf of two Silverthorne residents and two individuals who claim they'll be negatively affected by the development.
Named plaintiffs in the case are Deborah Fort and Pamela Bent of Silverthorne and Timothy Reidy and Margaret Schweri of Mesa Cortina, an area of unincorporated Summit County located above the Lowe's site.
The suit centers on a planning technicality, claiming the town incorrectly categorized Lowe's as a hardware store, according to the documents Waterman filed Thursday. Labeled as a hardware store, Lowe's is considered a “use by right” entity and is guaranteed the right to conduct business in Silverthorne. Other designations for a C-1 Light Commercial Zone District, such as “lumberyard” or “building materials,” would put Lowe's in a “conditional use” category that does not guarantee the right to do business and gives town officials more negotiating power, Waterman said. His argument is based on town ordinance, section 4-4-17, which outlines designations for C-1 and C-2 zones.
The new Lowe's is slated to begin construction next spring and open its doors in early 2012, but the approval process has not gone uncontested. Some local residents have voiced disapproval of the project based on claims that traffic will increase, the town will lose aesthetic charm and the local economy will be affected by the big-box running out smaller competition. On Sept. 22, the Silverthorne Town Council approved the final details of the site plan, allowing Lowe's to proceed with construction.
Named plaintiffs in the case are Deborah Fort and Pamela Bent of Silverthorne and Timothy Reidy and Margaret Schweri of Mesa Cortina, an area of unincorporated Summit County located above the Lowe's site.
The suit centers on a planning technicality, claiming the town incorrectly categorized Lowe's as a hardware store, according to the documents Waterman filed Thursday. Labeled as a hardware store, Lowe's is considered a “use by right” entity and is guaranteed the right to conduct business in Silverthorne. Other designations for a C-1 Light Commercial Zone District, such as “lumberyard” or “building materials,” would put Lowe's in a “conditional use” category that does not guarantee the right to do business and gives town officials more negotiating power, Waterman said. His argument is based on town ordinance, section 4-4-17, which outlines designations for C-1 and C-2 zones.
The new Lowe's is slated to begin construction next spring and open its doors in early 2012, but the approval process has not gone uncontested. Some local residents have voiced disapproval of the project based on claims that traffic will increase, the town will lose aesthetic charm and the local economy will be affected by the big-box running out smaller competition. On Sept. 22, the Silverthorne Town Council approved the final details of the site plan, allowing Lowe's to proceed with construction.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Snow on the Mountain
Yes, we had snow last night. Only above 12,000 feet, so not on my deck.
But Breckenridge will open for the ski season in just 49 days.
Amazing how quickly summer flew by.
But Breckenridge will open for the ski season in just 49 days.
Amazing how quickly summer flew by.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Summit County Parade of Homes winners announced
Fazendin Brothers and One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort, swept their respective categories in the 16th annual 2010 Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Summit County Builders Association.
In its category, Fazendin Brothers took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #6 at 620 Two Cabins Drive in Silverthorne. Likewise, in the multi-family category, Vail Resorts took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #8, One Ski Hill Place at the base of the ski resort on Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge.
Thebeau Construction took six individual awards and won “Best Overall” in its category for Home #11 at 508 Mountain View, Blue River.
Other multiple award winners in that category include Apex Mountain Homes for Home #2 at 1105 Bald Eagle in Silverthorne, and Carlson Builders Inc./Matthew Stais Architects for Home #17 at 510 Wellington Road in Breckenridge.
Dana Covert Contracting & Bostad International won “Best Overall” in their category for Home #4 at 31 Red Buffalo Trail in Silverthorne. Another entry winning multiple individual awards was Double Diamond Property & Construction Services for Home #22 at 172 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Breckenridge.
In its category, J&E Development won “Best Overall” for Home #12 at 170 Regal Circle in Blue River. Multiple awards also went to Home #14 built by Level One Building Company at 36 Lakecrest Drive in Blue River.
In its category, Fazendin Brothers took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #6 at 620 Two Cabins Drive in Silverthorne. Likewise, in the multi-family category, Vail Resorts took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #8, One Ski Hill Place at the base of the ski resort on Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge.
Thebeau Construction took six individual awards and won “Best Overall” in its category for Home #11 at 508 Mountain View, Blue River.
Other multiple award winners in that category include Apex Mountain Homes for Home #2 at 1105 Bald Eagle in Silverthorne, and Carlson Builders Inc./Matthew Stais Architects for Home #17 at 510 Wellington Road in Breckenridge.
Dana Covert Contracting & Bostad International won “Best Overall” in their category for Home #4 at 31 Red Buffalo Trail in Silverthorne. Another entry winning multiple individual awards was Double Diamond Property & Construction Services for Home #22 at 172 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Breckenridge.
In its category, J&E Development won “Best Overall” for Home #12 at 170 Regal Circle in Blue River. Multiple awards also went to Home #14 built by Level One Building Company at 36 Lakecrest Drive in Blue River.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Summit County is a recycling champ
Since Summit County opened its Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in 2006, diversions from the landfill have nearly quadrupled, with several thousand tons of recyclables and organic material being resurrected from the waste stream every year to live on as useful new products.
In 2009, the Summit Resource Allocation Park (SCRAP), formerly known as the dump, shipped 3,492 tons of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, plastic and electronics back into the market. Combine that with several-thousand additional tons of food scraps, wood waste, biosolids and yard waste that's turned into fertile soil at SCRAP's High Country Composting Facility, and Summit County achieves a waste-diversion rate of about 22 percent.
In 2009, the Summit Resource Allocation Park (SCRAP), formerly known as the dump, shipped 3,492 tons of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, plastic and electronics back into the market. Combine that with several-thousand additional tons of food scraps, wood waste, biosolids and yard waste that's turned into fertile soil at SCRAP's High Country Composting Facility, and Summit County achieves a waste-diversion rate of about 22 percent.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Autumn has arrived in Breckenridge
Time to visit Breckenridge. We've got some great buys in real estate.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Bike Lanes Coming to Breckenridge Main Street
Soon cyclists will be able to travel Main Street in their own lanes — painted between parked cars and motor-vehicle traffic lanes.
Town council gave staff the nod to add the lanes at a recent work session, though not all were in agreement.
Councilman Peter Joyce said he was concerned with safety issues for inexperienced cyclists. He and Mark Burke both dissented from the opinion of the other five council members.
“I don't think it will be safe for kids,” Burke said in a phone interview Thursday. “When I drive down Main, it's tough enough with pedestrians ... My first concern is our citizens' safety, and that's the only reason I'm against it.”
Councilwoman Jennifer McAtamney said she keeps her young children on side streets or in Blue River Plaza when they're biking, as there are a variety of places for people of differing skill levels to ride.
“Experienced cyclists can ride on that road without much problem,” she said of Main Street. “It will be interesting to see whether narrowing those lanes visually helps slow traffic down.”
The striping of Main Street, as well as other striping and wayfinding improvements downtown, will cost $20,000. The town has $5,000 in grant money and $5,000 that was budgeted; the remaining $10,000 could come from Open Space funds.
Other improvements are to occur as shared lane markings along French Street, Wellington Road and a small segment of Lincoln Avenue.
The town was honored last year as a silver-level bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Its paved pathway system, singletrack trail network and other efforts were recognized. Town officials intend to improve wayfinding and safety with the new striping and some signs.
Town council gave staff the nod to add the lanes at a recent work session, though not all were in agreement.
Councilman Peter Joyce said he was concerned with safety issues for inexperienced cyclists. He and Mark Burke both dissented from the opinion of the other five council members.
“I don't think it will be safe for kids,” Burke said in a phone interview Thursday. “When I drive down Main, it's tough enough with pedestrians ... My first concern is our citizens' safety, and that's the only reason I'm against it.”
Councilwoman Jennifer McAtamney said she keeps her young children on side streets or in Blue River Plaza when they're biking, as there are a variety of places for people of differing skill levels to ride.
“Experienced cyclists can ride on that road without much problem,” she said of Main Street. “It will be interesting to see whether narrowing those lanes visually helps slow traffic down.”
The striping of Main Street, as well as other striping and wayfinding improvements downtown, will cost $20,000. The town has $5,000 in grant money and $5,000 that was budgeted; the remaining $10,000 could come from Open Space funds.
Other improvements are to occur as shared lane markings along French Street, Wellington Road and a small segment of Lincoln Avenue.
The town was honored last year as a silver-level bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Its paved pathway system, singletrack trail network and other efforts were recognized. Town officials intend to improve wayfinding and safety with the new striping and some signs.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
The Annual Melt-Down of the Snow Has Started
Colorado's snowpack began melting quickly this spring because of warm, dry temperatures in early April, according to the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), which tracks snowpack and reservoir levels throughout the state.
Weather turned wetter and cooler throughout the mountains in late April, halting, and in some cases even reversing, the melt trend. Statistics from the latest NRCS surveys show snowpack is below average in all of the state's major river basins. Snowpack in the Blue River Basin in Summit County is 70 percent of average and 65 percent of last year's snowpack. At one NRCS survey site in the lower Snake River, snowpack is at only 7 percent of average.
“We did have some fairly warm temperatures earlier in April when melting was going on across the state for two weeks pretty steadily,” said NRCS snow survey supervisor Mike Gillespie. “We saw a lot of lower-elevation sites melting out at that time.”
Colorado's statewide snowpack decreased to the lowest reading of the season on May 1 at only 78 percent of average.
“For the most part, any gains we saw during the last week of April were far surpassed by the melt we saw earlier in the month,” said Allen Green, state conservationist with the NRCS.
Across northern Colorado, where the lowest snowpack readings have been recorded all season, snowpack declines were minimal in April. Basins showing the greatest declines during April included the Gunnison, Arkansas, Rio Grande and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins.
Monthly precipitation data collected at automated NRCS sites across higher elevations showed an above-average total for April across the Gunnison, Colorado, South Platte, Yampa, White and North Platte basins. For most of the region, April's above-average precipitation breaks a five-month-long dry period where the NRCS recorded below-average moisture. Statewide precipitation during April was 117 percent of average and was the first month of above-average precipitation recorded for the state since December 2009.
Late-season improvements in the snowpack will have positive impacts on this summer's runoff and water supplies, according to Green. However, forecasts of seasonal runoff volumes will remain below average, and in many locations across northern Colorado, this year's summer water supplies continue to be forecast at well below average volumes.
Inflow into Dillon Reservoir is expected to be 73 percent of average during the April-July period. Inflows into Green Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are projected to be 75 percent of average and 78 percent of average, respectively.
“Reservoir stores are now in good shape, but they'll probably drop quite a bit as we go into the fall. They will be put to use in late summer to make up for these deficits in natural flows,” Gillespie said. “Without having much of a cushion, it increases the need for a good year next year.”
Weather turned wetter and cooler throughout the mountains in late April, halting, and in some cases even reversing, the melt trend. Statistics from the latest NRCS surveys show snowpack is below average in all of the state's major river basins. Snowpack in the Blue River Basin in Summit County is 70 percent of average and 65 percent of last year's snowpack. At one NRCS survey site in the lower Snake River, snowpack is at only 7 percent of average.
“We did have some fairly warm temperatures earlier in April when melting was going on across the state for two weeks pretty steadily,” said NRCS snow survey supervisor Mike Gillespie. “We saw a lot of lower-elevation sites melting out at that time.”
Colorado's statewide snowpack decreased to the lowest reading of the season on May 1 at only 78 percent of average.
“For the most part, any gains we saw during the last week of April were far surpassed by the melt we saw earlier in the month,” said Allen Green, state conservationist with the NRCS.
Across northern Colorado, where the lowest snowpack readings have been recorded all season, snowpack declines were minimal in April. Basins showing the greatest declines during April included the Gunnison, Arkansas, Rio Grande and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins.
Monthly precipitation data collected at automated NRCS sites across higher elevations showed an above-average total for April across the Gunnison, Colorado, South Platte, Yampa, White and North Platte basins. For most of the region, April's above-average precipitation breaks a five-month-long dry period where the NRCS recorded below-average moisture. Statewide precipitation during April was 117 percent of average and was the first month of above-average precipitation recorded for the state since December 2009.
Late-season improvements in the snowpack will have positive impacts on this summer's runoff and water supplies, according to Green. However, forecasts of seasonal runoff volumes will remain below average, and in many locations across northern Colorado, this year's summer water supplies continue to be forecast at well below average volumes.
Inflow into Dillon Reservoir is expected to be 73 percent of average during the April-July period. Inflows into Green Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are projected to be 75 percent of average and 78 percent of average, respectively.
“Reservoir stores are now in good shape, but they'll probably drop quite a bit as we go into the fall. They will be put to use in late summer to make up for these deficits in natural flows,” Gillespie said. “Without having much of a cushion, it increases the need for a good year next year.”
Friday, April 23, 2010
Breckenridge Gondola to Operate this Summer
The BreckConnect Gondola is to run daily July 1 to Sept. 6 this year.
The gondola hours this summer are to be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
The gondola hours this summer are to be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Arapahoe Basin to Sell Exhibition Lift Chairs
On May 1, chairs from the Arapahoe Basin Exhibition Lift will go on sale, as the ski area prepares to replace it with a detatchable quad.
The Exhibition triple chairlift has been turning since 1978, and it moves more people around the ski area than any other lift each ski seaon. Of the lift's 118 chairs, 110 will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis for $450 apiece. Local nonprofits will use the remaining chairs for fundraising purposes.
“The Exhibition lift is a great lift with few maintenance issues, but now is the time to replace it,” A-Basin chief operations officer Alan Henceroth said. “The new lift will have increased capacity, shorter ride time and easier loading. It will provide rapid, easy access to the upper mountain, Montezuma Bowl, and Black Mountain Lodge.”
The new lift, dubbed Black Mountain Express, will have a capacity of 2,000 people per hour, a length of 2,877 feet and a vertical rise of 719 feet. Ride time from the base area to mid-mountain will be just shorter than three minutes — half the time of a ride up Exhibition. Construction is scheduled to beging around mid-June and will not impact the current season's closing date, tentatively scheduled for June 6.
The eight donated Exhibition chairs will go to the Summit Foundation, High Country Conservation Center, Team Summit, Summit County Community Care Clinic, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Family and Intercultural Resource Center, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and the Keystone Science School.
Sale of the chairs will begin online at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 1, at www.arapahoebasin.com. The chairs will be available for pick-up on June 11 and 12 at A-Basin.
A pick-up truck or similar vehicle is recommended to transport the chairs. Arapahoe Basin will not take reservations in advance for the purchase of the chairs. All sales are final, and chairs should be used at the purchasers' own risk.
The Exhibition triple chairlift has been turning since 1978, and it moves more people around the ski area than any other lift each ski seaon. Of the lift's 118 chairs, 110 will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis for $450 apiece. Local nonprofits will use the remaining chairs for fundraising purposes.
“The Exhibition lift is a great lift with few maintenance issues, but now is the time to replace it,” A-Basin chief operations officer Alan Henceroth said. “The new lift will have increased capacity, shorter ride time and easier loading. It will provide rapid, easy access to the upper mountain, Montezuma Bowl, and Black Mountain Lodge.”
The new lift, dubbed Black Mountain Express, will have a capacity of 2,000 people per hour, a length of 2,877 feet and a vertical rise of 719 feet. Ride time from the base area to mid-mountain will be just shorter than three minutes — half the time of a ride up Exhibition. Construction is scheduled to beging around mid-June and will not impact the current season's closing date, tentatively scheduled for June 6.
The eight donated Exhibition chairs will go to the Summit Foundation, High Country Conservation Center, Team Summit, Summit County Community Care Clinic, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Family and Intercultural Resource Center, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and the Keystone Science School.
Sale of the chairs will begin online at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 1, at www.arapahoebasin.com. The chairs will be available for pick-up on June 11 and 12 at A-Basin.
A pick-up truck or similar vehicle is recommended to transport the chairs. Arapahoe Basin will not take reservations in advance for the purchase of the chairs. All sales are final, and chairs should be used at the purchasers' own risk.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Copper Mt. Announces Major Upgrades
Copper Mountain announced plans recently to ramp up snowmaking for the 2010-2011 season as part of $6 million in capital improvements to the resort.
With the planned snowmaking increases, Copper anticipates better early-season coverage for race camps, training, and recreational skiers and riders. The planned 25 percent increase in snowmaking capacity will be spread throughout the mountain, with new systems planned for the Timberline area, adding significant intermediate terrain.
The resort also plans to expand its free Corn lot, increasing free parking at Copper by 40 percent. And additional parking in Union Creek will add easier access to Copper's beginner area, including Ski and Ride School programs and The Schoolhouse.
The improvements won't end in 2011, according to Copper Mountain President and General Manager Gary Rodgers.
“The focus on infrastructure enhancements sets the stage for future on mountain improvements,” Rodgers said.
The announcement was the first of its kind from Copper Mountain's new owner, Powdr Corp, which purchased the resort last December from Intrawest.
With the planned snowmaking increases, Copper anticipates better early-season coverage for race camps, training, and recreational skiers and riders. The planned 25 percent increase in snowmaking capacity will be spread throughout the mountain, with new systems planned for the Timberline area, adding significant intermediate terrain.
The resort also plans to expand its free Corn lot, increasing free parking at Copper by 40 percent. And additional parking in Union Creek will add easier access to Copper's beginner area, including Ski and Ride School programs and The Schoolhouse.
The improvements won't end in 2011, according to Copper Mountain President and General Manager Gary Rodgers.
“The focus on infrastructure enhancements sets the stage for future on mountain improvements,” Rodgers said.
The announcement was the first of its kind from Copper Mountain's new owner, Powdr Corp, which purchased the resort last December from Intrawest.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Center
Breckenridge town officials plan to continue subsidizing the Gold Run Nordic Center operations after two failed attempts at securing a private operator.
As cuts were made across town budget last year to cope with the economic recession, the town's subsidy of Nordic center operations dropped from $170,000 to $80,000.
Hours, grooming and trail access were reduced, and nordic center revenue went from covering 50 percent of its operating costs to covering 68 percent of them.
With no suitable offers made by private entities to run the town, the center is expected to continue with this business model.
“That doesn't mean we won't continue to explore other opportunities,” town manager Tim Gagen said at Tuesday's town council work session.
Town recreation director Lynn Zwaagstra said there were about 8,200 visits to the nordic center this season — with 3,400 from season passes and 4,800 from day-use passes.
Gagen said both the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic centers, which involve private operation, drew more visits. He added that it “doesn't pencil” for a private operator to operate Gold Run.
Councilman Mark Burke, who owns the adjacent Clubhouse Restaurant, said of the existing Gold Run Nordic Center staff: “They've done a phenomenal job. I vote to keep it as it's going.”
Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said he, too, is “comfortable” with the subsidy but would like to give the staff further flexibility as far as what terrain is available and how it's groomed.
“I'd like to give the nordic people a little bit more autonomy,” he said. “The experience I think has improved dramatically, but I think we can improve the ski experience.”
Bergeron also suggested at the work session that offering transit to Gold Run could increase user traffic.
The Gold Run Nordic Center is open daily during the season, which ended April 4. It offers skiing and snowshoeing.
The center includes 22 kilometers of groomed classic and skate ski trails and more than 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails, according to www.townofbreckenridge.com.
As cuts were made across town budget last year to cope with the economic recession, the town's subsidy of Nordic center operations dropped from $170,000 to $80,000.
Hours, grooming and trail access were reduced, and nordic center revenue went from covering 50 percent of its operating costs to covering 68 percent of them.
With no suitable offers made by private entities to run the town, the center is expected to continue with this business model.
“That doesn't mean we won't continue to explore other opportunities,” town manager Tim Gagen said at Tuesday's town council work session.
Town recreation director Lynn Zwaagstra said there were about 8,200 visits to the nordic center this season — with 3,400 from season passes and 4,800 from day-use passes.
Gagen said both the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic centers, which involve private operation, drew more visits. He added that it “doesn't pencil” for a private operator to operate Gold Run.
Councilman Mark Burke, who owns the adjacent Clubhouse Restaurant, said of the existing Gold Run Nordic Center staff: “They've done a phenomenal job. I vote to keep it as it's going.”
Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said he, too, is “comfortable” with the subsidy but would like to give the staff further flexibility as far as what terrain is available and how it's groomed.
“I'd like to give the nordic people a little bit more autonomy,” he said. “The experience I think has improved dramatically, but I think we can improve the ski experience.”
Bergeron also suggested at the work session that offering transit to Gold Run could increase user traffic.
The Gold Run Nordic Center is open daily during the season, which ended April 4. It offers skiing and snowshoeing.
The center includes 22 kilometers of groomed classic and skate ski trails and more than 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails, according to www.townofbreckenridge.com.
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