Best Sleigh Rides in Breckenridge- Top Picks For the Perfect Dinner Sleigh Ride

“Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling ding-a-ling-a-ling too…come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you…”
Nothing says “Colorado” better than an unbelievable sleigh ride outdoors in Summit County.  Whether you are taking a brisk ride during the day through the picturesque national forests here in the high country, or bundling up in the evening, watching falling stars on a dinner sleigh ride, you surely will be making a marvelous memory.

Top Picks for the Best Sleigh Rides:

Two Below Sleigh Rides

Two Below Zero Dinner Sleigh Ride:  Two Below took us out for an old fashioned journey through breath-taking mountain views at 9,000 feet. The trip departed from the Frisco Nordic Center and travelled through the Peninsula Recreation Area down scenic trails.  At night, the open space of the Peninsula afforded us amazing, unobstructed views of the constellations, as well as slow moving satellites and a falling star! The ride ended in a warm dinner cabin where live music was performed and a fabulous dinner was served.  The musician did a great job of playing songs we could all sing along to.  Two Below allows you to bring your own bottle of wine or liquor and bring some to share! (We brought peppermint schnapps and added it to our endless cup of hot chocolate the folks over at the sleigh ride made!) Two Below website

Nordic Dinner Sleigh Rides

Nordic Dinner Sleigh Rides: The Nordic rides are a bit different and just as enjoyable.  They are located deep in the national forest about 6 miles behind the Breckenridge Golf Course.  The drive at night was fun for the family as we had never been back in the forest that far before.  Once we arrived at the center, Al, the owner greeted us and handed us a warm blanket.  The ride through the forest at night was fantastic. In the distance we could hear the howls of the coyotes, which disturbed the sled dogs housed on site.  Lots of howling made for an even more fun journey.   The sleigh traversed in and out of tree lined paths until we came upon our dinner cabin.  Dinner is homemade on site, we especially enjoyed the outstanding steaks they served.  The dinner was – delicious!  We were entertained, before dinner was served, by Mountain Man, who told stories about the old days of Breckenridge.  If you decide to go to the late show, be sure to eat something small before your journey as it is a while before dinner is served.  AND bring you own bottle!    

Breckenridge Stables Sleigh Rides

Breckenridge Stables also offers an incredible sleigh ride with colorful custom built sleighs drawn by a team of Belgian, Clydesdale or Percheron draft horses.  Inside the sleigh, wrapped in a warm blanket we could hear the sleigh bells in the crisp mountain air.  The horses take you up through the paths of the National Forest of Peak Nine in Breckenridge, a picturesque journey.  Halfway through our sleigh ride, we were dropped off mid mountain in a yurt to dine, listen to great music, and enjoy the beautiful view extending from downtown Breckenridge to the Continental Divide.  The yurt is a permanent, heated building decorated in twinkling lights and western decor — the restrooms were heated, too!  The dinner is buffet style and delicious.  Once again, bring your own bottle! Website.

All of the sleigh rides offer menu choices, which you pick when you reserve your trip. Sleigh Ride Tips:  dress warmly – although they all give you warm woolen blankets, you are outdoors at night in the forest – it is a bit nippy!  And bring your camera. All of the rides let you take pictures with these fabulous and gentle animals – we especially enjoyed meeting the Clydesdales and were fascinated by their size.   Contact our concierge who is happy to book the perfect sleigh ride for you! Also ask about the RSVP free coupons you receive when you book your stay with ResortQuest Breckenridge! See our lodging Deals!

Blog written by Karin B. one of our ResortQuest specialists! Contact us today!

Keystone Mardi Gras Celebrations- Get Fat Tuesday in Keystone 2011

Celebrate Mardi Gras Keystone Style! From a whole day of skiing to a free concert, gumbo tastings and after parties you'll see Mardi Gras in a whole new light on March 8th, 2011!

Head to River Run Village after your day of skiing to start off Fat Tuesday with the Gumbo Tasting competition.  From 3-6pm a $10 dollar wrist band will get you entry to the unlimited tasting. Drinks are sold separately.

After you have eaten all the Gumbo you can get, dance it off with the Free River Run Rocks Concert- Mardi Gras style featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Beverages, alcohol and food sold á la carte, along with a kids play area to keep the little ones celebrating Mardi Gras too! 

 

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is a world famous music machine, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances. They have revitalized the brass band in New Orleans and around the world, progressing from local parties, clubs, baseball games and festivals in their early years to touring nearly constantly in the U.S. and in over 30 other countries on five continents. The Dirty Dozen have been featured guests on albums by artists including David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Dr. John and the Black Crowes.

Then really get the Party started with the After Party at Warren Station with the Otones Brass Band!  The concert is at Warren Station. Doors open at 8:30, show begins at 9pm. Tickets available at the door. The Otones original compositions are full of happy, high energy joy...You'll be smilin' when you hear them! “High energy dance happiness” describes the Otones Brass Band! Where else can you hear original Funk, Latin, and Soul, mixed with a serious helping of New Orleans groove, ALL IN ONE BAND?!?!

Get to Keystone for Mardi Gras to ensure you have a unique and fun Mardi Gras celebration!  Book now and save on lodging plus stay right at the center of all the fun in Keystone's River Run lodging!

Mardi Gras at High Altitude in Breckenridge, CO 2011 Celebrations

Get to Breckenridge to celebrate your Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras debauchery!  Breckenridge may be no New Orleans but  Breckenridge hosts a killer 3 days of Mardi Gras fun!   Breckenridge Mardi Gras adds some mountain flavor to southern traditions- you can't ski and celebrate Mardi Gras down south!

Book today and get to celebrate Mardi Gras Mountain style and save on your lodging!

So what are all these fabulous Mardi Gras events?

• March 5, 2011: Breckenridge Bacchus Ball:
  Grab your masks for a New Orleans style masquerade ball at 9,600 feet. Enjoy delicious Cajun food and drink, live music by Hazel Miller, dancing and the crowning of Breckenridge’s Mardi Gras Rex and Queen. All are encouraged to participate in the fun with masks and costumes but, if you did’t pack your masquerade outfit, boas, beads and masks will be sold at the event. Contact our concierge to buy your tickets!  See location and time.
  
• March 7, 2011: Free Lundi Gras Concert: Riverwalk Center 6:00pm
  This Monday night concert keeps the carnival spirit alive with a free performance by Beau Soleil avec Michael Doucet. Since their inception in 1975, the Louisiana-based musicians have blazed trails to become one of the most well-known Cajun bands around. Read more...
  
• Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration: March 8, 2011: Main Street n, Breckenridge 4:30 pm participation is Free!
  Watch out Main Street, here comes Bourbon Street! Join us for an awesome parade through Main Street with festive floats, traditional costumes and lots and lots of beads! Prizes this year include cash prizes: 1st $500, 2nd $300, and 3rd $200. Head to the local bars and restaurants for post procession parties with drink specials, music and more. Kick off the night with Breckenridge’s Mountain Mardi Gras style. 

Get to Breckenridge for your Mardi Gras adventure and stay right where all the action is in Main Street Station or close by at any of our other Breckenridge lodging!  Book now and save money on your reservation!- that means more money to play!

Top 3 Breckenridge Wedding Photographers

Every bride and groom wants the moments from their wedding day captured perfectly in photos for a life time of reflection and memories of that very special day.  Wedding Photographers are abundant all with different pricing, photo packages and talents.  So how do you pick?  Our group sales manager Brigitte has put together her top 3 picks of Breckenridge Wedding Photographers to help you narrow your search.  View our wedding venues and lodging deals for your wedding!

Best Breckenridge Wedding Photographers

Timothy Faust photography

1. Timothy Faust Photography: Timothy is a longtime local and knows Summit County really well – he always has great ideas as to where to take clients to get the best backdrop for awesome pictures. He is a top award winning member of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. He is also featured in National Geographic Adventure, Outdoor Magazine and contributing editor of the Rocky Mountain Magazine.  He also offers great workshops. Get a sample of his amazing work at www.timothyfaust.com
   
   
2. Studio Kiva Photography:  Have a true professional take pictures of the most important day of your life.  Katie Girtman is a truly gifted photographer who is able to capture your true emotions.  Kiva Photography can create life long memories that you will cherish forever. Check out the portfolios at www.studiokivawedding.com
   
   



Studio Kiva Photography

3.  Story Lens Photo: Lisa is a native Coloradoan with a huge passion for the outdoors and photography.  Story Lens Photo is a premier wedding and portrait photography company, specializing in lifestyle portraits and wedding photography.  Lisa only commits to a select number of events each year to ensure commitment and quality.  You can look at Lisa’s work at www.storylesic.com

 ResortQuest Breckenridge is proud to host a beautiful array of wedding venues and lodging that will be perfect for your special day! We also offer great wedding deals along with a free honeymoon suite for the bride and groom.  View our wedding venues and contact our group sales manager Brigitte to help you with your wedding planning and accommodations!

View our Top Reasons to Get Married at Main Street Station

Best Breckenridge Lodging for Large Groups- Save Money and Fit Under One Roof

Group Ski Trips or Group winter vacations host a ton of fun being with all your favorite friends and family,  but it can also be difficult planning for so many people.  At ResortQuest Breckenridge we are happy to help you plan for your large group accommodations and have incredible lodging that will make every one of your group members happy campers or happy skiers to be exact!

Here are some suggestions for ResortQuest lodging for large groups! These homes will ensure all your buddies or co-workers are under the same roof.  If you have groups larger than 20 people, contact Brigitte, our group sales manager, to help you with any questions you may have.

Private Riverwood Home:  This beautiful private home is spacious and perfect for two or three families to stay together or a small business group or a large group of powder hounds!  With 6395 square feet, five bedrooms and 5 ½ baths – this fabulous home can sleep 16 people!   Enjoy spacious rooms with beautiful custom woodwork, vaulted ceilings and multiple balconies and decks hosting amazing scenery. The five fireplaces throughout the home offer both comfort and ambiance. With flat-screen TV’s in every bedroom, no luxury is forgotten in this home.  For some good together time, watch your favorite family movie in the home theatre. Or enjoy some adult time with a game of poker at the poker table in the spacious living room while the kids go downstairs in the game room to play Foosball or air hockey.  Later, step outside to enjoy the private hot tub and fire pit to keep you warm during late night star gazing – make sure you look for the satellites and shooting stars!

Westridge Lodge: Another choice for traveling groups to stay under one roof would be the absolutely amazing Westridge Lodge at 5,044 square feet.  With 6 bedrooms and 6 1/5 baths – you can sleep 20 people comfortably.  A large mud room off of the garage has plenty of space for storing all of you ski equipment and gear.  There is a spectacular great room with a huge fireplace and stone hearth, two large couches perfectly situated right in front of the fireplace and the new large flat screen TV, along with other cozy nooks for relaxing and enjoying the views.  The custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances is a treat for the gourmet cook or cooks – (but don’t put too many in the kitchen!)  There are two large dining room tables both seating ten as well as extra seating at the kitchen bar top - plenty of room for a feast.  Step out onto the back patio leading to an eight-person hot tub, or fire up the outdoor grill off the front patio overlooking town.  If you decide to have some fun without going into town, there is a recreation area located on the lowest floor with a pool table, large flat screen TV and a mini bar!

There are many other luxury homes for rent in Breckenridge, like the Lodgepole at Boulder Ridge, 4 bedroom 3 bath, gorgeous log home in the forest but close to everything – complete with a jukebox!  Or Snowflake Chalet, 4 bedrooms 4 baths which can sleep 12 people and has views of the ski run.

Not all groups want to be with each other 24/7 so simply stay next door to one another.   The Saddlewood Townhomes are perfect for just this! You can rent the units side by side, each have three bedrooms and each can sleep up to 11 people.  They are located right on the Snowflake Run, so they are truly ski in and ski out.  They are large, bright and spacious, have outdoor decks and private hot tubs.  And, at the end of the evening, everyone has their own unit to relax and spread out. 

The snowfall in Breckenridge has been epic.  We already have more snow now than we usually get in an entire year!  See our lodging deals and book your perfect unit online- Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are not finding what you need! Have fun traveling with your family and friends and we look forward to seeing you this winter!

Blog written by Karin B. one of our ResortQuest specialists! Contact us today!

Romantic Breckenridge- Dining With the One You Love

Winter in Breckenridge is truly romantic.  Everywhere you look, couples are holding hands and wandering the streets, window shopping, in this picturesque Victorian town.  The snow covered street lamps and trees look like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  The brisk mountain air invites you to warm up next to the one you love. 

The restaurants in Breckenridge seem to be made for rekindling or building a new fire for love.  

  

Ember, one of the newest eateries in town is warm and inviting.  Their motto is “Put a Spark in your Night” and they do just that with unique appetizers and culinary cocktails.  For Valentines day they have a three course meal filled with aphrodisiacs.  Call the Breckenridge Concierge now 877-225-1162 to book your reservation.

The Hearthstone is a local’s favorite because of its fine food and vintage décor.  It is in a historic home built in 1886 and has a rustic, yet elegant interior. The food is five star with items on the menu like house smoked trout, ginger crusted scallops and blackberry elk.  The views of the ski hill from the upstairs lounge are incredible.  Try to get a window seat.

The contemporary cuisine and the relaxed fun atmosphere of the Blue River Bistro make date night here irresistible.   The crab cakes are a must-have as well are the signature martinis.  There is nightly live music featuring acoustic blues and mountain jazz.  There is a nice combination here of singles looking for love and couples celebrating theirs.  If you are a ResortQuest guest you will receive a free coupon for a signature martini!

Spend your Valentine's Day in Breckenridge for an extra special get away with the one you love! Our ResortQuest accommodations are made for romance! View photos and video of each unit so you can pick the perfect one!  View our lodging deals for Valentines!