In Breckenridge each year, blank canvases of snow become works of art. From a whimsical bouquet of enormous flowers, to thought provoking abstract shapes, sculptors form these masterpieces before thousands of spectators over the course of five days in the heart of town.
In its 17th year, artists from all over the world will come together to present intricate, awe-inspiring snow sculptures. These artists will carve twenty-ton, 12-foot-tall blocks of snow into pieces of art using only their creativity, inspiration, own two hands and permitted hand tools.
I have been lucky enough to preview the designs for some of these sculptures - wait until you see the Breck Team's - it's called "Wheee!" and it's a roller coaster - don't know how they are going to pull it off - but knowing those guys - they will!
There are great lodging packages out there if you are coming into town - ResortQuest has one of the best deals in Breckenridge - with 50% off your lodging PLUS two free snow proof cameras to get pictures of these masterpieces! Visit Breckenridge Lodging for the details.
The 2007 Snow Sculpting Teams are:
Team Breckenridge
Team Canada
Team Idaho
Team Czech Republic
Team Alaska
Team Mexico
Team New York
Team Oregon
Team Wisconsin
Team Switzerland
Team Turkey
Team Wisconsin
Team Minnesota
Team Canon City
For more information on the Budweiser Select International Snow Sculpture Championships, call 800-936-5573.
Event Details
*Sculpting concludes on Saturday, January 27th at 10 a.m. and there will be an awards ceremony at the Riverwalk Center at 3 p.m. that same day. Sculptures may be viewed at any time – day or night – during sculpting week and viewing week. Viewing week is January 28th – February 4th (weather and safety dependant).
*Each 4-person team carves a unique sculpture, often times depicting a team’s culture or heritage. There will be a total of 14 teams competing at the 2007 Championships, represeting ten different countries. Only hand tools are allowed in the competition; no power tools or colorants may be used.
*On January 27th, a panel of artists will make awards to the top four teams on the basis of theme, style and technique. The sculptors will also learn which team has been selected as People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice. See you there!
Breckenridge has 5 inches of fresh powder, topping of a a week of 20 inches of new snow. A fantastic mid-mountain base of 26" greeted holiday skiers and riders with some of the best Thanksgiving conditions in years. But more is on the way. Forecasters predict another 5 to 9 inches beginning Tuesday through late-week, just in time for the first weekend of December. Expect the same at Keystone where the weekend ended up with 23-inch mid-mountain base and power/packed powder conditions.
Plan your stay next weekend in Keystone or Breckenridge with ResortQuest, now offering discounts up to 40% off!
I think I am just now recovering from the beer fest. The beer fest was five days ago! There was over 1,000 people there drinking and dancing for hours. The Railbenders put on an awesome I even saw some kid (25 year old kid) in the train that was making laps around the Main Street Station Plaza! Too funny. I think alot of people took advantage of ResortQuest's killer lodging packages. That way everyone gets to have fun. Anyways check out the pictures and hopefully i will see you at the next Breckenridge Beer Festival on July 19th.
Top 10 Après Drink and Food Specials
I encourage you to try all of these local favorites, just not on the same night!
1. MiCasa Mexican Restaurant
Don’t go home for a siesta after skiing, come in and enjoy an outrageously cheap food menu. With 99 cent tacos and $3 wing baskets you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to cool down with $1 off margaritas and $.50 – 1 off the beer menu.
2. The Fireside Lounge at River Mountain Lodge
One of the best kept secrets on the mountain is now out! When the lifts close at 4pm Bubba the bartender is opening for business with $1.50 12 ounce drafts. Enjoy darts, board games and the new flat screen.
3. Downstairs at Eric’s
If you are looking for a sports bar with over 40 TVs, Eric’s is the place to be! From 3-6 you can get domestic drafts for only $2 and pitchers for $6. Did I mention they have the largest arcade in Breckenridge?
4. Blue River Bistro
For those of you with a more refined taste in your beverages, Blue River Bistro offers 2 for 1 martinis. Yup that’s right 2 for 1 martinis from 3 -6. If you can’t make it after your done skiing come in and relax from 10-12am for the same special.
5. Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub
With the longest happy hour in Breckenridge from 4-8pm, Napper Tandy’s offers $2 domestics and well drinks and $3 coronas. If you happen to stay a little later don’t be surprised if you end up on their happening dance floor!
6. Copper Top
Located at the base of Beaver Run lift, this is the place to be when the mountain closes. Soak up the rays on the deck with music and grilling outside. The specials change but the day of the week. One of my favorites is the $17 shot ski with four shots of Tuaca that a group of friends take all at once. Great for ski vacation photo albums!
7. Quandry Grille
If you worked up an appetite on the slopes ski down to the Quandry Grille located at Main Street Station from 3-6 and enjoy half priced appetizers. A must try is the Pioneer Eggrolls and Sweet Thai Chili Hot Wings. Don’t forget to order a $3 draft, well or wine special.
8. Windy City Pizza
If you are craving pizza or cheesy breadsticks stop by Windy City for some of the best happy hour specials around from 4-6pm. With $1.25 slices and PBR this is the local ski bum’s home away from home. Why go all the way to Chicago when you can get the best Chi-town pizza right here in Breckenridge with ½ off apps, wine and beer during après ski.
9. Kenosha Steakhouse
Step outside on the newly expanded deck at Kenosha Steakhouse and sample 2 for 1 appetizers from 3-5pm. Highly recommended is the Garlic Shrimp. A quarter pound of shrimp with garlic butter and tomatoes surely will hit the spot after a long day on the mountain. A most due are their bloody mary’s which were voted 3rd best in Summit county.
10. Breckenridge Brewery
No wonder The Breckenridge Brewery was voted the third best brewery in Summit County in 2007 by the locals. With $6 pitchers and $2 pints it’s a steal for some locally crafted beer not from the factory. If beer’s not your thing try the $3 well and wine drink specials.
Check out this video i took with a helmet camera i rented from ResortQuest Ski and Sport out of River Mountain Lodge. It has some great shots of powder runs, tree runs and an awesome shot of my friend "trying" to cut ropes. Let's just say the Karma God was watching! The Ski and Sport shop has some great deals on renting the helmet cameras now for skiing or mountain biking. Awesome to show friends and family! Sorry i had some better video but it wouldn't load since it was too big. www.resortquestskiandsport.com
Following a successful first run in April of 2007, NRC Broadcasting, parent company of KSMT, K-CMV, KTUN and KSKE is proud to announce the second annual Breckenridge Massive Beer Festival. The festival features 17 microbrews and craft beers with unlimited tasting for $30. Breweries include Breckenridge Brewery, Steamworks, Stone Brew, Wolf Rock, Flying Dog, Bristol, Great Divide, Oskar Blues, Sam Adams, Left Hand, Odells, Red Hook and Alaska Brewing Company. Enjoy free live music from local favorites The Rail Benders, Subdudes and Tony Furtado.
ResortQuest Breckenridge vacation rentals is offering lodging packages, starting at just $99 a night including free entrance to the festival and beer mugs for two people. For more information, contact ResortQuest, official lodging partner for the Breckenridge Beer Festival, at 1-800-507-8643, www.resortquestbreckernidge.com. Or, visit the official festival website at: www.breckenridgebeerfestival.com
RESORTQUEST BRECKENRIDGE WELCOMES THE PRO-CELEBRITY UNION 2 EVENT TO BRECKENRIDGE
ResortQuest Breckenridge is a proud sponsor of one of Breckenridge, Colorado’s newest events, The Pro-Celebrity Union 2. Join Hollywood stars, musicians, pro-skiers and snowboarders to raise money for charity. ResortQuest Breckenridge offers over 350 lodging options in Breckenridge, Colorado, just steps from all the action this celebrity event brings to town.
The snowy mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado is eagerly preparing to host what may fast become the celebrity event of the year: The Pro-Celebrity Union. Formerly hosted by Copper Mountain Resort, this event brings together Hollywood star power, talented musicians and some of the nation’s top skiers and riders, all in the name of charity. ResortQuest Breckenridge Lodging offers a full selection of vacation rentals and lodging packages in both Breckenridge and Keystone, just steps from all the event activities and slopeside to Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Backed by the Summit Foundation, a local Summit County, Colorado non-profit organization, the Pro-Celebrity Union is a four-day event filled with music and on-mountain exhibitions. Jeremy Bloom, the former Olympic ski team member, University of Colorado football star and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver is on tap to host this year’s event. Bloom’s star-power is sure to propel this young event to the next level.
The Celebrity Union kicks-off Thursday, April 12 with the “Battle of the Badges” Hockey Classic, which pits local celebrities, Vail Resorts and Intrawest Resorts management and professional hockey players against one another for bragging rights and charity fundraising. The week continues with concerts by Nina Story (http://www.ninastorey.com/), Hearing Red (http://www.myspace.com/hearingred), Blue County (http://www.myspace.com/bluecounty) and Xiren (http://www.xiren.net/) as well as slopeside and superpipe competitions on Breckenridge’s famed Peak 8 Terrain Park.
January 16, 2007, Breckenridge, Colorado – The snowy mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado is eagerly preparing for one of its most famed events of the season: The 17th Annual Budweiser Select International Snow Sculpture Championships. Starting January 23, teams from across the globe will converge in downtown Breckenridge where they prepare to carve stunning works of art from little more than a block of snow. ResortQuest Breckenridge offers a full selection of vacation rentals and lodging packages in both Breckenridge and Keystone, just steps from the event viewing plaza and downtown Breckenridge.
Each year Breckenridge plays host to this event, which draws teams from as far away as Mexico, Norway, Italy and Sweden. A total of 10 teams, representing 17 countries are on tap for this year’s competition. Over the course of 5 days, thousands of spectators watch as blank canvases of snow are transformed into everything from whimsical bouquets of enormous flowers to thought-provoking abstract shapes. Rules limit the artists to the strict use of select hand tools and their own creativity and inspiration. No power tools or colorants are allowed.
On January 27, 2007 a panel of judges will award honors to the top four teams, based on the criteria of: theme, style and technique. The spectators will then have their moment to speak, with the awards of: People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice and Artist’s Choice. A week-long viewing period follows the awards ceremony, with the final viewing commencing on February 4th. For more information, visit www.gobreck.com .
Guests interested in lodging for the competition are encouraged to contact ResortQuest Breckenridge Vacation Rentals.ResortQuest Breckenridge offers a complete selection of vacation rentals and lodging packages for the Snow Sculpture Championships, along with convenient locations to both the event and the mountain peaks. Guests can choose from deluxe hotel suites, 1-4 bedroom condominium and luxurious private homes in ski-in/ski-out or downtown locations. For more information on ResortQuest Breckenridgeand their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit www.resortquestbreckenridge.com
Although we got less than a foot up here in Summit, the front range got slammed last week. DIA was shut down for over 48 hours and the city was virtually paralyzed. They're calling for another storm this weekend, but hopefully we get some powder up here and the city doesn't get it all this time! This is a picture sent from a friend in Ft. Collins.
ResortQuest Breckenridge is proud to welcome the annual Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix and Olympic medalists Gretchen Bleiler (silver '06; Aspen, CO), Lindsey Jacobellis (silver '06; Stratton Mountain, VT), Kelly Clark (gold '02; Mount Snow, VT), Ross Powers (gold '02; Stratton Mountain, VT), Danny Kass (silver '02, '06; Mammoth Lakes, CA) and JJ Thomas (bronze '02; Golden, CO) to Breckenridge. The town of Breckenridge, CO is known for world-class snowboarding terrain, legendary nightlife and an endless supply of winter adventure.
Breckenridge, Colorado – December 15, 2006 – For the third consecutive year, the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix opens at Breckenridge Resort, once again voted the best halfpipe in North America by readers of Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. ResortQuest Breckenridge Vacation Rentals is excited to welcome these world-class athletes and provides over 350 vacation rentals in Breckenridge, just moments from the Peak 8, where the event is to be held.
Expected to compete are six Olympic medalists including Gretchen Bleiler (silver '06; Aspen, CO), Lindsey Jacobellis (silver '06; Stratton Mountain, VT), Kelly Clark (gold '02; Mount Snow, VT), Ross Powers (gold '02; Stratton Mountain, VT), Danny Kass (silver '02, '06; Mammoth Lakes, CA) and JJ Thomas (bronze '02; Golden, CO).
"Breckenridge is one of the most challenging contests of the year because the Grand Prix draws the best riders in the world. In the past couple of years, it's been pretty windy here and that has also made it tough, but it's been beautiful all week and the pipe is super consistent. They do such a great job dialing this pipe and I always look forward to this contest," said Bleiler, the reigning Grand Prix champion.
ResortQuest Breckenridge Lodging has been witness as snowboarding history has been written and rewritten at Breckenridge. The resort was one of the first in North America to allow snowboarding in 1985, then one year later, hosted the first world championships. ResortQuest Breckenridge has been providing quality vacation rentals in Breckenridge since 1996.
In its fifth year at Breckenridge, the Grand Prix added to that history last season when Luke Mitrani (Mammoth Lakes, CA) boosted a 31-foot air out of a quarterpipe via snowmobile tow-in during the Paul Mitchell Progression Session. Riders will have a chance to topple the mark this Saturday night as another monstrous quarterpipe is constructed in downtown Breckenridge. The event also serves as the only North American qualifier for The Arctic Challenge, hosted by snowboarding legend Terje Haakonsen in Norway.
"To be able to team up with The Arctic Challenge and Oakley is huge for U.S. Snowboarding and the Grand Prix," said Jeremy Forster, U.S. Snowboarding program director. "It validates that we are putting on some of the highest level contests that focus on providing the riders the best venues and overall contest experience. Partnering with TAC along with Mountain Creek being a 5-star TTR (Ticket to Ride) event this season continues to raise the level of the Grand Prix series."
Grand Prix venue designer Pat Malendoski of Planet Snow Designs will again build the feature in downtown Breckenridge located in the Miners Parking Lot right in the middle of downtown Breckenridge. All the snow for the event has been trucked in and the quarterpipe is once again anticipated to be right about 30-feet high. Plus in keeping with the Grand Prix tradition of combining entertainment with the world's best snowboarding competition, DJ Roots and DJ Vajra will perform live during and after the downtown exhibition.
"There are two elements that must be in place to make this year's TAC event a true success: First, the perfect arena and second, the ultimate rider list. By partnering with an exclusive group of events as the Grand Prix in Breckenridge, we know we're getting the best riders out there." Henning Andersen, CEO of TAC said.
ResortQuest Breckenridge Vacation Rentals offers a complete selection of vacation rentals and lodging package in Breckenridge and Keystone, just steps from all the adventure the mountain resorts have to offer. Guests can choose from deluxe hotel suites, 1-4 bedroom condominium and luxurious private homes in ski-in/ski-out or downtown locations. For more information on ResortQuest Breckenridge and their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit www.resortquestbreckenridge.com
For a limited time, ResortQuest Breckenridge Lodging is offering Lift and Lodging packages starting at just $124 a night. Guests can choose from deluxe hotel suites, 1-4 bedroom condominium and luxurious private homes in ski-in/ski-out or downtown locations. For more information on ResortQuest Breckenridge Vacation Rentals and their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit www.resortquestbreckenridge.com/freeride
ResortQuest, one of the nation’s leading vacation rental hospitality and resort real estate companies, provides a one-stop resource in North America’s premier resort destinations www.resortquest.com).
ResortQuest is the largest marketer and management company of vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S. and Canada, based on a portfolio of nearly 17,000 vacation rental properties with a combined real estate value estimated at approximately $7 billion. ResortQuest Real Estate is one of the nation’s leading real estate companies focusing exclusively on resort properties, offering superior brokerage services in the country’s premier beach, ski and golf destinations. ResortQuest employs more than 4,000 people and is owned and operated by Gaylord Entertainment Co. (NYSE: GET), one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the hospitality and entertainment industries, based in Nashville, Tenn., that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit www.resortquest.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.
Montrose Daily Press, 10/20/06
People are waxing skis, sharpening edges and tightening bindings. The recent wet weather has outdoor enthusiasts “juiced” for the upcoming winter season. Jeans Westerner Service Manager Eric Barningham is excited too. He has seen a steady stream of customers recently. They are looking at new snowboards, buying jackets and dusting off old equipment.
Breckenridge, Colorado – October 4, 2006. Breckenridge has done it again. SKI Magazine just announced the results of their annual resort ranking reader's poll and Breckenridge held strong with a #6 “Overall Best Resort” ranking again last year.
“With a base elevation of 9,600 feet, Breckenridge starts where most resorts end”, SKI Magazine. Although aided by an above average elevation and assisted by below average temperatures and reliable snow conditions, the results represent a major accomplishment for both the town and the Vail Resorts-run resort. Long-esteemed for being on the cutting-edge of the snowboard scene, Breckenridge has struggled against a reputation for being a “beginner’s hill”, with a severe lack of steep, expert terrain.
However, the 2005 – 2006 season saw the birth of the Peak 8 summit lift – The Imperial Chair – which opened up over 400 acres of previously hike-to-only, double-black, expert terrain. Topping out at a massive 12,840 feet altitude, the Imperial Chair ranks as the highest chairlift in North America and gave credibility to Breckenridge’s mountain stats.
“As the highest lift in North America, accessing some of Breckenridge’s most amazing intermediate and expert terrain, this lift is the crowning touch on an already fabulous resort,” Roger McCarthy, chief operating officer for Breckenridge Ski Resort.
In 2007 the resort plans to open the “Breck Connect” gondola, the first gondola in the history of the resort, which will transport skiers and riders from the downtown skier lots to the base of Peaks 7 & 8. With new developments by Vail Resorts Development Group and Gold Point Development slated to break ground at the Peak 7 & 8 base areas in the summer of 2007, the gondola is seen as a drastic improvement to the overall Breckenridge skier experience.
ResortQuest offers a complete selection of vacation rentals in Breckenridge, just steps from all the adventure this mountain resort has to offer. Guests can choose from deluxe hotel suites, 1-4 bedroom condominium and luxurious private homes in ski-in/ski-out or downtown locations. For more information on ResortQuest Breckenridge and their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit HTTP://WWW.RESORTQUEST.COM/VRP/DESTINATIONS/BRECKENRIDGE.
ResortQuest, the leading vacation property management company in North America, provides a one-stop resource for more than 50 premier resort destinations (http://www.resortquest.com/). ResortQuest is the largest marketer and management company of vacation condominiums and home rentals in the continental U.S., Hawaii and Canada, based on a portfolio of more than 20,000 vacation rental properties. For more information or to book accommodations, visit http://www.resortquest.com/.
The Summit Foundation is gearing up for their 19th Annual Rubber Duck Races
Saturday September 2, 2006
11:00AM - 5:30PM
It takes talent, speed and endurance but most importantly you have to be a yellow rubber duck to participate in this community fundraiser. On race day Blue River will be dappled with over 10,000 little yellow ducks stretching from the Maggie Pond by Main Street Station to the Riverwalk Center in the heart of Breckenridge. The Rubber Duck Race consists of three races - a Corporate Race, a Kids Race and a Peoples Race. The Great Duck Race is complete with fun family activities, live music and a BBQ. We anticipate attendance of over 6,000 people and more than 10,000 ducks in the river. The Summit Foundation’s Rubber Duck Race has sent more than 100,000 ducks down the Blue River and has raised in excess of $450,000 since 1988.
Race Times
2:00 PM KIDS DUCK DASH
Kids 12 and under will launch a maximum of 300 purchased specialty ducks in the Blue River, approximately 100 yards from the finish line. Age appropriate prizes will be awarded to the top 20 ducks.
3:00 PM 1STBANK BUSINESS BATTLE
A maximum of 200 ducks will compete for a VIP suite at a 2007 Colorado Rockies Game.
Your GIGANTIC DUCK, decorated to represent your family or business, will be on display at the Breckenridge 1STBANK.
On race day, your business race duck will float alongside the other business battle ducks for this year’s title.
4:00 PM SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON REAL ESTATE GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE
A maximum of 15,000 yellow rubber ducks will race down the Blue River in hopes of securing one of over thirty prizes for their adopters. This year’s grand prize is a 2006 hot tub courtesy of Lindell Spas Inc.
Entertainment Times
NOON – 2:00PM
MUSICAL ETERTAINMENT BY MARY BETH CROSS
2:00PM – 4:00PM
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT BY BONNIE SMITH ALLEN AND THE OBSESSIONS
ALL DAY CARNIVAL AND JUMPING FUN WITH AIRNASTICS
For more information, contact the Special Events & Business Development Director.
tsfevents@summitfoundation.org
A Fusion of Sport, Music, Family Fun and Legendary Spring Conditions!
Get ready for the sixth annual Spring Massive Festival! This April you'll find concerts, competitions, celebrity racing, nightlife, exhibitions, jams, film shoots, kid's activities and the legendary spring conditions that Breckenridge is famous for. Don't miss a minute... It's going to be MASSIVE!
For more information please contact 970-453-5000 or go to breckenridge.com!
Today, Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge announced that construction on the much-anticipated Breckenridge gondola will start this spring. The new gondola will start from the Breckenridge Transportation Center located in the parking lot right off historic Main Street and 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. In addition to stops at the base areas, the new gondola will include a mid-station at Shock Hill. Setting the stage for the planned developments on Peak 7 and 8, the 8-passenger gondola is expected to be completed by Christmas 2006.
The gondola has been talked about in the community for 20 years and now the timing is perfect as this project will continue the incredible momentum that Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge have worked together to build from the success of the Imperial Express, the popularity of the Skyway Skiway and a strong real estate and development market, said Roger McCarthy, co-president of the mountain division for Vail Resorts and chief operating officer of Breckenridge and Keystone. In May 2002, the Town of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Ski Resort signed a landmark agreement outlining a development plan for Peaks 7 and 8 designed to maintain both the resort town's world-class stature and quality of life. As a part of this plan, the Mountain Thunder Lodge and Townhome project and the Skyway Skiway have been completed in the past year ahead of schedule. The gondola represents one of the last major steps in implementing the development plan and the transportation framework as well as the continued relationship between the Town and the resort. As part of the agreement, the Town of Breckenridge has committed to a contribution of $6.7 million toward the completion of the gondola. For its part, the ski resort has guaranteed parking at the gondola base, transferred density from the parking lots to the Peak 7 and 8 base, sunset density consistent with the Upper Blue Master Plan and reduced commercial density at the Peak 7 and 8 future bases. The ski resort also has obtained virtually all necessary approvals to build the gondola and buildings associated with the project. In addition to the monetary commitment from the Town of Breckenridge, the Breckenridge Land Company (the developers of Shock Hill) is contributing $500,000 to the gondola project and the necessary easements to complete the gondola. The mayor of Breckenridge, Ernie Blake, said, The Town of Breckenridge is thrilled with the ski areas decision. We recognize that Vail Resorts has many choices for its investment dollars and appreciate the confidence it has shown in Breckenridge with this commitment. It comes years ahead of the agreed upon schedule and is another example of what a model public/private partnership can produce. We are fortunate to be economically capable of contributing to this wonderful amenity upgrade for our guest. The Breckenridge gondola will be one of the most modern gondolas in North America with seating for 8 and room for ski and ride gear inside. Right now, the ski resort plans to operate the 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. Breckenridge Gondola Facts:
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