MOUNTAINtown
BRECKENRIDGE
Issue #1 2021
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#gettheforecast Avalanche information in the palm of your glove Daily updated avalanche and weather forecasts for EVERY backcountry user. Submit observations via geotagged photos. It's the CAIC app, available on iPhone and Android devices. Search "CAIC" in the app store before you go in the backcountry.
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W WE E I INVITE NVITE Y O U T O YOU TO SHOP SBRECKENRIDGE HOP BRECK ( SHOP S H O P LOCAL L O C A L ~~ SSHOP H O P SSMALL MALL )
Independent businesses are the heart of our high streets and the pulse of
Independent businesses are the heart of our high streets and the pulse local community.Our unique boutiques of ourour local community. Breckenridge boutiques and andservices servicesare arefinding finding creative ways andand are are going to extraordinary lengths toto stay open. They're creative ways going to extraordinary lengths stay open. They’re counting on us to get behind them. Remember, where you shop matters to counting on us to get behind them and remember that where you shop our mountain town.
matters to our mountain town.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING BRECKENRIDGE THANK YOU FOR VISITING BRECKENRIDGE
WE’RE ALL IMPERFECT. We’re all human – which means we all have struggles, problems, issues and imperfections. But even though we share these traits in common, they’re often the hardest things to share about. But we can’t care for one another if we keep quiet. Our words have power. The power to help. To heal. To open closed doors. And to shed light into dark places. So let’s use our words to take care of each other, and break into the imperfect parts of each other’s lives.
LET’S BE IMPERFECT TOGETHER.
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THE SCHLEGEL & HART REAL ESTATE TEAM
“We would be honored to show you how the power of two of Breckenridge’s top producing real estate agents, coupled with Slifer Smith & Frampton’s unrivaled marketing program, can make the difference for you.” Please call us today to discuss the Breckenridge real estate market and how we can help you buy or sell your dream home
JIM SCHLEGEL & MICHELE HART
970.389.3582 | 970.376.7799 micheleandjim@slifersummit.com JimSchlegel.com | MicheleHartRealEstate.com
PHOTO CREDITS:
Two Locations Same "Award Winning Beer"
Open everyday 11 AM-10:30 PM for indoor and outdoor seating
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at one of our two taprooms in Breckenridge New Main Steet Taproom | 520 S. Main Street Brewery & Taproom | 68 Continental Ct. Unit B-12 www.brokencompassbrewing.com
publisher’s greeting Welcome to the Inaugural issue of MountainTown: Breckenridge. This magazine represents our passion for living in the Kingdom of Breckenridge. Kingdom you say? Well if you would like to know more about that then I suggest you flip to page 22. Our lovely town is a place of incredible beauty, filled with a multitude of recreational and lifestyle opportunities. Shops, exceptional dining, art, and hopefully, soon, great events, all grace this Victorian town. The people who live here are a tenacious and passionate group. We dwell at 9,600 feet because we want to be here and figure out how to make it work so we can stay living and loving each season Breckenridge offers. It isn't always easy. Sometimes it's BreckenFridge, other times it's WindyRidge at least that's what jealous folks beyond the borders of Summit County call it. As I sat here in quarantine I noticed many Breckenridge publications had no social media or a website to keep people up to date on what was happening other than our community newspaper, the Summit Daily News. We are more than a print publication, come follow us online and stay up to date. I wanted to create something our town can be proud of. This New Magazine is produced by Breckenridge Locals to share all of our Local stories! All photography, editorial, distribution, and sales have been created with Breckenridge area residents. We are building a Socially Conscious Company that will guarantee all revenue generated (other than printing) will be spent in the incredible mountain community of Breckenridge. Being outdoors plays a huge role in the reason people choose to live at elevation, 365 days of vacation sits right outside our front and back doors. Access to trails is almost immediate, and plays a big part in our day. Skiing and Snowboarding are what bring most of us to the mountains. It is a sport that takes a hold of our hearts and we think about it all summer long. The snow has been falling and the conditions are fantastic. We are looking forward to skiing into Memorial Day weekend. There are so many talented folks in Breckenridge; Artists, Chefs, Tech Geeks, Athletes, Moms, Dads, Philanthropists, Students, Entrepreneurs, Musicians, Brewers, Educators, Entertainers, the list of talent is remarkable. In this issue, MountainTown: Breckenridge highlights GREAT Restaurants, Cafes, and Eateries, Entrepreneurs, Gear, Family Fun, Events, Activities, Real Estate, and more. Whether you live here or are visiting, if you love Breckenridge then this magazine is for you! Now Get Out and Enjoy, our town is opening back up and we hope it stays that way! ~Holly Battista-Resignolo, Publisher
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A higher standard of health care. St. Anthony’s Summit Medical Center has been there too, delivering award winning health care at the busiest Level III Trauma Center in the state of Colorado. We care for our patients utilizing state-of-the-art technology, including the latest monitoring and surgical equipment. Year after year, our patient satisfaction scores rank among the very highest in the country in the Small Hospital Category and for our Inpatient Medical Surgical Unit. SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: • 3D Mammography
• ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
• Orthopedics
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• Obstetrics
• Sleep Disorders Center
• Critical Care
• Level III Trauma Center
• Total Joint and Spine Program
970-668-3300 340 Peak One Drive, Frisco, CO 80443 summitmedicalcenter.org
summitmedicalcenter.org
We are part of Centura Health, the region’s leading health care network. Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2017. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-720-321-0490 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-720-321-0490 (TTY: 711).
contents
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CONTRIBUTORS ARTS Covid QuietA Photo Essay 22 KINGDOM NOTES 28 BRECK MADE 30 PRIORITIES 32 TRAIL 34 BACKCOUNTRY TIPS 38 ENTREPRENEUR 40 WELLNESS 42 FAMILY 44 BRECK ETIQUETTE 46 BIZ 49 PEOPLE OF BRECKENRIDGE 56 HOMES & REALTY 60 STAY 62 DINE LOCAL 72 THE SCOUT 74 LAST CHAIR Cover Image: ULLR by Carl Scofield Photography
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IT’S ABOUT MOMENTS
AND MEMORIES & Your Own Mountain Life. Call Today... Kathy Christina Broker/Owner
970-389-1321
skiproperties@gmail.com 2015 REALTOR® of the year
411 S. Main Street • Breckenridge, CO
www.MtnMetro.com
MOUNTAINtown
BRECKENRIDGE
published by
MTN Town Magazine's publisher
Holly Battista-Resignolo communications
Gaynia Battista contributors
Shauna Farnell, Liam Doran, Leigh Girvin, Ellen Hollinshead, Carl Scofield, Courtney Kenady, Robyn Nicoli, Holly Resignolo, Elaine Collins, Suzanne Acker, Barry Rubenstein,Mara Slavin Sheldon, Pepper Hamilton advertising sales
Noelle Resignolo visionaries
Liam Doran, Carl Scofield, Lindsay Sevec, Elaine Collins, Linda Rokos Watts cover image
ULLR
Carl Scofield Photography method behind the means
Publications Printers get more
Please visit us at MountainTownBreckenridge.com to subscribe to our publication released two times per year. promote you
Contact our corporate office or request a Media Kit: Email: MTNTownMagazine@gmail.com Office Phone: 970 485 0269 features
If you would like us to consider you or your business for a feature, please contact us at 970 485 0269 or email us at mtntownmagazine@gmail.com 2021 MTN Town Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. MTN Town Magazine cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.
Design Projec t Management Construc tion Projec t Management Interior Architec ture and Design Architec tural Visualization and Modeling 970- 453-2230 | w w w.trilogybuilds.com
F O R A N I G H T, W E E K O R L I F E T I M E The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 sets a new standard for slopeside luxury—live life Grand at Breckenridge’s most coveted address. – Ski-in/ski-out access to the Colorado and Rocky Mountain SuperChairs – Infinity Spa and grotto
– Robbie’s Tavern, Ullr Café, and Elev8 Lounge (rooftop bar)
– Public ice skating rink
– Two aquatic areas, private movie theaters and more
– Nightly rentals and fractional ownership available
T O B O O K YO U R N E X T S TAY O R TA K E A P R I VAT E T O U R C A L L 8 6 6 . 42 3 .93 6 5 O R V I S I T G R A N D C O L O R A D O .C O M MENTION SOURCE CODE MTGC8
Grand Colorado on Peak 8 is not developed or affiliated with Vail Resorts or with any Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries.
Contributors
LIAM DORAN
Liam is a full-time professional photographer specializing in action sports, landscape, wildlife, and travel. He shoots commercial and editorial assignments around the world but is always happy to be home in Breckenridge with his friends and family. Follow Liam’s adventures at @liam_doran_outdoors.
COURTNEY KENADY
On a whim and at her brother’s urging, ended up in Breckenridge, Colorado for the ski season. It didn’t take long for Courtney to realize the mountains felt like home. A love for road running, rafting, and snowboarding soon evolved into other sports like cross-country skiing, trail running, and most recently, mountain biking. As her love of the trails evolved, so did her realization that the Breck trail network with town access was unique and unprecedented. The idea of Bikenridge.com was born. Bikenridge.com is the brainchild of Courtney's business climbbetty.com.
HOLLY RESIGNOLO
Holly has spent 30 years living in Breckenridge, Colorado. Passionate about all things outdoors, her family, friends, and home, Holly’s love for our Colorado Mountain Towns, its people and lifestyle is reflected in her writing and coverage of all the great things happening in the mountains today here in MountainTown: Breckenridge and beyond.
ELLEN HOLLINSHEAD
A fixture in Breckenridge since 1985, Ellen along with her husband, local character, and town councilman Jeffrey Bergeron have found a way to spend almost every day on skis during the winter, which she defines as generously as possible. “I usually start skiing the minute the snow flies, about the start of October, and I’ll ski six days a week through mid-April.”
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SHAUNA FARNELL
A Colorado native, Shauna Farnell loves every self-powered means of mountain exploration. She launched her journalism career at the Summit Daily Newspaper in 2000 and after traveling the world as a media correspondent for the International Ski Federation, plus a few years in New York City and Denver, is thrilled to be back in Breckenridge full time.
CARL SCOFIELD
Carl Scofield lives in Breckenridge, CO where for over twenty-five years he has created a successful career as a full-time freelance photographer. His work has been published both nationally and internationally in many books and magazines including Ski, Skiing, Powder, Outside, Sunset, and many others. Balancing work and a lifestyle that allows him to enjoy his passion for living, travel, art, and adventure have been some of his greatest talents. carlscofield.com
ROBYN NICOLI
Robyn lives at 9,600 feet elevation here in Breckenridge with her tasting team (aka husband David and teenage son Jacob). She is the chief recipe developer, photographer, writer, and burnt pan-washer for Butter and Air. Cooking is her creative outlet, and any skills she has developed come not from culinary school but from a lifetime of finding yummy-looking things in newspapers, magazines, restaurants, and the internet, and being curious enough to try making them at elevation in her home. butterandair.com
LEIGH GIRVIN
Leigh Girvin moved to Breckenridge with her family in the early 1970s when the streets were dirt and the rock piles left by dredge boat mining towered over town. As a child, she attended Breckenridge Elementary and graduated from Summit High School. Seeing dramatic changes over the decades, Leigh dedicated her adulthood to protection of trails and open space, and later to historical preservation. Leigh’s particular interest is in Breckenridge’s modern history, from the economic decline of the early-20th Century through resurgence as a ski town.
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WHEN COVID CAME TO TOWN A PHOTO ESSAY BY CARL SCOFIELD
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ON MARCH 5, 2020 COVID CAME TO TOWN. On March 17, 2020 Vail Resorts announced the closure of their North American Resorts. Once Bustling streets emptied and faces were covered up while our town was beginning to welcome Spring Break visitors. Breckenridge as we had come to know it, shut down. HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT I SAW ON THOSE DARK, DESOLATE DAYS.
A few restaurants tried to remain open with call in to-go orders only.
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With no people, no cars and the quiet of the snow, Breckenridge's past became more present. Providing an opportunity for reflection.
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Kingdom Notes
ULLR?
Ullr Fest is Breckenridge’s winter carnival. Yet that simple statement diminishes the true nature of Ullr, the Norse god of winter and protector of skiers. Ullr Fest unites the enchanted intersection of Breckenridge’s modern creation myth with cultural identity. Ullr Fest is uniquely Breckenridge, and Breckenridge is deeply shaped by Ullr (rhymes with “cooler”). Myth has always been a part of the Breckenridge story. From the beginnings of the town’s first plat in 1860, Breckenridgians have argued the origin of the town’s name. Later, the railroad came and renamed Breckenridge Pass for Boreas, the Greek god of the north wind and winter. Miners brought their tommyknockers and a litany of superstitions. By the town’s centennial in 1959, Breckenridge was nearing ghost town status. The glory days of mining greatness were far in the past. Skiing and white gold saved Breckenridge. Introducing the recreation economy of the mid-20th century, modern pioneers moved away from mining references to a new creation myth for Breckenridge focusing on winter, snow, fun and frivolity. Breckenridge Ski Area founder Bill Rounds intentionally chose Norwegians to run his new ski 22
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school. It was yet another way to be different, as most ski areas in the state employed Austrians and Germans to teach skiing. The Norwegians brought Norse mythology, including Ull, the handsome archer and winter hunter, “so good with skis that no one can compete with him.” Ullr became the patron, redefining the origin story of Breckenridge. The official proclamation establishing the first Ullr Dag (Ull’s Day) Festival in 1963 pointed in the new direction. Breckenridge would be known henceforth for “greater glories in man’s search for recreation and the beauty of nature. The majestic mountains and tranquil valleys now provide year-round highcountry sports such as skiing and mountain climbing.” The miners tolerated winter; Ullr and the modern Breckenridge celebrated it. Cultural identity is shaped in large part by geography. Here in Breckenridge, at the roof of the Continental Divide, snow sits on the ground seven months of the year. We love snow because we have to. For a skier, there is no greater sense of joy than being in the moment of gliding down a snow-covered slope, of dancing with gravity instead of our daily battle with it. Ullr established another cultural touch-point: The Kingdom of
Breckenridge. Taking off from the long-standing No Man’s Land Celebration, modern Breckenridge pioneers separated from the cares of the mundane world by creating their own Kingdom. The first Ullr Dag Festivals (Ull’s Day) featured Ullr coins for currency, a King and Queen to rule the realm, and a visa to enter. Failure to wear a required costume could land an outsider in the “hoosegow.” The rebirth of Breckenridge was fueled by young adults seeking to create their own lives and manage their own rules. Ullr allowed freedom to be silly, to over-indulge, to explore the line between joy and excess. The Ullr Dag Festivals ended in the late-1960s because of that excess. Ullr Fest returned in the late-1970s and carries on today. When snow is needed, locals call upon Ullr to bestow his blessings. “Praise Ullr” is a common greeting in Breckenridge. At the renowned Ullr Fest Parade, chants to “OOOOLER” can be heard throughout town. Ullr remains the patron saint of Breckenridge. To learn more about the origins of Ullr, Ullr Dag history, and Breckenridge history, visit the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance website at breckheritage.com. by Leigh Girvin
photo courtesy Carl Scofield Photography
The Gift Of Ullr
In the fall of 2018, CEO and Co-Owner of Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Mike Dudick and his wife Anna Dudick with the help of Breck Create’s Arts Council cast an international call for sculptors who wanted to tackle the personification of Ullr, a Breckenridge idol, whose location would complete the base of the Peak 8 ski area in the plaza where Grand Colorado on Peak 8 now sits. With over 174 submissions, three finalists were selected and invited out to participate in the town's annual Ullr Fest celebration that Breckenridge has become known for. Locals know, and it is widely believed that honoring Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, and paying homage to him may, can, and will bring about blessings of snow upon our ski town. Legend has it that Ullr, the Norwegian snow god was so well skilled in the use of the bow and could travel so fast on his skis that no one with the same skills could beat him. Each winter Ullr covered the earth with snow to protect it from harm. It has been said that Ullr enjoyed the cold weather and loved traveling throughout the land, gliding along on his great skis, for pleasure and hunting. It is also said that Ullr was such a great skier, he would streak across the sky leaving brilliant stars as his trails (they obviously had some fine powder days). Though very skilled, Ullr guarded his knowledge closely and refused to show the other gods how to ski. Luckily for us, he let the secret out of the bag, and we all celebrate his glory and honor him each year. Next time you are trying to bash through some wind crust or plunge headfirst into fresh waist-deep powder, be sure to invoke his name and remember – ULLR RULES! Mike and Anna met with each of the three finalists and selected world-renown artist and sculptor, Andy Scott. Andy’s most famous sculpture to date is 'The Kelpies', the world's largest equine sculpture in Scotland which sits over 100 feet tall.
Sculptor Andy Scott is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and works internationally from his studio workshop in Philadelphia, PA, USA. He creates prominent public artworks for private, corporate, and civic clients, and his prodigious output now numbers more than eighty projects internationally. He works in steel and bronze, combining figurative and equine themes with contemporary techniques to create stunning landmark artworks. His most prominent project to date is The Kelpies, a pair of 30 meters/100ft high, 300-ton horseheads, sited in Falkirk, Scotland, UK. The Kelpies sculptures are now the best-known public artworks in Scotland, with millions of visitors since their inauguration. Andy has been awarded four Honorary Doctorates from UK Universities for his artworks in the public realm. Among many other accolades, his Kelpies won the UK National Structural Steel Award, a Saltire Award for Civil Engineering, and were named Landmark of the Year by the BBC. In recognition of his sculpture works, Andy was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, an Honorary Fellow of the Scottish Society of Architect Artists, an honorary member of the Ancient Guild of Hammermen, and a Freeman of the City of Glasgow. MTB
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Kingdom Notes
T H E K I N G D O M O F BToRrectify E CthisKhumiliation, E N Rthe Iladies D invited GE? The Breckenridge Women’s Club brightened the dark days of the Great Depression by instilling local pride of place. The Depression was so hard on the mining economy of Breckenridge that the town struggled to exist. As mining declined, population dwindled. In 1936, Breckenridge had been around for just 77 years. Would it survive? Newspapers of the time countered the bleak economic news with many histories of Breckenridge, as if to reassure the people of their sense of identity. Worried about the future, the Women’s Club looked back to find a way to cement Breckenridge in the annals of Colorado history and assure its continuation. Their quest was to determine when Breckenridge was made part of the Union. Research revealed that a peculiarity of geography - the eastward swing of the Continental Divide and a north-south line defined in an early acquisition treaty – excluded Breckenridge from the United States. It was a No Man’s Land!
then-Governor Ed Johnson to formally unite the No Man’s Land of Breckenridge with the United States at a flag raising ceremony at the County Courthouse. Hundreds attended. Colorado State Historian, Leroy Hafen, informed the proceedings that the Florida Treaty of 1819 solved their problem. Choosing to ignore Hafen, the celebration went on. Breckenridgians partied to No Man’s Land for decades. As the mining economy faded in favor of the new recreation economy, followers of Ullr proclaimed the first Ullr Dag Winter Festival in the Kingdom of Breckenridge in 1963. Their inspiration for the fauxsecession was No Man’s Land. The healthy sense of humor exhibited by the tenacious ladies of the 1930s helped ensure the continuation of Breckenridge, in ways they never imagined. Breckenridge celebrated the last No Man’s Land in 2000. Ullr Fest continues to this day. by Leigh Girvin
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS The National Repertory Orchestra and Breckenridge Music are joining forces to enhance music education with one-on-one instrumental and vocal instruction in local schools. Through Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships (SCMLS), music students in 6th – 12th grades will have equitable access to private lessons with professional musicians and teachers. Scholarships will fully or partially fund after-school studies in Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. The initiative is a coordinated response to the COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact on school-based music programs. Typically, the NRO and BrM offer in-person assemblies and workshops at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. However, public health restrictions have significantly limited Summit County teachers' abilities to provide music training in the hybrid learning model. The two organizations and music teachers from across Summit County agreed that investing in expanded and equal access to private lessons with local musicians and teachers could maintain a core of inspired student leaders to populate school ensembles post-pandemic. Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships are made possible by The Summit Foundation and other generous community members. MTB 24
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PARKING GARAGE In May 2020, the Town of Breckenridge broke ground on a new parking structure in the town center at the South Gondola Lot. This 18-month build out will bring 400 new parking spots, for a total of 950 spots. The lot is the result of a longanticipated agreement with Vail Resorts. The design and architecture of the lot will be visually appealing and in line with the modern mountain community aesthetic in Breckenridge. The build out will also entail an updated plaza, trails, and lighting. Parking in town is a critical need to serve the community and the guests of the town. The total cost of the proposed parking project is $41 million dollars - about one-third of these dollars will remain in the community paying local contractors and companies who need that business more than ever right now. The project has a tentative finish date of November 2021. MTB
FASHIONABLE AFFORDABLE FURNITURE Since ifurnish is locally owned, we personally choose the brands that are represented in the store. We look for affordability, quality, aesthetics as well as function. We deliver furniture to Summit, Park, Lake and Grand county’s as well as throughout the state of Colorado.
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Kingdom Notes
BRECKENRIDGE SPRING SKIING & NEWS
Spring skiing at Breck is one of our favorite times of the year, and there is plenty of time to get in your spring turns with the resort scheduled to operate through Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day)! Thanks to a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sealevel and usually an abundance of spring snow (Feb. and March tend to be the snowiest months of the season), Breck offers great late season skiing and riding conditions and the opportunity to ski long after many resorts have closed for the season. This year, due to the construction of a brand new chairlift on Peak 7, late spring ski operations (which previously were based out of Peak 7) will take place out of Peak 8. The resort plans to operate lifts and terrain across all five peaks through April 18 and then will transition to Peak 8 for the remainder of the season on April 19. (Please be advised that there is no beginner terrain available during the late season and available terrain is primarily for intermediate-, advanced- and expert-level skiers and riders.) As a part of the resort’s COVID safety protocols, reservations are required for mountain access and are currently available through April 18 on EpicPass.com. Reservations for dates beyond April 18 will become available as we get closer to those dates in order for the resort to accurately release reservations based on available terrain during the late spring ski season. www.breckenridge.com
CONNECT WITH BRECK
From Events to Council Meetings there are pleanty of ways to stay connected with what is happening in Breckenridge. Head to the town's website, look for their "Live" page and click on Connect. You can sign up up for one or all of their informative newsletters. www.townofbreckenridge.com
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BARNEY FORD Born into slavery in 1822, Barney Ford endured racism, claim jumping, fires and financial hardship to become one of Colorado’s most prominent businessmen of his time. Considered one of the state’s founders, Ford fought tirelessly for civil rights while continuing his pursuits as an entrepreneur. In 1882, Mr. Ford built an elegant home in downtown Breckenridge where he operated two successful restaurants. Today, the restored Barney Ford Museum, operated by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, honors Mr. Ford’s legacy locally and regionally. On Thursday, February 27th, Rocky Mountain PBS premiered the Colorado Experience: Mr. Barney Ford, a 56-minute documentary about Barney Ford’s life and legacy. The Rocky Mountain PBS team filmed the episode over several months in the summer of 2020, with help from the Breckenridge Tourism Office and the Barney Ford Museum staff. Several Breckenridge residents were interviewed and featured in the documentary, including Larissa O’Neil, Executive Director of the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, Robin G. Theobald whose family previously owned Mr. Ford’s home, and June Walters, a docent at the Barney Ford House Museum. Other interviewees are from Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Colorado Black Chamber Of Commerce, BlairCaldwell African American Research Library and the Black American West Museum. Watch this proud documentary on www.rmpbs. org/coex and be sure to visit the Barney Ford museum on Main Street.
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YOUR MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
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Breck Made Breckenridge residents are always on the hunt for the best gear and apparel to aid in their winter adventures. What's better than a great product? A great product made in Breckenridge, that's what! Here are a few you can pick up to aid you in your adventures:
RMU RMU is an employee-owned Breckenridge company committed to producing sustainable outdoor products with uncompromised quality supported by a Lifetime Warranty. Specifically designed for trail sports, this Core Pack 15L is built for the journey and adventure. Durable but light(er) 420d nylon fabric with weatherproofing lasts a lifetime. Reinforced tool organization fits a reservoir, tools, extra jacket, and first aid kit. It features an aluminum perimeter frame and RMU signature CNC buckles & hardware Breathable vest-style harness securely, carries any load and easily fits a laptop for day’s inbetween adventures. There is a removable waistbelt for shorter rides and easy to carry while traveling light. A fleecelined pocket brings scratch-free protection to delicate items. 114 S. Main Street, Breckenridge
Alex Fitz Fine Jewelry Alex Fitzgerald designs unique, superior quality jewelry that lasts for generations while utilizing a transparent and honest supply chain. She sources from suppliers that care about what they do, the people involved, and the environment. Alex Fitz jewelry is made of recycled 18k gold, and precious stones sourced from companies that have complete confidence in their products being conflict-free. Alex produces her brilliant jewelry pieces out of her home and custom creates dream rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. Alex also recycles heirloom pieces into something new and modern too. www.alexfitz.com
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Handwarmer Koozies
Peak10 Skin
Keep your hands warm and easily hold a beverage while you're out at your favorite Breck Restaurant, Distillery or Brewery or gathered around the firepit with those you love. This cozy Koozy is perfect for cans, bottles, and glasses, with a closed bottom so the container won't slip out.! Hand-knit in Blue River and sold at Kaleidoscopes, choose from several design and color options! 226 S. Main Street, Breckenridge
PEAK10 SKIN is a skincare line that elevates skin health and hydration to new heights with pure, clean, active ingredients. PEAK 10 SKIN is the newest in body health created by Connie Elder, an accomplished Breckenridge skincare executive with a special gift for helping women love the skin they are in. 505 S. Main Street Station, Breckenridge
SKIERS' BEST FRIEND'S Skiers’ Best Friends Avalanche Working Dogs of Colorado: A picture book with brief stories behind each colorful image will bring a smile to all ages. The 104 page book was put together with beautiful photography and a brief backstory on each image. It reflects the dedication of our ski patrollers who handle/train these intelligent fourlegged first responders. www.scottbroc.com
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Priorities
A Breck Priority "Charging the Pow" by Liam Doran An early wakeup call yields perfect powder and warm morning light for long-time local photographer Liam Doran and skier Gary Fondl. To get this shot Liam used a SIGMA 14-24 A lens on the Canon 7DMKII camera. 1/2500 sec. f/9 at ISO 800. Follow Liams global adventures at @liam_ doran_outdoors. LiamDoranPhotography.com
Trail There’s more to Outdoor Adventures than Skiing and Snowboarding BY SHAUNA FARNELL
You can also explore Breck’s winter wonderland on two wheels, a burly machine, big shoes or behind a team of frisky beasts Perhaps you’re not into downhill pursuits (skiing or snowboarding), you didn’t reserve a day on the slopes this strange, pandemic-riddled season or you’re simply in the mood for another sort of adventure. Don’t worry; winter thrills come in many forms around here.
Sledding
A go-to favorite among families everywhere, the 2020-21 winter welcomes a brand new sledding hub – Runway Sledding Hill on the north end of the Airport Road parking lot. The place is not on many people’s radar just yet, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and send it. On the other side of town lies Breck’s core sledding hill, Carter Park, where dozens of sledders can always be found sailing down the park’s open hillside and across the soccer field below at potentially high speeds. The crowds can get thick here, so be sure to wear your face covering and mind the six-foot physical distancing guidelines. Yes, you have to slog up the hill on foot with your sled in order to come down, but the urge to oneup your last descent will power you for hours on either hill. Sleds can be purchased at City Market or Breckenridge Market and there’s usually a few left behind at the base of the hill for public use.
Ice Skating
On the south end of town, Stephen C. Ice Arena is home to many a nail-biting hockey game starring players of all ages, but throughout the day, the indoor and outdoor rinks present peaceful gliding grounds. Admission and skate rentals start around $10 for kids breckenridgecrecreation.com. 32
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Fat Biking
Bundle up and get ready to ramp up your heart rate, because pedaling on the snow with one of these big but surprising lightweight bikes brings a surge of adrenaline all its own. It’s no secret that Breckenridge is home to some of the world’s best bike trails and there’s no reason why snowpack should keep anyone from exploring on two wheels year-round. Several ski and bike shops in town rent fat bikes, including Alpine Sports, Avalanche Sports and Ridden., the latter of which also offers guided fat bike tours. The best option for your first foray into fat biking is Gold Run Nordic Center, which rents fat bikes starting at $15 per hour and offers a variety of beautiful trails to explore. The groomed bike path between Breckenridge and Frisco is also a great option for newbies. Be sure to wear a helmet (a ski helmet works great) wherever you ride and be mindful of staying on designated fat bike routes, as the trails are also shared with Nordic skiers and snowshoers.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides
You roll into town and your inner soundtrack is instantly filled with “Dashing Through the Snow.” We get it. Live the dream and line up a romantic, scenic or big sleigh ride through the White River National
Forest outside of Breck at Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides or head up around the ski resort with views of the twinkling town below with Breckenridge Stables.
Dog Sledding The experience of zipping across a winter wonderland pulled by a team of Siberian Huskies can only be described as otherworldly. Good Times Adventures offers six-mile tours through the striking, snow-covered expanses of the Swan River Valley. Guests get a chance to ride in the dogsled as well as actually run the dogs (the part where you get to yell, “Mush!”). What do you wear for this sort of thing, you’re wondering? Think Eskimo. Tours are $140 per person and must be booked in advance.
Snowshoeing
Simply imagine hiking with big shoes on. The beauty of snowshoeing, other than that it’s basically only slightly more challenging than walking, is that it can take you anywhere. The miles upon miles of trails in and around Breckenridge are fair game. Both the Breckenridge and Gold Run Nordic Centers rent snowshoes of all sizes and are home to miles of snowshoe-specific routes. Several shops in town also rent snowshoes, including Carvers, Avalanche Sports and Charter Sports.
Snowmobiling
Attention, motor heads. If you love the feeling of a powerful machine doing most of the work for you and steering its purring engine through pine forests, aspen groves, blanketed valley floors, powder fields and ridge lines, snowmobiling is a must-do. In and around Breckenridge, Good Times Adventures offers two-hour guided tours through the Swan River Valley, over Georgia Pass and the Continental Divide. Also, Breckenridge Snowmobile and Colorado Snowmobile rent rigs for unguided exploration on Vail Pass and surrounding areas and High Country Snowmobile has an in-town meeting point with tours on the north side of Summit County.
Nordic Skiing
BRECKENRIDGE NORDIC CENTER Enjoy a fun cross-country skiing and snowshoeing day on their trail where experts can teach and guide you through the Breckenridge mountains. Ski rentals and multiple-day passes, allow you to save money. Their company even provides man-made snow for early-season skiing! breckenridgenordic.com GOLDRUN NORDIC CENTER Scenic vistas and friendly service just 3 miles north of Main Street. Explore groomed and natural ski, snowshoe and fat bike trails serviced from a beautiful public clubhouse. goldrunnordic.com
Trail
Backcountry Ski & Ride Tips
W
BY ELLEN HOLLINSHEAD
hen the ski areas closed last March, and skiing was at its prime, almost everyone suddenly became a backcountry skier or rider. Backcountry ski shops, terrified that their business might have to shut down, actually ended up selling out of backcountry clothing and gear. Winter Trailheads that rarely saw more than a few cars became a parking nightmare. Experienced backcountry skiers and riders grew frustrated with all the newbies out there making basic mistakes on everything from route finding, to avalanche awareness, and even just your basic backcountry etiquette. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) increased their presence on their website with more reports from the backcountry and social media had heated discussions on how crazy the backcountry had become and what to do about it. I started backcountry skiing thirty years ago on skinny telemark skis when there was no internet and really no one else out there other than weekends on Baldy Mountain, just outside of Breckenridge. I took an avalanche class just after two friends had died backcountry skiing on Mt. Guyot and most of what I remember from that class was to avoid avalanche terrain at all costs. Over the years, and through trial and error I figured out the do’s and don’ts of backcountry skiing mostly on my own. Yes, we triggered small avalanches, but not very often and luckily we never got caught. Our skin tracks back then were poorly constructed, and skiing down on our skinny skis was more about survival than making pretty turns and conserving the powder. This winter, with covid still going strong, the backcountry ski scene has exploded but it has become a little frustrating for many of us old-timers. Too often, I want to give someone advice, but I am hesitant to speak up because I don’t want to offend anyone. So here goes. I can’t give you a full rundown on everything there is to know about backcountry skiing, but these are a few tips that I feel strongly about and many are not something you might have heard before. Let’s start at home. CHECK THE CAIC FORECAST Even if you’re not thinking of skiing near avalanche terrain, you should have a handle on the weather for that day and the CAIC gives the best weather forecast for the backcountry. It will tell you wind speeds and directions which is critical for deciding where to ski. It rates and describes the avalanche danger, gives new snowfall amounts from various sites other than ski areas, and tells you the temperature for 11,000 feet. I read all the field reports to get a sense of what the skiing could be like in my zone, Vail/Summit County. I look at it every single day. And once you realize how valuable the CAIC is, please consider donating to Friends of CAIC and taking an avalanche class. STUDY A MAP. Way too often I meet people who have no idea where they are going which is always shocking to me as someone who loves to explore and is map obsessed. I have four giant boxes in the closet filled with topo maps and I have spent hours looking at them before 34
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heading out somewhere new. Up until recently, I always carried a topo map. Nowadays I mostly rely on my Gaia GPS app where I have downloaded topo maps of all of Colorado’s mountains. It has this nifty feature of showing you how steep the terrain is so you can plan ahead of time where you need to be careful, especially if the steep terrain is hidden above you as you skin up a valley floor. I study it before I leave the house so I don’t have to keep pulling my phone or map out to check. It also tells you exactly where you are at that moment which is helpful if you are lost. Sometimes I will carry a paper map as well, in case my iPhone battery dies. PUT YOUR SKINS ON AT HOME AND TURN ON YOUR BEACON. Usually, it is cold and crowded at trailheads and you just want to get going. We always put our skins on in the warmth of the living room where you can take the time to make sure they are aligned properly and sticking well. If you turn on your beacon at home, it will tell you if it is time to change the batteries which isn’t something you want to find out at
a trailhead. Plus, it is good to just get into that routine so that when you are in a hurry at the trailhead you don’t have to remind yourself to turn it on. I confess, there have been a few times I forgot to turn it on and then realize later I wasn’t transmitting, luckily these were days with low avalanche danger. An experienced skier who died in an avalanche a couple of years ago forgot to turn on his beacon and his partner couldn’t find him. What a horrible situation. Try to get into the routine of doing a beacon check at the trailhead.
WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR PACK. There is all the obvious stuff – a puffy, goggles, neck gator, extra warm gloves, first aid kit. But here are a few suggestions that aren’t so obvious. Two extra-long ski straps - Once at the top of a steep couloir, my important buckle broke on my boot and I used a long Voile ski strap to tighten my boot. I couldn’t believe how well it worked. Also, two ski straps can be used when the glue on your skins fails. A small penknife - I always carry a small multi-tool with me. Sometimes ice builds up under
your pin bindings and a little knife will clean it out. Once, during an intense storm in the Tetons, the zipper on the goggle pocket of my pack froze but I had 3000 feet of descending ahead of me and I had to wear goggles. So yes, I ripped a hole in the pocket so I could pull them out. A visor or a ball cap - This is actually more about snow than the sun. If it is snowing hard and you are heading uphill and don’t want to wear goggles or glasses because they fog, you need to have some kind of visor or ball cap that will keep the snow out of your eyes and off your face. I actually prefer just strapping a visor around my wool hat on cold days so that I stay warm and can easily whip it off when I need to put on goggles, but I am not a slave to fashion and this does look a little dorky, so if that isn’t you, just carry a warm ball cap. If you run hot as I do, I also use the visor on warm days and make sure that my first layer is a hoodie so I can pull the hood up for extra sun protection if needed.
A bivy sac – a friend broke his leg out in the middle of nowhere, and the bivy sack saved his life so that he could stay warm while waiting a few hours for help. They weigh almost nothing. Get one. $20 at Mountain Outfitters. A slope meter – the one guarantee we have with avalanches is that they don’t happen on slopes less than 30 degrees. I carry one in my hip pocket so it is easily accessible and enjoy testing myself to see if I guessed correctly how steep the slope is. You’d be surprised that 30 degrees isn’t that steep of a pitch. Skin and ski wax – (Picture 1, page 36) when spring arrives, and the temperatures warm up, snow tends to glop onto your skis and skins and it can be a dangerous issue if you are far from the car and you cannot move because of the five inches of snow stuck on your ski. Usually, from midFebruary on, I carry these two items in my pack.
ON THE WAY UP. Probably my biggest frustration for many years has been the prevalence of poorly designed skin tracks. Unfortunately, the more popular a location, the worse the skin tracks seem to be these days. The most common mistake is when the skin track goes right up through the heart of the descending terrain (Picture 2 & 3). I get it. You look up and see this open slope with ski tracks and figure that’s where you need to go, so you put your head down and head up. But now you have to contend with skiers coming down right at you and who wants to ski over a deep rut of a skin track? Plus, the space your skin track takes up is often the equivalent of three or four ski lines now wasted. If you are the one breaking trail, look up often and ask yourself, would someone like to ski this area? Am I in
The Path Less Traveled Begins At Mountain Outfitters We are the Breckenridge headquarters for human powered backcountry travel. Specializing In Alpine Touring, Ski Mountaineering, Nordic, and Snow Shoeing. We offer a complete assortments of gear and clothing to maximize fun and safety in the mountains
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the way? Keep your skin track out of the ski terrain even if it isn’t where you were thinking of skiing, or if that isn’t possible then just try to hug the borders of the ski terrain. Skin up through areas where people probably won’t be skiing – like shallow snow, or through dense trees, willows, boulders, ridges. I also have noticed quite a few skin tracks at popular locations traveling under avalanche paths. Often the danger is low, but when people are accustomed to the skin track going a certain direction, they will return to that spot and go the same way. Please, even if the avalanche danger is low, put your skin track in a safe location for future users. Try to keep the skin track mellow. Some people seem to like skinning straight uphill, and yes, it might be faster, but it is hard on your back and hips and personally, I find it incredibly boring because you are forced to look down at your skis rather than, if you kept it just a little more sideways, you could enjoy the scenery. I rarely use my highest heel lift unless I’m in deep snow and maneuvering around trees or rocks. As you skin uphill, occasionally look below to make sure that your skin track footprint is only using a small section of terrain. Avoid kick turns by looking ahead so that you make a gentle turn where the terrain isn’t as steep. FEEL THE SNOW. Get a routine down for switching to downhill mode. There are some people that take forever to get ready and then there are those who treat it like a race. I fall somewhere in between. Give yourself a little room from your friends so that when you whip that skin off from the bottom of your board or ski it doesn’t smack them in the face. I won’t go into details here, but it is worth learning how to leave your skis on while taking off your skins. It is faster and also safer if you are standing on a side slope where you might have trouble getting back into your skis. 36
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4. AT THE TOP. Get a routine down for switching to downhill mode. There are some people that take forever to get ready and then there are those who treat it like a race. I fall somewhere in between. Give yourself a little room from your friends so that when you whip that skin off from the bottom of your board or ski it doesn’t smack them in the face. I won’t go into details here, but it is worth learning how to leave your skis on while taking off your skins. It is faster and also safer if you are standing on a side slope where you might have trouble getting back into your skis. AND THE FUN PART, SKIING DOWN. Take it slow - Probably the number one problem I have had with novice backcountry skiers who are expert ski area riders is that they descend way too fast. Backcountry snow is full of surprises and there are plenty of hidden obstacles and variable snow where speed is not your friend. One moment you could be dancing through the powder and then suddenly it transitions to breakable crust. Take it slow. Finish your turns. Show respect. Conserve the Powder – Especially this busy, low snow season, fresh tracks, a big reason why we are all out there, are becoming harder to find. When I ski with a couple of friends, we ‘farm’ or ‘spoon’ our turns (Picture 4), keeping our turns close to each other, almost in sync, so that the next person can have a fresh line. BACK AT HOME. We usually bring our skis inside so the bindings can dry out. Take your skins out of your pack as soon as you are home and hang them up somewhere to dry. Turn off your beacon. Download your photos and re-live the amazing day you just had.And here’s one piece of advice mostly just for me, put on some mellow music, roll out the yoga pad, and stretch those quads!
A charming mountain town. With its own tubing hill, beginner ski-ride hill, Nordic center & sleigh rides.
TownofFrisco.com
Main Street Of The Rockies
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Entrepreneur
HIGGLES ICE CREAM BY HOLLY BATTISTA-RESIGNOLO
H
iggles Ice Cream began as a one woman-owned mobile business in 2011, making small batch ice cream in shared commercial kitchens for farmers’ markets, summer events, independent grocers, and restaurants. I remember meeting Anna Higgens when she was first starting out. She was renting a commercial kitchen in Silverthorne, Colorado. Through a friend, she had invited me in to check out her startup’s new flavors. It was so fun seeing her passion for the
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business. She told me at that time this had always been her dream, she always wanted to make and sell ice cream. Personally, I think that is really cool, no pun intended but kinda funny. Jump to the present and Higgles is still a one woman-owned business but has grown into a small commercial kitchen and ice cream shop in Breckenridge, Colorado. Here customers can see ice cream being made while enjoying their cone with one of the best views of Breckenridge. Everything is made fresh right here on Main Street.
It has been great seeing her expand. Each summer you would see Anna and her children scooping Ice Cream at weekly farmers markets. Anna Higgins started Higgles Ice Cream after a career in environmental consulting tromping in the mountain wetlands. All that time, she dreamed of owning an ice cream store where the community would gather, put down their phones, and have a treat together. So she packed her bags and flew to State College, Pennsylvania in the middle of January, to learn the science and business of making ice cream at the famous Penn State Creamery. H iggles crafts her passion on a sustainable environmental philosophy where local ingredients, organic where it makes sense, degradable utensils, and beauty in simplicity are considered in every business decision. Care and commitment to Anna's craft can be experienced in every lick perched on her delcious cones, mini cakes and cups of creamy wholesome churned milk. 100 N. Main Street, 970-977-0023 www.higglesicecream.com
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Wellness
Building Hope: “Let’s be Perfectly Imperfect Together” BY SUZANNE ACKER, BUILDING HOPE SUMMIT COUNTY
This is a story about hope; about building it within our community and within ourselves. In 2016, thirteen people in Summit County took their lives by suicide. “The shock brought everyone together – funders, city/county offices, schools, behavioral health specialists, to learn how to prevent these tragedies,” said Building Hope Executive Director Jen McAtamney. “Together, through research and assessment, partnership and practice, we learned a lot, and Building Hope Summit County was born.” Today, through nine different program areas, Building Hope works to reduce mental health stigma; remove barriers to mental health care by providing therapy scholarships as well as increasing the number of therapists who will take insurance; share lifesaving mental health information; offer peer support for people in non-crisis situations; and promote emotional wellness in the community through ‘connecting’ events (in English and Spanish) to all members of the Summit County community, including youth. In its young history, Building Hope has become a vanguard for systems-level responses to mental health and wellness, ensuring that everyone in 40
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Summit County who needs and wants support can have it.
County,” she said. “Each story is an act of courage and love.”
The benefits of stigma reduction “It’s okay to not be okay,” says McAtamney. “These simple, yet powerful words have broken the ice in countless conversations across the county -- from bars to dinner tables to chair lifts -to get people talking about their own mental health.”
The twelve “Faces of Hope” stories encompass a wide range of mental health challenges and emotions, from recovering from the suicide of a loved one, to trauma, substance use disorder, anxiety and self-harm, among others.
Those words, “It’s okay to not be okay,” are part of a stigma reduction campaign that includes multiple messages (including “perfectly imperfect”) on colorful cards distributed to local businesses, on bus wraps, social media, radio spots, even bar coasters. “The campaign has succeeded in getting people talking and understanding that everyone – everyone -- struggles with something and that’s okay!” she said. “When we open up, we find ways to help each other.” But changing public attitudes about mental health takes time and multiple strategies, says McAtamney. Building Hope’s “Faces of Hope” campaign is one that features stories told by locals of their own struggles with mental health and/or substance use disorder. “These individuals have opened their hearts, knowing their stories will open conversation around mental health in Summit
“These community heroes have publicly shared their journeys to help normalize talk around mental health,” she said. “We’re a small, tight-knit mountain community. When people we know share their struggles it gives us permission to share ours and when we do, it brings us closer, makes us stronger. It creates a culture of hope.”
“When we speak openly about our mental health, our words have the power to help heal, to open doors,” says McAtamney. “Talk -- to your friends or family or call the Building Hope Caring Connections support line 970485-6271. Let’s be perfectly imperfect together.” Building Hope is a communitywide initiative designed to create a more coordinated, effective and responsive mental health system that promotes emotional health, reduces stigma and improves access to care and support for everyone in Summit County. www.BuildingHopeSummit.org
Family
{ } Be sure to check our website for checklists and advice for getting your kids and your family ready for a snow season fun!
MOUNTAIN TOP 4EVER Mountain Top, formally Mountain Top Children's Museum, is looking for a forever home to continue to provide STEM & nature based programs, a hands-on children's museum, and enrichment opportunities for local and guest families in our mountain community! In thier new home they will have: Museum Exhibit Space: A method based engineered environment designed for handson learning and engagement that promotes connections. After School/Break Program: Throughout the academic school year, they will offer theme-based weeks emphasizing art, science, nature and STEM activities and outings to enriching entities. Kids' Night Out An evening drop-off program in which MT serves well balanced
meals, conducts science based experiments and projects, and provides engagement with Museum exhibit components. Outreach Science-based concept workshops brought to local elementary schools and child care organizations. With a permanent space, these programs will grow exponentially as MT offers groups to visit for "inhouse" workshop programming. Teen Center Within a year, a plan to develop a center that services young adults. The center will include life-on-life mentoring relationships with caring adults through community services opportunities, social activities and life skills courses. Their goal is to raise 2.3 Million to enhance the lives of children by securing a new Children's Museum! www.helpmountaintop.org
mountaintownbreckenridge.com
KIDEAUX Kideaux is a Colorado company founded in 2018 by Steve and Alyna; best friends and partners in life, love and losing their minds raising 6 children. Yes, 6! They share a love for being active, athletic and outdoors and are always looking for ways to instill that love in their kids. This small, family owned and operated business, based in Colorado was born as the duo began looking for ways to make it easier to get their kids outside and active while keeping them safe. The two started coming up with ideas and products that improved their family's experiences.
Kideaux's first three products were designed specifically with safety and convenience in mind. The Kideaux Dragon (left) enhances child ski and bike safety by making the wearer the visual center of attention. It is the perfect accompaniment on the slopes or hiking trail and a lot of fun for kids. Head to their website to order. www.kideaux.com 42
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Two Words
Me Time
Massage Body Treatments | Tanning Waxing | Tinting Laser Hair Removal Facials | Injectables | IPL Manicure/Pedicure Packages | Products
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Offering a diverse selection of beauty, leather goods, apparel, gifts & more – MAGGIE POND is a unique & posh boutique in Breckenridge. Come experience the PEAK 10 SKIN® beauty bar! If you enjoy fine shopping, you will find something to suit your taste!
505 S. Main Street Station - A6 | 970.423.6737 | info@Peak10Skin.com
Shop like a local.
Pack your reusable bag or buy one of ours. You’ll eliminate fees at checkout. And you’ll help keep Breckenridge green and clean.
Find out more at sustainablebreck.com
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Breck Etiquette
Environment Education Etiquette
Saving Breckenridge from ourselves by Courtney Kenady
Save money and the environment, Drink Our Water. I’m waiting patiently in the checkout line. The floor is wet from snowy boots and filled with people pushing shopping carts as they weave in and around retail stands and other shoppers to find their line and give themselves a little covid-distance. The atmosphere is light, slightly manic infused with smile-wrinkles above masks. It’s been a strange year. In that moment, what stands out to me are the many shoppers with two or three cases of singleuse plastic bottles of water. It’s not a new phenomenon; I’ve seen it for years and wonder why they are spending so much money on bottled water in Breckenridge? Really? Do these shoppers realize that it’s very possible that those expensive single-use bottles were filled from a local water source not far from here? Shaking my head, I want to tap them on the shoulder and whisper, “You don’t need to buy water here, just grab a reusable water bottle and fill it at the tap,” but I know it’s a bigger issue than just that. In 2016, sales of bottled water surpassed soft drink sales in the United States. That was the year that the world was awakened to the fact that our plastic habit was now a crisis of plastic waste that was clogging our waterways, polluting the oceans, and littering the interior of our country. Plastic bottles of water are the evil nemesis of local and global environmental stewardship. 44
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So why bottled water instead of tap water? That’s a loaded question. Many factors contribute to the world’s plastic addiction, which dates back to 1973 and the patent of the first PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottle by Dupont Scientist Nathaniel Wyeth. What followed launched the bottled water craze embraced and marketed by fashionable beverage corporations, billions of people in developing countries with limited access to clean water, corporate boardrooms, local gyms, and popculture icons toting bottles of Evian as their beauty secret. Furthermore, the public’s confidence and trust in municipal water filtration systems and supply have been eroded by the corruption and inaccuracies spewed by politicians and managers in the water and sanitation sector. The bait-and-switch on contamination levels and water supply chains feed into the public’s distrust and many turn to bottled water as a blanket solution for clean drinking water. Consequently, on a global scale, a million (1,000,000) plastic beverage bottles were purchased every minute, according to data from Euromonitor International’s global packaging trends report published in 2017 by The Guardian. Single-use plastic bottles need up to 47 million gallons of oil per year to produce. Less than 20% of plastic bottles are recycled.
Plastic bottles produce up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste each year. The bottled water and beverage aisle at the grocery stores are packed three or four shelves high with endless brands and varieties of bottled water. Some bottled water comes from springs; more than 25% of bottled water comes from other municipal supplies. For instance, just 60 miles south of Breckenridge, Chaffee County is rethinking a measure that allows global-conglomerate Nestle Waters to pump, truck, bottle, and sell up to 65 million gallons of water a year from the Arkansas River. “What many visitors don’t know is that the raw water that we treat comes from the Blue River basin and is mostly snowmelt. It is very good water quality,” says Gregg Altimari, Breckenridge Water Division Assistant Manager. “We have a brand new state-of-theart water treatment plant that produces excellent drinking water at a very reasonable cost to our customers.” Essentially, Breckenridge’s raw water supply is at the top of the water food-chain, and the quality of tap water produced follows the Colorado Department of Environmental Health Drinking Water Standards and Regulations. In addition, the process is overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Because bottled water is shipped over state lines and considered food, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the safety of bottled water. The FDA does not enforce as stringent restrictions on the bottled water industry.
and signage promoting the quality of Breckenridge’s water source.” Bergeron adds, “Putting a deposit amount on every plastic bottle redeemable when recycled may motivate people to recycle bottles and encourage drinking the tap water.”
So if our water supply is good enough for national companies to bottle and sell, why do I see visitors spending hundreds of dollars on cases of bottled water, including Nestle Water, at Breckenridge’s local grocery store?
Is charging a redeemable deposit the way to go? Mark Murray, executive director of Californians Against Waste, says “recovery of plastic waste won’t improve much until it is given greater value, achieved through the additional cost of the product. If a company chooses to sell me water in a single-serving container, I should have to pay the full cost of delivering that water in a singleserving container, which includes recovering the container as waste. These voluntary efforts are nice. But the key is getting the pricing right.”
Jessica Burley, Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Breckenridge, says, “We have a (town) council who shares the same concerns about bottled water as you express. As Gregg Altimari outlines, "our water is perfectly safe to drink, and it’s a matter of education. If the statute is repealed, I can see a program similar to the bag fee or straightup banning bottled water, but that will be a huge uphill public battle to balance visitors needs/wants.” The statute Burley refers to is in Section 7 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, 25-17-104, which bans municipalities from banning plastic food packaging. Jeffrey Bergeron, Breckenridge Town Council member, agrees, “A solution might start with the removal of the statute, visitor education including messaging
Here are four easy things we can do as global citizens to be part of the solution: • • • •
Carry a reusable bottle. Fill up those reusable bottles from the tap. If you must buy water, choose aluminum cans over plastic when possible. Recycle all plastic (and aluminum) bottles at the Breckenridge Recycling Center, 284 Coyne Valley Road, or recycling drop-off center.
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Biz
STEPS TO SELL AND BUY A BUSINESS ENG AGING WITH A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS B R O K E R BY GREGG KUNZ
Steps to Sell and Buy a Business, like any first-time journey, a wellqualified and experienced guide is critical for success. 33 years ago, at the age of 27, I made the decision to leave my corporate sales position to move to Summit County to open a business. By chance, a phone call from a former boss derailed my plans and I spent another 20 years climbing the corporate ladder before I rediscovered the courage to start one business and then another, both of which I successfully sold. Like most business owners I had envisioned the day when I would leave the business behind and spend my days knee-deep in fresh powder or lounging away on a beach in the tropics. Also like most business owners, I had no idea how to sell my business. After quite a bit of searching, I discovered that there was a small but highly active industry devoted to selling businesses – the Business Brokerage industry. Engaging with a professional business broker to sell my business was one of the smarter decisions I made not once, but twice, and it allowed me to finally realize my dreams of opening a business in Colorado. Having been down the same path that virtually 46
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every business owner travels I made it my mission to ensure that successful business owners had someone to rely on to unlock the value of their business – many times a business which they have spent a lifetime building. This led me to found Rocky Mountain Business Advisors. Our sole focus is to enable business owners to sell their businesses for the highest price possible while protecting their legacy.
understanding of the business, the competitive landscape, as well as its growth opportunities, and most importantly the leadership of an experienced business broker who will attract qualified buyers to guide both parties to a successful transaction. Our clients measure our success by one primary metric: the amount of cash we can put into their bank account with the smallest tax impact possible.
The High Country has seen unprecedented growth over the last several decades. No longer only known as a winter sports destination, Colorado’s Rockies are now a vibrant year-round destination serving the needs of both visitors and locals alike. Despite the pandemic, the number of buyers looking for good businesses has never been higher. Interest rates remain at historic lows and banks are keen to lend – both of which bodes well for both Buyers and Sellers alike.
Business owners considering the sale of their business in the next several years should seek professional advice as early as possible to learn how to prepare their business well in advance of beginning the sales process. Far too often, when a business owner is ready to sell, their business may not be ready, and most likely they no longer have the time to make the changes necessary to obtain the business’s highest possible sales price.
Like any first-time journey, a wellqualified and experienced guide is critical for success. When it comes time to sell your business you cannot put a For Sale sign in the window. It requires professional analysis to determine the likely selling price, a detailed
www.rockymountainba.com The author is the founder of Rocky Mountain Business Advisors, a Colorado-based Business Brokerage firm dedicated to advising its clients on how to maximize the value of their business in advance of and when selling their businesses. If you are interested in selling your business for the highest price possible you can contact these professionals at 303474-5582 or info@rockymountainba.com.
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PEOPLE OF BRECKENRIDGE
photo courtesy the Summit Historical Society
THE REASONS WE LOVE IT WHY WE STAY
MEET A FEW OF THE MANY...
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Photo courtesy of Lindsay Sevec
Jessie Unruh-Brossman
Jessie Unruh-Brossman is like snow, she’s everywhere. Mrs. Summit County, Dew Tour live event producer, Breckenridge Distillery spokesperson, Ullr Fest ShotSki Safety Director are just a few of her titles. And like snow, Jessie thrives in winter. Jessie's parents first came to Breckenridge before she was even born. They traveled from Kansas combining work and pleasure. Jessie learned to ski in Breckenridge when she was 4 years old. A college trip with friends randomly coincided with Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest. “What is going on?” they wondered. “Why are people wearing gold underwear? In winter?!” Upon discovering that a great parade was happening, they hatched a plan. With a found shopping cart and a purchased keg of beer, they dallied along the parade route. “We waited for an opening. We pushed the keg in the shopping cart onto Main Street and into the parade. The announcer yelled ‘these people hijacked the parade!’ Ullr came over and did a keg stand.” She continued, “My first experience with Ullr Fest and I thought to myself, ‘this place is wild.’ One of the best weekends we ever had.” Jessie was hooked on the mountain lifestyle. As a Christmas baby, born on a very cold Kansas day, she gravitated to winter and snow. Immediately after college graduation, Jessie became a “professional snowboard bum” in Summit County. Taking jobs in restaurants and ski shops ensured that her work schedule was secondary to her snowboarding passion. She was driven by “my diehard love for being on the mountain, strapped into my snowboard, hanging with my friends, playing in the park, building features in the back yard. I loved winter so much that I took summers to travel in the southern hemisphere. I had two years of back-toback winters.” Seeking to put her degree in television broadcasting to work, Jessie volunteered with the Dew Tour. For two years, she traveled on her own dime to every stop, including Breckenridge, which finally opened up the doors for a paid gig. Her talent both in front of the camera and behind, telling stories of the winter lifestyle and creating videos of her friends riding, caught the attention of the Breckenridge Tourism Office. She agonized over a
job offer to create content. Did she want to step into a career and give up snowboarding every day? “I loved it,” she enthused. “My love for this community quadrupled. Meeting people and business owners, connecting, telling stories of Breckenridge. Being part of the events and building the brand of Breckenridge in ways that show the character of the community. It was a dream job.” Her next move was to Rocky Mountain Underground, promoting their lifestyle brand at the location on Main Street. But the Breckenridge Distillery soon beckoned. “The Breckenridge Distillery is a huge national company, but it is very much part of this community.” Breckenridge Distillery founders inaugurated the World’s Longest ShotSki at the 2013 Ullr Fest Parade with just 50 skis. As the event expanded exponentially over the years, town officials insisted on rules. The Distillery produced a safety video in 2018, and thanks to Jessie’s creativity, it became a “must watch.” In the now famous film, Jessie serves as the Ullr ShotSki Safety Director. The instructional video opens with “ding dong,” the familiar descending notes introducing an airline announcement. “This is your captain speaking.” The video is pitch-perfect, mimicking the script of every airplane safety talk you ever heard. “There were a lot of logistics: wristband, sticker, cup, shooter, put it on the ski right. People really took it to heart. They disposed of their recyclables properly and helped take the skis apart at the end,” she commented. “Rules don’t have to ruin the fun.” Today Jessie only gets about 50 days a season on her snowboard, down from her previous 150+. She has a year-old daughter now. “I can’t wait to show Colorado to her.” Jessie and her husband John recognize the hardships of raising a child in Summit County, how everyone is coping these days. But thanks to a “tight community of families,” Jessie knows people are here to help, no matter what. “You might not get that in a big city.” Now fourteen years in town, her work promoting Breckenridge continues. “I want people to still find this place surprising.” by Leigh Girvin
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Roux the Siberian
Roux, a Siberian Husky at Good Times, says he is living his best life One of the 146 sled dogs at Good Times Adventures, Roux is a 6-year-old Siberian Husky who spends his days leading tours through the Swan River Valley outside of Breckenridge. His humans describe him as “the brains of the operation,” so we sat down to find out more about life as a sled dog.
Mountain Town: Breckenridge: How does a canine such as yourself get involved in this line of work? Roux: I was quite literally born into this job. My parents were carefully selected to add a litter of puppies to the Good Times kennel and my brother, sister, and I were born. My humans like to name litters in themes and one of them is from New Orleans, so we are Roux, Gumbo, and Voodoo. MTB: What does your training involve? Roux: As a puppy, I spent most of my time wrestling with my siblings, going for walks with my humans and meeting people of all ages, so I would be well-socialized. When I turned one, I started learning from one of the older dogs at the kennel. Now I'm
day, clocking 12 to 15 miles. It sounds like a lot, but it’s actually pretty easy for me. MTB: What do you enjoy most about your job? Roux: Running is my favorite thing in the world. I also love my humans. They take great care of me. My second favorite thing is belly rubs, especially from kids. One of my greatest challenges is to stop giving kisses to the guests I take out on the trail. I love the attention and it’s easy to get sucked in. MTB: Where do you sleep? Roux: I've got a pretty sweet pad – my own, outdoor doghouse. As Siberian Huskies, my teammates and I are comfortable sleeping outside and my caretakers give me a big straw bed during the winter. To be honest, my favorite spot is usually outside the house in the snow. The snowier the better for me. MTB: Are you on a special diet? Roux: As a professional athlete, my dog food is high in fat and protein in order to give me the fuel I need to perform at my best. After every run, my mushers give me a big bowl of meat soup. It makes me drool just thinking about it. We're pretty spoiled here at Good Times. The Hearthstone Restaurant donates all of its butcher trimmings to us. The lamb is my favorite, but the salmon is pretty awesome, too. Sometimes I try to steal Kyote’s soup when she's not looking. Shhh, don’t tell her. MTB: How do you spend your summers? Roux: During the summer months, I love going for runs with my humans. Instead of dog sleds, my team takes tours around the area leading golf carts. The best part is sometimes taking a dip in a nice, cool creek. When we aren't running in the summer, we get a ton of love from our guests. Personally, I love belly rubs. Have I mentioned that already?
the one training the next generation. Not to brag, but I'm super smart, so my position is always in the front of the team. When my mushers say "hike," it means go. "Gee" means turn right and "haw" means turn left. One of my favorite running buddies is a girl named Kyote. We are like clockwork when it comes to following commands together. MTB: Describe a typical day at Good Times. Roux: My day begins with a good stretch. Then, my neighbors and I like to launch into a long morning howl. Then, my mushers pick out which team I get to lead and put my harness on. I usually try to get them to rub my belly while they are putting my harness on it almost always works. Typically, I'll lead two tours a 52
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MTB: What are your dreams of retirement? Roux: Being a full-time sled dog has its perks, including a full-blown retirement plan. When we start to slow down and can't quite keep up with the younger dogs any more, we move to the Retirement Village section of the kennel. Here, we have tons of room to run around and play with other retired dogs, plus, we get to join the exclusive "old dogs" team. I see them go out every week, and it looks really fun. The ultimate retirement plan for any of us, though, is to be adopted by a nice family. I'm still a few years away from retirement, but when I think about who I'd like to adopt me someday, I always picture a family with a big backyard, lots of spare treats laying around, and a few kids that way I always have someone to rub my belly. by Shauna Farnell
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Dick Carleton
Located in the center of downtown Breckenridge, Colorado, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has been a Breckenridge staple for 40 years. In fact, this locals’ favorite establishment is the longest standing same owned restaurant operating in Breckenridge. One could say that it is Mi Casa’s core values of: great food, superior hospitality, respect for the individual, and connection with the community that factor into this 40-year run. And it’s the latter part, connecting with the Breckenridge community, where Managing Partner, Dick Carleton and his relationship with the BOEC comes in. After graduating from Virginia Tech University in 1979 with a business degree, the self-proclaimed rebel started doing the “seasonal thing,” bouncing around the United States doing what a typical 18year old would do (use your imagination). A oneweek ski trip in Vermont turned into an entire winter. Then the Florida Keys for six months and Newport Beach in California for another six months. You get the idea. But it wasn’t until 1980 when he came to Breckenridge for what was supposed to be one winter, that it stuck and he hasn’t left since. “It fit me at the time and still does I think,” fondly remembers Carleton. “I came to ski obviously, and I was doing ski resorts and beach resorts, but I found Breckenridge to be a very welcoming place. You could be yourself and it never felt like you were supposed to be a certain way. It welcomed people for who they are.” So the son of a World Word II Navy Veteran had found a place to call home at the ripe old age of 24. He arrived with a ’69 Volkswagen bug, $100 in his pocket and three friends to share a small two-bedroom condo with. But one could say that Breckenridge and Dick Carleton grew up together as he jumped into the restaurant business in 1981, married his wife Cathy of 27 years, had three kids and eventually became a town council member. “It was a very different place in the early ‘80s and I was a different person,” says Dick. “I was a young and somewhat wild kid back then and just kind of living life to the fullest. As I matured and started to grow up, so did the town. I think I’ve been lucky.” And that luck began when Carleton took a job waiting tables at Mi Casa in the fall of 1981 and subsequently met his current business partner and philanthropist Alexandra Storm. He quickly moved on to a managerial position, and once the opportunity to buy into the restaurant presented itself, he jumped at the chance. One thing led to another and now 40 years later the two also own and operate another local’s favorite and sister restaurant named Hearthstone. True to his quiet and humble nature, Dick credits Storm – in addition to a bit of luck – for a
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lot of his present-day success. “I was very fortunate to walk in to that restaurant [Mi Casa] at that time and meet Alexandra,” Carleton remembers. “She’s an incredible lady and we have over 35 years of a partnership. She’s been very good to me, but Alexandra is also incredibly generous and a very giving person as well. There’s many stories of her philanthropy and helping people that she and her foundation [Alexandra Storm Foundation] have done over the years. She does it very quietly, but very powerfully. So, I learned a lot from her as well.” The next part of this story, however, definitely was not luck. Around the same time as his introduction to Alexandra Storm and Mi Casa, Dick happened upon the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) and immediately hopped on board as an adaptive ski volunteer, something that spurred his own sense of philanthropy in the community. Not only did he eventually sit on BOEC’s Board of Trustees, Dick also served on the board of Tipsy Taxi and was one of the founding members of the Breckenridge Restaurant Association. More recently, he has served on the Summit Foundation Board, multiple Town of Breckenridge (TOB) advisory committees, numerous HOA Boards and is now serving on the Town Council. But out of all this, the BOEC holds a very special place in his heart. “The BOEC really started it all for me,” says the 64-year-old Carleton. “It was the first organization that I volunteered with when I moved to Breckenridge. And wow, that was a very rewarding and powerful part of my young adult life in Breckenridge. That experience really put my life in perspective at the time.” And it’s in these lasting effects of his experiences with BOEC that the annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration was born in the ‘80s with a two-fold purpose. First of all, at that time in May in Breckenridge there wasn’t much going on, so it began as a party for the locals all to come out. Secondly, it was so well received that he decided to turn it into a fundraiser for the BOEC, a tradition that continues on today. “Back then in May we were one of the few places open,” says Carleton. “So we thought heck, the Americans like to celebrate this day and it’s a good day for Mexican restaurants, so let’s throw a party and let all the locals come out. And let’s try and do something good with it and so we gave proceeds to the BOEC and started the tradition. It’s really fun and it’s still a party where a lot of the old locals come out.” To date, this event has raised over $500,000 for the BOEC and its adaptive programs, but last year
due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event was cancelled for the first time in its 30-plus year history. This is something Dick Carleton does not want to see happen again. “We’re absolutely going to do it this year and we’ll adapt as we need to,” he boldly says. “The team and myself really want to see this event bring in more proceeds and support for the BOEC, and we see this as a chance for the BOEC to try and catch up a little after this tough year. There’ll be an opportunity to maybe give in a little bigger way for those that can.”
This generous feeling of needing to support BOEC runs deep in Carleton’s veins. The BOEC coincided with his move to Breckenridge and jump started his civic duties in the community. And he fondly remembers one story from his days as a volunteer that really encapsulates himself, the BOEC and their journey together over the years. One day at Breckenridge Ski Resort, himself and the former ski director, Gene Gamber, ran into a lady in a wheelchair and struck up a conversation. The two quickly realized that she wasn’t there to
participate with the BOEC, but instead was there to support her family while they skied. Gene talked her into taking an adaptive lesson, one that Carleton was lucky enough to be there for on her first day. A day where she ended up skiing with her teenage boys and her husband together for the first time. “She looked up at me at the end of the day and said ‘I never thought I could ski with my family.’ I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life,” he says. “I really believe that completely changed her life and opened so many doors for her. And there are so many stories like that with the BOEC. It makes you realize how lucky we are and how much we have and it has a funny little way of putting life in perspective.” And put life in perspective, Dick has. He has come a long way from the wild kid that arrived in Breckenridge 40 years ago. He is now the managing partner of two long standing Breckenridge restaurants, is a pillar of the community as a Town Council Member, a father of three teenagers that were born and raised here, and a continued
supporter of the BOEC. Dick Carleton, the BOEC and the Town of Breckenridge seem to go together like milk and cookies. That business degree, waiting tables at Mi Casa and introduction to the BOEC in the early ‘80s seemed to have played out exceptionally well for him. And it certainly seems that everyone Dick crosses paths with ends up on the right side of better. But again, his humble nature won’t allow himself to take all the credit. “Honestly, you know, I’m just one guy that does what I can. There’s so many people that do so much more than me,” he says. “There’s so many people in this community that give so much in the way of time and wisdom, and money for that matter. But, you know, that’s part of the magic of this community. I’m just one more guy that tries to pitch in when you can, there’s so many that do more.” Well, if the BOEC could clone you, Dick Carleton, we’d take the first order of a hundred! Thank you for all you do for the BOEC and for your community. by Barry Rubenstein, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center mo unta i ntow nbre ckenr id ge. com | I S S U E 1 2 0 2 1
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Homes & Realty
A Dramatic Breckenridge Renovation by Pepper Hamilton
We chatted with Michael Rath, Chief Executive Officer at Trilogy DesignWorks about his idea to take a nondescript older home in Breckenridge and transform it into a beautiful mountain retreat. What did you want to accomplish with this project? Take a rather poorly designed and constructed late 80’s home located ideally in down town Breckenridge and transform it into a masterpiece both in livability and in architectural expression. This 3200 Square Foot, twostory home, encompasses 3 bedrooms with 4 baths and an open floor plan that includes a Rec Room, Pantry, and Loft. An added amenity is the very cool attached traditional dry sauna. What made this project so interesting? Perhaps the best site in all of downtown Breckenridge for a home. Just steps from the bustle of America’s busiest ski town, yet located on a quiet street with commanding views of the town and the ski mountains. It’s the best patio in town, a secret oasis with terrific sun and views and atmosphere. Tell us how you modernized the home? One of the things the owner commented on when we first met was that the original home wasn’t very well built, and we confirmed that. We reengineered and then demolished and reconstructed everything above the lower level using a whole lot of steel. In fact, that steel became a major architectural and design element. We brought all the insulation and windows up to current Sustainable Codes. And then energized and automated everything with a full complement of automation and high-tech gadgetry common in high-quality homes in the area. Lighting, Shades, environmental controls, AV are all operated from touch screens and phone of your choice. What suppliers did you use? What’s the process for tackling a project like this? As the Design and Build project manager, our first job is to bring the clients and the team to the table. Then we carefully set the project intentions. In this instance, we immediately focused on merging the home with its one of a kind setting. We imagined really large windows and dramatic steel elements that would frame the views of the town and ski area. We next created a geolocated virtual 3d Model with allowed us to optimize views and atmospherics. For interior design, the model allowed us to visualize a kind of rustic modern including a 56
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great room fireplace with integrated lounge seating and hidden television, a floating staircase of steel and thick oak treads, faux plate steel expressions, and some custom light fixtures designed in-house. This was a fun collaboration with our favorite local fabricators who provided the reclaimed oak floors, steel fabrication, countertops, masonry, and custom cabinetry. Any other interesting features to note? Exterior steel structural elements are striking and modern flowing into the traditional weather-worn siding and other exterior elements. The landscaping is exquisite with a crumbling masonry wall that frames the views of the town and the mountains. Inside, the vast expense of windows in the great and dining room provide tremendous views and oversized sliding glass doors open to connect the outside to the in, making this a wonderful habitat for those warm and sunny summer days. What else can you tell us? Probably the most dramatic before and after transformation of a home you can imagine. A partial teardown of a functionally obsolete home with no views and no personality. Being able to see past what is present and limiting to what is possible was central to the successful development of the ideal Breckenridge town family retreat. Ironically, one of the owners was really hesitant about the remodel as it would mean losing her home for the 14 month construction period. But she is a huge fan of the transformed home, and now admits the sacrifice was absolutely worth it. As for me, of all the dozens of Breckenridge homes we’ve been a part of building over the years, this would be the one I would choose for myself. Perfect location, terrific views, and great floorplan, not too big or small. Walk to Before and After: The most dramatic element of the house is the rear with the steel downtown or the lifts. Just ideal. structure showing, pictured above.
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LIV Authentic Considering the Sale of Your Business? Advance preparation is the second most critical element of selling your business for the highest price possible. The most critical is your Business Broker.
TRUST THE EXPERTS.... No cost - no obligation consultation. Strict Confidentiality Assured.
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LUXURY REAL ESTATE ADVISORS ANIELA WASMANSKI 970.409.8476 awasmanski@livsothebysrealty.com
JACK WOLFE 970.453.0550 jwolfe@livsothebysrealty.com
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Stay
Gravity Haus - Breck
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Gravity Haus is not just any slopeside lodging facility, it is a community of outdoor enthusiasts looking to maximize their time getting out and getting at it in our mountain town communities. The location brings together solo travelers, groms young and old, families, and area locals seeking to enjoy all of our mountain community’s best attributes. We were given the opportunity to experience first hand this unique, new lodging property that opened in Breckenridge, Colorado. I loved it and think it is a game-changer for the lodging industry. Gravity Haus is a super cool hotel that feels like a basecamp set in our mountain valley where you can settle in and stay, fuel the body with exceptionally crafted food, train the body with professionals and athletes, and learn new outdoor skills with experienced guides, all while making new friends. Sounds a little like stay-away camp for adults? Yes, I would say it is, but a sophisticated stay away camp where you can mingle with like-minded people and enjoy pretty exceptional amenities in an unpretensious atmoshpere. Rooms range from hostel-style spaces with a multitude of beds and bunks to plush single King-sized berths with pullout sleeper sofas and queen bunkbed rooms all to lay your head down and get much-needed rest after adrenaline-filled days (or lazy days strolling through Breck’s shops). Gravity Haus’s public spaces are comfortable places to mix and mingle with repurposed ski lift chairs, fireplaces, comfy couches and garage doors that pull up on nice days (quick note: they are fully setup for COVID-19 compliancy and take your safety seriously with hand sanitizing stations and masks in well placed areas as well as plexiglass partitions for areas you will interact with their staff. I felt very safe). The vibe is rustic meets industrial modern with a professional staff ready to assist your getaway needs. Before you head off to the land of Wynken, Blynken and Nod you’ll probably want a little Apres time which there is a whole lot of both at Cabin Juice Restaurant and Bar and Unravel an all-day coffee bar one level down from the restaurant in the lobby area. The food is exceptional and I implore you, eat the pastries. Chef Oliver is a genius. This modern meets rustic facility is unique in the fact that it offers more than just a room for the night. It is more like a social club that allows you to join in with a variety of membership opportunities that allow for lodging discounts, event participation, access to their recovery spas, working spaces, and Dryland classes as well as discounts on food & beverage with individual and family membership packages. But wait there’s more and I mean that in the most joyful communique! Gravity Haus has an add on in their memberships that allow you to demo current stand up paddleboards, skis and snowboards from their Haus Quiver. If you need to get work done Gravity Haus has a spacious coworking space – Starterhaus – complete with internet, printer, 10 person conference room, phone booth for privacy, printer, Unravel coffee, and kitchen. The remote workspace is Dog-friendly too, just like the lodging facility. So many perks but the best part? The giant onsite Flybed Trampoline! Gravity Haus is an exceptional new way to enjoy mountain town activities, dining, and more. We won’t give away all of the hotel’s experiences, you gotta check it out yourself to see that this it is more than a hotel, it is an adventure! by Holly Resignolo
Hideaway Park
Dine Local Ridge Street - Breckenridge, Colorado
Hearthstone Restaurant
30+ Years of Excellence in Dining BY P EP P ER H A M I LTO N
T
he Hearthstone Restaurant in Breckenridge operating in a historic 120-year-old Victorian home has been a landmark for fine dining in Breckenridge for over three decades. The restaurant celebrated 30 years of exceptional dining experiences, an anniversary that should not be overlooked in a town that has experienced so much change. The establishment’s history began in 1989 when the owners purchased the building, renovated and refurbished its interior and re-opened in November of that year as The Hearthstone Restaurant. It is a dining experience savored by the local community and has been an employer of many a local over the years. Stepping through the Hearthstone’s antique double doors you will be greeted at once by their professional staff and escorted to their plush first or second-floor dining room, each richly decorated in the Victorian style with lace curtains wallpaper and reproduced antique chairs. Each table is topped with crisp linens, polished flatware, and sparkling glasses. The restaurant’s ambiance is further enhanced by fantastic views of the town, Ten Mile Range and the slopes of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. It is the staff’s attention to detail, exceptional service and Executive Chef Michael Halpin’s thoughtfully crafted menus that will make the evening most memorable. Chef Halpin creates dishes that gathers from each season’s best products. Colorado lamb, naturally raised beef and game, as well as local produce from family farms around Colorado, and crafted into Culinary masterpieces. 130 S. Ridge Street, Breckenridge, Colorado
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Dine Local
Mom's Baking Co.
Best Baker on the Mountain! BY MAR A SL AVIN SHELDON
W
alk into Mom’s Baking Co. in Breckenridge and you immediately feel at home. From the cozy oversized pillows on the sofa to the aroma of pastries baking in the oven, the cafe has a warm, mountain, European feel that makes you want to sit down, partake in the sweets, and stay awhile. Owner, Operator and Executive Pastry Chef, Ema Landis has lived with her husband and two children in Breckenridge for more than a decade and has worked in some of the town’s well-known restaurants. She came to the USA in 1996 with the Czech Olympic Team where she worked as their sous chef but it was when she worked at All Events Catering, that she got the idea to open her own shop. “Simple food, I like that," said Landis. “Small and simple was the goal.” The name, Mom’s Baking Co. came from her colleagues at Quandary Grille and Taddeo's Italian Restaurant, where she served as Pastry Chef. They fondly called her “Mom” because she was older than most of them.
Landis, who attended culinary school in Europe with a focus on pastries, is originally from the Czech Republic. She was inspired by the Czech coffee shops back home and offers items on her menu varying from light, flaky sweet and savory strudels, baked oatmeal, Paninis, soups and always offers a classic Czech sandwich and desserts. “There is a nice sized Czech community in Breckenridge and when they come in, they look for that sandwich,” said Landis. The menu changes regularly for a fun variety but there are staples Landis and her staff are always 64
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baking, including, signature cakes, wedding cakes and custom cakes. “We bake how we feel, “ Landis said. “We want our customers to enjoy the variety of our menu so try to create a new one each month.” In addition to her mother’s Baked Tea, Landis also sells the handmade mugs hanging from the ceiling of her cafe, made by a friend. Open for breakfast, lunch and Apres, Landis, also offers bottled drinks, and a selection of beers, wines, coffees and teas. “We love when customers also stop by in the afternoon for some wine and a little dessert,” said Landis. 100 N. Main St., Suite 214, Breckenridge
Photo courtesy of Linda Rokos Watts
It was there she began introducing her desserts to the town and the restaurant’s patrons. At Mom’s Baking Co., Landis also uses many of her own mother’s recipes, including her famous Baked Tea, made with a variety of baked seasonal fruit. Landis offers the Baked Tea as one of the teas in her cafe and sells it separately packaged in a small, glass jar with instructions on how to make it at home.
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Eat Breckenridge Restaurants, Cafes, Eateries, Bars & Pubs of Note Briar Rose
The Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon has been serving the finest aged beef and fresh wild game in their landmark downtown restaurant for decades. Utilizing premium suppliers like Harris Ranch Beef and Emerald Valley Ranch they bring the best of American beef and meats to your table. A newly renovated dining room offers gracious chophouse service in an elegant atmosphere for a truly memorable meal. Enjoy their prized, historic backbar, the centerpiece of a lively and entertaining Saloon where guests may dine from the full menu or our Saloon's "small plates" menu. The Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon is the perfect link between old-west heritage and modern day dining establishments! 109 Lincoln Avenue Breckenridge
SPENCERS R E S TA U R A N T
Spencer's is a fantastic slopeside restaurant in Breckenridge. Located at the base of Peak 9, enjoy a feast with your family from steaks grilled to perfection or chef-prepared specials. Serving Breakfast, Lunch and DInner stop in for some unique specials that the whole family will enjoy or stop upstairs for grab and go meals too. 620 Village Rd, Breckenridge
Sancho Taco
Located at the south end of Breckenridge Sancho Taco offers a selection of street tacos in a friendly, relaxing restaurant. A great taqueria worth its margarita salt has got great thirst quenchers too. You will find the best margaritas including slushy margaritas, classy margaritas, also tequila and mescal flights, cocktails, bottled and draft beer. 500 S Main Street, Breckenridge
Breckenridge Distillery
Modern American cuisine featuring locally and seasonally inspired dishes, paired with house-made craft cocktails from the Breckenridge Distilleries award-winning spirits. Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant brings the unique flavors from Chef David Burke and good company together in a relaxed mountain setting. 1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge
A ma z i ng Grace Nat ura l Eat r y
EMBER
Welcome to the house that Chef Scotty calls home. Each item on his menu is well thought out and inspired. He will prepare food for you, unlike anything you have ever had before providing you with flavor combinations and textures of which you may have never seen paired together. The menu borrows from cultures, regions and countries all over the earth- “global contemporary cuisine” as it has been called. 106 E Adams Avenue, Breckenriddge
Their unique and delicious house-made baked goods, breakfasts, lunches and coffee drinks are fresh-made to order and sourced from natural or organic ingredients whenever possible. Join the community atmosphere for good food, and conversation. Open daily 7am-2pm 213 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge
Quandary Grille Quandary Grille is a family-oriented restaurant that includes a fullservice bar and 10 televisions (including a 96" projector screen) to air all sporting events! This Colorado Steak House serves a wide variety of family-friendly dishes in an atmosphere that lends itself to Summit County’s rich mining history. Voted one of the best après ski bars with 12 beers on tap and happy hour specials from 2-5 pm daily. Our huge sunny deck overlooking Peak 9, Peak 10, and the Maggie pond makes a great place to warm up after a day on the slopes. 505 S. Main Street in Main Street Station, Breckenridge
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Dine Local
Cooking with Butter & Air by ROBYN NICOLI COOKING AT HIGH ALTITUDE I'll start with an aside: Over dinner a while back, upon hearing me use the term "high altitude" in reference to cooking, my friend Steve gently corrected me, explaining that what we were talking about is actually high-elevation cooking. See, altitude refers to things hanging out above the earth's surface (like a bird, or a plane. Or Superman!). Elevation refers to the distance land rises above sea level. As a former English major and a person who generally finds rules and logic comforting, this was a deeply satisfying revelation. However, I also understand that the accepted terminology is "high altitude cooking." And it would be a long haul to change that convention. So high-altitude is what we're going with. Even though we know it's wrong.
Here’s a rundown of the major factors:
Dispensing with that, let's talk about what happens when we cook way up high. If you've baked anything from a box mix, or perused the back of a Toll House bag, you may have noticed "high altitude" directions. Folks who live here in Breckenridge at 9,600 feet enjoy rolling our eyes at those directions. Sometimes they work, but usually ... no. One size does not fit all. It's important to understand that the effects of altitude are magnified as you go up in elevation. Meaning, a recipe that works at 5,000 feet might need further adjustments at 7,500 feet, and radical changes at 10,000 feet. I live at 9,600 feet, so my recipes on Butter & Air are adjusted accordingly. If you live lower (or, bless you, higher), you may need to make a few tweaks.
LEAVENING At high elevations, the atmospheric pressure is lower. Leavening gases produced by baking soda, baking powder, or yeast are what help baked goods puff up and rise, but with less atmospheric pressure forcing them down, they can rise up fast, all hysterical-like, and then fall flat. This overbubbling of gases can also affect the texture of cakes and cookies by producing a coarse, rather than small and tender crumb, and even result in total collapse (due to expanding and bursting cell walls). In my experience, this is usually an issue only for cakes and cookies; muffins and loaf-type cakes are not usually at risk of dramatic falling (though they sometimes still need adjustments for texture, moisture, and/or flavor).
MOISTURE It's dry up here, folks. Deee-rrrryyy. Lack of humidity is great for keeping your hair frizz-free, but if you try to make your grandma's snickerdoodle recipe from Florida, you're likely to be disappointed. The higher the elevation, the faster moisture evaporates. In cooking, this can result in an unintended alteration of the ratio of liquid to solids in your recipes. The liquid in your freshly-made cake batter, for example, can quickly and silently begin evaporating - without any visible sign - to the point that your recipe ends up with a too-high concentration of sweetener, fat, and flour, and not enough moisture. This can alter the structure and texture of the recipe and result in a sunken cake that's dry around the edges and raw in the middle.
TEMPERATURE As elevation rises, water boils at increasingly lower temperatures (around 195F at 9,500 feet, compared to 212F at sea level). Foods cooked in water (such as custard), by water (such as steamed vegetables), or those containing a lot of liquid (such as a cake) can take longer to set or finish at altitude. I highly recommend using an oven thermometer, as the majority of home ovens are not properly calibrated. Actual temperatures can run up to 25 degrees hotter or cooler than the displayed temperature, which can really mess with your recipe. Always preheat your oven and double check your starting temperature. When baking, you may want to play around with setting your oven temperature a little higher (15 degrees or so) in order to give your dish a chance to set quickly before it over-expands and collapses. But watch your baking time carefully to avoid excessive browning. And sometimes, the baking temperature needs to be decreased, not increased. It's complicated. FLAVOR The dryness that sapped the moisture from your cake batter also, of course, affects your body. Dryness affects the tissues in our noses, and hence our ability to detect nuances of scent which are integral to taste. It also affects our taste buds. Here's a fun party trick: stick out your tongue and wipe it dry with a paper towel. Then sprinkle a little sugar on it. Nothing much, right? Then stick your tongue back in your mouth. Voila - sweet! Proof that moisture affects flavor perception. Science is neat. A 2010 German study testing airline food found that elevation can reduce our perception of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors by up to 30 percent. Here on earth, we're talking about elevations of 5,000-10,000 feet, not 30,000 feet, but anyone who has spent significant time at high elevation knows how it can sap you of moisture (and has the wrinkles to prove it). When it comes to baked goods, adjusting recommended amounts of sugar is tricky, because it affects structure and texture as well as flavor. Generally, it's unwise to add more sugar to a recipe at altitude. Cookies and cakes often benefit from reducing sugar for added physical stability. But adding a bit more salt can, interestingly, intensify the flavor of sugar. I almost always increase salt and spices by at least a little bit in my recipes.
ADJUSTMENTS FOR BAKING I am reluctant to advise on "standard" adjustments because every recipe is different. What works beautifully for one type of recipe may bomb completely in another. And many recipes need little or no adjustment from standard sea-level directions. That said, below are some across-the-board adjustments you can try if your recipe is flopping. You may need to experiment with more than one approach. IF YOUR COOKIES SPREAD AND/OR ARE DRY Increase flour (one tablespoon per cup) for strength (but beware, too much flour can make cookies and bars tough and dry) Decrease sugar (two tablespoons per cup) Add an egg or egg yolk (for extra moisture and stabilizing protein) Decrease baking soda/powder (anywhere from a dab to 1/4 tsp per tsp) Try refrigerating your dough before baking IF YOUR CAKE COLLAPSES, IS DRY, OR IS NOT COOKED EVENLY Add a bit more liquid (2-3 tablespoons per cup) replace milk with buttermilk, or mix in a little lemon juice (acidity helps batter set faster) Increase flour (two tablespoons per cup Add an egg (for moisture and stabilizing protein) Decrease sugar (two tablespoons per cup) Decrease baking soda/powder (about 1/4 tsp per tsp) Don't overmix (this over-develops gluten and can whip too much air into the batter) Raise oven temp by 15 degrees and watch carefully for doneness IF YOUR RECIPE TASTES FLAT OR BLAND Increase salt and spices by 1/4 -1/2 tsp per tsp Get creative with other flavorings: use extracts, coffee, citrus zest, nuts, etc. to add complementary nuances. Robyn lives at 9,600 feet elevation here in Breckenridge with her tasting team (aka husband David and teenage son Jacob). She is the chief recipe developer, photographer, writer, and burnt pan-washer for Butter and Air. Find recipes here: www.butterandair.com
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breckenridge dining
Breakfast, Lunch, Baked Goods, Beer, Wine & Lavazza Coffee
Wedding Cakes & European Pastries
100 N MAIN STREET . BRECKENRIDGE. (970) 453-4473
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL SEASON LONG Join us for breakfast, lunch and dinner any day of the week!
Sustainably roasted coffee, fresh baked pastries, and grab-and-go items — 7 am – 6pm daily
La Cima Mall, 520 S Main Street Breckenridge
www.sanchotaco.com
605 South Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424 gravityhaus.com cabinjuice.com unravel.coffee @gravityhaus @cabinjuice @unravelcoffeeco
breckenridge dining
WE GO BIG! views with our
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Located Slope-side Peak 9 620 Village Road, Breckenridge
Relaxing spa treatments
BeaverRun.com 970-453-6000
thanks to you, we’re celebrating forty years in business!
Thank you to our wonderful community for your continued support! Curbside Takeout available, featuring all your Hearthstone favorites! Order Online or Call Today! www.hearthstonebreck.com 130 S. Ridge St. / Breckenridge 970.453.1148
Fiesta at Home Our full menu is available for takeout, featuring:
- Big Batch Margaritas - DIY Nacho/Taco Kits - Enchilada or Fajita Family Meals
micasabreck.com 600 S. Park Ave/ Breck 970.453.2071
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The
BRECKENRIDGE SCOUT
S c o u t i n g o u t a c t i v i t i e s , F e s t i va l s a nd ev en ts in our mou n ta i n t ow n
BRECK ENRIDGE MUSIC
Breckenridge Music takes concerts outside, on the road and into your neighborhood with its new mobile stage, the AirStage in the coming months. Silver Bullet Trailers retrofitted a 1975 Airstream Ambassador Travel Trailer to accommodate a 14.5-foot wide by 9-foot deep stage. Performances at the AirStage will include neighborhood concerts, family-friendly pop-ups, artist 72
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residencies and special donor events as well as programming that supports Breckenridge Music Festival. Events by and large will be free with the goal of connecting neighbors within the communities of Breckenridge and greater Summit County. Attendees will be encouraged to social distance and wear masks so that all can enjoy these much-needed concerts safely and without worry. Blankets and folding chairs are encouraged to help
make the concert experience more comfortable. “Breck Music is thrilled to give its neighbors the opportunity to safely gather together beneath our spectacular mountain landscape for music,” says Tamara Nuzzaci Park, executive director of Breck Music. “It allows us to overcome many of the barriers we face in terms of delivering on our mission in more traditional spaces.” www.breckmusic.org
MTN AXE
What is Axe Throwing....you ask? The oldest tool known to mankind is the Axe. Originally made from stone it served as an aid in foraging, hunting, protecting and building. In around 400-500 AD the first axes used as projectiles, known as throwing axes were used. These axes had a short handle, a sharp thick axe head and were used as weapons during the Great Migration. As a sport Axe Throwing has been an activity at Lumberjack competitions from the early 1800s and has continued to grow from local gatherings in rural backyards to urban axe throwing venues across the world, gaining momentum with local communities and the formation of WATL; the World Axe Throwing League. About Experience MTN AXE Breckenridge, one of the first in Colorado's mountain town communities. Throwing lanes are available by the hour for parties of 4 or more and special group events of up to 65 people. Check on current rules: www.MTNAxe.com
BR ECK ENR IDGE OUTFIT TERS Breckenridge is near the headwaters of five major rivers. Within an hour of Breckenridge, you can fly fish the Blue River, Eagle River, Colorado River, Arkansas River and South Platte River. There are also numerous small streams, reservoirs and alpine lakes to explore. Fishing licenses must be purchased online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or you can get one in person from an authorized fishing license retailer. Once you have purchased a fishing license, please check fishing laws and regulations that apply in your area before heading out. Breckenridge Outfitters is honored to be The 2016 Orvis Shop of the Year and ‘The 2013 Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year’ and one of the most decorated Orvis endorsed Outfitters in the country. They offer year-round guided fly fishing adventures and a full service fly shop. Their shop provided knowledge, guidance and equipment to explore our fine fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains. Book a guide and learn the latest teaching techniques. www.breckenridgeoutfitters.com
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Last Lift
Welcome Back Breck Photo by CARL SCOFIELD
Covid Came to Town but now our colorful community is bustling again, and we hope to stay that way. We ask that everyone please continue to practice patience, kindness and following our Public health orders to keep our town open. CURRENTLY Face Masks/Coverings are REQUIRED in Breckenridge. Check on Personal gathering sizes Learn About Lodging Restrictions Be aware of Restaurant capacity restrictions and be aware that diners must wear masks to enter a restaurant, anytime servers come to the table, and anytime diners get up from the table. Grocery stores are limited to 50% occupancy. Events and festivals are continuously being re-imagined or postponed as we are navigating this pandemic and Activity and tour availability are continuously changing. The best spot to gather this information is our town's Tourism Bureau, GoBreck.com All of us here at MountainTown: Breckenridge want to thank YOU: Our advertisers, readers and community leaders. We are so excited to create a magazine that shares our stories with you and helps bring you a little bit closer to this place we are proud to call HOME. 74
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Extreme Family Fun - MTN Style!
WHO ELSE WANTS TO HIKE THE WORLD
Throw Axe's and have some Fun! 105 S. Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-771-4450
MTNAXE.com
Brecken r idge Outf it ters is a n O r vis endorsed f ul l ser vice f ly f ish i ng pro shop a nd outf it ter located i n beauti f ul downtown Brecken r idge Colorado. We offer numerous g uide t r ip options 365 days a yea r. W het her you a re a world class a ngler or just wa nti ng to lea r n, we offer a wonder f ul exper ience a nd is a g reat activit y for t he enti re fa m i ly. 101 N.Ma i n Street #B Brecken r idge, CO 970 - 4 53 - 4135 wwwbreckenridgeoutfitters.com .
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NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!
STAY IN TOUCH WITH BRECKENRIDGE ALL YEAR LONG SUBSCRIBE ONE -YEAR $30
ACCIDENTS DON’T WAIT FOR OFFICE HOURS!
ORTHOPAEDIC URGENT CARE IN FRISCO IS OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL 7PM! Top Orthopaedic Surgeons
Walk-ins Welcome
More Convenient & Cost-Effective than the ER
As the first orthopaedic group in both Summit and Eagle County, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery has advanced our treatment and rehabilitation plans to the highest level by serving one of the most active sports populations in the country.
970.668.3633 | vsortho.com FRISCO • VAIL • EDWARDS
970.477.4454 | vsourgentcare.com