The wind is howling outside. The temperature is below zero. The kids are bouncing off the walls, and threatening to turn the bedroom into a trampoline circus. “Go outside and play” really isn’t an option.

Most likely, you came to Breckenridge to ski, or ride, or get outside and take advantage of our “winter wonderland.” But when Mother Nature refuses to cooperate, what are you supposed to do?

Me and one of my students!

I’ll bet you didn’t know that Breckenridge is home to a world class indoor ice rink — and during the winter, we have an outdoor rink, too! As a skating coach and volunteer, I spend a tremendous amount of time at the rink, and I LOVE seeing all the visitors enjoy our facilities.

Don’t know how to ice skate? No worries — there are “training” stands that can be used on the ice, or there’s always the option to join group classes or hire a private coach.

When I first started skating, I thought group lessons would be a waste if I wasn’t able to sign up for several weeks of lessons. And hiring a private coach? Seriously? That’s only for REAL skaters, right? Wrong. As a skating coach, I specialize in beginners — my youngest student is three and my oldest student is 52. My entire agenda is to teach people how to have fun on the ice, and to try and take away the “fear factor.” Some of my students hire me on a weekly basis; some are just a one-time lesson. The choice is yours. The point is just to have fun and to learn enough to be safe. Group lessons are also available. They normally run in six-week segments, but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to be there for all six weeks. Use whatever time allocation works best for you or your kids.

An action shot of me during competition.

When it comes to learning to skate — or just enjoying yourself on the ice — there’s no “figure skating” or “hockey skating.” The fundamentals of all types of skating are the same. The rink has both hockey and figure skates available for rental, but don’t stress yourself about which “type” you should wear. Most beginners start in figure skates (they’re easier to learn with) but you can always change if you start with one type and decide you’d rather have the other kind. (Helmets are also available, and recommended, for children.) You’ll want to check the “Public Skating” schedule at the Town of Breckenridgewebsite: www.townofbreckenridge.com. (Public Skating is ice time that’s available for all level skaters.) The cost is $8/adults, $6/children (3 and under are free), plus $4 for skate rental. Private coaching and group lessons are an additional cost, but you can always call the rink to get cost information at 970-547-9974.

And let’s not forget about the outdoor rink — one of the coolest things about the Stephen C. West Ice Arena! The ice surface is maintained by a Zamboni, so the surface is smooth (as compared to pond surfaces) and the sides and top are somewhat protected from the elements. So, if you find yourself craving that “Ice Castles” experience, put on some warmer clothes and skate outside! It’s an experience beyond description, and definitely something to talk about for years to come. Skating outdoors in the mountains … does it get any better?

I promise the kids will forget all about the bedroom trampoline circus…

With much anticipation, my 4-year-old twin sons started and finished the December Bombers program at Breckenridge. It was a fantastic experience for them.
In October (when registration occurs) it felt like I was registering my kids for an exclusive preschool.
The program is well organized and I received several emails with all the information I needed to register. All my questions were answered promptly, too. My greatest worry was that while registering one twin, the other would lose a spot. I was also under a lot of pressure because Gabriel was totally motivated to potty train — because he wanted to get on the mountain!

All Suited up for the Mountain!

Registration is only done via the website. Prior students get first choice, so if you’ve never been enrolled in the program, the competition is great. A shorter three-session December program was added this year, which I decided to enroll my kids in. Since there were no prior students, I had an equal chance of enrolling my sons. (There is also a 7 week, January – February program.) Registration began at 8:30 a.m.; at 8:20, I was sitting at my computer ready to go.
I’m not a skier, so I was totally stressed about getting the right equipment. I decided to rent skis from
Colorado Ski & Snowboard, since it is on the floor below my office. Dennis fitted the boys quickly and efficiently. I pounded the streets of Breckenridge for mittens that go up the arm and found them at Annie’s Alpine Kids on Main St. I purchased used goggles at Recycled Sports in Frisco for $16 each.

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Wow, what a great time to be in Colorado! With the temperatures dropping and snow falling, skiers from around the world are arriving in Breckenridge for another epic winter. Every year thousands flock to Breckenridge for its great nightlife, famous snow, and family-friendly atmosphere, though this year is sure to prove special. This is Breckenridge’s 50^th Anniversary and more events are planned for this year than ever before!

On December 4, the Town of Breckenridge was transformed into a “Victorian Winter Wonderland” with Santa parading down Main St. in a horse-drawn carriage with carolers in tow. When Santa arrived at the Blue River Plaza, the lights were turned on and the Christmas tree was lit to signal that the holidays have arrived. But the events don’t stop on the 4^th. Until Christmas, the town of Breck keeps a winter market going at the plaza daily and musical performances on Saturdays and Sundays from 3-6 p.m.

Beginning December 12, the Winter Dew Tour makes its first stop in Breckenridge to kickoff the competition featuring the top skiers and snowboarders on the planet. Aside from the awesome talent on display, the Dew Tour brings lots of things to see and enjoy while exploring the sponsors (who set up booths at the base of Peak 8 to show off their newest gear), great concerts and an awesome atmosphere that spreads excitement to everyone.

The 22" half pipe in Breckenridge!

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Leaf watching. It’s a Colorado phenomenon – and an activity that I haven’t particularly cared to participate in prior to this fall. They’re just aspens changing colors, right? What’s the big deal?

Feeling the need to prove that the changing of the leaves really wasn’t a big deal, I set off on a day trip over Independence Pass. Now, I’m here to tell you that the views and scenery going over Independence Pass are pretty amazing, but I was less than underwhelmed by the trees and the color of the leaves. And yet, I still kept hearing from everyone how spectacular the colors were this fall.

The pictures don't do it justice!

Apparently my “timing” was off. So … I set off on another trip three weeks later … and now I get it. I’m a committed “Leaf Watcher” (another Colorado phenomenon)!

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When I moved to Summit County, I had little idea what a “14er” was. Friends who had gone to school in Colorado, or those who live here now, made hiking 14ers sound like an everyday thing — a casual weekend hobby. However, through working at Summit Mountain Rentals and dealing with guests from all walks of life, I have learned two things. First, most people don’t have any idea what “hiking a 14er” means.  And second, most of my Colorado friends clearly hadn’t hiked many, if any, 14ers. I think they were just trying to sound cool. Regardless, hiking is one of my summer activities, so I made a point to hike a few of these famed 14ers — or 14,000+ foot mountains for those not privy to Colorado lingo — this summer. I ended up hiking six in total, and found that I learned a great deal about myself and the varying ecosystems of Colorado on each hike.

The path up Mt. Elbert through Alpine Meadows

My first adventure took me to  Mt.Elbert, a 14,433 foot peak in the Sawatch Range, a short drive Southwest of Leadville. Not only is it the tallest mountain in Colorado (thus earning me the most “cool points”), but I had also been told it was an easy to moderate hike, so it seemed like a good starting point. I drove down the night before with three friends – a local from Breck, a friend visiting from Georgia, and another friend hailing from the greatest state, Minnesota. We were excited and “high-fiving” as we hit the trail with a couple of granola bars and some small water bottles. Frankly, the hike up wasn’t that hard and the trail was well-defined. We crossed up through Aspen groves, through continually thinning pines, past the tree line onto a winding single-track path through alpine meadows, and then scrambled up big rocks and around patches of snow to the summit.

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Me outside the Train

On Saturday my 3 and half old twin boys and I went on a “tiny trip.” My sons and I love traveling and when I tell Michael and Gabriel we are going on a trip, they can hardly wait. Leadville is just under an hour from Breckenridge. As we headed out of the garage, I thought we are already living at 9,600 feet, are we crazy to go another 1,000? Well for the love of trains, it was worth it. Michael and Gabriel love trains, so, today we were going to the Leadville Colorado Southern train.

On all our trips, before we get on the interstate, I stop at Abbey’s Café in Frisco to get a tall latte and a cookie for the boys. It has become a ritual on our “trips.”

Getting to Leadville is just an easy and beautiful drive up from the Copper Exit on I70. About 10 minutes before the town, you drive by the Climax mine where there is a huge dome. I’m not sure what it does, but it really seems out of place at this altitude.  The train station is easy to find, just take a left onto E. 7^th St when you are coming into town off the main drag.

During the summer, there are two departure times:  10AM and 2PM. The ride is 2 and half hours long.

Children under 4 ride for free. (One reason we went now, the twins turn four in September.)

Beautiful View

Beware, the station house has a small gift shop with model trains and other train related items. I got out fairly cheap with two Thomas the Train books.  The office told us to arrive 45 minutes early, I think we could have of gotten there 30 minutes early and still gotten good seats. It is tough keeping 3 year olds occupied while waiting to get on a train. The train has a diesel engine and a caboose. The passenger cars are a combination of open cars and covered cars. The covered cars have huge windows that can be opened. In the middle is a car with a gift shop, snacks for sale and restrooms.  Prices are very reasonable on the train. I bought a bag of popcorn for the boys to share for $1.50. (luckily there were no fights over who holds the bag, which I attest to the fun they were having on the train)

Overall, it was an amazing beautiful day. We sat in the covered car, but were able to move into different cars at will. The kids liked walking on the shaky platform between cars. I was nervous though; there wasn’t much of a railing. As the trained moved along the tracks the tour guide informed us of the different peaks and lakes. She also spoke of the history of Leadville and Colorado. At one time Leadville was the largest city in Colorado.  The boys were thrilled to be on a “real” train. I was worried they wouldn’t be able to sit so long, but the ride kept their attention.  Dogs are allowed on the train so petting all the dogs kept them occupied too.

The boys running up and down the Outside Car

Something about the ride, made us quite sleepy at the end. I had wanted to take a walk down the main drag of Leadville, but I didn’t want to push it with the boys. It is always better to head off pre-schooler’s meltdowns before they occur, by being mindful of the yawns and whines in the back seat.  But we left Leadville by way of the main street and there seems to be some interesting stores and restaurants to visit on another trip.  Driving home Michael said, “Mommy, that was a great trip.”