Breckenridge Mardi Gras

Come celebrate Fat Tuesday in Breckenridge! Every year, Main Street sidewalks become packed with Mardi Gras enthusiasts to watch the annual Mardi Gras parade that begins at the north end of main street and finishes at the southernmost end. The terms “Mardi Gras” or “Carnival season, “in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.  And here in Breckenridge, it is no different, except we celebrate at 9,600 feet!  Every year people dress in their Mardi Gras best, complete with masks and of course, green, gold and purple clothing and beads to watch the parade, complete with the crowning of Rex and his Queen starting at 4:30pm on Fat Tuesday. Watch for yourself this year as Mardi Gras floats take over the street during the parade and see how many beads you can get! Also, don’t forget to stop by the Blue River Plaza before you hit the parade, there will be food featuring the “Taste of Nawlins,” catered by Harvest Catering. See you there!

Last Year's Main Street Parade Turnout!

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…

Day 2 of the Competition.

The first four days of the championships were designated as “Technical Week” — volunteers and machinery combined to form immense blocks (as I learned at Trivia at Rita’s on Main Street last week, they can be 20+ tons!) of snow and ice that were spread out around the Blue River Plaza and the Riverwalk Center in the heart of Breckenridge. Sculpting Week began on January 24^th with a shotgun start and, after letting the expert sculptors get a good start on their sculptures, I decided to check out the progress on the 26th. Even though the teams are less than 48 hours into their work, I was impressed with what I saw. It ended up being a guessing game for me, but I think saw a beach scene, a partial statue that resembled Buddha, and some sort of Viking head — like I said, a little vague, but they do have two more days of carving ahead of them!

No power tools allowed!

I couldn’t help but think it must be a nerve-wracking task to try and create a work of art from a block of ice. They must have a true vision of what they’re making before even one snow crystal is removed from the block, much like Michelangelo’s Renaissance masterpiece, David, was carved into a block of stone in the early 1500s. Well, maybe not that intense, but you get the point. Either way, the crowd seemed to share my sentiments exactly as everyone wandered around, seemingly lost, and stared at the works in progress. A group of tiny, early-elementary-school children were the most excited and impressed, while my sculpture viewing partner, Nugget (a coworker’s black lab), seemed mostly confused about what was going on.

In any event, the sculpting ends on January 28^th, and that will be followed by a judging and awards on January 29^th around3:30 p.m. Following the awards — and weather permitting — there will be a week-long viewing period from January 29 through February 5. Hopefully the weather will stay cold so the statues can stand as long as possible!

***Update on the Championships! They have released the winners, and they are:

1st Place – Canada Quebec – Great Expectations

1st Place!

2nd Place – Germany – Dancing Screens

2nd Place!

3rd Place – Team Baltic (Latvia/Estonia) – Discover the Edge of the World

3rd Place!

Open Family Style Dining Room

Halfway between Safeway and Walmart is a sign “Café” in red letters. The restaurant’s name is “Food Hedz,” although you only know this because it says it in small letters on the glass entry. You walk in and find 10 or so small tables and a counter at the front.  The interior is decorated with pictures and murals celebrating the French countryside.  To order, go to the front counter. On one side is the cash register and wines, in the middle is the selection of daily made soups and to the right is the chef and kitchen. Dave, the owner/chef, is always cooking and willing to answer questions, take requests (we’ll get to this later) and just chat. At the cash register, Patti, his wife, waits graciously to help you through your choices. Once you’ve ordered, find a table and the rest of the bustling staff will serve you.

Dave in the kitchen!

The casual atmosphere would lead you to believe that the food is also casual — but this is not the case.  Dave was the head chef at the five star Ranch Restaurant in Keystone for many years before taking on the Café. His food reflects a level of quality and flavor not easy to find in the mountains. For example, his fish is always the freshest of any restaurant within 50 miles. The seasonal menu reflects his desire to create intense flavors, creative plating and plenty of food. I have eaten almost everything on the menu but the daily specials are the not-to-miss items. Being in the mountains often makes getting fresh product difficult. Dave’s specials are always the most fresh, flavorful food available that day.

What makes Food Hedz even more special is that Patti and Dave make you feel like they are there just to cook for you. Dave seems to like special requests and my favorite winter lunch is not on the menu. I order a bowl of the best soup that day (you can try all three) and then quietly ask if Dave will make me a grilled cheese sandwich. He enthusiastically does this with his daily baked bread. It is like eating at home but much better — and the cleanup is a snap.

Food Hedz is a special place. It is one of Summit County’s “secret treasures,” not only because of the quality and care you feel when visiting but also because, unless someone tells you about it, you would never know it is there. Next time you pass through Frisco, make an effort to have dinner or lunch at the Food Hedz Café. And don’t forget to say hi to Patti and Dave!

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.

Luckily, I had planned to get fresh, hot donuts at Kava’s Café on Main St. (close to the gondola) and started to dress the boys early because I could not get Michael’s boots on. So, we got as ready as we could and headed back to the ski shop. There was nothing wrong with the boots; of course they slipped on easily for Dennis! We finally made it to the meeting spot and I met George, the boy’s teacher. He gave me a card with his cell number, which was very reassuring; I was very nervous about the boys being on their own for the day.

While we were waiting for one more student to arrive, I suddenly realized I had forgotten the ski passes! (4 year olds get free ski passes from the resort. To get them, you have to go to the season-pass office with some form of identification that proves the age of your child.) We live only two blocks from the gondola, so I ran home and retrieved the passes.

Once I left the boys and realized I had the whole day to myself, I started to relax a bit. I did get the fresh, hot donuts for Michael and Gabriel when I picked them up at the end of the day. I couldn’t believe the smiles on their faces. They loved it! I got a report from their teacher and we were done for the day. The second Saturday was the same when I picked them up; they were ecstatic!

Hanging out with Riperoo

The third and last Saturday, Mom was a little off. We were in the garage ready to go — and I realized I had forgotten to put on their snow pants. So, we had to go in and take everything off — boots, helmet, coats, mittens, the works — and start over with the snow pants. Oy!

The third Saturday, I took the gondola up the mountain, met the kids, and was able to observe them a little bit. It was reassuring that when I tried to enter the magic carpet area, the instructors told me no one was allowed in the area. So, I had to catch a small view from behind the fence. The kids had a lot of help from all the instructors.

Michael and Gabriel enjoyed themselves so much, I’m sorry I didn’t try to get them in the longer seven-week program. They have ski lessons at their pre-school and will continue, but they loved the bomber program. The smiles I got when I picked them up at the end of the day said everything!

Snow and Sunsets!

ULLR FEST

This year’s theme, is 49, and feeling fine, since were in our 49^th year! The festivities first started in 1963 and have become a local’s favorite with signature town events like the crowing of the Ullr King and Queen, the International Snow Sculpture Championships, “The Ullympics” and the Ullr Fest Parade. This is a festival that has something for everyone, complete with family events as well as events for those that want to party and truly worship Ullr and his fantastic gift of snow! Come join us at the following events below to show your Ullr spirit, and help us Pray for Snow! Because so far this season, we need the help!

• Sunday, Jan. 8 – Ullr Skating Party: Skate with Ullr himself at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. This is a family favorite and includes food, fun and the man about town – Ullr.
• Monday, Jan. 9 – Crowning of the Ullr King and Queen: The coronation moves to a new location – Main Street Station.
• Tuesday, Jan. 10 – The Ullympics: Watch as co-ed teams of four compete in wild events such as the frying pan toss and group ski racing. Awards and a party follow.
• Wednesday, Jan. 11 – Ullr Dating Game: Calling all bachelors and bachelorettes! Join local radio station KSMT and all the great singles in town for Breckenridge’s version of the Dating Game. Ullr himself will be on hand looking for love. Great times, great prizes and a great chance to meet your soul mate.
• Thursday, Jan. 12 – Ullr Fest Parade: Join the Breckenridge locals as they show off their fabulous floats in, unofficially, the world’s craziest parade, honoring the Norse god of snow – Ullr. More than 12,000 fill the streets for floats showcasing moving ski jumps, hot tubs and ski waxing stations.
• Friday, Jan. 13 – Ullr Comedy Night: Laugh the night away at the Carriage House. Comedians TBA.
• Saturday, Jan. 14 – Chilly Chili Cook-Off: Warm up after a week of snow worship with the Mountain Rotary Club’s Chilly Chili Cook-Off. Enter your best recipe or sample the wares.

A snowy morning in Breckenridge. 7 inches!

Breckenridge Peak 7 Home for Sale

2010 saw 1011 sales and hopefully, this year may be somewhere between 1115 and 1125.  While homes and condos are not selling for more than the last sale yet, the downward spiral has slowed and it may be possible that pricing is close to the bottom. Inventory is at a new low, with just over a one year supply of residential properties on the market. The number will increase again next spring as people get ready to list in the summer, but it remains to be seen how much the inventory will increase. It will probably still be less than at the same time this year.

Borrowing has not become any easier, but those who are determined to get a loan, if they are qualified and willing to go through all the requirements, can get one.  About 40% of the transactions are cash sales. Only about 3 or 4% of the listings are distressed properties, but roughly 8% of closings have been bank owned or short sales. Bank owned properties are seeing multiple offers and often, sell for more than the list price. Realistic Sellers are getting their properties sold, although there are more cases now where offers are for less than what is owed to the lender. Sometimes Sellers are not able to accept them as they don’t have the money to bring to closing, so the property is kept on the market hoping for a better offer.

The trend is up for all but pricing, and with that stabilizing, the Summit County real estate market should be showing slow improvement over the next couple of years.

Joanne Hanson with Coldwell Banker

For more information on Summit County Real Estate, please see check out Joanne Hanson’s blog!

We come from the Southeast every year the week after Thanksgiving and leave the Monday after Easter. Here we find “age mates” in their 70s — hikers, bikers, skiers, square dancers, travelers and all-around fun and vibrant people. When we bought our first condo in 2000, we were delighted with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and a cozy little living/dining space. Within the first year, we realized that we had not planned for the number of wonderful friends we would make in the County.

Loving Life as a Copper Mountain Abassador!

We have our friends from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Breckenridge, the skiers from the On the Hill Gang at Copper Mountain, and our close circle from the Ambassadors at Copper. Since there are so many half- or part-time residents here, everyone is welcomed immediately. There’s little interest in what your status was prior to your arrival. It is not uncommon to go to a party and chat with a ski instructor, a retired banker, a former professional who is now driving a bus to the resort, a goat rancher and a restaurateur. There’s a slightly derisive term used in the area called FIP — short for “Formerly Important Person” — referring to someone who brings his or her former work title into the mix!

There are many portals into the daily rhythm of Summit County: volunteer opportunities through civic organizations, churches, our fine hospital, the resorts, the Senior Center, museums and galleries. There’s even an open knitting group at The Tea Bar at The Next Page book store in Frisco. During ski season, the On the Hill Gang at Copper Mountain boasts more than 200 members who meet four times a week to ski at all levels with a guide, who is a qualified instructor. Breckenridge and Keystone have similar programs. For those with a serving heart and personality, all the ski resorts have volunteer host and safety opportunities. A free ski pass and lots of on-mountain time with guests from all over the world are the rewards for working 14 – 25 days a season.

Summit County also attracts young people stopping out before their first “real” jobs, college grads taking a breather after four years of rigorous study and structure.  Recently, two younger men came to stay with us and ski for the weekend from our hometown of Spartanburg, S.C. Their envy was nearly palpable. One said, “You are living my dream.” An accurate observation! This IS the most wonderful time of the year, unless it’s the summer for hiking and biking and the perfect weather that everyone raves about. This IS the most fun place in the nation to live a healthy lifestyle and meet congenial and adventurous men and women who are capitalizing on their ”senior citizen” status. This IS a dream and we’re privileged to live it right here in Summit County.