Breckenridge celebrates 30 years of snowboarding

Snowboarding legends and current pros converge in Breck’s infamous Freeway Terrain Park to celebrate Breck’s 30th Anniversary of snowboarding with the fourth annual Spring Fever Throwback Throwdown, March 28, 2015.

Presented by Mountain Dew, this throwback halfpipe competition is a chance to watch pro snowboarders from every era of the last 30 years compete for a $17,000 prize purse and take on a two-fold challenge: competing in our 22-foot halfpipe and then a specially constructed 6-foot mini-pipe that is an exact replica of the first one built at Breck in 1985.

Tricks no more than 540 degrees of rotation will be allowed, so each rider will have to get creative with straight airs, alley oops, huge slow spins, and hand plants. The competition takes place on the Superpipe at the top of Freeway in the morning and at the Minipipe in lower Twister after lunch.

Confirmed legends include: Chad Otterstrom, Chris Pappas, Mike Troppman, Todd Franzen, Meg Pugh and a special appearance by Steve Fisher. Current pro riders to watch: Zack Black, Arielle and Taylor Gold, Dylan Bidez, Benji Farrow, Broc Waring and Silvia Mittermueller.

In addition to the contest, the T-Bar Restaurant at the base of Peak 8 will be hosting a throwback party sponsored by Bud Light. Guests can wear their best throwback onesie or retro ski gear for a chance to win a VIP prize package for Spring Concerts, Burton hard goods, and some Helly Hansen apparel.

This Season Marks 30 Years of Snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort!  Breckenridge was one of the first major resorts to allow snowboarding in the 1984-85 season and to host one of the initial major snowboard competitions in the industry, The World Snowboarding Championships, or “The World’s,” in 1986.

Breck solidified its place as the very pinnacle of freestyle snowboarding when it became the first first-ever resort to have a permanent halfpipe then supersized it to a permanent Olympic-sized 22-foot superpipe in 2010, which anchors the resort’s award-winning Freeway Terrain Park on Peak 8.

With four terrain parks, including the top-ranked Freeway Terrain Park and SuperPipe and the Park Lane Terrain Park, a park progression system for beginners and intermediates, Breckenridge remains on the forefront of the industry in both facilities and talent.

See some classic snowboard moments from Breck’s snowboard history on Breck’s You Tube Channel under “Breck Classic Moments” and learn more about some of Breck’s most famous snowboarders and the its rich history of athletes on the Breck Blog.

Breck’s Spring Fever Festival, the largest spring skiing party in the Rocky Mountain region, begins the weekend of March 20 with the GoPro Big Mountain Challenge.

The fun continues through closing day with a series of signature events including competitions and kids’ events in addition to the Bud Light FREE concert series.

Breck Spring Fever 2015 Signature Events include:
•               The Bud Light Concert Series, with national acts performing live on April 11, 12, 18 and 19 on a specially-constructed stage on the mountain, at the Peak 8 base
•               GoPro Big Mountain Challenge on March 21
•               The 19th Annual Imperial Challenge – bike, uphill and downhill triathlon on April 11
•               The fourth Annual Spring Fever Chili Cook-off on April 4
•               On-mountain Easter egg hunt on April 5
•               First Annual Winter Edition of the Kids Adventure Games on April 5

For the latest news and details on all the events taking place or how to participate, visit www.BreckSpringFever.com.

Join the Biggest Party in the Rocky Mountains for as low as $129!
Lodging options start at $129 weekday; $149 weekend from 3/23 – 4/19 with a two-night minimum length of stay. Rules and restrictions apply. Offer exclusive to the official lodging sponsors of Spring Fever.

Black diamonds are a girl’s best friend at Breckenridge

Black diamonds can be a girl’s best friend in Breck – black diamond runs that is – especially during the ski area’s inaugural Women’s Ski Week, Feb. 14-22, 2015.

Women’s Ski Week at Breckenridge Ski Resort will highlight the resort’s offerings just for women to help moms, sisters, daughters and girlfriends get the most out of the mountain and town the way only women know how: by providing a welcoming, supportive and fun place to improve skiing or snowboarding skills, meet new friends and take the stress out of planning a family vacation.

Women’s Ski Week at Breckenridge will offer women of all ages unique ski and snowboard lessons, gear demos, fashion tips, and more!

Women’s Ski Week Schedule:
Feb 14 – 16           Ski Girls Rock – Created by the most successful woman skier of all time, Lindsey Vonn, Ski Girls Rock features lessons for girls ages 7 to 14 from our top women instructors. The lessons are headed up by devoted women instructors who have had an opportunity to meet with Lindsey recently to understand her vision for Ski Girls Rock and hope to convey this same sense to each of their students.

Feb 14 – 22           Women’s Ultimate 4 / Ladies First With a maximum of four women per class, the Ladies First lesson gets you more individualized attention with experienced female instructors.

Feb 18                   Women & WineSometimes, a full day lesson can just be a little too much. That’s why we’re introducing Women & Wine – a half day lesson for women only (starting at 1:15 p.m. every Wednesday) followed by a complimentary glass of wine for après. Ski, sip, and play for just $69 as you learn from the best women instructors at Breck. Special for the Feb. 18 session, Gallo wines will join to show off the best wines in their line and explain the proper pairings. This class is held every Wednesday through March 4.

Feb 20                   Women’s First Tracks Join Breck February 20 for first tracks on the mountain! Anyone who books a women’s program or lesson this year at Breck will get free access to this event!

Feb 20 – 22            Women Ski/Snowboard Camp – At Breck’s three-day Women’s Camp, you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for — whether that’s just a bit more confidence in the bumps, or just a better understanding of the equipment on your feet. Our supportive and fun female instructors will break the group down by ability and guide you and your friends around our incredible mountain at your pace.  And speaking of feet, Smartwool will be giving out free socks to the ladies during the clinic.

Feb 21                   Bombshells Specifically for the moms of our Bombers and BAM kids, we’re offering discount lessons for women of any level looking to get the most of their time on the mountain. Held from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each Saturday, this lesson is the perfect length to let you drop your kid off, grab a coffee and catch your lesson right on time.

Feb 21                   Get the Girls Out – Join women’s outdoors organization SheJumps for a fun women-only ski day. Meet the ladies at the Starbucks at the base of Peak 8 at 10:00 a.m. to ski in an all-woman, all-fun ski or snowboard day.

Feb 21 -22             Breck Sports Women’s Gear Demo Days – Try out new gear before you buy! Demo a pair of skis or a snowboard on the slopes at Breck at a special price for Women’s Ski Week ($30!). Gear experts will be at the base of Peak 8 offering great demo selections tailored to your ski/ride style and ability. Demo days are brought to you by Breck Sports.

Learn more about Women’s Ski Week and the five new Breckenridge Ski and Ride School programs tailored to women only at WomensSkiWeek.com.

Breckenridge opening 500 acres of ski trails

Thanks to recent storms which dropped temperatures for snowmaking and left behind generous amounts of early-season snowfall, Breckenridge Ski Resort will expand its operating footprint to over 500 acres of skiable terrain accessed via eight lifts and select learning carpets by Saturday.

Among the new terrain, the resort plans to open runs across Peaks 8 & 9 allowing guests to access both base areas as well as a triple jump line with a handful of features in Park Lane. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain SuperChair and portions of expert, upper mountain terrain off the 6-Chair open today.

“We’re pleased to have over 500 acres of skiable terrain ready for guests this weekend,” Breckenridge Vice President of Mountain Operations, Gary Shimanowitz said. “With over 54 inches of new snow in our opening week alone and extremely favorable temperatures for snowmaking, we’re having one of the better early seasons in years.”

Peak 9 trail openings will be Silverthorne and King’s Way via the Quicksilver SuperChair as well as Crosscut and lower Sawmill. The Peak 8 SuperConnect will be open to allow back and forth skiable access between Peak 8 and Peak 9 and the Snowflake lift will operate to offer mountain access from that bed base. The Peak 9 base area will operate with full services, including ski & ride school and on-mountain dining at Ten Mile Station and The Maggie.

Associated runs surrounding 6-Chair give skiers and riders access to approximately 197 acres of expert terrain on the upper mountain of Peak 8. At this time there will be no access out from the bottom of the lift and guests need to ride the 6-Chair and then ski or ride down Upper Four O’clock in order to return to Peak 8.

Guests who wish to access the Peak 7 base area including Sevens restaurant can do so via Fort Mary B from Claimjumper. At this time no additional terrain is open for skiing or riding on Peak 7.

Breckenridge Ski Resort requires all skiers and riders to observe all posted signs and warnings. Closed trails may contain hazards due to limited natural snow coverage and snowmaking operations. Please keep off closed trails and out of closed areas for safety reasons.

Breck for a Buck
Buy 3 days of lift tickets and lodging and get the fourth night for only $1.00! Breck for a Buck offers the savvy traveler a lift ticket and lodging package with unbeatable savings. Rules and Restrictions may apply. Discounts may vary. Blackout dates may apply. Based on availability. Visit Breckenridge.com to book.

Breckenridge Thanksgiving Dinners
Enjoy Thanksgiving at Sevens restaurant – the only on-mountain dining option in Breck for the holiday. Sevens is located at the base of Peak 7, with a stunning patio and gorgeous views of the resort and the town. The special Thanksgiving Prix Fixe menu includes all the fixings of a home cooked meal without the hassle. Reservations are recommended; please call 970-496-8910.

Breck’s Cyber Monday Deal
Take Advantage of “First Tracks Fridays” and Up to 50 Percent Off at Breckenridge
Guests who book during the Cyber Monday Sale can save up to 50 percent off at the DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge, the Village Hotel and the Studio Suites at the Village at Breckenridge, all located by the base of Peak 9 and within walking distance from historic downtown Breckenridge.

Also this winter, guests staying at official lodging properties of Breckenridge Ski Resort, including these properties in the Cyber Monday Sale can take part in “First Tracks Fridays” and receive access to the mountain one hour before it opens to the general public on Friday mornings from mid-December through March.

Check out the deals below or log on to http://www.snow.com/cybermonday for more information. These deals cannot be booked until 12:01 a.m. MDT on Dec. 1, 2014.

10 reasons Breckenridge is one of best ski resorts

The changing leaves and colder temperatures can only mean one thing: Breckenridge Ski Resort’s opening is just around the corner.  With opening day set for Nov. 7, Breck is sharing the top ten reasons to get excited for the 2014-15 winter ski season at one of the most popular ski resorts in North America.

10. One of Colorado’s Best Ski Towns Breckenridge is world-renowned for its welcoming spirit and friendly locals.  With over 200 restaurants, bars, and shops and numerous year-round activities and events, Breck embodies more than just a destination; it inspires a way of life. And by the way, this 155-year-old historic hamlet and its famous Main Street are just steps from the ski resort – a location unmatched in the ski industry.

9. A New Colorado SuperChair. New this year, the Colorado SuperChair is getting an upgrade from a quad express to a six-passenger express to provide a 28 percent increase in capacity for Peak 8’s primary lift. This will help disperse skiers to the surrounding peaks and provide a faster route for skiers and riders traversing the resort.

8. This Season Marks 30 Years of Snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort.  Beginning with the 1984-85 season, Breck became one of the first major ski resorts to allow snowboarding. This embrace of a wild new sport resulted in hosting one of the initial major snowboard competitions in the industry, one year later. Breck solidified its place at the very pinnacle of freestyle snowboarding and skiing with the addition of an Olympic-sized 22-foot superpipe, which anchors the resort’s award-winning Freeway Terrain Park. With four terrain parks creating a park progression system for beginners and intermediates, including the top-ranked Freeway Terrain Park and SuperPipe and the Park Lane Terrain Park, Breckenridge remains on the forefront of the industry.

7. World-renowned Ski SchoolThere are a variety of options for riders of all abilities at Breckenridge Ski and Ride School, including new camps this year. Private Lessons: The ultimate customized experience. Our pros will take up to six students and cater to the needs/wants of the participants.  A private lesson is a sure way to accelerate skills and progress with as much individual feedback as requested. Camps: This season guests can choose from four specialized camps: two women’s camps, Jan. 23-25 and Feb. 20-22, 2015; a ‘steeps’ camp, Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2015; and the Kid’s Park and Pipe Camp, Feb. 20-22, 2015.

6. DoubleTree from A to Zzzz: A New All-Inclusive Package. Guests can enjoy the convenience of an all-inclusive resort from arrival to late night and receive lodging, food and drinks all for one low price when they book The Double Tree by Hilton Breckenridge’s All Inclusive Package. Grab a quick breakfast or lunch at the Made Market, enjoy house drinks, wine and draft beer for Après, or treat the family to a gourmet farm to table dinner at the 9600 Kitchen – all without having to get out your wallet!

5. Peak 6. Last season, Breckenridge Ski Resort added over 540 acres with its Peak 6 expansion just north of Peak 7. Peak 6 includes 400 acres of lift-served terrain and 143 acres of hike-to terrain, representing a 23 percent increase in resort’s skiable acres. Peak 6 features high-alpine, intermediate bowl skiing – a rare find in North America.

4. New on-mountain dining. The Peak 9 Restaurant will reopen as The Overlook with a renovated interior, including a new kitchen that will provide a warm, welcoming guest experience. In addition to The Overlook, the resort is introducing a mobile dining option, the Snowdrifter, which will change its location throughout the season.

3. Epic Pass. Breckenridge is part of the ski industry’s most valuable ski pass program. Vail Resorts offers multiple pass options for the 2014-15 season that include unlimited skiing or riding at Breck.

2. Exclusive special events. Breckenridge Ski Resort will feature signature events throughout the season – the Winter Dew Tour Championships, Dec. 11-14, 2014; the iconic Ullr Fest celebration of snow, Jan. 11-17, 2015; and the Spring Fever festival from March 21-April 19 (closing day). Returning Spring Fever Events include the Bud Light concert series (featuring acts such as Blues Traveler and The Dirty Heads in the past); the Throwback Throwdown snowboarding halfpipe competition with snowboarding legends (past and present); and the Breck Big Mountain Challenge.

1. Powder Days! Breckenridge received over 36 feet of snow during the 2013-14 season – including more January snow than any other U.S. resort – resulting in one of the longest ski seasons in its history.

Stay Connected
Visit Breckenridge.com for terrain updates, snow reports, lodging deals, event details and the lowest priced lift tickets guaranteed. Stay connected all season long and learn more about Breckenridge Ski Resort at www.facebook.com/Breckenridge watch official resort videos atwww.YouTube.com/Breckenridge, and follow @Breckenridgemtn on Instagram and Twitter

Vail Resorts offer Epic Pass discounts this Labor Day

Labor Day weekend in Colorado marks the official start of school and the unofficial start of ski season. Vail Resorts is celebrating this milestone with the last chance to purchase a 2014-15 season pass – including the Epic Local Pass – before prices go up on September 2, 2014.

“With unlimited, unrestricted access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin, three of Colorado’s most iconic mountains, and with 10 holiday-restricted days at Vail and Beaver Creek, there is no better value in Colorado skiing or snowboarding,” said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts.

  • The Epic Local Pass™: Enjoy unlimited, unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, Afton Alps in Minnesota, and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. Access also includes Canyons in Park City, Utah; Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe, with limited restrictions. The Epic Local Pass also includes ten days at Vail and Beaver Creek, with holiday restrictions. At $549 for adults and $279 for children, the Epic Local Pass pays for itself in just under four days.
  • The Summit Value Pass™Unlimited skiing or riding at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin all winter for $469 for adults. This pass also includes limited restrictions at Breckenridge. The Summit Value Pass pays for itself in just under four days.
  • Keystone A-Basin Pass™: Unlimited skiing at Keystone and A-basin with limited holiday restrictions. This is the best deal for unlimited skiing in Colorado and, at just $289 for adults, pays for itself in just under three days.
  • The Epic Pass™: Unlimited skiing all winter for $729. Enjoy unlimited skiing or riding at 11 resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Canyons in Park City, Utah; Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan.  No blackout days or restrictions apply.  Pass holders can also enjoy up to five consecutive free days each at Les 3 Vallées, France (Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle) and Verbier, Switzerland when booking in-resort lodging. New for winter 2014-15, Epic Pass purchasers will have access to five complimentary consecutive days at Niseko, Japan–known as one of the snowiest and most celebrated powder skiing resorts in the world.  The Epic Pass pays for itself in just over five days.

New projects bring Vail Resorts’ investment to $492 million

The 2013-14 winter ski and snowboard season is barely in the rearview mirror, but core enthusiasts and resort operators are already looking ahead to winter 2014-15.

With seven days to go in the spring season pass selling period, Vail Resorts is announcing many new resort improvements for its guests for next winter, including multiple express chairlifts and restaurants, room renovations and a one-of-a-kind snowmaking upgrade designed to automatically refresh snow surfaces throughout the season.

Vail Resorts anticipates spending approximately $85 million to elevate the guest experience for 2014-15, which brings its five-year resort investment total to $492 million.

“At Vail Resorts, we place the highest importance on offering an unparalleled guest experience, and investing nearly $500 million over the last five years is evidence of that,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer for Vail Resorts. “We’re very strategic about the projects we undertake and their overall impact on the guest experience at each of our 10 resorts. Each one of these projects is a game changer for the guests of that particular resort.”

Projects underway and planned this summer for the 2014-15 winter season include:

  • Beaver Creek Chair 6 Combination Liftand Snowmaking Upgrades – The new combination gondola/six-passenger express lift replaces Centennial Express, Beaver Creek’s primary portal. With one gondola cabin for every five chairs, the new combination lift offers a guest-friendly loading option for beginners and Ski and Snowboard School, and all guests will benefit from the 35 percent increase in uphill capacity. In addition, 34 new, fully-automated, state-of-the-art snowmaking guns will line Gold Dust and Lower Larkspur trails to automatically refresh the snow surface conditions throughout the season. This one-of-a-kind system ensures, regardless of natural snowfall, the resorts’ guests will always be skiing or riding on the freshest snow available every day.
  • Breckenridge Colorado Super Chairand Peak 9 Restaurant Renovation – On the heels of launching Peak 6 last season, the ski industry’s most significant terrain expansion in the last decade, upgrading the Colorado Super Chair from a quad express to a six-passenger express will provide a 30 percent increase in capacity for Peak 8’s primary and most-used lift. It will help disperse skiers to the surrounding peaks and provides a faster route from Peaks 6 and 7 to Peak 9, where an entire interior remodel of the existing Peak 9 restaurant, along with a new kitchen will provide a warm, welcoming, high-quality guest experience at the resort’s most scenic dining location, sitting at 11,274 feet.
  • The Lodge at Vail Renovation– Vail’s most historic hotel, The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort, will undergo significant renovations to 56 hotel rooms and the lobby for the 2014-15 winter season, including contemporary mountain interior finishes, furnishings, soft goods, lighting and the installation of air conditioning. The lobby’s refresh will include new furnishings, textiles, paint, artwork and lighting designed to maintain the boutique hotel’s authentic character and cozy ambiance. The property will remain open for business during the renovations, starting in August and completing in December.
  • Canyons Cloud Dineand Snowmaking Expansion – Heading into its second year of operating Canyons, Vail Resorts is replacing the temporary Cloud Dine structure with a permanent, 316-seat restaurant, a 41 percent increase in seating capacity. Cloud Dine is the only on-mountain restaurant serving the Dream Peak and Iron Mountain lift pods. Upgrading Canyons’ pump station will increase snowmaking efficiency by 25 percent and will enable top-to-bottom skiing and superior early-season snow surface conditions.

Spring Fever Festival and great skiing at Breckenridge

With over a foot of new snow falling in Breckenridge since Sunday – and more in the forecast – spring skiing is at its best as Breck’s Spring Fever Festival enters a fourth week of events, offering more of the Bud Light Concert Series and plenty of Easter festivities!

The Bud Light Concert Series continues on Friday and Saturday with two festival powerhouses: Colorado’s Yonder Mountain String Band on April 18 and Blues Traveler on April 19 to close out the concert series for the season. Both shows are free to the public and the entertainment is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on a specially-constructed stage facing One Ski Hill Place, a RockResort, at the base of Peak 8.

Sunday will be a family-filled day of Easter events, starting with a sunrise service on Peak 9, then an on-mountain Easter egg hunt on Peaks 8 and 9.  This year, Breck is using compostable Easter eggs for the Easter egg hunt and a new prize redemption process will help reduce waste by making sure fewer eggshells and candy wrappers are left on the mountain.