Discover Your Favorite, With Us in Breckenridge.

Most people who visit Colorado enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, rafting and other outdoor activities. However, there is something else the wonderful state is known for; famous craft brews! These beers are brewed throughout many towns in Colorado at seemingly endless craft breweries. Ski Country Resorts, a vacation rental company in Breckenridge, CO embraces everything that Summit County has to offer. For that reason exactly, they are a special that celebrates the Breweries right in the backyard of beautiful Breckenridge. Calling all beer hunters and occasional tasters to discover the best craft brews with Ski Country Resorts in Breckenridge. The lodging special offered by Ski Country is 20% off any property for stay dates between August 13^th - November 21^st (*restrictions and blackout dates apply). This special must be booked by September 2^nd, so get busy and book your stay today! Book online at www.skicountry.com or call Ski Country Resorts directly at 800-633-8388. Enough about that incredible Breckenridge lodging deal, let’s look at the breweries that are unique to Summit County, CO.

Sit back and enjoy the Coconut Porter from one of the newest breweries, Broken Compass. This robust porter is loaded with so much roasted organic coconut, local Garrett Shelton of Breckenridge says, “the Coconut Porter will transport you to a tropical island”. For those who are feeling a little more daring there’s also the Chili Pepper Pale Ale which combines five types of chili peppers! It is an easy to drink, smooth beer that has all the flavor and aroma of spicy chilies without the deep burn. Broken Compass’s mission is to provide quality beers to a quality town. Perhaps a new favorite will be amongst one of the many specialty brews offered by the Broken Compass.

Next up is the Breckenridge Brewery which is known for its Vanilla Porter, as well as the Avalanche amber ale. The Vanilla Porter is an ale that has all the chocolate and roasted nut flavor of a classic Porter, with an enigmatic surprise thrown in for good measure. To make the Avalanche, the brewers blend pale and caramel malts with just a touch of bittering hops to create a refreshing-but-flavorful, anytime beer. Aromas of pale grains, a semi-sweet middle and a clean-as-Colorado snow finish make the Avalanche the Breckenridge Brewery’s best-selling beer. This brewery has grown from a small 3,000-barrel-a-year brewpub into one of the most successful craft beer and restaurant companies in the nation. Enjoy a taste of history in the original location in Breckenridge!

Just “next door” in Frisco, there is the Back Country Brewery where it’s highly recommended to try the delicious Breakfast Stout. This is a milk stout (lactose is put in the boil) in which the brewers add locally roasted Guatemalan and Costa Rican coffees. Coincidentally, these coffees are roasted at the Rocky Mountain Coffee Roaster on Main Street in Breckenridge! The beer is full bodied and has a milky and caramel sweetness, followed by a mild roast from roasted barley, plus the coffee. Milk Stout’s not really desirable? That’s okay! This brewery also offers a tasty Pale Ale which was formerly known as the Telemark IPA. This is the Back Country’s gold medal winner and has a very characteristic copper color from a blend of lightly kilned malts coupled with distinctive bitterness and flavor from Washington State’s finest hops. This brew is a true Representation of a British Classic. When this recipe was originally created in 1996, it was an IPA, but now fits better in the Pale Ale category. The classification changed from an IPA to a Pale Ale because of the evolving hops profile. Despite the name change, it is still the same great taste and product.

Pug Ryan’s in Dillon has received many awards at various beer competitions and has garnered over 18 medals throughout the years. Just to name a few: silver medals for the Pallavicini Pilsner from the Great American Beer Fest and the North American Beer Awards in 2009. The Scottish Ale won a gold medal at the 2008 Colorado State Fair and a silver medal at the 2011 NABA, and the seasonal Helles Bock won a silver medal at the Craft Brewers Fest and a Gold Medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Fest.

Last but not least is the Dillon Dam Brewery. Located in Dillon, this brewery is known for the DAM IPA. This brew is dedicated to hop heads and has a spicy grapefruit aroma which leads the charge to a pile of spicy, earthy and slightly citrusy happiness that totally dominates the subtle, yet complex, toasty-biscuit malt balance in this reddish brown ale. It is also recommended to try the Sweet George’s Brown, which won bronze at the World Beer Cup in 2012. It’s a creamy, English style ale which is brewed with a variety of brown and caramel malts. It is lightly hopped and finishes with a hint of chocolate in its flavor and aroma. The Dillon Dam is one of the largest Brewpubs in the nation and one of the best family restaurants in Summit County, so go get lost in some delicious craft beer and food!

There is no need to be a beer connoisseur to enjoy all of the breweries in Summit County.  There are options for those who just want to dabble in the deliciousness. Sign up for the Summit County Brewery Tour and combine education with fun while being shuttled door-to-door to four local breweries in Summit County. Do the drinking and let someone else do the driving to enjoy a pint of tasty beer at each pub. Another suggestion is to visit Ollie’s Pub and Grub, which only has Colorado brews on tap, in either Breckenridge or Frisco. Those who are looking to add a little physical activity into the drinking extravaganza can also rent the Breckenridge Bike Bus. Pedal around Breckenridge and enjoy the scenery with good friends. Finally, it is worth a visit to Breckenridge for the Breckenridge Oktoberfest! Enjoy the fun as Main Street transforms into Munich and fills with people looking to enjoy the outdoors, friends, German bands and food, and of course delicious craft brews (*20% with Ski Country not valid during Oktoberfest weekend)!

So grab the friends, family or make it a staycation and get to Breckenridge. There is no better or more beautiful place to discover a potential favorite craft brew. Remember, Ski Country Resorts is offering the lodging special to give a little extra spending money for those tall pints.

Sources/References

Ski Country Resorts: http://www.skicountry.com

Summit County Brewery Tour: http://sucobrewtour.com/

Breckenridge Bike Bus: http://www.breckenridgebikebus.com/

GoBreck (Oktoberfest): http://www.gobreck.com/events/breckenridge-oktoberfest

Broken Compass Brewery: http://www.brokencompassbrewing.com/

Breckenridge Brewery: http://www.breckbrew.com/agegate

Pug Ryan’s: http://pugryans.com/

Dillon Dam Brewery: http://www.dambrewery.com/

Back Country Brewery: http://www.backcountrybrewery.com/

Ollie’s Pub & Grub: http://www.olliespub.com/

Breck On A Budget

Breckenridge, CO is not only a place of extreme magicand natural beauty, it is a place where memories that last a lifetime are made.  Nonetheless, there is a sad statement that provides a 'glass ceiling' to potential vacationers.  "Breckenridge is too expensive".  THIS IS FALSE.

The only reason this idea has been created is because the consumer has been going to all the wrong places.  Admitedly, there is a monopoly of sorts that has begun to cling to the Breckenridge ideal forcing businesses to raise rates or shut their doors.  However, this is not true for every store, lodging business or restaurant.  The affordable gems are still around, you just have to know where to look.

Ski Country Resorts is a Vacation Rental company in Breckenridge that just successfully completed their 25th year in business.  They offer over 200 properties in over 60 locations throughout Breck.  As David Garrett, a co-owner of Ski Country would state, "We pride ourselves on being a stand alone company that has the freedom to offer low price guarantees".  Folks, they have a 20 person home literally steps from the base of Peak 8 that costs about $100/person per night over Christmas (the least budget friendly time of the year).  Outside of those dates, it is even cheaper (especially during the beautiful Summers).  Vacation Rentals are obviously the ticket to a budget friendly stay in Breck, Winter or Summer.  Not to mention, you can eat in every meal if you desire.

Restaurants such as Downstairs at Eric's and Breckenridge Brewery offer family friendly environments that have great prices.  A group of four can eat Dinner for less than $50? Deal Alert!!!

Stores such as Beehive Breckenridge and Christy Sports have built loyal clientel bases with great prices.  There is one Christy Sports location in Breckenridge that shares the check-in location for Ski Country Resorts.  The guests of Ski Country automatically get 20% off ski, snowboard and bike rentals just for being a guest.  Find the companies that reward you for your business.

With all this said, how does the average consumer get the opportunity to visit Breckenridge?  The same way they get the opportunity to visit any other place.  Shop around, find the deals and book ahead of time.  The 'last minute' mindset will get you in trouble when visiting Breck.  Hint from everyone: dare to stray outside of the Winter only psyche.  Summers are absolutely breathtaking and very inexpensive.  There are no costs to enjoy hiking, riding the free gondola, fishing or biking.  Endlees activites in the great outdoors with cool Summer air at little to no cost.  .

So what are you waiting for?  Start your look around today and get one step closer to your dream vacation!  Just look how much fun these people had in Breckenridge. 

(Photo Credit to IG peoples: @yoktwig @lwdbridal @clayestes7 @caseycritter @caitlinsaling @teaaredubya @tnayrb03 @beans4dinner @tripl3_o

What a Start to 2014

Who knows how 2014 will go, but we sure are pleased with how it has started.  So far, this season Breckenridge Ski Resort has accumulated 195" of snow (as of 1/14/14 AM).  Over 72" of that has been in 2014 alone.  I guess we have appeased ULLR thus far; well done and keep up those snow dances!

So what is ahead and needs to be on your radar for the beginning of 2014 in Breckenridge?

• Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships hosted right here in Breck.  This incredible event from 1/21-2/2 brings the magic of snow to life.  Check out more details here. 
• Join in the Mardi Gras celebration by attending the annual Bacchus Ball hosted at Beaver Run or watch the fun filled parade down Main Street. 
• Spring Break and Spring Fever in Breck offers entertainment and events for the whole family. Still planning your spring getaway?  Check out the best lodging deals here.

All these events barely lead us into April.  There are MANY more events happening throughout the rest of the year, but we will discuss those later.  Come play in Breckenridge!

Real Life Insight

This was an experience written by one of our very own...Enjoy!

"My name is Marc and I am one your reservation specialists here at Ski Country Resorts. My job is helping people have the most memorable experience when they come to my amazing home.  I live here and am not a skier or snowboarder. I grew up on an east coast beach and never got the ski bug, even though I came out here few times over my childhood to see family. I did try skiing a few times when I lived in Park City, UT but it just wasn't my thing. Even though I don't ski or ride there is no place I would rather live than here in Summit County, CO. After five and half years I still get a smile on my face every time I drive east on Frisco's Main St and look at the west side of the Continental divide in direct view of Grays and Torreys Peaks. They are an awesome reminder of the beauty and the reason I live here and I do what I do. I love speaking to people about this amazing place. This leads me to the following story...

I frequently ride the Summit Stage, the free county bus system. I live in the next town, Frisco, and am often on the bus with skiers and boarders on their way into Breckenridge for the day. Every once in a while there are people on the "Stage" that just arrived into town on a shuttle bus and are lugging their baggage and gear. One Friday afternoon, Nov. 15th was one of those days. I got on the bus in Frisco and there were three young women already on the bus with a few suitcases and a set of skis. I typically mind my own business, sit back, and just enjoy the ride. As we were coming into Breck I noticed one of them perk up a little. I started listening to them speak to each other, sorry I do eaves drop sometimes, we all do. I realized from their accent they were from the UK. One of the young women asked another if they were almost to town. The other nodded and the other two got smiles on their faces. We came around the corner on N. Park Avenue within view of the gondola and the ski runs and I saw them all light up. It was a complete look of joy. 

That is the look I hope everyone that comes to town expresses, whether it's your first time or your 40th time visiting Breckenridge. I love this place and hope everyone who chooses to come here shares the same feelings.  Please, if you have any questions or need suggestions on things around the county do not hesitate to email (marc@skicountry.com) or call me 970-423-3075. We have some great events throughout the season. I am in the office Sunday through Thursday 10:30 am to 7:30 pm MST. I would love to talk with you".

Take Another Peak

The 2013-'14 Ski Season in Breckenridge, Colorado is quickly approaching with opening day on November 8th.  However, something is different this year.  There is an "awakening" buzz in the air.  

     Hopefully, the avid snow enthusiasts have heard that Peak 6 in Breckenridge is opening for this 2013-'14 season with 543 NEW skiable acres added to their choice of terrain.  The addition of Peak 6 is increasing the resort's skiable acreage by 23% making it easier to explore MORE of the Ten Mile Range.  There will be one base lift that allows access to the terrain below tree line, and a second lift that elevates you even higher allowing access to shred and carve the ten trails above tree line.  With trail names such as Liberation, Daydream, Sublime and Nirvana, how could anyone not have the deep desire to try the new Peak?

     Peak 6, located in Breckenridge's special use permit boundary, is the first ski terrain expansion on U.S. Forest Service land in Colorado since 2008. The project took all environmental concerns into account.  Such concerns were clearing trees, heavy equipment eroding the mountain and transportation needs for workers.  They were quick to revegitate the top soil, used spider hoe's instead of typical excavators, and flew workers to the mountain top via helicopter.  With the addition of Peak 6, Breckenridge will now have five huge Peaks, 2,901 acres, four terrain parks, 11 bowls, the highest chairlift in North America all watching over the awe inspiring family-friendly town.  It is a truly a magestical place to vacation, Winter or Summer.

     So what else do you need to know in order to make this year's ski vacation unforgettable?  It's simple; know WHO you choose to include in your experience.  Ski Country Resorts has been family owned and operated for 25 years in Breckenridge.  The owners are here every day and each employee makes it a point to connect with our guests.  When you stay with us at Ski Country, you will know who you are staying with.  What's better than that?  Oh, yes- our guaranteed low prices.  How about $129/night during Ski Season for a start? Guests of Ski Country also enjoy 20% off ski rentals, discount lift tickets and free, door-to-door shuttle service.  No one chooses to come to Breckenridge and sit around, so let us help you put the purpose in your vacation.  After all it is Breckenridge, Your Way.

Keeping Breck Beautiful

 "Starting on October 15, 2013 a fee of ten cents ($.10) will be charged for each disposable plastic and paper bag used by customers at all retail and grocery stores within the Town of Breckenridge. This fee is intended to encourage the use of reusable bags and dissuade the use of disposable bags, thereby furthering the Town’s sustainability efforts. Customers who use reusable bags at checkout will not be charged the $.10 per bag fee. Fee revenues are used to promote the use of reusable bags".  -Sustainable Breck
 

  The $.10 Bag Fee was adopted in 2011 with the main goal to reduce the use of disposable, single use, bags in town.  While we all understand the importance of helping our environment, do you think the Town of Breckenridge has chosen to implement the correct effort?  It's easy for a local to look at this new fee and see how it will play into their everyday life, but how it will affect our visitors is yet to be seen.  Unfortunately, at this time, there seems to be many 'silver linings' when it comes to charging this fee.  For example, the produce bags in the grocery store have no fee associated with them, but the checkout bags do.  Another example: a piece of jewelry is placed in one bag and therefore exempts the customer from the fee, but a baseball in that same bag would make that bag subject to the $.10 fee.  There are several more exemptions and regulations that exempt certain items from this fee.  You can view that list here.

     Consumers, visitors, and locals are not the only people affected by the bag fee ordinance.  Local business owners have to delve deep into the ordinance to ensure they are under compliance with the Town's fee.  A few examples of issues that store owners must understand are they cannot pay the fee for their customer, and unless the store owner distributes a bag that is 2.25 ml or thicker, their bags they will place retail items in are subject to the fee.  Plus they have to track bag sales, as well as sales that qualify the bags from being exempt.  The ordinance has so many loop holes that each business must understand every aspect and take into account any rules that apply to their business.

     What efforts are being made by business owners, the Town of Breckenridge and other companies to educate individuals and make sure visitors understand WHY there is a fee?  Most businesses throughout town have placed educational signage in their stores that help explain what the goal of this program is. Business owners have evaluated what bags they have in their store and how many they are giving out.  There have been Town of Breckenridge reusable bags created for convenience of visitors.  We at Ski Country Resorts are fortunate to be a "sustainable partner", therefore having reusable bags to pass out to our customers at no charge.  All in all, this is an effort to help reduce waste within our community.  That mind set may be carried into other towns, states and possibly countries.  Change starts in one place, and when embraced can spread easily and make for a positive outcome.  Help us keep Breck beautiful; read the literature on this ordinance and don't forget to bring your reusable bags to Breck!

Fall in LOVE with Fall

What is your Fall view?  Maybe you live somewhere like Mexico, Florida or Arizona where the seasons change but the temperature seems to be the only indication.  Maybe you live somewhere else in Colorado, Alaska, or Maine where the leaves still change colors and the temperatures fluctuates like Breckenridge.  However, do you get this view? It is possible get one similar, but trust us when we say there is no better place to fall in love with Fall, then in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Local retailers are placing inventory on sale to make room for the Winter gear, the restaurants are trying new menu items to prepare the exquisite dishes for the Winter crowd and lodging companies are offering deals that can't be beat.  Take us at Ski Country Resorts for example; for the entire month of October up to opening Day for ski season we are offering 50% off your last night when you stay two or more nights!  That means you can already take our low prices at $99/night, plus enjoy that 50% off special to spend two nights in Breck for less than $200! Now if that isn't a reason by itself to LOVE Fall in Breck, here is another. Local boutique store Hand & Glove is currently offering the  newest fall fashions from hip, daily wear gloves to distinctive sweaters, tunics and jackets.  Plus, their sale rack is loaded with beautiful fashions at 40% off.  So, now that the obvious reasons are stated as to why Breckenridge will make you fall in love with Fall, let us paint a picture of the not so obvious reasons.

Glowing trees radiating yellow, orange and red mixed with the freshest air will entice the senses and force you to spend time outdoors.  Bring the family and go for a hike to reconnect and spend quality time together.  Spend a few days with a special someone or good friend to make memories that last a lifetime.  You can't ski or ride the alpine slide, but you can still hike, bike, walk, talk, shop and stay in Breckenridge.  It is hard to believe there is a more beautiful place than here in the heart of Autumn.
The first step to your quick getaway this Fall is to call 800-633-8388 and book the perfect vacation rental to start your perfect vacation. We will help you with the rest!

Hand and Glove
306 S Main Street
www.handandglove.com
970-453-0200

Ski Country Resorts
213 N Main Street
www.skicountry.com
800-633-8388