Month: November 2009

My Breckenridge fantasy route

Can you imagine a 19.75 mi route (including lifts) around Breck while skiing ONLY 1 blue run while the rest is black and double Black Terrain.  I was playing around with Google Earth this afternoon to find such a route.  Of course this requires that a few of our trust fund town council members to pull their head out and approve the expansion to P6.  After all this is a Ski and Ride Resort!  Let’s make it the best it can be. 


19.75 mi route.jpg

Here is the route:
Starting at the Village, you take the Quicksilver, then head to Peak 10 for a lap on the southside.  Take Falcon Chair again and ski The Burn.  Come down an then over the Mercury, down Tom’s Baby on the E-chair side of P9.
Then go to the mid-station of the P8 Interconnect, to Imperial Chair.  Hike up to the Lake Chutes and ski back to 6-Chair.

Then to Imperial Chair again, this time head out to the Whale’s tail and cut across to P7 (Magic Carpet), back to the T-bar.  Take a lap in Horseshoe and head to the base of Peak 7 (1st Blue Run).

19.5mi NE.jpg

From the base of 7, go up the Independence chair (1st base lift since your first chair).  Drop into Ore Bucket and over to the proposed Peak 6 Lift. Ride to the top of P6, hike to your favorite drop and ski the 3/4mi wide bowl.  Enjoy the powder, and then enjoy a long, yet enjoyable ski back to the base of Peak 7 to have lunch at Seven’s restaurant.

Currently there are many great route options, but I must say, this one would ROCK.  Breckenridge has many diverse wind and weather patterns which would influence the actual route.  But the best way to get around Breckenridge is to have an experienced guide and instructor.

Breckenridge Lodging worthy of consideration

As you scan this web article you will imagine a great ski holiday with first tracks, no morning traffic, and relaxing apres’ ski activities.  A few years ago my wife and I bought a vacation ownership week at Grand Lodge on Peak 7.  At the time the ground was not cleared nor broken.  And the lift had not yet been extended down the mountain by 500 yards.  However, I knew what a great location the GL7 would have.  I was also aware of the Breckenridge Master Plan to expand toward Peak 6, which will be extraordinary. And the GL7 will be located at the gateway to the Peak 6 expansion.

IMG_0439.JPG

 I was aware of the current plans to build Crystal Peak and the new wholly-owned condos.  The price ranges were $700K -2.2M.  This was certainly more that I would spend on a ski condo.  I was looking for a different option, but still a true ski-in, ski-out top notch experience.  The Grand Lodge @ Peak 7 has exceeded our expectations.

In June 2009 the resort opened to guests.  The next phase will open in January 2010.  Our family loves the day use aspect of the Lodge.  A terrific and spotless workout facility, Adult-only Grotto (steamroom, sauna, large hottub), and the large family indoor-outdoor pools and hottubs have been our family’s favorites.  
DSCN0519.JPG
Little by little you begin to realize that this is a fun way to have a ski vacation.   During the season we plan to use the included (but limited) on-mountain parking at the Grand Lodge.  I know a number of families around Colorado who are owning at the Lodge for the day use facilities.  Funny though… those are just some of the amenities. They cost me 1/3 of a private parking spot in Vail.   You still get to use your week or two of the 5-star quality lodging, and the Interval International network (which Sadie and I use often for getaways). 
To readers of my blog, you are aware of my opinions of parking and transportation in Breckenridge.  Basically all ski parking is via pay lots in town.  During holidays driving around town can be very busy.  Lines can be long.  The Gondola is a good transportation system to get up the base of Peak 7 & 8.  And the bus system around town is very good too.  But there is NOTHING like walking out your door on your next ski vacation and putting your skis or board on just steps out the door without the hassle of transportation.  
IMG_0455.JPG
Then can you imagine at the end of the day handing your skis to your ski concierge, taking off your ski gear and putting on your bathing suit and entering the hottub (located less than 100 feet from the snow.  It is awesome.
Are you beginning to see how fun this place can be?  Now it is easy to see the Grand Lodge in person. I have included some information below to reach an on-property contact. He can set up a easy tour of the GL7. The tours usually take between 90-120 minutes.  
I have a number of long-time students who rent nice condos in town every year.  This may be the best program for them.  I also know many student who come to Breck as well as other areas.  My family is planning on using it to visit a few different ski areas and beach properties in the upcoming years.  We can just trade our week easily and visit a different area.  
P1000234.JPG
Once you see the Grand Lodge you will realize that anywhere else you stayed in Breckenridge is a distant second (or worse) in lodging quality.  
You may reach my friend and on-property contact Glen Brady directly @ 970.485.1831.
Or you can call the reservation line @ 866.476.2311 I would be thankful if you tell them the websource code:
FFJon
I am well aware of the perceived sales pressure of a “tour”.  I understand completely, as don’t respond well to overt sales pressure either.  But what I have found in my three tours with Grand Lodge (and their sister property) is that those giving the tour have been very nice.  I would suggest you ask to tour the property with Glen Brady or Ryan Beneke. They were fabulous, and the made the tour very enjoyable.  Tell them that Jon Lawson said, “Hello”