The Breckenridge Associates Real Estate Blog - Summer Activities

Wringing the last drops of summer!

Summer in the high country can be shockingly short, and astoundingly beautiful. The abbreviated period of summer helps to concentrate all our high country warm weather fun seeking and forces us to focus as not to waste a precious moment. Summer at over 9,600 feet means few insects, crisp mornings, cool evenings and bright, dry sunny days with the bluest skies you’ve ever seen. Here are some tips to help you wrestle every last drop out of summer at altitude.

If you’ve been thinking about climbing a peak, but haven’t done it yet- get out there now! Trails are dry and snow will start falling up high again soon. Be sure to get an early start to avoid the monsoon weather that typically shows up in the afternoon. Check with a local outdoor shop for…

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High Country Summer Festivals

Since the beginning of Ski Bum Time™, which roughly corresponds with the advent of the annual Warren Miller ski movies in 1950, there have been summer high country festivals designed to keep the winter stoke flowing. It’s just not possible to have that much fun in winter and not channel it into something great for those snowless months. Our event calendar list the current ones.

And there is so much to fest about. Music, art, wine, food, biking, even suffering. Suffering? Yes, Breckenridge even hosts a Spartan Race on August 18 and 19th for those who are serious about testing the limits of human endurance. This multi-sport strength and endurance race gathers thousands of racers and their supporters, spectators and the gang of people it takes to create,…

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Summer Activities in Breckenridge

Your Guide to Breckenridge's Best Summer Activities

Unlike winter, which is all about business (if you mean skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, skinning, fat biking…) summer is all about play in the high country. And high country play is play that you want to take seriously. So now that we’ve got that settled- what are we playing at 9000+ feet?

Let’s start with golf, since the altitude’s effect here is almost 100% in the pure benefit department. Unless your first connected drive ever happened above 9000 feet, you should immediately notice the 20% or so of additional yardage that this altitude unlocks. Less resistance equals more distance equals hero golfers equals fun. Get out there and crush some drives, folks.

So if the “less resistance…

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The High Country Summer Bucket List

Last summer we had a family challenge — to have the best high country summer ever. It was our personal mission statement that we tested every decision against. When in doubt about doing something, we just asked each other, “Does this fit the best summer ever challenge?” If the answer was yes, we did it. And we did, indeed, have an incredible summer.

This year we are going to be even more intentional about our high country summer — we've created a summer bucket list. Whether it's your first or your fiftieth summer at altitude, the sweetness of the season never dulls. When something this beautiful is bracketed by the contrast of a Rocky Mountain winter, one can't help but want to drink up every drop.

In no particular order, here are some…

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Spring Break in Breck

As the Spring sunlight brightens across the slopes, schools mercifully close to allow time for friends and family to gather to celebrate the passing of deep winter and the emergence of longer, warmer days. Summit Schools take the break late after many of the ski resorts close.  This year's school vacation is from April 16-20 -- we're already in the best place to be for March and early April spring breaks.

Even the most dedicated powder hounds among us breathe a collective sign of relief as the days lengthen and the weather warms -- and not just because Spring is a reliable source of epic powder days. The cycle from dark to light, to the return towards summer, is one that humans have celebrated across cultures and centuries. It remains ingrained in us…

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Farmer’s Markets in Breckenridge and Summit County

What's not to love about a farmers market? Especially a Summit County farmers market. Where else can you shop with a direct view of towering peaks, buy directly from a local artist or farmer, do some yoga on a manicured lawn, or listen to live music while supporting local economies?

Summit County is home to several summer markets. On Sundays you'll find the Breckenridge Market at the south end of town at the corner of Park and Main in the Main Street Station courtyard. Live music, fresh bread and flowers, Colorado farms, artisan goods, chair massages and more are all represented in this pleasant shopping experience. Surrounded by brick and mortar shops and restaurants, and nestled right up against the Maggie Pond, the Breckenridge Sunday Market is a…

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Does Summit County Float Your Boat?

Of course it does. But can it literally float your boat? Summit County brings to mind snowcapped peaks, ski (and apres) adventures, endless single-track, and all sorts of outdoor activities- but boating? Did you think you would have to trade in your captains hat when you signed up for ski town life? Think again!

All the snow has to go somewhere. Add warmer summer temperatures and, bang!  We've got lots of water. Just add watercraft! 

While white water rafting tends to dominate most of our ideas about water sports at altitude, there is so much more available. Right here in Summit County we have the stunning Lake Dillon, home to two marinas with many boating options. From kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, pontoon boats, canoes, and powerboats to…

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Summer in Summit County- get it while you can!

Summer is a short and precious proposition in these parts of Breckenridge and Summit County. Life at altitude comes with high alpine conditions, and for summer that means perfect-temperature crisp clear days and cool nights, low humidity, few bugs, perhaps a late afternoon thunderstorm (we also call this break time, as you'll welcome the excuse to just rest for a few moments) peaks to be summited, trails to be hiked and ridden, golf courses to be played, farmers markets to be browsed, art festivals to attend, concerts, performances, celebrations and more. In other words, we make the most of summer in the high country.

County Health Rankings and Roadmaps use data to analyze and then encourage healthy outcomes through identifying factors that can impact…

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End of Summer | Mountain Favorites

All good things must end, but the great thing about the end of mountain summer means that powder days are approaching. High country dwellers feel a serious responsibility to make the most of every bit of summer weather, and Summit and Park County wrestle every last drop out of summer with events celebrating food, drink, history, music, arts and athletics. But the transition from high summer into fall is also a great time to explore trails and open spaces as the aspen begin to morph into their annual display of gold. Both hiking and biking offer the dual payoffs of breathtaking views and ski conditioning- as the days begin to shorten there is no denying ski season is around the corner. Why not get your workout in the great outdoors? And as for those…

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Summer in the Colorado High Country

There is so much to do, see, hike, buy, taste and watch that we have compiled a guide to some of our favorites, and links are included for your planning ease.

Hiking and Biking

A regional commitment to open space and trails creates a huge payoff for hikers and bikers when the snow melts.
Check out this comprehensive trail map.

Staying on the road more your thing? Check out this group of predominantly active seniors organizing and promoting road cycling.

For the ultimate downhill cruise, take a shuttle up to the top of Vail Pass and cruise all 12 miles back to Frisco on the bike path. Several operators offer rentals and shuttle service. Here's one of many good choices.

Adventure Parks

There are several adventure parks here in the county.…

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