Tag Archive for: Laurel Coffman

Volunteer Opportunities in Breckenridge

Whether you live in Breckenridge or are just visiting, there’s no better way to give back to our mountain community than by volunteering a little time. There are countless nonprofit organizations in Breckenridge and Summit County that provide services to our residents, the planet and beyond. If you’d like to give back, consider a few opportunities below. 

Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities 

FIRC  

The Family Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) has served Summit County since 1993. FIRC provides a variety of services like housing assistance, mental health navigation, food market, parenting support and so much more. FIRC is always looking for volunteers to assist in their food markets and in their thrift store in Breckenridge, Thrift & Treasure. 

Smart Bellies 

Smart Bellies is a backpack food program that has been feeding students in Summit and Lake Counties since 2018. Each week this generous nonprofit provides nutritious, kid-friendly meals and family bags of produce to children and families in our community. You can sign up to help pick up supplies, pack bags of food or deliver directly to homes.  

Breckenridge Backstage Theater 

Breckenridge Backstage Theater relies on volunteers to help them put on amazing performances and events. During their theater rotation they are often looking for volunteers to help with concessions, tickets, constructions and more. Why not catch a show and support a local nonprofit at the same time?

Volunteers working on a trail in Breckenridge.

Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities 

Friends of the Dillon Ranger District 

If you happen to find yourself in Breckenridge in the summer, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) is always seeking volunteers to help with trail and forest health projects. If you enjoy some of the hundreds of miles of trails throughout Breckenridge, volunteering to help restore and build trails is a great way to give back to the land.  

Summit Huts 

If you enjoy backcountry skiing in the winter or long hikes in the summer, you may have noticed a few backcountry cabins on your adventures. These incredible cabins can be rented by backcountry travelers, but they need help to be maintained! These volunteer opportunities typically include physical labor like wood splitting and maintenance projects. Volunteers are rewarded with a free night stay in any of the Summit Huts Hutmasters Quarters for each day of volunteer work. 

Breckenridge Events 

Breckenridge is a town full of popular events like Oktoberfest, the International Snow Sculpture Championships, Wine Classic, Breck Film Fest and more. Many of these events are looking for volunteers like you to help the event run smoothly. At celebrations like Oktoberfest, volunteers receive a stein and two drink tokens which makes your time giving back even sweeter! 

Racers at the starting arch at the RAM Walk in Breckenridge

Charity Events 

FIRC Fashion Show 

If you don’t have time to volunteer with FIRC at the thrift store or food markets, attending their annual Fashion Show fundraiser is a fantastic way to show your support. Each year local models use reimagined thrift store finds to bring a new theme to life.  

RAM Walk 

The Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk was established in memory of Rob Millisor, one of the owners/developers of Breckenridge Grand Vacations. Each year you can participate in the race or walk to raise money for heart health research which has included the installation of AED units around Breckenridge. If you can’t make the event, you can opt to donate. The total raised from 2016 –2022 has been over $1 million. 

The Great Rubber Duck Race 

This longstanding Summit County Tradition, put on by the Summit Foundation, has supported our mountain community for more than three decades. The race typically takes place on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. The race itself features over 10,000 ducks, purchased by donation, that race down the Blue River in the heart of Breckenridge, vying for the top spot and prizes. 

Rubber ducks floating down the Blue River in Breckenridge

Don’t Have Time to Volunteer?  

If you can’t give back time but would like to donate in some way, the Summit Foundation is a fantastic organization that has supported our community for over 35 years. The Summit Foundation has given $46 million back to the community since 1984 and provides student scholarships and grants to local nonprofits. You can feel good knowing your dollars will go directly to the community you know and love.

You Don’t Want to Miss Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest

Praise Ullr and pray for snow! Breckenridge will celebrate its iconic Ullr Fest this year December 8–11 and you won’t want to miss it. If you have questions like, “what the heck is Ullr Fest?” and “how can I join in on the fun?” we’ve got you covered.

How Breckenridge is a Regenerative Travel Destination

Sustainable travel has become an important part in choosing vacation destinations and Breckenridge does it well as a Mountain IDEAL sustainable destination. But have you heard of regenerative travel? Regenerative travel focuses on how travel can improve not only the environment but the communities that people visit so you can have a net positive impact on the destination you are visiting.  

How can you do that with a trip to Breckenridge? Read on to find out all the ways you can give back to this beautiful mountain town when you visit.  

Sustainability in Breckenridge 

Breckenridge has a carbon-neutral goal of being powered by 100% renewable energy by 2035 and there are many actions you can take during your visit to contribute. Free public transportation is available throughout Breckenridge and Summit County so you can reduce your footprint while you sit back and relax. In addition, the Town of Breckenridge has a bag fee of 10 cents per bag, so bringing your own reusable bag is highly encouraged.  

If you are looking for more ways to travel and stay sustainably in Breckenridge, our Sustainable Travel Guide has you covered. 

Group of Mountain Bikers in Breckenridge

B Like Breckenridge 

B Like Breckenridge is a movement born in the spirit of our historic mountain town by the Town of Breckenridge. According to the Town of Breckenridge, its cause is “one that reminds us to act with intention. To be thoughtful in how we interact with nature, wildlife and one another. And to do our part daily, however big or small, to preserve and protect our communities, our natural environment, and our world.” 

B Like Breckenridge embraces the spirit of regenerative travel and encourages using less, walking more, leaving no trace, sticking to the trails, respecting wildlife, nature, and each other, and being a responsible steward of our communities. 

Two people volunteering on trail work in Breckenridge

Volunteer Your Time  

There are so many ways to volunteer your time during a trip to Breckenridge. Countless nonprofit organizations that serve the community seek weekly volunteers like the Family and Interculture Resource Center and Smart Bellies. Breckenridge also hosts a plethora of amazing events throughout the year. If you’re coming to town for one of these events, consider volunteering a few hours. By volunteering at these events, you typically receive free entry or drink vouchers!  

Aerial View of Breckenridge Ski Resort, the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and the Grand Colorado on Peak 8

Stay with a Company that Gives Back 

Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) is the family-owned parent company of Grand Timber Lodge, the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 in Breckenridge. The owners of BGV realized they have an obligation to financially support the many nonprofit agencies that make Summit County such a wonderful place to live.  

BGV Gives was established to facilitate and further extend BGV’s philanthropic reach and impact in the community and now supports hundreds of local nonprofits and organizations. One prominent initiative includes the annual Rob Millisor Heart Health Walk that has contributed over $1 million to The Rob Millisor Heart Health Fund at The Summit Foundation to support heart health programs, education and research. 

By booking your stay at one of BGV’s properties you are actively contributing to the success of BGV Give’s philanthropic efforts and the local community!  

Spooky Guide to Halloween in Summit County

Trick or treat, get spooked and have a hauntingly good time this Halloween in Breckenridge and Summit County. If you enjoy the darker side of things, discover ghostly tours and escape rooms. For family-friendly fun head to a festival or Main Street trick-or-treat night. The changing leaves and crisp autumn air are sure to put you in a perfectly haunting mood this spooky season. 

Woman having her face painted at Dia De Los Muertos celebration in Breckenridge

Tricks 

Ghostly Tales & Voices from the Grave with Breckenridge Tours 

If you want to take a step back in time and get a few shivers down your spine, join Breckenridge Tours for a historic and spooky tour. The best options for October are the Ghostly Tales tour, a ghost hunting tour around Breckenridge or Voices from the Grave, which starts at the original cemetery of Breckenridge.  

Escape Rooms 

An escape room is a great idea any time of the year, but especially around Halloween! Check out the Wizard Room at Escape Room Breckenridge where you and your group become a part of the Breckenridge Wizard School or try the Mystery of Breckenridge at Mountain Time Escape Rooms where you help summon and trap spirits in a home. 

Tombstone Tales Tour 

Take a 90-minute walking tour with Breckenridge History at Valley Brook Cemetery and hear stories about Breckenridge’s elite. 

The Haunting of Breck Theater  

Join Breckenridge Backstage Theatre for a Halloween experience for the whole family October 13–31. Enjoy live theatrical haunted house, arts and crafts, storytelling and spooky food and drinks.   

Día de los Muertos

Breckenridge Creative Arts is hosting a three day commemoration of Day of the Dead October 1416 in the Breckenridge Arts District campus. Experience immersive installations, dance performances and workshops.

Treats  

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival 

Still on the Hill returns October 7–9 with a weekend filled with craft spirits. Start your October right with tastings, after-hours tours, live music, dinners and happy hours galore.  

Pumpkin Fest 

Head to Rainbow Park in Silverthorne October 9 for this free event! This pumpkin patch provides more than 2,500 pumpkins to community children and features a pumpkin painting station, free petting zoo, carnival games and more.  

Trick or Treat on Main Street Frisco  

Enjoy an evening of safe tricks and treats on Main Street in Frisco. Businesses on Main Street will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, a silent disco will take place in the Historic Park Gazebo and the Summit County Animal Shelter will be hosting a Halloween dog parade.  

Kindred Spirits at the Riverwalk Center

Check out this spirited variety show on October 29 featuring scenes from the Addams Family, wand and cape decorating with the Frosted Flamingo, and create your own magical concoctions with Castaways Cove.

Halloween Fest at the Outlets at Silverthorne  

Start your Halloween weekend off with a Halloween Fest in Silverthorne on October 29. Along with a shopping extravaganza, attendees can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, mechanical bull, face painting, photo booth, pumpkin painting, in-store trick or treating and so much more. 

Eerily Good Lodging Deals 

October is a great time to enjoy Breckenridge with minimal crowds and crisp autumn air. Because this is the off season in the high country, it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of the lowest lodging rates of the year. Stay at Grand Timber Lodge, the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 or the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 for superior service and outstanding amenities. Pools and hot tubs, private movie theaters and spacious residences await in the heart of Breckenridge. 

Trivia Nights in Summit County

Trivia, great beer and great food, what more could you want? Almost every night of the week you can find a great spot to challenge your friends to some trivia and have some weeknight fun. From Breckenridge to Dillon, we’ve got you covered with all the trivia nights in Summit County. 

Mondays

Rocky Mountain Underground | Breckenridge | 6–8 p.m. 

Cozy up and test your knowledge with local beers and handcrafted cocktails. Prizes for first, second and third place will bring out your competitive side.  

Tuesdays 

Broken Compass Brewing OG Taproom | Breckenridge | 7–9 p.m.  

Broken Compass is a local favorite for trivia all year long. Bring your own food and your four-legged friends for a howling good time. Prizes include free beer tabs for the top three teams every week! 

Outer Range Brewing | Frisco | 7–9 p.m. 

If you’re an IPA lover, Outer Range is the perfect spot for a hoppy pint and a trivia night. First prize earns each team member an Outer Range four pack. 

Blue Bird Market | Silverthorne | 6–8 p.m.  

Join Quizmaster Katie from the Summit County Library for seven rounds of team trivia at Mighty Bar inside Blue Bird Market. Choose from empanadas, burgers, wood-fired pizzas and more to fuel your trivia game in this modern food hall. 

Saved by the Wine | Dillon | 7 p.m. 

A night of wine and wisdom is a recipe for fun. Grab some friends, a wine flight and a charcuterie board and take in breathtaking mountain views from this welcoming wine bar. 

Wednesdays 

Highside Brewing | Frisco | 7–9 p.m. 

Can you tell we love beer here in the high country? Highside offers a unique and diverse line up of beers along with trivia prizes for the top three teams every week. 

Broken Compass Brewing Main Street Taproom | Breckenridge | 7–9 p.m. 

If you love Broken Compass and their trivia, why only go once a week? Join in on some trivia fun at their convenient Main Street location.  

A-BAR at The Pad | Silverthorne | 7–9 p.m. 

Study up for six rounds of trivia—four themes, one music, one general knowledge—at A-BAR at The Pad, a boutique hostel and hotel. This unique bar features 26 taps in order to reduce the waste from packaging, shipping and disposal that traditional establishments face.  

Thursdays 

Angry James Brewing | Silverthorne | 7–9 p.m. 

We might consider Angry James a hidden gem in Summit County as it’s off the beaten path. This is another great brewery to grab a beer at while you play four rounds of trivia with a chance to win beer and Angry James gift cards. 

Motherloaded Tavern | Breckenridge | 9–10 p.m. 

Motherloaded Tavern truly lives up to its name with a warm atmosphere and comfort food. On trivia nights, be sure to try a mason jar cocktail and order the Fried Mac ‘N Cheese Bites from the late-night menu.  

Rita’s | Breckenridge | 8–10:30 p.m. 

This local’s basement is so much more than just a basement. Head downstairs to Rita’s for fresh squeezed margaritas and delicious tacos while you test your skills and knowledge. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams every week. Good luck! 

 

Breckenridge Main Street shops

The Ultimate Breckenridge Shopping Guide

When you think of Breckenridge, mountain sports are usually the first thing that come to mind. There are all types of activities here in the heart of the Rockies, such as skiing, riding, biking, snowshoeing, hiking, dogsledding, rock climbing, snowmobiling, camping, tubing, skating and….shopping. Yes, shopping!

Since mountain towns are often associated with rugged landscapes and harsh conditions, the world-class retail therapy opportunities here are often overlooked. But, today’s your lucky day. We have compiled the ultimate Breckenridge shopping guide to satisfy every consumer’s palate. With over 200 stores in town, you’ll be sure to find something to write home about.

Apparel & Accessories:

Arabella

Bhava Boutique 

Beloved

Big City Blues

Breckenridge Hat Company

Burton Breckenridge

Columbia Breckenridge

Folcland

Fun Vs. Awesome

Goods

Limber Grove

Mountain Goat Clothing Co

Patagonia at Breckenridge

Shirt & Ernie’s/Shirt Off My Back

Sunlogic

Teton Gravity Research

Valley Girl Boutique

Art, Galleries & Jewelry:

Collier Gallery

Gary Soles Gallery

JK Studio

Portfolio Gallery

Raitman Art Galleries

Boutiques & Specialty:

Chocolate & Cashmere

Magical Scraps

Marigolds Farmhouse Funk and Junk

Nature’s Own

Overland Sheepskin

Timeless Collections

Woodland

Vintage Sweet & Chic

Children’s Accessories & Toys:

Breck Kidz

Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory

Peak-A-Boo Toys

Rocket Fizz

Yoyo Loco

Equipment & Rentals:

A Racer’s Edge

Alpine Sports

Avalanche Sports

Base Mountain Sports

Blue River Spots

Breck Sports

Carver’s Breckenridge Ski Shop

Christy Sports (at Grand Timber Lodge)

Craniologie

Main Street Sports

Food & Spirits:

Bjorn’s Colorado Honey

Breckenridge Market & Liquor

Breck Wine & Cheese

City Market Food and Pharmacy

Local Market and Liquor Shed

Olive Fusion

Rocky Mountain Cannery

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Spice & Tea Merchants

The Cheese Shop of Breckenridge

Novelty & Gift Shops:

The Christmas Store

Creatures Great & Small

Fresh Soap Company

Global Candle Gallery

Joy of Sox

Wandering Daisy

Sporting Goods & Services:

Breckenridge Outfitters

Mountain Angler

Mountain Outfitters

Pup’s Glide Shop

Ridden

Rocky Mountain Underground

Slope Style

SureFoot

Underground Snowboards

Shopping Tips & Tricks

Now that you know what your options are, you should know when is best to buy. If you’re not a skier or rider, we recommend shopping while others are skiing. The shops will be less crowded and you’ll be able to visit more stores quicker between the hours of 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Otherwise, happy hour is always a good time to get the stores to yourself and enjoy some libations in between transactions.

If you’re shopping for winter gear, the biggest sales happen at the end of the season, so plan to purchase in April, May or June to get the biggest bang for your buck. The same goes for off-season gear and apparel—shop at the end of the summer season and you will find great deals on spring and summer clothing and equipment. Regardless of when you come, the shopping options and fun to be had while browsing are endless.

Book your stay now and take advantage of huge deals and promotional rates. Find the best Breck lodging deals at The Grand Colorado on Peak 8, The Grand Lodge on Peak 7 or Grand Timber Lodge.