Trees are a great way to get out of the crowds, find fresh powder long after a snowfall, and challenge your skills. Keep in mind that there are risks when you ski into the trees. Go with a friend, or tell a friend where to look for you at the end of the run. And, always wear a helmet. That said, here are the best places to tear it up in the trees.

Ore Bucket

Ore bucket is a great place to hone your tree skills. Only blue and black terrain can be accessed from this area, so you are sure to be skiing with other similarly skilled skiers. Take a right off the Independence SuperChair. Head towards Monte Cristo, then go towards your left where you can drop into the trees at Ore Bucket. The hill isn’t too steep through Ore Bucket allowing you to take some more generous turns around the trees. You can finish up with Monte Cristo all the way back to the Independence SuperChair or take the Zendo Chair over to Peak 6.

The Burn

The Burn is spread out, offering plenty of lines to maneuver through. If you want to try out a tree run, The Burn is a great place to start. Take the Falcon SuperChair and make a hard right when you unload. Follow Crystal under the lift. You can take a left into the trees. You will come out on Upper Lehman, so keep an eye out for other skiers on this popular run.

Needle’s Eye

Rightfully named, this tight tree run is for the experts. If you are starting from the bottom, take the BeaverRun SuperChair and unload to the right. Head past The Overlook and follow Volunteer to the left of the C-Chair. A little more than halfway down Volunteer you can drop into the dense trees though a gate on the left. Needle’s Eye can be closed from time to time, so don’t cross any gates or rope lines.

Haunted Forest

If your skiing with the kids and want to give them a chance for adventure, check out the Haunted Forest or Ripperoo’s Forest. Both of these tree runs are designed for kids to try out some new skills, while parents can still keep a watchful eye. These runs are perfect for family adventure, and will set your kids up to know how to navigate tree runs in the future. Both runs can be accessed from the Quicksilver SuperChair.

Breckenridge has so much terrain to offer. Don’t hesitate to try something new and head into the trees. There are tree runs for advanced and intermediate skiers, and even kids!

Photos By Breckenridge Tourism Office

With the off season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning upgrades to enhance the quality and appeal of your Breckenridge vacation rental. If the goal is to ensure your vacation rental home appeals to more potential vacationers next season, strategic upgrades will help you attract more guests and increase rentals. As you begin to consider upgrades, you should consider upgrades that will also increase the overall real estate value of your home. Many potential upgrades can be attractive to vacation renters, but if you choose the right projects, they will also add value to your home over the long term.

Below are five upgrades that can serve the dual purpose of attracting vacation renters, as well as adding value to your home.

1) The Kitchen Adds Function, and Creates Value

The kitchen is the heart of the home and many renters choose to rent a home or condo instead of a traditional hotel because it allows them to sprawl out with their family, and create family memories. A functional and inviting kitchen with updated appliances and plenty of seating will attract vacationers. Consumer Reports informs that having updated appliances and an attractive, granite countertop can boost the value of your home 3-7%.

Renters Tip: List all of the extras you have available such as a crockpot, grill, griddle, etc… anything that you think might be helpful for a renter. Renters will know they can save money by not eating out, and can allocate more of the budget to housing.

2) The Basement Can Hold Value, and Memories

Many renters are keen on plenty of space for their children and family to be able to spread out in, enjoy, and create memories. A finished basement is the perfect place for a large family of renters to recreate in, play video or board games, or have family movie nights. The more entertaining space available in your home, the more appealing it will be to vacationers with larger families. Buyers are also looking for multi-use spaces for their use, and a finished basement adds to the overall usable square footage and offers space for a home theatre, office, game room, exercise room, or playroom. The possibilities are endless and a basement can be easily customized by the buyer, and enjoyed by a renter.

Renters Tip: Including a pool or ping pong table or entertainment center in the basement will make your home appealing and unique.

3) “Eco” is Not Just for Show

Energy efficiency and sustainability is a growing concern with today’s vacationers, and “eco tourism” is a growing sector in the vacation rental industry.  Making your home energy efficient and sustainable can be very appealing to renters, and can significantly reduce your energy bills, which will help keep holding costs down. Adding Solar panels, recycling centers, timed and motion lights, smart thermostats, or entire home energy management systems is unique and attractive for vacationers looking for the ability to vacation with a conscience. Adding these smart technologies to your home can provide property value for prospective buyers, who are looking to purchase a home with low energy costs, and eco-friendly impacts.

4) Bathrooms Are the Hidden Superstars of Homes

An updated bathroom may not necessarily draw in additional renters, but an unattractive bathroom will prevent them from returning. When you rent your property frequently, a bathroom can develop wear and tear quickly. While it may be perfectly sanitary and clean, stained grout, shower doors, and vanities can be very off-putting. Put some time into the bathroom to re-grout if you need to. You may want to consider adding granite counters, new cabinets, a large tub, or improving your shower heads. This Old House points out that even a new toilet seat can make a difference. Luxury bathrooms will keep guests happy and add long term value to the house as well.

Renters Tip: Be sure your bathroom is well stocked with toilet paper and small toiletries such as shampoo and soap.

5) Outdoor Attractions Are in Demand

Guests love to spend an evening around the fire, sitting on the patio set, grilling at the pit, or enjoying the hot tub to truly make vacation memories. An outdoor patio that makes it simple to enjoy the outdoors will attract renters, set your property apart from others, and be an attractive sales feature for prospective buyers. Creating a space outdoors that feels like an extension of the home is an easy way to add value, and improve the experience. A few paving stones, some nice patio furniture, a fire pit, and a little thought put into the landscaping will do the trick, and provide a new level of enjoyment for guests.

Renters Tip: Make sure seating is available. Patio chairs will do, but something whimsical like a hammock or a porch swing will really make a really nice impression.

A High Return

Try these five tips to attract more renters and add value to your home. An investment in your rental house can mean more revenue from renters, as well as a higher overall value when you are looking to sell.

Put March 7th-11th on your calendar and plan to come to Breckenridge to ski and celebrate! There are so many reasons to have pride in the Breck community and all of the diverse people that are part of it. While Breck is known for its world-class skiing and outdoor opportunities, it is also known for its vibrant community of locals and Pride Week is the perfect place to celebrate the heart and soul of Breck. The Breckenridge Resort website states, “Breck Pride is for everyone – LGBTQ, straight, skiers, snowboarders, beginners, experts, supporters – come one, come all! Come as you are.”

How to Register

Be sure to register for this event. Registration is free and it will get you access to special events throughout the week. You will pick up a badge that will also be your ticket to free local events, as well as deals and specials reserved for Breck Pride Week participants. Register online and pick up your badge at the Tarn Room at the Village at Breckenridge on March 7th. Then, head over to the Forest Room to kick off the week with a complimentary reception.

Meet-Ups

If you don’t have a ski buddy, don’t worry. A meet-up is scheduled everyday of the event at 9:00 am, at the Quicksilver Chair. At this meet-up you can connect with other skiers with similar skill levels and enjoy the slopes together.

First Tracks

On Friday, March 9th, Breckenridge Resorts is offering a unique way to enjoy the mountain. Make the first tracks on freshly groomed snow as the sun rises on the mountain. You can take the Quicksilver Chair starting at 7:30 and use the Mercury Superchair until the rest of the resort opens. This event requires online preregistration. It costs $25 in addition to a lift ticket.

Color Run

Bring Pride Week to a close with the Color Run on Saturday afternoon. Those who want to participate are invited to meet at the Overlook by 3:30. A DJ will provide entertainment as participants gather. Come in your brightest Pride Week costumes. Skiers will then parade down the slopes and conclude at the Pride Festival in the Village at the base of Peak 9. This event requires intermediate skill level and comfort on blue runs.

Around Town

There are also celebrations hosted by local restaurants and businesses. Check out the Secret Love Collection at the Breckenridge Theater. It is an installation that includes objects and images compiled from Breck Pride Week. On Thursday, Breckenridge Gallery will be hosting a cocktail party so you can enjoy fine art and the best local spirits. Take in a brewery tour at Broken Compass or join friends for Karaoke at Beaver Run Resort on Friday night. Celebrate the last night of Breck Pride Week on Saturday, with a dance party at the Riverwalk Center. For a full schedule of event times, locations, and special deals check out GoBreck.org.

Don’t miss this week long party celebrating all of the amazing people that love Breckenridge. Book your lodging with Breckenridge Resort Managers so that you can enjoy this one of a kind week of great skiing and fun events.

Photo Credits: 

Joseph Large/Breckenridge Tourism Office

Louie Traub/Breckenridge Tourism Office