2018 Snow Sculptures

Watch lifeless blocks of snow transform into magnificent creations at the International Snow Sculpture Competition in Breckenridge. At this unique festival, snow sculptors from all over the world gather to bring their best designs to life.

Technical Week

The festivities begin the week before the actual competition. January 16-21 the blocks of snow are constructed. They are given time to sit, compact, and solidify, making it easier for the sculptors to work with the snow. You can watch the process of the blocks being made or even volunteer to help. Contact information for volunteering can be found at GoBreck.com.

Sculpting

The sculptors begin their work on Monday, January 22nd. They have until Friday to complete their sculptures. Visitors are allowed to walk through and watch the artists dig out their masterpieces from the bare blocks of snow. All sculptures must be completed by Friday (many work into the wee hours of the night to complete) and there will be an awards ceremony Friday evening at 6:00. The sculptures are judged by a panel of judges. Bronze, silver, and gold medals are awarded. There is also a People’s Choice Award, for which any visitor can vote.

Viewing

Throughout the weekend the sculptures can be viewed day or night. After dark is a magical time to experience the snow sculptures. Impressive lighting displays bring added character to these magnificent works. Be aware that snow is impacted by the weather and warm temperatures can begin to play a role in deteriorating the snow. Catch the sculptures early if you want to see them fully intact. The sculptures will be removed Monday night, January 29th and the magic is over until next year.

Kids’ Events

Kids and grown-ups alike look forward to this event. There is typically a snow sculpture that is not part of the competition that kids are invited to play on. On Saturday, the 27th, kids 9 and up are invited to participate in the junior sculpting competition. They will get to work on a sculpture using the same type of snow blocks as the competitive sculptors, and learn the craft of sculpting from Breckenridge’s own sculptor, Mauricio Meneses. This event will take place at Main Street Station and is free and open to the public.

Location

The snow sculpture competition will take place in the area around the River Walk Center, off of West Adams Avenue. Free parking is available at the Airport Road lot with a free shuttle service. Free public transportation is also available throughout Breckenridge.

Plan Your Trip

Consider planning your ski vacation during the end of January so that you can enjoy the slopes and participate in this unique and captivating event. Contact Breckenridge Resort Managers to find a great property for your ski getaway.

Best Places to Ski with Kids


Family ski vacations are some of the most treasured memories that families make. As a parent it brings great joy to teach a sport that you love to your children, and kids can start learning to ski at a very young age. It is truly a winter sport the whole family can enjoy together. However, skiing with kids can also pose challenges. Skiing with your kids means you may have to sacrifice time on the trails to teaching, when you could be enjoying more challenging runs. The best places to ski with kids offers a happy medium with plenty of family runs as well as more challenging runs, childcare options, lessons, and family-appropriate après ski. This will make your family ski vacation enjoyable for all members of the family.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge offers a renowned ski and ride school. You can start your tiny tot in ski or board lessons as early as age three. Age groups continue from three on to adult. Groups lessons are typically full days, you can sign your child up for a single day or multiple days. Private lessons are also available for more individualized instruction. Or, you can book family lessons and all learn together. Childcare is available in three different locations (although Peak 8 is currently closed due to construction) so that you can choose a spot closest to your accommodations. You can even add on a ski school lesson, during which your child will be taken out for a ski lesson while they are at childcare.

In addition to great options for kids, the town of Breckenridge features multiple parks, a fun children’s museum, and many family dining options.

Keystone

Happy child enjoying winter vacation in Alpine resort in Austria. Active sportive toddler girl learning to ski. Kid having fun in ski school going up to the slope on the magic carpet lift.

Keystone has made an effort to become one of the best places to ski with kids. It provides plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging, and parking at the base, making it easier for parents and kids to get out there faster. Complimentary red wagons take the hassle out of lugging equipment and kids to and from the car or lodging. Their signature Kidtopia offers kids and family activities everyday of the week. Most activities and events are free. Learn about critters or stars from the Keystone Science School, make crafts or watch a movie. The Kidtopia headquarters also provides toys and games everyday when your little ones need a break to warm up. Catch the parade on Saturday evenings or explore the snow fort any day of the week. In addition to the amenities that cater specifically to kids, there is great terrain for all skill levels. Everyone will find satisfying skiing at this resort.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek ends everyday on the slopes with cookie time. They hand out free cookies at 3:00 pm. What better way to encourage your child to love skiing? In addition to cookie time, Beaver Creek offers childcare and an excellent ski school. They also feature ideal family friendly lodging. You can feed the whole family’s sweet tooth at the Candy Cabin. Grab a special treat so that you can power through the next run! This candy shop is located at the top of the Strawberry Park Express lift.

There are many other resorts that offer plenty of family friendly ski vacation options. When you are planning your vacation, look for childcare options, ski school, and convenient lodging for everyone. This will make your family ski vacation memorable and enjoyable for everyone!

What to do in Breckenridge During the Christmas Season

We love Christmas in Breckenridge! It is an amazing place to be during the holiday season. The whole town is decked out with lights and holiday décor. Even mother nature will help with the decorations and adorn the town with a snowy white blanket. It’s absolutely stunning. Breckenridge has something to do for the whole family. Here are a few of our favorite events during this holiday season.

Skate with Santa

On Christmas Eve you can treat your kids to the magical adventure of skating with Santa. The Stephen C. West Ice Arena is open to the public for Skate with Santa from 9:00-3:00. There is a designated outdoor skate from 11:15-1:00. You can rent skates for the whole family or bring your own.

A Rocky Mountain Christmas

The Backstage Theatre is hosting a production of A Rocky Mountain Christmas. This holiday musical features a Christmas celebration that takes place in historic 1880s Breckenridge. A family must stick together during a surprise snowstorm. Your whole family will be entertained by this charming holiday production. The show runs December 14th-29th you can purchase tickets online at BreckCreate.org.

Yonder Mountain String Band

On December 30th, catch this band live at the Riverwalk Center. The band features a sound that fuses bluegrass with rock and other influences. The Riverwalk Center offers a great environment for enjoying music. The intimate theatre feels up close and personal. A concession stand offers high quality food, beer and wine. You will enjoy an evening out with the thoroughly unique and entertaining Yonder Mountain String Band.

Church Services

You can attend a wonder-filled and awe inspiring Christmas Eve service at one of Breckenridge’s historic churches. Father Dyer Methodist Church offers a family service at 3:00 and four candlelight services throughout the evening. St. John’s Episcopal Church offers a family service at 4:00 pm and three candlelight services throughout the evening, as well as a 10:30 am Christmas Day service. The Catholic church will be hosting mass at 4:00 and 6:00pm at the Riverwalk Center. St. Mary’s will host a mass at 9:00pm.

The Lighting of Breckenridge

The formal Lighting of Breckenridge took place on Dec. 2nd. It was celebrated with a Santa run, and Christmas celebrations in the local shops and business. While the official lighting has already taken place, the lights throughout the city are stunning. Walk on Main St. after dark to enjoy the beauty, color, and warmth of the lights on a cold night.

Eating Out

Skip the meal prep so you can enjoy more family time or more time on the slopes this year. Many restaurants are open, but very busy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Be sure to make a reservation as soon as you know where you want to eat, so that you won’t have to wait hours for your meal.

A Magical Christmas

Christmas is magical in the mountains. Whether you spend all of your time on the slopes, or take in some of the events around town, you are a sure to have a special holiday. With bright lights and white snow, you can have a memorable Christmas!

Photo Credit: Carl Scofeild / Breckenridge Tourism Office

How to Pamper Yourself on Your Breck Vacation

Vacation is the perfect time to relax and rejuvenate. It is the ideal opportunity to pamper yourself so that you feel great when you return home. While Breckenridge is known for its skiing and snowboarding, it also offers many ways to pamper yourself on your vacation!

Get the Massage and the Facial

If you are out on the slopes or hiking miles on the trail, your body and mental state will benefit from the outdoor exposure, but your muscles may feel sore. Before you head home, schedule a massage. A massage will leave you feeling loose and relaxed. While you are at the spa, go above and beyond for yourself and add on a facial or body treatment. It is not very often that you have time to take care of your body, both inside and out. Take full advantage of this opportunity to go back to the daily grind refreshed and rejuvenated.

Masseur doing massage on woman body in the spa salon. Beauty treatment concept.

Eat Well

Breckenridge has numerous restaurants featuring all kinds of cuisine. You can enjoy comfort food, international food, cuisine with modern flair, or food served with a view. Try out new restaurants, new dishes, and splurge on eating well. In Breckenridge you can even eat well with out indulging on calories with all of the healthy options available.

Drink Well

Summit County offers breweries, wineries, distilleries and more. No matter what type of drink you enjoy, you can find some truly distinct beverages that are unique to this particular region. Check out the region’s breweries on Colorado Brewery List. Taste wines at The Continental Divide Winery on Main Street. Try decadent whiskeys and other spirits at the Breckenridge Distillery.

Glasses set with drinks in restaurant. Part of interior

Book a Unique Excursion

In Summit County there are exciting adventures that you can rarely encounter anywhere else. You can go on a dog sled tour and enjoy the winter scenery in a way that is entirely unique. Or, you can book a snowmobile tour for a high adrenaline adventure through magnificent scenery. Check out Good Times Adventures for their various tours. Take a magical sleigh ride pulled by stunning draft horses. Sip hot cocoa as you enjoy the quiet scenery of the mountains or book a sleigh ride to a cozy, hearty dinner and show.

Whether you love fine food and drinks, or the adventure of a unique excursion, there are plenty of ways to pamper yourself in Breckenridge. Invest in a massage, bring back some local spirits, and relax and drift off beside the fire. You deserve a fantastic vacation, so plan ahead so that you can make the most of it!

For a full list of local companies we recommend, visit our concierge page!

Dew Tour and Other Sports Events for the Whole Family on your Breck vacation

Are you looking for a fun and free event that will entertain the whole family on your Breck vacation? The Dew Tour brings extreme skiing and snowboarding to Breckenridge. This five day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 14th and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 17th. The event features individual events in ski and snowboard slopestyle and superpipe. Qualifiers take place on Wednesday and Thursday and finals happen on Friday and Saturday. Sunday features a special team competition.

All of the competitive events are free to spectators. You can watch some of the world’s top ranking skiers and snowboarders tackle challenging terrain and attempt gravity defying tricks and jumps. The whole family is welcome to enjoy this thrilling event.

Evening Events

In the evenings there are a variety of events at the Riverwalk Center. The Powder Awards by Powder Magazine take place on Thursday night. The Transworld Snowboarding RIDERS POLL AWARDS will happen on Friday night. Catch the Floozies in concert on Saturday night. All of the Riverwalk Center events require tickets and they can be purchased in advance on the Dew Tour website.

In-Town Events

In addition to the events on the slopes, the town will feature a festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 2-6 pm on the Blue River Plaza and on Main Street. Friday will also include a streetstyle competition on Main Street. Click here for a map of all of the Dew Tour events.

More Sporting Events

If you are looking for more sporting events check out the holiday ice skating show. This show features students and teachers at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. The event showcases skills and routines developed over the course of the year. The performance will be on Dec. 8th. Tickets are $6.50 and kids under three get in free! On Saturday, Dec. 2nd your family can run or watch as hundreds of Santas make their way down Main Street during the annual Santa Run.

Silhouette of teenage snowboarder on halfpipe

Register to run together for this .75 mile race or watch the fun for free. Following the race, the awe-inspiring lighting of Breckenridge kicks off the magical holiday season.

Quality Time

Enjoy the slopes together and then take in some of these fun events as a family. The Dew Tour will be sure to enthrall everyone in the family as professionals showcase their impressive skills. Other fun events around Breckenridge will keep your whole family entertained. Cherish quality time on your family vacation during the exciting winter season in Breckenridge.

Photo Credit: Breckenridge Tourism Office

Shopping in Breckenridge

When you want to take a break from the slopes you can enjoy meandering on Main Street in Breckenridge. Historic Main Street offers blocks of traditional downtown shopping. Whether you are looking for gear, one-of-a-kind boutique clothing, or souvenirs to remember your trip, Breckenridge has something for everyone.

Gear

If you are into gear, there are shops that carry specific name brand gear such as Patagonia, North Face and Columbia. Other shops offer a broad range of outdoor brands and equipment. Many shop owners and employees are outdoor enthusiasts themselves and are very knowledgeable about the best kinds of gear for your outdoor adventures. Check out Mountain Outfitters on Ridge St. for helpful staff and a collection of backcountry equipment you won’t find anywhere else.

Boutiques

Not into gear? Main Street boasts a variety of boutique clothing shops. At one of these fun and funky shops you can find the perfect, unique clothing piece that no else has. Pop into Vintage Sweet and Chic or Moxie to grab a new look.

Galleries

Breckenridge also has a rich arts culture and various galleries feature many local artists, both from Breckenridge and around Colorado. Breckenridge Gallery is on Main Street and displays a variety of artists from around Colorado featuring dreamlike landscapes, whimsical sculptures, stunning portraits, and more. Raitman Art Galleries describes their gallery by stating, “Art should be unique. Art should be uplifting. Art should be fun. Above all, the art we collect should make us smile.” The striking art displayed in their gallery is also by a wide variety of Colorado artists.

Around Town

Main Street is charming. It evokes the feeling of shopping in a small, quaint town, but the shops offer current and contemporary art, clothing, and top of the line gear. You can even get a commemorative Christmas ornament at the Christmas Shop! Nothing is quite as inviting as the warm glow of the lights through the shop windows just after sunset on Main Street. While you can find just about everything you need and want right on Main Street, don’t forget to get off the beaten path and check out the shops and galleries on Ridge St., French St. and the gear shops on N. Park Avenue. When you are not enjoying all of the outdoor activity Breckenridge has to offer, take time to stroll around town and enjoy the shops. For a full directory of shops in Breckenridge check out GoBreck.

Photos: Breckenridge Tourism Office

How to Save Money on Your Vacation Rental Property with Energy Saving Improvements

Utility and maintenance expenses can be overwhelming when it owning a home. It can be particularly burdensome with a second home. Second homes or vacation homes often function very differently than full-time residential homes. There are some improvements you can make that will help you save money.

On-Demand Water Heater

Traditional tank storage water heaters use energy to heat a tank of water at all times, regardless of whether or not anyone is using the water. The thermostat can be turned down when there is no occupancy, however this is typically a manual action that cannot be done remotely. The thermostat must be turned up before guests arrive to ensure the immediate availability of hot water. An on-demand water heater only heats water when it is being used. You may have to install multiple heaters to accommodate showers and appliances, however you will save considerably, especially if your vacation home is unoccupied for days at a time. On-demand water heaters are more expensive than tank heaters, but according to Energy.gov they last 5-10 years longer than traditional water heaters and save money on your energy bill as well. They typically make up for their added expense.

Close up of female hand adjusting home heating thermostat with partial currency money in palm.

Smart Thermostat

It can be hard to program a thermostat for a vacation home because while you want it warm and cozy when you have guests, you do not want excessive heat when it is empty. A smart thermostat is more than just programmable. It can be controlled remotely. With a smart thermostat you can adjust accordingly without having to be physically present, saving you considerably on the off days.

Improved Insulation

The heater takes up a significant portion of your utility bill, especially in cold mountain climates. According to USNews heating can take “up to half of your energy costs.” Make sure your home isn’t letting the heat out. Have a professional check your insulation and make sure there are no leaks letting warm air out. In addition to running the heater less, you can prevent a host of other expensive problems that poor insulation causes, such as damage from ice dams.

Solar Powered Outdoor Lights

Male carefully replacing an old incandescent lightbulb with a new compact fluorescent light in an outdoor fixture to save money when the lamp is on.

Outdoor lights are a great investment for safety and security purposes. A lit sidewalk is welcoming to guests. Lights can prevent injuries from falls on an unfamiliar walkway or porch. Lighting also signals to unwelcome guests that someone is around. Business Insider suggests solar path lights or security lights. These lights run off of a few hours of sunlight and turn on automatically when the sun goes down. This means you don’t have to be present to switch them on. The solar power feature will save you money on your electric bill.

Sensor Lights

Indoor lighting can be complicated. Guests may have a tendency to leave lights on. You can combat energy loss by installing low energy bulbs (there are a lot of different options available on the market now). You can also put lights in key areas on motion sensors or timers. Bathroom and hallway lights are great places to use motion sensors. During the night they will provide added safety for guests, but will always turn off when not in use. Entry or foyer lights can also be placed on motion sensors or timers. Guests will have light available the moment they enter the home, but won’t have to leave the light on when they leave.

Try these improvements to reduce your energy bills, while still providing a safe and welcoming home for your guests.

Prepping Your Vacation Rental in Breckenridge For Winter

The hands of a worker fixing a drain from a scaffold

We love winter in Breckenridge! While all the seasons hold their charm, winter is the main reason people flock to Breckenridge. Since your rental property will be bustling throughout the winter, it’s important to prep it now for the upcoming busy season. The last thing you want is an emergency repair during Christmas week.

Here’s a few shoulder season prep items we recommend for every vacation rental in Breckenridge.

Make sure your furnace and all appliances are in great condition.

Male Technician Sitting Near Dishwasher Writing On Clipboard In Kitchen

Have a technician to check the heating system, replace any filters and ensure that it is in working order for the busy season. Check all appliances for wear and tear. If any are starting to show their age, consider replacing now so you aren’t surprised with a repair at an inopportune moment. A major disaster could ruin someone’s vacation, equal income loss or poor reviews during a busy weekend.

Consider investing in a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat that you can control from your phone. Turning down the heat while you property is unoccupied will save a lot on utilities.

Clean and Inspect the Fireplace, Wood Burning Stove

If your property has a fireplace or a wood burning stove, have the chimney cleaned and inspected. Make sure the flue is in proper working order. Split and stack wood in accessible locations. A warm fire on a cold night is a big draw for many visitors. If you don’t have a fireplace or stove, you may want to install one to attract more renters. Also be sure to include thorough written instructions for use to avoid any mishaps and to make this amenity simple and easy to use.

Inspect the Roof

You should inspect your roof for any damage. Clean out gutters and remove debris. If you see any shingles that need repair, flashing that doesn’t look right, or damage to chimneys or vents, call a contractor to make the needed repairs. By taking care of your roof you will extend its life. Clean gutters and proper insulation can prevent problems caused by ice dams which are formed when heat from the house causes snow to melt. The melted snow then refreezes to make an ice dam. Water can back up behind an ice dam and seep into your home, causing damage to both your roof and your interior. Signs of water damage in the interior may indicate you have a problem with insulation or with your roof.

Hire a Snow Removal Contractor

A large pickup truck with a snow plow clearing a dryway in aparment complex.

If you’ve been through a winter here, you know you need a plan for snow removal. If you choose to hire a contractor, be sure to know what their rules are regarding parking during or after a big snowfall. Clean sidewalks and driveways will make your property pleasant for guests. However, guests whose vehicles are in the way can prohibit your contractor from doing their job. Make sure you and your guests have a clear understanding of how snow removal will work.

Winter in Breckenridge is magical. Don’t let a vacation rental that is not prepared for big snows and cold temperature hinder guests from experiencing the magic. Performing minor repairs and preparing your home for winter can save major headaches and expenses later in the year.

Colorado’s Best Leaf-peeping Hikes and Drives

September is Colorado’s golden month. The weather is cool, but sunny and inviting. The aspen put on a spectacular display before the winter. It is the perfect time to head out for a drive and enjoy the high country. Keep in mind that the aspen in the high country change much sooner than those on the front range. You will have to catch these brief blazes of glory by mid-September if you want the best show. The Smokey Mountains offers a fun interactive leaf prediction map for the entire country during the fall of 2017. You can watch the map predict when the leaves will be at their peak where you are. If you plan to head into the mountains, here are three drives that will not disappoint.

Kenosha Pass

An easy loop that will take you from Denver and back again starts on Hwy 285. From C-470 take this highway south towards Fairplay. You will pass through the stunning display while the South Platte River flows down the mountains alongside the highway. The summit of Kenosha Pass offers spectacular views, access to the Colorado Trail, and a comfortable picnic area. Descending the pass into South Park, you will have an exquisite vista of this high mountain plain. Take a right at Hwy 9 in Fairplay to summit Hoosier Pass and drop into Breckenridge. Stop here and enjoy the foliage along the Blue River. Then continue on Hwy 9 to Frisco. Instead of taking I-70 from Frisco, take a right on Dillon Dam Road and savor the scenic views along Lake Dillon. From the Dillon/Silverthorne area you can get back on I-70 and return to Denver. This entire route is paved and is easy for any vehicle to manage.

Boreas Pass

If you are feeling adventurous, Boreas Pass offers an alternative to Hwy 9 and Hoosier Pass. Take Hwy 285 as you would toward Fairplay. After Kenosha Pass, take a right in Como (before Fairplay) off of Hwy 285 and follow Boreas Pass into Breckenridge. This pass is unpaved for the majority of the route, but is passable for most vehicles. At the top of the pass stop to take a hike on the well-developed Black Powder Pass trail. The aspen and views along this pass are magical. Boreas Pass is closed in the winter, so be sure to go before the snow flies. If you stay in Breckenridge for a day or two, hike McCullough Gulch or take the Gondola to the top of Peak 8 for even more golden vistas.

Independence Pass

Aspen is named for the trees that are so irresistible in September. There are several enticing leaf peeping drives in this area and getting there can be another adventure! To take the long way, drive Hwy 285 South all the way to Buena Vista. Go north on Hwy 24 through Buena Vista. The Arkansas River rolls along this road and there are beautiful cliffs and canyons to take in. At In-dependence Pass or Hwy 82, head towards Aspen. This will bring you along Twin Lakes and to the summit for high alpine views of fall foliage. Once in Aspen, The Aspen Chamber suggests driving Maroon Creek Drive and Castle Creek Road. See the famously photographed Maroon Bells in person. Take I-70 home and stop in Glenwood Spring for a soak in the hot springs, or hike the spectacular Hanging Lakes Trail.

Trail Ridge Road

Rocky Mountain National Park is right in Denver’s backyard. For one of the most scenic loops through the park and back, take Hwy 6 through Golden, head north on Hwy 119 towards Black Hawk. Stay on Hwy 72 to Estes Park. Enter the park on the east side and drive the famous Trail Ridge Road across the top of the park. Exit through Grand Lake on the west side. Go south on HWY 40, through the Winter Park area, taking Berthoud Pass back to I-70. Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely busy on the weekends during peak leaf season, so plan to visit during the week, or start out early in the morning to avoid long lines. Remember that entrance to the park will require a fee.

Plan Accordingly

These three leaf peeping trips will inspire awe and wonder as you experience the most stunning views Colorado has to offer. As you head out, keep in mind that early in the morning is often the best time for views. Afternoon thunderstorms can obscures views at high altitudes. Also, be pre-pared for cooler temperatures and intense sun. High altitudes are often much chillier than weather on the Front Range. Don’t forget sunscreen. Even a few minutes of exposure at high altitudes can cause skin damage. With a little planning you can spend a day or weekend enjoying one of Colorado’s most glorious seasons.

5 Tips to Maximize your Property Rental Revenues

Are you getting the most out of your vacation rental property? These five tips will help you achieve maximum revenue so that you can enjoy your rental property even more!

1. Focus on Occupancy to Drive Revenue, Not Rates

One of the more common questions we receive about rentals is- “Should we raise rates and avoid discounting our rates to increase revenue?” Though rates are a very valuable tool in a revenue and dynamic pricing strategy, the short answer is “not really”. The math is simple: a single $300 (that could be lost by not having competitive pricing) will result in more income for you than three nights at $20 more per night. Over the course of a 100 night year, 10 extra $300 nights will equal more revenue than 100 nights at $20 more each. Always remember- Occupancy is the key to more revenue, not rates. Rates are only a tool to increase occupancy. If you want more revenue, book more nights at a lower rate! We are not saying that we should be cheap, or undersell. But we do recommend being competitive with rates, using a dynamic pricing structure based on market data and competitive analysis of similar properties on a daily basis.

2. Professional Photos Pay Off!

Your property may be impeccably clean, full of rustic charm, expensive upgrades, and stunning views, but if the photos in your listing don’t reflect those qualities, potential renters won’t be enticed. Poor lighting, bad angles and otherwise sloppy photographs might cause people to pass over your rental home. A professional photographer knows how to capture the true charm of a property, and tell its unique story through a lens. Though many people are able to capture very nice photos on point and shoot cameras, photographers use very expensive equipment to increase the color and light spectrum, and use techniques to accentuate the composition. In addition, most of the magic in photos occurs after the shot, on a computer, so editing capability is very important. Even a mid level property can look brand new and appealing with professional photography. Your photos are the first point of contact for your property- make them stand out!

3. Upgrades and Amenities- Don’t get lost in the crowd

Breckenridge is host to some 4,000 short term rental properties, and making your property stand out from the pack is fundamental to maximizing your revenues. With each purchase you make, upgrade you implement, and addition to your property keep in mind that you must focus on differentiating your property from the thousands. One way to stand out is to be creative when it comes to amenities. Every rental home will have internet and TV. Most properties will have laundry available. Many will also have a hot tub. All of these amenities are attractive to renters, but they don’t set you apart, as these have become expectations of most travelers. To capture the attention of more guests, consider adding more unique amenities such as, unique and useful kitchen appliances, a lounge area with hammocks, snowshoes and bikes and other outdoor activities equipment, an attractive fire pit, a game or theatre room, streaming movies, or even a massage chair. While these items may seem simple, they will set you apart from other rentals, driving guest interest and overall occupancy. Be sure to highlight these amenities in your description of your rental property, and build excitement when guests are looking at your property online. Remember- you only get one change to make a first impression.

4. Employ a Professional Property Manager

While renting on your own or with a limited service/cut rate company may be appealing, nothing will drive overall revenue to your property more than hiring a professional and experienced property manager. Breckenridge Resort Managers is a leader in the Breckenridge property rental market and the global vacation rental industry. In addition to our Internet marketing company that looks after our overall internet marketing bundle (SEO, SEM, SMO, email, PPC), the owners are competent marketing experts as well. They have experience as past board members of the Breckenridge Tourism Office, Breckenridge Central Reservations, Chair of the Vacation Rental Management Association Marketing Committee, and Treasurer of the VRMA. BRM’s credentials are unrivaled in Breckenridge relative to marketing, and we use that knowledge to assist our owners in outperforming the competition. We utilize a vast distribution network of many types of lead generation services and travel partners, a professionally managed internal email marketing, an in office marketing strategy, and a comprehensive SEM/SEO strategy to not only drive visitors to our site but convert them. Managing a short term vacation rental can be a time consuming endeavor and a professional property manager will take out the headache of that process for you and drive revenue to your property at levels not possible for an individual owner. Remember- just like the changes at VRBO put many owners in a difficult situation, changes in the global rental market must be watched closely to anticipate changes, react, and keep your revenue one step ahead of the competition.

5. Rent when rates are high, and enjoy when rates are low

It might be tempting to use your vacation rental during Christmas or New Year break, but in Summit County, these periods account for the highest rental rates of the year. Rental properties are in high demand during Spring break, Christmas break, and much of the summer. If you are using your home during these peak times, this will prevent you from renting it for maximum rates. To make more revenue, and avoid the traffic, come early or late in the summer, and directly following Christmas break. Late in the ski season such as the second or third week in April, is also a good time to use your home rather than rent it. Remember, when rates and occupancy are high, that is the time to cash in.

Contact Us

These five tips will help you get the most revenue from your vacation rental property. Contact Breckenridge Resort Managers to find out what else you can do to get more from your property.