Taxes can quickly become very complicated when you own any kind of income property. How you will use you Breckenridge vacation rental property will impact what kind of tax breaks you can get. It is highly recommended that you hire a tax professional to help you find all of the potential tax breaks and avoid any costly mistakes. You should be aware of the following tax breaks as you make decisions about how to use and rent your vacation home.

14 Day Rule

You may have heard of the 14 day rule, but don’t know what it means. In order to consider a property an income property, and therefore claim deductions as such, you may not use your property for personal use more than 14 days out of the year. That means if you want to spend an entire season at your property, you cannot count it exclusively as a rental property and claim losses. However, you can make proportional deductions. Alternatively, if you rent your property less than 14 days you do not have to classify it as an income property. Avalara points out that days used to perform maintenance on the property are not counted as personal use days. You may be able to extend your vacation as long as you are fixing or upgrading your property.

Mortgage Interest

The new tax code has changed the amount of debt that you can receive a mortgage interest deduction for. Fortunately, this new change does not impact rental properties. If your vacation home is a full time rental property you can deduct all of the interest on the mortgage as a business expense.

Fees

TurboTax reminds vacation rental owners that any fees you pay to services that maintain, advertise, or book your vacation rental can be deducted as business expenses. Some services charge a percentage of your rental, while other require a subscription fee, or flat fee. Keep track of what you pay to advertise and book your home, because it can save you some money in taxes.

Travel

Travel to your vacation rental property can be deducted if it is directly related to renting the property, according to Accounting Today. Mileage for driving to meet a renter, clean the property, or make repairs can be deducted. Keep track of your mileage and a log of what business function you performed while you were there.

Excellent Records

If you are paying income tax on your Breck vacation rental property, the number of deductions continue to go on and on, just as though your are running a business, or are an independent contractor. Meticulous records will be your best friend when is comes to tax time. Be sure to keep track of all the expenses put into your vacation rental, ranging from a bottle of windex to a new heating system. With excellent records, a competent tax professional can help you take advantage of all the potential deductions, while still helping you meet your obligations.

One of the best things about skiing is that the whole family can enjoy it. Even four and five year olds can ride a lift and get down a hill with some practice. Teens love the thrill and adventure of the sport. At Breckenridge you can find a slope that will be satisfying for everyone in your crew. If you want to stick together and check out the slopes, here are a few that are ideal for bigger groups and a wide range of skill levels.

Peak 9

If you are staying in town, Peak 9 is a great place to start out. You can jump on the Quicksilver SuperChair and have access to a variety of green runs. Everyone can pick their own path and easily meet up again at the lift. You can also access two kids Adventure Zones, Haunted Forest and Ripperoo’s Forest. These are like mini-terrain parks that offer challenges that kids can tackle to build their skills and confidence. For a warm-up, start on Frontier or Lower Lehman, but take care because these can be high traffic runs.

Family Zones

Try a family zone to find a place where everyone can move a little slower and take time building their skills without people flying around them. Breckenridge has four designated family zones, two green runs, and two blue runs. Springmeier and Powerline can be accessed from the 5 Chair on Peak 8. When you are ready to challenge the family a little more, Cashier and Bonanza can be accessed on Peak 9. Take advantage of these spaces where skiers will take more care and caution, looking out for one another. This is especially helpful if you have small children with you.

Advanced Family Skiers

For the more advanced family with a few thrill seekers, head over to Peak 6. The Kenosha SuperChair will take you to both blue and black runs. The more confident skiers can try their luck on Intuition or Wonderland, while those who are little more cautious can work down Daydream.

SuperChairs

The Quicksilver SuperChair, Kenosha SuperChair and Independence SuperChair, can all carry up to six people to the top. It is likely that your whole family can fit on one lift and ride together. SuperChairs are great meeting spots, as most runs will lead to one. Even if you take different routes down, you can go up together.

Build Confidence

Remember that it is so important to learn to ski in control. You should always accommodate the lowest skill level in your family and never push someone into terrain they are uncomfortable with. Skiing is more fun for everyone when skiers feel confident and in control. Helping the youngest and least experienced members of your family will set them up to have a lifetime of family skiing fun. Don’t forget that you can also sign up to take a lesson together as a family. This is highly recommended for a family of brand new beginners. With a little planning your family can make unforgettable memories on the ski slope.

Photos by Liam Doran courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office

As you are planning your ski vacation, you may notice that ski-in/ski-out vacation condos in Breckenridge are quite a bit more expensive than other properties in or around town. While, you might be tempted to save a little, there are some great reasons to go ahead and splurge on the convenience of ski-in/ski/out.

Ideal for Families

If you have had the whole family along on your ski vacation, you know about the endless amounts of stuff that needs to be hauled to the ski hill and home again at the end of the day. It can be hard for younger kids to manage their skis and gear and you are left trying to balance everything and get everyone on the mountain. If you are staying at a ski-in/ski-out condo in Breckenriddge, you simply put on your skis and get on the lift. The snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials can stay at home and you can pop in and grab it when you need it. There is also no need to carry skis for long distances. Your teens can stay out longer when the rest of the crew is ready to come home. You can stop in for lunch or breaks and still have plenty of time to get back on the slopes. When you are moving around a group of people, a ski-in/ski-out vacation rental will give you the most time together to do the thing you came to do.

More Time for Other Activities

Often, the hardest part of vacations are travel time between activities. Everyone is cold and tired and just wants to be home. Being able to ski straight back to your property cuts out the time needed on other transportation getting home. There is no lag between getting off the ski hill and taking off your boots. Simply ski to your place and start relaxing and enjoying the evening. You will have plenty of time to grab a drink or go out for a nice meal.

Ambience

Ski-in/ski-out lodging has great views and atmosphere! You get to enjoy all of the ambience you imagine when dreaming about a ski vacation. Some of the most beautiful views around Breckenridge are found on the mountain.

Distance to Town

At many ski resorts, ski-in/ski-out property can mean remote and hard to get to. Because Main Street in downtown Breckenridge is so close to the resort, it is easy to get into town. The gondola and an extensive free bus and shuttle system make getting off and on the mountain simple. So, while you will get mountain access convenience, you will also have easy access to all you favorite aprés ski activities.

A Caution

Make sure you know what type of terrain you will have access to at your ski-in/ski-out property. For example the Warrior’s Mark neighborhood offers easy access to a lift, but that lift only services advanced terrain. You wouldn’t want to be a beginner staying in this location and expect to ski-in/ski-out. Know all the details about your location so that you can find a place that meets your hopes and needs. Check with Breckenridge Resort Managers to find the ideal ski in/ski out property for you.

Photo by Bob Winsett courtesy of the Breckenridge Department of Tourism

Photo Courtesy of the Breckenridge Department of Tourism

Even the most adventurous kids and families can get worn out when skiing several days in a row. If you are looking for some family fun that doesn’t include the ski slopes, Breckenridge still has some great options for you! There are plenty of fun activities in the town of Breck that the whole family can do together.

Mountain Top Children’s Museum

Mountain Top Children’s Museum is a great place to take younger children when it is too cold to be outside any longer. At this museum, kids can explore with free play, trying out different experiments, building, making crafts, or trying on costumes to put on a show! This museum will keep the kids entertained and learning for hours. It is conveniently located on South Park St. near The Village at Peak 9.

Ice Skating

Take the whole family skating at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. This ice skating rink offers public skating times every day October through April. You can pay a single admission for your whole family and rent skates for everyone. Whether you are just learning, or are a pro on skates, this is a fun sport for the family to do together.

Sledding at Carter Park or Hoosier Pass

When you want your kids to experience outdoor fun in the snow, but they aren’t quite ready for the slopes, there are a few great places to go sledding. Carter Park offers a variety of hills so you can find the right thrill level for your crew. If you want a more adventurous sledding experience, head up Highway 9 to Hoosier Pass. Park in the lot on the west side and take a short hike into the woods. The path will be obvious. You will come to a steep, mostly clear slope, this is a great spot for sledding. You will wear out the kids as they run up and down the slope enjoying exhilarating rides. You can pick up a sled to use at the local City Market.

Breckenridge Rec Center

The pool at the rec center will keep your family happy for hours. The kids will love the lazy river and the two story waterslide. While the kids are enjoy the pool, the adults can enjoy the sauna, steam room, or hot tub. The rec center also has climbing walls for a whole day of fun. You can buy daily passes, a punch pack, or a family pack for a discounted rate.

Activities For The Whole Family

Breckenridge has much more to offer than just skiing. There are plenty of fun activities for your whole family to do whether you want to spend your days on the slopes or come inside to warm up.

Rec Center Photo Courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism Office

Are you looking for the best place to stay for your Breckenridge vacation? Look no further. Any place you stay in Breckenridge will offer easy access to skiing, hiking trails, mountain biking, dining, and shopping. However, each neighborhood in Breckenridge has its own feel and offers unique amenities. Whether you want a secluded getaway or an action filled ski vacation, the below post will help you find the perfect neighborhood for your Breckenridge vacation.

Warrior’s Mark

Warrior’s Mark is on the Southwest edge of town, not far from the historic district. It backs up to Peak 10 and The Falcon SuperChair is accessible from this neighborhood. Peak 10 boasts some of the most difficult terrain in Breckenridge, so if you are looking for ski-in/ski-out convenience, this neighborhood is ideal for very skilled skiers. It also has access to hiking and biking trails along the Blue River, making it ideal for summer getaways or a fall leaf-peeping trip.

Peak 9

The Peak 9 area hosts a variety of condos that are ideal for a ski-in/ski-out vacation, particularly families or new skiiers. You can access the ski area via the QuickSilver SuperChair, which gives access to some of Breckenridge’s easiest terrain. Secondly, Peak 9 is a short distance from aprés ski. Some of the best bars are within the Peak 9 neighborhood and as well as many fine dining restaurants.

Peak 7

Peak 7, which has several lodges, offers access to the Breck Connect gondola, making it easy to get on the slopes or take the gondola into town. Many of the condos available in the lodges near Peak 7 have excellent amenities including game rooms, pools, ski storage, and spas. If you want the idillic ski vacation that has fun for the whole family, Peak 7 delivers.

The Highlands

The Highlands area is on the north side of town near the Tiger Run Golf Course. Homes in this area are picturesque and luxurious. Many of these homes are situated on large lots offering quiet seclusion. The Highlands area offers the ideal place to truly get away from it all. The large homes also offer space for multi-family gatherings. Proximity to an open space provides plenty of room to roam and explore. While a bit further from the slopes, quick access is still available via the expansive bus system that runs throughout Breckenridge.

Ski Hill Road

Ski Hill Road winds up to the base of the ski slopes on the west side of town. The Breckenridge Nordic Center is also along this road and offers miles of cross-country trails. Large, luxury homes have stunning views and quick access to the mountain and to town.

The Historic District

The Historic District is also referred to as downtown Breckenridge. Just off of Main Street, to the east, are historic Victorian homes. These homes have been beautifully updated and include modern amenities. In addition, there are smaller condos tucked in this neighborhood. You can experience the quaint small town feel throughout the historic district. If you want to be within easy walking distance from shops, entertainment, the BreckConnect Gondola, and dining, the historic district is the right place to stay.

The Ideal Location

Families, couples, thrill seekers and ski buddies can all find the perfect place for their vacation. Decide whether you want plenty of quiet space, access to easy transportation, a quick trip to the mountain bike trailhead, or ski-in/ski-out convenience. Then, you can look for the neighborhood of your vacation dreams through Breckenridge Resort Managers.

Photo By Alex Neuschaefer Courtesy of the Breckenridge Tourism Office

When you are renovating your vacation home it can be tempting to follow all of the latest design trends. While you may end up with a beautiful home, it might not be the most practical space to share with a lot of people. Here are some trends to avoid if you want to keep your home simple and functional.

1) Open shelving

Open shelving shows up in a lot of photos of designer kitchens lately. While it looks nice in pictures, an article from Good Housekeeping points out that it is not a very efficient use of space. Rather than looking neat and tidy, renters are likely to stack up all kinds of this and that on the shelves and soon you will have a cluttered mess. The cluttered mess will collect dust if the items aren’t used regularly. Instead of open shelving, have nice, practical cabinets that conceal all of your necessary cooking items. Light cabinets keep everything feeling open and airy without having open shelves.

2) Whites

Many interiors include white carpet or furniture. While this creates a clean and bright look, it maynot last in a vacation home. If a vacation home experiences a lot of traffic, your whites will beginto look dingy from use. Instead, choose off-white, neutral colors. Beiges, tans, and browns will look fresh without looking dated and hide the wear and tear that comes with time.

3) Tiled Backsplash

Tiled backsplashes are very popular in kitchens. The patterns and colors add visual interest to the kitchen. However, tiled backsplashes can be very challenging to clean. Grout is always difficult to keep looking fresh and new, and backsplashes are prone to catching grease and other splatters. Choose an easy to clean paint instead. You can add a pop of color.

4) Artisan Fixtures

An article from the Huffington Post suggests that artisan or vintage lighting are popular this year. Unusual or statement lighting can date your home quickly. If you intend for the lighting to be timeless, choose classic fixtures. You also want to choose fixtures that won’t show off dust or collect dirt.

5) Florals

Bright florals are expected to be big according to the Washington Post. While bright patterns canbe fun and exciting, they are not likely to add to a relaxing vacation feel. They are also likely to loose their appeal quickly. Neutral wall colors will be more relaxing to the senses and are a timeless option. Design GoalsUltimately, your design goals for your vacation home should be to make an inviting space that iseasy to care for. Think neutral colors, plenty of storage and hiding places, and easy to clean surfaces and furniture. When there are people coming in and out of your home things will show wear and tear, by choosing enduring designs that will mask dirt you will spend less time cleaning and replacing items.

Close out your summer with the exquisite pairing of bacon and bourbon. From August 24th-26th Breckenridge will be offering the finest pairings of pork and whiskies. Indulge in supreme meats and tantalizing spirits with neighbors and friends.

The event will take place at Main Street Station and stretch into the Village at Peak 9. There will be a number of vendors that will have pork dishes, whiskies, bourbons, and mixed drinks to sample. In addition to the fair, with a variety of food available for purchase al a carte, there are several ticketed events. Most of these events require advance purchase of tickets. Get ready for the weekend by buying your tickets online at Rocky Mountain Events.

Four Course Dinner

The weekend kicks off with a four course dinner. Each course features a pork inspired dish and will be paired with a bourbon. While you enjoy your meal, a bourbon specialist will share the unique histories of the various bourbons. The featured chef will discuss the particular flavor pairings. This event will begin at 6:30 on Friday night at Sauce on the Maggie.

The Grand Tasting

The Grand Tasting begins at 2:00 on Saturday. A ticket buys you access to five pork dishes, bacon samplings, and fourteen bourbon samples, as well as a commemorative glass. There will be live music for entertainment. A VIP pass will get you into a tasting seminar at 12:30. It will also give you access to the VIP lounge in Sauce on the Maggie, and unlimited pork dishes. If you want to experience this festival to the fullest, consider the VIP pass.

Brunch

If you still have a taste for bacon on Sunday, Wheatly Vodka will be hosting a brunch at Sauce on the Maggie. Enjoy a spread of breakfast foods and sparkling drinks such as mimosas. The meal will begin at 10:00 on Sunday morning and conclude at 1:00.

Designated Drivers

To honor their significant role, designated drivers will get high class treatment during this event. If you come with your friends to help them return safely, you get free access to all the great food and music without the bourbon!

Sustainability

Breckenridge Hogfest is happy to partner Tender Belly. Tender Belly promotes sustainable and humane practices as they process their meat. The ingredients are thoughtfully chosen to be environmentally friendly, as well as good for your body. Because of their diligence and care, you can enjoy your food with confidence.

Savoring

Savor the last days of summer with unmatched bourbon and delicious bacon in the fresh mountain air. Get up to Breckenridge to enjoy this flavorful festival.

Make no mistake; property management is a job, and not an easy one. When you become a vacation rental property owner, there are quite a few fundamental decisions to make to ensure your property and guests are cared for properly. If you live in another state, or even a good distance away, it is likely that you will need some type of property management service for your Breckenridge property to maintain a professional standard. Some vacation rental owners prefer to be more hands on and deal with property servicing, while others prefer someone else to take care of all the details so they can relax and enjoy. Depending on which type of owner you may want to be, you have a couple of options to address your needs.

Full-Service Property Management

Full property management offers a “hands off” experience to owners who just want to enjoy their property and collect a monthly check. For these owners and guests, every detail is professionally taken care of; items such as advertising, booking, cleaning, emergency response, general maintenance and guest services are all included in this type of management. For owners looking to rent their property in Breck, but do not have the time to devote to a “second job” of property management, this option is the perfect fit.

Partial/Partner Property Management

Partial property management has a more nuanced definition, as these services can vary based on the needs of the owner, or the offerings of the manager. Some Breckenridge vacation rental owners prefer to manage their own bookings, and keep up with their own marketing, but require professional guest services and cleaning services. Other owners prefer a property manager to keep track of their listings, handle the marketing and take care of housekeeping so the owner can focus on dealing with guests. This option lets the property owner scale their service to meet their needs, and adjust as needed.

Choosing Which Option is Best for You- What Is Your Time Worth?

When you are choosing between the two types of vacation rental management services, think about what type of property owner you want to be. Are you challenged by technology and don’t want to manage your listings, or do you like the thrill of posting your own listings and interacting with guests? Do you want to be hands-off or fairly involved in the rental process? Would you prefer to invest more time or more money into your property? Talk to your potential property management companies about what you hope to get out of your vacation rental and what combination of services would be right for you.

Avoiding Headaches

Many Breckenridge vacation rental owners start out intending to do everything on their own. However, they quickly find it is harder to find guests than they thought, emergencies come up and reliable services are hard to procure from far away. Again, managing a property professional is a JOB, not a hobby, and demands a certain amount of time and attention to make guests happy.  Often, investing in full property management will lead to greater revenue in the long run, when your property is booked more often, and satisfied guests return. If full-service property management is not for you, Breckenridge Resort Managers is happy to work with you to find the right level of property management for you needs.

Summer in Breckenridge is the perfect time to enjoy quality time with your whole family. You can find a range of activities that will satisfy all ages in your family. Whether you are looking for high adventure to thrill your teenagers, or ways to keep your toddler entertained, there is something for every member of the family in Breckenridge.

On the Mountain

The Epic Discovery Center is full of mountain activities for the whole family. You can take the free gondola to the base of Peak 8. Younger kids will love a mini-zipline, maze, and bounce house. The whole family can enjoy the alpine slides, alpine coasters, guided interpretive hikes, mini golf, and a climbing wall. For more high adventure for older kids, check out the new Alipineer Challenge Course and the Zipline Tour. You can make reservations, buy tickets, and plan ahead on breckenridge.com.

Mountain Top Children’s Museum

If you are looking for indoor fun, the Mountain Top Children’s Museum offers hours of creative, interactive play. Kids can build and create, put on costumes and perform, or experiment with fun STEM activities. In addition to drop-in fun for the family to enjoy together, there are also drop-off summer camp programs, and kids night out programs that provide supervised fun while adults enjoy more grown-up activities. Visit their website for a full schedule of events and pricing information.

Trail Rides

A great way to experience the trails around Breckenridge is on horseback. There are a variety of trail riding outfits in and around Breckenridge. You can find a group trail ride or private, wrangler led trail rides. Breckenridge Stables offers trail rides for all abilities and ages. Small children up to three years old can ride with an adult. Older kids can manage their own horse with the help of a wrangler. Give your family an authentic old west experience with a trail ride.

Mining Tours

Mining was an essential part of Breckenridge’s rich history. There are several mines in the area that offer exciting mine tours that the whole family will enjoy. Go underground and learn how mines used to operate. Most mine tours also offer an opportunity to pan for your own gold. Learn history through experience with a mining tour. The Country Boy mine offers guided tours, a chance to slide down a 55 ft. ore chute, and time to pet the burros.

Sled Dogs

Sled Dogs aren’t just for the winter. You can get a sled dog experience with a cart tour in the summer. The dogs pull a cart and you can enjoy the scenery and the adventure of riding with dog power. This tour is available to kids and adults ages three and up. It also includes a tour of the dog yard. For a high adventure experience with your teens, you can ride a dog-pulled scooter. This tour is for adults ages 16 and up. It requires some physical ability, so be sure to call ahead to ensure your whole group is up to the challenge.

Making Memories

Breckenridge is the perfect place for families to make memories together. There are activities to thrill teenagers and engage younger children. Enjoy the mountains together during the glorious summer months. For a condo or vacation home that can meet your family’s needs, check out Breckenridge Resort Managers.

Photo 1: Courtesy of Breckenridge Ski Resort

Photo 2: Courtesy of Vail Resorts and Breckenridge Office of Tourism