A new year brings an opportunity for a new you, right? Here in the mountains of Colorado, we like to get outside and take advantage of our surrounding to have fun. And when it comes to having fun, we all could use more of that. So, if your resolution isn’t “stay awesome,” then we’ve got some great ideas for helping you get and stay on the right track to being happier and healthier “mountain style.”
Since we are in the midst of winter here in Summit County, let’s focus on sticking to your resolutions while there is snow on the ground. If you’re resolution is to “ski more powder,” start by exploring the local ski resorts. Summit County is famous for its world class ski resorts, and it’s no secret that we have some of the best downhill skiing in the world. Each ski resort offers its own unique terrain and “vibe,” and visiting each one is the only way to decide which resort is your favorite. Breckenridge Resort sports some of the best high-altitude terrain in the country (the Imperial lift is the highest in North America) with big wide-open bowls that feature steep and technical terrain. After a big snow, there is nothing more satisfying than catching first tracks in some of the upper bowls at Breckenridge. If you’re looking to gain more vertical (slang for ski more vertical feet) then Keystone Resort has some excellent groomed trails, with their popular Schoolmarm Trail totaling 3.5 miles from top to bottom. If you want to work on your goggle tan, Arapahoe Basin has one of the best “vibes” in the country with a laid-back, old-school skiing tradition that endures to this day. You can also score a spot on the beach and relax in a lawn chair while you soak up the sun and enjoy the views. And Copper Mountain is excellent for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience the hill without the hustle and bustle of some of the other local resorts. Getting more skiing in is a great way to improve your mental and physical health during the new year, so hit the slopes and stick to your resolution.
If you’re resolution this year is to get more exercise, then we recommend you spend some time away from the ski resorts and start exploring the endless trails of Summit County that only get better during the winter. Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to exercise while exploring the serene trails that cover the Summit County backcountry. There is something special about exploring the trails during winter. The trees are covered with snow which deadens the surrounding noises of the woods, providing an exceptionally relaxing and tranquil experience. Still a novice on cross-country skis and want to spend some time on a groomed trail before hitting the more isolated trails? Check out one of the local Nordic centers where you can rent skis and even take a lesson to sharpen your skills. There’s the Breckenridge Nordic Center, Gold Run Nordic Center, Frisco Nordic Center, and Keystone Nordic Center. Another great option to get some easier Nordic skiing in is to check out the river trail between Breckenridge and Frisco, which is groomed all winter long. Looking for a way to explore the trails that is a little easier than having skis strapped to your feet? Strap some snowshoes on instead!
Still looking for a little more adventure. Try out the new hot sport up here: fat biking. This sport lets you go mountain biking even when there’s snow on the ground. It’s a great way to get some great exercise while trying something new and exploring the miles of trails around Summit County. If you didn’t make the “don’t drink so much” resolution like many of us did after New Year’s Eve, then take a tour of Breckenridge’s brewery and distillery scene via fat bike! It’s a great activity if you’re coming up with a group of friends for the weekend. Reserve your fat biking tour by clicking here.
Was your resolution to do more exciting stuff? Then we recommend going dog sledding or snowmobiling! This is the perfect activity for the adrenaline junkie in the group. Hit the gas in a snowmobile and reach top speeds or cling to a sled as a team of dogs races around the backroads of Breckenridge this winter.
No matter what your resolution for the new year is, try doing it mountain style and we guarantee you’ll have more fun! Happy New Year from all of us at Summit Mountain Rentals and tell us what your new year’s resolution is in the comments below.