On August 27th, 2011, Breckenridge will be host to some of the best cyclists in the world as the USA Pro Cycling Challenge ends it's 105 mile trek from Steamboat Springs. This might possibly become the most watched sporting event in US history as over 500 miles of Colorado highways will become virtual grandstands for cycling and sports enthusiasts.
The race will take place in six stages: 1. From Salida to Crested Butte, 2. from Gunnison to Aspen, 3. Vail time trials, 4. from Avon to Steamboat Springs, 5. from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge, and 6. from Golden to Denver.
The town of Breckenridge is sure to receive quite a lot of national media coverage, which will surely improve Breckenridge's already world-class position among resort areas.
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Monday, August 22, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Breckenridge Records Record Annual Snowfall
This article is from the Denver Post, April 22, 2011, reported by Tom McGhee.
Breckenridge resort broke a seasonal snowfall record Thursday, while Vail has broken a 10-year mark and will probably reach an unofficial all-time high before the week is out.
As of Thursday afternoon, 502 inches of snow had fallen on Vail Mountain this season, making it the best snow year in at least 10 years and maybe longer.
By the time the resort closes Sunday, the total could blow away a record set higher up the mountain, where the resort measured snow during its first 39 years — 505 inches during the 1977-78 season.
With more snow expected overnight, Vail skiers could find another 3 inches this morning. There is a chance of snow showers today and again Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The resort's previous record set mid-mountain was 458 inches during the 2007-08 ski season.
The snowfall record at Breckenridge crumbled Thursday morning, when the resort reported 507 inches, with more snow expected through the weekend.
The previous record at Breckenridge was 504 inches in 1995-96, said Amy Kemp, a spokeswoman for Vail Resorts, which owns and operates Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.
The snow that has buried Colorado's mountains this year is the result of a La Niña weather pattern, said Matthew Aleksa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
Snowpacks are near or above average in all but the Upper Rio Grande Basin, which was at 78 percent of average, and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins, at 89 percent of average.
Barry Smith, emergency-management director for Eagle County, said flooding is always a possibility when warm weather arrives.
"We will be monitoring stream flows like we always do and be prepared to deal with any issues that come up," he said.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
Breckenridge resort broke a seasonal snowfall record Thursday, while Vail has broken a 10-year mark and will probably reach an unofficial all-time high before the week is out.
As of Thursday afternoon, 502 inches of snow had fallen on Vail Mountain this season, making it the best snow year in at least 10 years and maybe longer.
By the time the resort closes Sunday, the total could blow away a record set higher up the mountain, where the resort measured snow during its first 39 years — 505 inches during the 1977-78 season.
With more snow expected overnight, Vail skiers could find another 3 inches this morning. There is a chance of snow showers today and again Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The resort's previous record set mid-mountain was 458 inches during the 2007-08 ski season.
The snowfall record at Breckenridge crumbled Thursday morning, when the resort reported 507 inches, with more snow expected through the weekend.
The previous record at Breckenridge was 504 inches in 1995-96, said Amy Kemp, a spokeswoman for Vail Resorts, which owns and operates Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.
The snow that has buried Colorado's mountains this year is the result of a La Niña weather pattern, said Matthew Aleksa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
Snowpacks are near or above average in all but the Upper Rio Grande Basin, which was at 78 percent of average, and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins, at 89 percent of average.
Barry Smith, emergency-management director for Eagle County, said flooding is always a possibility when warm weather arrives.
"We will be monitoring stream flows like we always do and be prepared to deal with any issues that come up," he said.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
Monday, March 14, 2011
New school superintendent for Summit County
This article is from the Summit Daily News, March 10, 2011, reported by Kathryn Corazzelli and Janice Kurbjun.
The search for a superintendent of Summit School District culminated Tuesday night with the selection of Dr. Heidi Pace, currently the deputy superintendent of Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership from that district,” said school board president Jon Kreamelmeyer.
The vote followed two site visits conducted for finalists Pace and Kerry Buhler, currently principal at Upper Blue Elementary School in Breckenridge.
“Both candidates are top-notch, talented administrators with a strong commitment to kids. I want to emphasize that Kerry Buhler is an amazing lady. This was a very difficult decision for all of us,” Kreamelmeyer said.
“This process has brought to light Kerry's amazing accomplishments, dedication and leadership. Kerry Buhler is no longer the best-kept secret in this district,” said board member Margaret Carlson.
Contract negotiations are next, and Pace will start her new position in July.
“I'm very excited,” Pace said. “Summit County is a great match for my background and experiences, and everyone I've met there has been just wonderful. I can't wait.”
Originally from Chicago, Pace holds a bachelor of arts in history and a master's in elementary education from Colorado College. She earned her Ph.D. in leadership and public policy at the University of Denver.
Pace has worked in the Academy District 20 for 26 years, where she has held a broad range of positions. She started out as a teacher, and has since worked as director of human resources, assistant principal and principal. She said she has held a leadership role in virtually every department in District 20's central office, and has worked on initiatives similar to those the Summit County School District is currently working toward — like the International Baccalaureate program. A few of her recent
responsibilities have included oversight of district math and reading initiatives, the expansion of language immersion programs and development of a principal supervision program and Leadership Academy for principals, management of district and school strategic planning.
Pace said when she had the opportunity to tour Summit County schools, she was impressed not only by the leadership within the schools, but with the students.
“They were polite, they were articulate, they seemed happy to be there, and had genuinely good character,” she said. “It was very impressive to me, and I thought this would be a great team to join.”
The search for a superintendent of Summit School District culminated Tuesday night with the selection of Dr. Heidi Pace, currently the deputy superintendent of Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership from that district,” said school board president Jon Kreamelmeyer.
The vote followed two site visits conducted for finalists Pace and Kerry Buhler, currently principal at Upper Blue Elementary School in Breckenridge.
“Both candidates are top-notch, talented administrators with a strong commitment to kids. I want to emphasize that Kerry Buhler is an amazing lady. This was a very difficult decision for all of us,” Kreamelmeyer said.
“This process has brought to light Kerry's amazing accomplishments, dedication and leadership. Kerry Buhler is no longer the best-kept secret in this district,” said board member Margaret Carlson.
Contract negotiations are next, and Pace will start her new position in July.
“I'm very excited,” Pace said. “Summit County is a great match for my background and experiences, and everyone I've met there has been just wonderful. I can't wait.”
A long resume
Originally from Chicago, Pace holds a bachelor of arts in history and a master's in elementary education from Colorado College. She earned her Ph.D. in leadership and public policy at the University of Denver.Pace has worked in the Academy District 20 for 26 years, where she has held a broad range of positions. She started out as a teacher, and has since worked as director of human resources, assistant principal and principal. She said she has held a leadership role in virtually every department in District 20's central office, and has worked on initiatives similar to those the Summit County School District is currently working toward — like the International Baccalaureate program. A few of her recent
responsibilities have included oversight of district math and reading initiatives, the expansion of language immersion programs and development of a principal supervision program and Leadership Academy for principals, management of district and school strategic planning.
Pace said when she had the opportunity to tour Summit County schools, she was impressed not only by the leadership within the schools, but with the students.
“They were polite, they were articulate, they seemed happy to be there, and had genuinely good character,” she said. “It was very impressive to me, and I thought this would be a great team to join.”
Solar Panels get first not from Breckenridge town council
This article is from the Summit Daily News, Marc 10, 2011, reported by Caddie Nath.
Solar arrays at Riverwalk Center a hot topic for community.
Solar arrays at Riverwalk Center a hot topic for community.
BRECKENRIDGE — The Breckenridge Town Council gave initial approval on a proposed set of solar panels to be located at the Riverwalk Center along Park Avenue in a 5-2 decision at Tuesday's work session.
The 18-foot arrays would save Breckenridge thousands of dollars a year on energy costs, but their potential visual impact on the historic town has raised concerns for many.
“We decided to move forward and send it to planning,” Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said. “The savings are substantial and there's no outlying expense for the town. There is an aesthetic cost to these (solar panels), but beauty's in the eye of the beholder.”
The project — which would include the installation of 10 stand-alone solar arrays along the outside of the Riverwalk Center parking lot as well as several other locations around town — will be reviewed next by the Breckenridge planning commission. Bergeron said the aesthetics of the panels will be addressed during the planning process, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the arrays before the proposal comes back to the town council for a final decision.
The proposed solar installations at the Riverwalk Center are expected to generate approximately 23 percent of the building's total power annually, saving the town an estimated $6,700 in energy costs in the first year and reducing the building's carbon output by about 83 metric tons annually.
But councilman Mark Burke, who opposed the arrays proposed for the Riverwalk Center, said the green initiative is not worth damaging the carefully preserved historic look of Breckenridge.
“I am a big supporter of solar panels, but I think the place needs to be appropriate,” Burke said. “Councils long before me have created codes to maintain the historic beauty of Breckenridge. Solar panels will never be historical.”
Reactions from the community have been mixed, but many in Breckenridge say they are opposed to the idea of having the arrays in the heart of downtown.
Peyton Rogers, who works for Great Western Lodging in Breckenridge, said she often suggests the Riverwalk Center as a scenic location for weddings and events to her guests. She said the panels would ruin the vistas from the lawn — where her own wedding photos were taken.
“I just think the town should hold off at this point,” Rogers said. “Instead of possibly deterring guests and visitors from going in to use the Riverwalk Center because of the aesthetically unpleasant look of it.”
The 18-foot arrays would save Breckenridge thousands of dollars a year on energy costs, but their potential visual impact on the historic town has raised concerns for many.
“We decided to move forward and send it to planning,” Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said. “The savings are substantial and there's no outlying expense for the town. There is an aesthetic cost to these (solar panels), but beauty's in the eye of the beholder.”
The project — which would include the installation of 10 stand-alone solar arrays along the outside of the Riverwalk Center parking lot as well as several other locations around town — will be reviewed next by the Breckenridge planning commission. Bergeron said the aesthetics of the panels will be addressed during the planning process, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the arrays before the proposal comes back to the town council for a final decision.
The proposed solar installations at the Riverwalk Center are expected to generate approximately 23 percent of the building's total power annually, saving the town an estimated $6,700 in energy costs in the first year and reducing the building's carbon output by about 83 metric tons annually.
But councilman Mark Burke, who opposed the arrays proposed for the Riverwalk Center, said the green initiative is not worth damaging the carefully preserved historic look of Breckenridge.
“I am a big supporter of solar panels, but I think the place needs to be appropriate,” Burke said. “Councils long before me have created codes to maintain the historic beauty of Breckenridge. Solar panels will never be historical.”
Reactions from the community have been mixed, but many in Breckenridge say they are opposed to the idea of having the arrays in the heart of downtown.
Peyton Rogers, who works for Great Western Lodging in Breckenridge, said she often suggests the Riverwalk Center as a scenic location for weddings and events to her guests. She said the panels would ruin the vistas from the lawn — where her own wedding photos were taken.
“I just think the town should hold off at this point,” Rogers said. “Instead of possibly deterring guests and visitors from going in to use the Riverwalk Center because of the aesthetically unpleasant look of it.”
Colorado Mountain College gets closer to offering 4-year degrees
This article is from Summit Daily News, Marc 11, 2011, reported by Kathryn Corazzelli.
Final decision for approval may come in late March.
Colorado Mountain College is making progress in its quest to offer bachelor's degrees. Late last week, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education gave CMC preliminary authorization to offer two degrees: a bachelor of science in business administration and a bachelor of arts in sustainability studies. The college is awaiting approval from the Higher Learning Commission before the
degrees can be made official.
Dr. Stan Jensen, CMC president, said the idea to offer four-year degrees started about a year-and-a-half ago. Administrators at the college started talking to the community to see what the interest was, and then called on the college board to vote on the idea. In November of last year, the board decided to pursue them. Since then, the college has also gained approval from the Colorado Legislature and former Gov. Bill Ritter.
Jensen said exit reviews were very positive from the Higher Learning Commission, which makes its decision at a March 21 meeting. The commission's verdict is the final step of approval before CMC can start enrolling students in the programs. If approved, the college plans on offering the new degrees next fall.
Jensen said he was prompted to pursue the baccalaureates after interest was expressed by students and the community.
“It came out of community need and interest,” he said. “We're very excited about serving our community with these baccalaureate degrees.”
The two degrees being pursued were chosen through student surveys. Business administration was the highest area of interest, Jensen said.
Sustainability studies was fourth on the list. The two studies that came in at two and three — teacher certification for K-12, and a bachelor's in nursing — involve longer processes of approval before the college can offer them. Jensen said CMC is working internally on the logistics of getting the two programs up-and-running, but haven't yet petitioned the state or Higher Learning
Commission. He said the college — which already offers a two-year RN program — has met with and received a glowing report from the National League for Nursing regarding accreditation for a four-year degree. Administrators also have teams working on the teacher certification program.
“We hope that will be the next one,” Jensen said. “Perhaps a year from this fall.”
Final decision for approval may come in late March.
Colorado Mountain College is making progress in its quest to offer bachelor's degrees. Late last week, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education gave CMC preliminary authorization to offer two degrees: a bachelor of science in business administration and a bachelor of arts in sustainability studies. The college is awaiting approval from the Higher Learning Commission before the
degrees can be made official.
Dr. Stan Jensen, CMC president, said the idea to offer four-year degrees started about a year-and-a-half ago. Administrators at the college started talking to the community to see what the interest was, and then called on the college board to vote on the idea. In November of last year, the board decided to pursue them. Since then, the college has also gained approval from the Colorado Legislature and former Gov. Bill Ritter.
Jensen said exit reviews were very positive from the Higher Learning Commission, which makes its decision at a March 21 meeting. The commission's verdict is the final step of approval before CMC can start enrolling students in the programs. If approved, the college plans on offering the new degrees next fall.
Jensen said he was prompted to pursue the baccalaureates after interest was expressed by students and the community.
“It came out of community need and interest,” he said. “We're very excited about serving our community with these baccalaureate degrees.”
The two degrees being pursued were chosen through student surveys. Business administration was the highest area of interest, Jensen said.
Sustainability studies was fourth on the list. The two studies that came in at two and three — teacher certification for K-12, and a bachelor's in nursing — involve longer processes of approval before the college can offer them. Jensen said CMC is working internally on the logistics of getting the two programs up-and-running, but haven't yet petitioned the state or Higher Learning
Commission. He said the college — which already offers a two-year RN program — has met with and received a glowing report from the National League for Nursing regarding accreditation for a four-year degree. Administrators also have teams working on the teacher certification program.
“We hope that will be the next one,” Jensen said. “Perhaps a year from this fall.”
Breckenridge Resort Chamber looks to boost Central Reservations bookings
This article is from the Summit Daily News, March 11, 2011, as reported by Caddie Nath.
Town's central booking system struggling, subsidized with town dollars.
Town's central booking system struggling, subsidized with town dollars.
As economic indicators begin to point to a recovery for Breckenridge's tourism industry, town and Breckenridge Resort Chamber officials are scrambling to find ways to return the still-struggling Central Reservations to profitability. Central Reservation is a crucial booking agency for Breck's smaller lodging companies.
The reservation system, which generated revenue for the resort chamber up until a few years ago, is a key business driver for smaller lodging companies and is the only booking agency with loyalty to Breckenridge and a well-rounded system to show first-time guests all the town's amenities.
But the recession and the growing popularity of online booking agencies such as Travelocity and Expedia have hit Central Reservations hard, and the system is now heavily subsidized by the Town of Breckenridge with marketing dollars.
“You need to have some viability in Central Reservations to help the small lodging companies because they get lost in the clutter on the Internet,” said Breck Town Councilman Mike Dudick, who sits on the new marketing advisory committee. “We need to, as a group, figure out ways to return (Central Reservations) to profitability so all the money we have for marketing is going out in the market place.”
The town currently allocates $200,000 in marketing funds to help keep Central Reservations going, but the system will likely only need approximately $150,000 this year, according to BRC president John McMahon. McMahon said the goal for the reservations system is not necessarily to turn a profit, but just to break even.
The reservation system, which generated revenue for the resort chamber up until a few years ago, is a key business driver for smaller lodging companies and is the only booking agency with loyalty to Breckenridge and a well-rounded system to show first-time guests all the town's amenities.
But the recession and the growing popularity of online booking agencies such as Travelocity and Expedia have hit Central Reservations hard, and the system is now heavily subsidized by the Town of Breckenridge with marketing dollars.
“You need to have some viability in Central Reservations to help the small lodging companies because they get lost in the clutter on the Internet,” said Breck Town Councilman Mike Dudick, who sits on the new marketing advisory committee. “We need to, as a group, figure out ways to return (Central Reservations) to profitability so all the money we have for marketing is going out in the market place.”
The town currently allocates $200,000 in marketing funds to help keep Central Reservations going, but the system will likely only need approximately $150,000 this year, according to BRC president John McMahon. McMahon said the goal for the reservations system is not necessarily to turn a profit, but just to break even.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Summit County sees spike in population
This article is from the Summit Daily News, as reported by Caddi Nath on February 25, 2011.
Summit County's permanent population swelled to more than 27,000 people, according to the most recent U.S. Census data, an approximately 15 percent increase from 2000 counts.
But the Census numbers fall short of county projections, which estimate a 25.8 percent increase in population — a total permanent resident base of more than 29,600 people.
While the correct, exact number is unclear, county planners say it is likely in the neighborhood of 27,000 people. The planners, who calculate county estimates based on information provided by the Colorado state demographer, said they anticipated population counts for 2010 to be a bit lower than initial estimates due to the recession, which likely pushed some residents back toward the Front Range where jobs might be more readily available.
Census data show the Summit County population has aged slightly since 2000, with a current median age of 33 — up from 30.8 10 years ago. The number of residents over the age of 65 has increased from 3.3 percent of the population to 5.3 percent.
Summit has also followed a state-wide trend toward greater diversity, though the county remains predominantly white, according to 2010 Census numbers. Permanent residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino in Summit County have increased to 13.9 percent in 2010 from 9.8 percent in 2000, while over 90 percent of the total population identifies as white.
The county also made strides toward narrowing the gender gap over the last 10 years, although men continue to outnumber women significantly, according to Census numbers. Women made up 41.8 percent of the total population in 2000, but now constitute 43 percent of the total number of permanent residents.
Summit County continues to trend ahead of the state and the nation as a whole in terms of education and income. Summit County residents boast a per-capita income of over $35,000, while the state-wide per capita income is just over $29,500. Nationally, it's just over $27,000.
Approximately 94 percent of Summit County residents over the age of 25 have completed high school or some higher level of education, compared with just shy of 89 percent of people state-wide and 84 percent of people nationally in the same age bracket. Likewise, 48 percent of locals over 25 hold a bachelor's degree or some higher degree while only 35.5 percent of Colorado's population and 27.5 percent of people across the country can make the same claim.
Redistricting Colorado
Census population counts are key to districting decisions and determining political representation at the local, state and federal level, but Summit County Commissioners say within Summit County, the most important function of the data is to help paint a portrait of the county as a whole.
“The more important thing we'll do is look at who (we are) and what services we need to best serve the population,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said.
He said numbers that indicate an older population, for instance, help the county determine what programs need to be provided.
At the state and federal level, Census results impact district lines. A bi-partisan committee of Colorado state legislators is responsible for redrawing U.S. Congressional district lines, reallocating the seven U.S. representatives for Colorado among Colorado's residents.
Rep. Jared Polis, the current U.S. congressman for Summit County, said he expects to see his district shrink by approximately 15,000 people as part of the redistricting process.
“I hope to be able to continue to represent Summit and Eagle counties,” Polis said. “I expect to be able to.”
State representative and senatorial districts will be reapportioned and redistricted by a commission made up of four state legislators and appointees of the governor and the chief justice of the Colorado Supreme Court.
State district lines are drawn based on population and counties' interests. It is an area of concern for Summit County officials.
“That's one thing we have to watch,” Davidson said. “We're interested in districts where we don't get thrown in as an afterthought. That's happened to us in the past.”
Summit County currently belongs to state House District 56, which also includes Eagle and Lake counties, and Senate District 16, a collection of Grand, Gilpin Clear Creek and parts of Jefferson and Boulder counties. It's District 2 for Polis's U.S. Congressional district.
Complete Census data is available online at factfinder.census.gov.
For more information, go to http://www.breck4sale.com/.
Summit County's permanent population swelled to more than 27,000 people, according to the most recent U.S. Census data, an approximately 15 percent increase from 2000 counts.
But the Census numbers fall short of county projections, which estimate a 25.8 percent increase in population — a total permanent resident base of more than 29,600 people.
While the correct, exact number is unclear, county planners say it is likely in the neighborhood of 27,000 people. The planners, who calculate county estimates based on information provided by the Colorado state demographer, said they anticipated population counts for 2010 to be a bit lower than initial estimates due to the recession, which likely pushed some residents back toward the Front Range where jobs might be more readily available.
Census data show the Summit County population has aged slightly since 2000, with a current median age of 33 — up from 30.8 10 years ago. The number of residents over the age of 65 has increased from 3.3 percent of the population to 5.3 percent.
Summit has also followed a state-wide trend toward greater diversity, though the county remains predominantly white, according to 2010 Census numbers. Permanent residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino in Summit County have increased to 13.9 percent in 2010 from 9.8 percent in 2000, while over 90 percent of the total population identifies as white.
The county also made strides toward narrowing the gender gap over the last 10 years, although men continue to outnumber women significantly, according to Census numbers. Women made up 41.8 percent of the total population in 2000, but now constitute 43 percent of the total number of permanent residents.
Summit County continues to trend ahead of the state and the nation as a whole in terms of education and income. Summit County residents boast a per-capita income of over $35,000, while the state-wide per capita income is just over $29,500. Nationally, it's just over $27,000.
Approximately 94 percent of Summit County residents over the age of 25 have completed high school or some higher level of education, compared with just shy of 89 percent of people state-wide and 84 percent of people nationally in the same age bracket. Likewise, 48 percent of locals over 25 hold a bachelor's degree or some higher degree while only 35.5 percent of Colorado's population and 27.5 percent of people across the country can make the same claim.
Redistricting Colorado
Census population counts are key to districting decisions and determining political representation at the local, state and federal level, but Summit County Commissioners say within Summit County, the most important function of the data is to help paint a portrait of the county as a whole.
“The more important thing we'll do is look at who (we are) and what services we need to best serve the population,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said.
He said numbers that indicate an older population, for instance, help the county determine what programs need to be provided.
At the state and federal level, Census results impact district lines. A bi-partisan committee of Colorado state legislators is responsible for redrawing U.S. Congressional district lines, reallocating the seven U.S. representatives for Colorado among Colorado's residents.
Rep. Jared Polis, the current U.S. congressman for Summit County, said he expects to see his district shrink by approximately 15,000 people as part of the redistricting process.
“I hope to be able to continue to represent Summit and Eagle counties,” Polis said. “I expect to be able to.”
State representative and senatorial districts will be reapportioned and redistricted by a commission made up of four state legislators and appointees of the governor and the chief justice of the Colorado Supreme Court.
State district lines are drawn based on population and counties' interests. It is an area of concern for Summit County officials.
“That's one thing we have to watch,” Davidson said. “We're interested in districts where we don't get thrown in as an afterthought. That's happened to us in the past.”
Summit County currently belongs to state House District 56, which also includes Eagle and Lake counties, and Senate District 16, a collection of Grand, Gilpin Clear Creek and parts of Jefferson and Boulder counties. It's District 2 for Polis's U.S. Congressional district.
Complete Census data is available online at factfinder.census.gov.
For more information, go to http://www.breck4sale.com/.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Vail Resorts: Skier visits up 10 percent
This article is from the Summit Daily News, a staff report on January 11, 2011.
In a report comparing spending and visitation from last year to current, Vail Resorts said the numbers were up in all catagories. The comparative periods ran from the beginning of the ski season through Jan.6, 2011, and for the prior year period through Jan. 7, 2010, with both periods including the holiday period through the Thursday after New Year's Day. All numbers were adjusted as if Northstar-at-Tahoe —acquired in Oct. 2010 — was owned in both periods.
Highlights
>Season to date total lift ticket revenue at the company's six mountain resort properties, including an allocated portion of season pass revenue for each applicable period, was up approximately 7.4 percent from last year's numbers.
>Season to date total skier visits for the company's six mountain resort properties were up approximately 10.1 percent. This included higher utilization by season pass holders.
>Season to date ancillary spending at the company's six mountain resort properties increased significantly. Revenue from ski scool is up 11.5 percent, dining is up 13.3 percent and retail/rental is up 17.5 percent compared to last year.
“While the Christmas to New Year's week was negatively impacted by storm related challenges in the Northeast that kept some of our guests at home, as well as two days of unusually cold temperatures in Colorado, we feel great about results to date and the momentum we have going into the remainder of the season,” said Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO. “We are pleased with the performance of Northstar-at-Tahoe, as it is showing improved results to date over the prior year.”
For more information about the impact of skier visits to real estate, contact Susan Gunnin, or go to http://www.breck4sale.com/
In a report comparing spending and visitation from last year to current, Vail Resorts said the numbers were up in all catagories. The comparative periods ran from the beginning of the ski season through Jan.6, 2011, and for the prior year period through Jan. 7, 2010, with both periods including the holiday period through the Thursday after New Year's Day. All numbers were adjusted as if Northstar-at-Tahoe —acquired in Oct. 2010 — was owned in both periods.
Highlights
>Season to date total lift ticket revenue at the company's six mountain resort properties, including an allocated portion of season pass revenue for each applicable period, was up approximately 7.4 percent from last year's numbers.
>Season to date total skier visits for the company's six mountain resort properties were up approximately 10.1 percent. This included higher utilization by season pass holders.
>Season to date ancillary spending at the company's six mountain resort properties increased significantly. Revenue from ski scool is up 11.5 percent, dining is up 13.3 percent and retail/rental is up 17.5 percent compared to last year.
“While the Christmas to New Year's week was negatively impacted by storm related challenges in the Northeast that kept some of our guests at home, as well as two days of unusually cold temperatures in Colorado, we feel great about results to date and the momentum we have going into the remainder of the season,” said Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO. “We are pleased with the performance of Northstar-at-Tahoe, as it is showing improved results to date over the prior year.”
For more information about the impact of skier visits to real estate, contact Susan Gunnin, or go to http://www.breck4sale.com/
Monday, January 03, 2011
Early Jan. looking up for Breckenridge lodging companies
(This article is from the Summit Daily News, January 3,2011, reported by Caddie Nath.)
Occupancy rates pacing 10-15 percent higher than same time last year.
The new year is likely to get off to an excellent start for the Breckenridge lodging community, with reservations for the first week of 2011 trending significantly higher than the same time last year.
As of mid-December, occupancy rates for the first week of January were pacing 10 to 15 percent higher than the same time last year, according to data released by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber. Room occupancy is expected to break 80 percent in the first few days of 2011.
The BRC is chalking the trend up to a recovering economy, lodging deals offered on bookings and an early season snowfall at Breckenridge Ski Resort that has blown away recent averages.
“I think people have to take the snow into consideration,” BRC spokeswoman Rachel Zerowin said of the spiking early January numbers. “It's just amazing conditions, and it's made the news all over the country. Between the snow and the apparent uptick in the economy and these early season deals, we are seeing a lot more people that are willing to travel.”
The ski resort had seen 85 inches of snow in December alone as of Tuesday and a season total of nearly 200 inches. With three days left in the month, December was already the best month on record with the resort in 10 years and was 73 percent above the 10-year average for December.
The slowly reviving economy may also be playing its part in the upswing in early January lodging numbers as skiers and snowboarders return to the slopes to enjoy the powder.
“Skiers and snowboarders are a really dedicated bunch of people,” Zerowin said. “They love their sport. So those people who maybe skipped a year or skipped two years, they're coming.”
More of those expected arrivals appear to be Colorado-based guests at some resorts.
Keeping with the trend, The Lodge and Spa in Breckenridge is expecting a bigger and better January than last year's, and many of those bookings are in-state visitors, general manager Rhonda Profaizer said.
As of Dec. 15, January lodging was pacing to fall off some after the first week of the month, dropping a few percentage points below last year, according to the BRC.
The BRC lodging survey includes 17 Breckenridge resorts, hotels and property managers making up 75 percent of the town's total number of lodging units.
Occupancy rates pacing 10-15 percent higher than same time last year.
The new year is likely to get off to an excellent start for the Breckenridge lodging community, with reservations for the first week of 2011 trending significantly higher than the same time last year.
As of mid-December, occupancy rates for the first week of January were pacing 10 to 15 percent higher than the same time last year, according to data released by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber. Room occupancy is expected to break 80 percent in the first few days of 2011.
The BRC is chalking the trend up to a recovering economy, lodging deals offered on bookings and an early season snowfall at Breckenridge Ski Resort that has blown away recent averages.
“I think people have to take the snow into consideration,” BRC spokeswoman Rachel Zerowin said of the spiking early January numbers. “It's just amazing conditions, and it's made the news all over the country. Between the snow and the apparent uptick in the economy and these early season deals, we are seeing a lot more people that are willing to travel.”
The ski resort had seen 85 inches of snow in December alone as of Tuesday and a season total of nearly 200 inches. With three days left in the month, December was already the best month on record with the resort in 10 years and was 73 percent above the 10-year average for December.
The slowly reviving economy may also be playing its part in the upswing in early January lodging numbers as skiers and snowboarders return to the slopes to enjoy the powder.
“Skiers and snowboarders are a really dedicated bunch of people,” Zerowin said. “They love their sport. So those people who maybe skipped a year or skipped two years, they're coming.”
More of those expected arrivals appear to be Colorado-based guests at some resorts.
Keeping with the trend, The Lodge and Spa in Breckenridge is expecting a bigger and better January than last year's, and many of those bookings are in-state visitors, general manager Rhonda Profaizer said.
As of Dec. 15, January lodging was pacing to fall off some after the first week of the month, dropping a few percentage points below last year, according to the BRC.
The BRC lodging survey includes 17 Breckenridge resorts, hotels and property managers making up 75 percent of the town's total number of lodging units.
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