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The conference will be centered
in Breckenridge, CO, which is in Summit County to the South of the landmark
Dillon Reservoir. Interstate Highway 70 passes through the county, which
is nestled in the Blue River Valley and bounded by the rustic central
Colorado Rockies. In addition to Breckenridge, I-70 provides easy access
to the towns of Keystone, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Copper Mountain.
Summit County is truly a recreational and sightseeing mountain paradise.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE:
The Summit County Chamber of Commerce, Exit 205, Silverthorne, CO and
Exit 203, Frisco, CO. 1-800-530-3099, 970-668-2051, Fax 970-668-1515.
www.summitchamber.org
e-mail: info@summitchamber.org.
Breckenridge Resort Information
(and Chamber of Commerce) 1-800-789-7669; Activities Center 970-453-5576,
Breckenridge; or the Old Log Cabin Information Center (North-end of
Main Street, Breckenridge) 970-453-6018, or on the web at www.gobreck.com
.
The Summit Historical Society,
309 N. Main St. (P.O. Box 745), Breckenridge, CO 80424-0745, Ph. 970-453-9022.
White River National Forest
Ranger Station, 680 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, CO 80498, Ph.
970-468-5400.
Colorado Division of Wildlife,
a division of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, 6060 Broadway,
Denver, CO 80216, www.dnr.state.co.us/wildlife
, Ph. 303-297-1192.
Summit County Private Concierges:
Summit Activities Center, 1-888-230-2844, 970-547-1594, www.summitactivities.com
; Activities at "The Mountains" 1-866-433-2244, 970-668-8507, www.themountainusa.com
.
The Beaver Run Resort, P.O.
Box 2115, 620 Village Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424, www.beaverrunresort.com/Mountain_Resorts/Beaver_Run/index.shtml
, 1-800-288-1282, 970-453-6000; This web site contains links the BRR
children's programs for guests, and attractions and activities of interest
in the vicinity.
In addition to conference information, the WSATA 2002 Conference registration
staff will have information and maps available related to attractions
and outdoor activities in Summit County.
Transportation
to and from Denver International Airport
Shuttle buses from Resort Express in Frisco, Colorado will available
for single and round-trip transportation from Denver International Airport
and Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado. Visit the http://www.resort-express.com
for reservations and ask for the WSATA rate of $44 one way or $88 round
trip per person.
OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES:
Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Colorado Rockies, with mild
temperatures and beautiful vistas. It is not uncommon to have sunny
days in the 70's, and the crowds are few, making for a very pleasant
time of year up here. With a little luck, you can take full advantage
of what this region has to offer, and here are a few suggestions on
what to do.
Golf:
These are all public courses. Breckenridge Golf Club Pro Shop, 200 Clubhouse
Dr., Breckenridge, CO 970-453-9104; Copper Creek Golf Club, 104 Wheeler
Pl., Copper Mountain, CO 970-968-2339; Raven Golf Club at Three Peak,
2929 Golden Eagle Rd, Silverthorne, CO 970-262-3636. The thin air really
does allow the ball to travel farther. Fore!
Cycling:
Bicycle rentals are readily available throughout the Breckenridge, Frisco,
and Silverthorne/Dillon area. Casual riding can be found on paved riding
trails that connect Keystone, Dillon, Frisco, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain,
Vail and beyond. More challenging off-road riding can be found on the
unpaved trails in the White River National Forest. Please contact the
White River National Forest Service Ranger Station (listed above) for
information related to using the public lands.
The Summit County trail
system includes a scenic route along the West and North shores of Lake
Dillon. For the more adventurous, a "round trip" ride around the lake
includes a stretch on Swan Mountain Road from Farmer's Korner to Highway
6. A ride on this forested stretch of road will give the cyclist quite
a challenge, with steep grades, a narrow roadway and sharp curves. Please
beware that it is considered by the "locals" to be best attempted by
experts only. A round trip from Breckenridge, "around" the lake and
back is approximately 27 miles, and a ride from Breckenridge along the
West and North shores with a return is over 30 miles. For a shorter
variation, start your ride in Frisco, and shave 18 miles off the round
trip distance.
The trail system goes over
Vail Pass and will allow riders to cycle all the way to Vail and back
on paved surfaces. A round trip from Breckenridge to the top
of Vail pass and back is approxomately 42 miles.
For those a little less
disposed to take the "incline" head-on, contact Mountain View Sports
in Keystone, CO, Ph. 970-468-0396 to arrange for a ride to the top of
Vail Pass with your bicycle, where you can begin your decent from the
clouds to return to Frisco along I-70. Departures from Keystone are
at 10 AM, 12 Noon and 2 PM, and the entire ride takes about four hours.
The Summit County Chamber of Commerce may have additional information
related to this type of service.
Tram
Rides/Alpine Slide/Miniature Golf:
Sorry, but for those of you who are wondering, the ski area chair lift
rides, alpine slide, miniature golf and climbing wall in Breckenridge
close on Labor Day.
Sightseeing:
No visit to Colorado will be complete without experiencing the beauty
of this great state that offers some of the most scenic mountainous
terrain in the country, and where you're sightseeing experience is limited
only by the amount of time you have to spend. Here are some suggestions
that will take you along some of the oldest mountain routes through
Colorado's historical mining and skiing areas. Times shown here are
approximate and allow only limited stopping for sights, eating and refreshing.
Oh, and remember to take a camera.
1 Hour-Breckenridge
to Keystone, returning via Dillon and Frisco. Travel North from
Breckenridge on Hwy 9 to Farmers Korner and take the Swan Mountain
Road along the East side of Dillon Reservoir to Keystone, which is
just to the East when you reach US Hwy 6. Leaving Keystone travel
back West to Dillon and take the Dillon Reservoir Dam road along the
West side of Lake Dillon to Frisco, and return to Breckenridge on
Hwy 9.
1 Hour-Breckenridge
to Fairplay. Travel South from Breckenridge on Hwy 9 over Hoosier
Pass, through Alma and on to Fairplay, which is in central South Park.
You can pick up a "South Park" t-shirt or a variety of other "South
Park" items.
2 Hour-Breckenridge
to Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Pass returning via the Eisenhauer Tunnel.
Travel North from Breckenridge on Hwy 9, and either take Swan Mountain
Road from Farmers Korner to Keystone or stay on Hwy 9 and head into
Frisco. If you go to Frisco, you can either take I-70 to the Dillon/Silverthorne
Exit 205, or take the Dillon Reservoir Dam Road (more scenic) to Dillon.
From Dillon take US Hwy 6 to Keystone. From Keystone, travel East
on US Hwy 6, passing by the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and proceed over
Loveland Pass to I-70. Take I-70 West through the continental divide
tunnel and return to the Dillon/Frisco area, and then back to Breckenridge
on Hwy 9.
3 Hour-Breckenridge
to the top of Mr. Evans. Travel North from Breckenridge on Hwy
9 to Frisco and take I-70 East through the tunnel or US Hwy 6 over
Loveland Pass, and then proceed East on I-70 to Idaho Springs. Follow
the signs to Mt. Evans, where you will travel past Echo Lake and eventually
wind your way up to 14,264 feet for a spectacular view of the Rockies,
Denver and the eastern plains from the "top of Colorado".
5 Hour-Breckenridge
to Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Independence Pass and Leadville. Travel
North from Breckenridge on Hwy 9 to Frisco and take I-70 West, traveling
over Vail Pass, through the Eagle River Basin and through the Glenwood
Canyon to Glenwood Springs. At Glenwood, you will find some world
renowned hot springs pools. From Glenwood Springs, travel South on
Hwy 82 to Aspen and then over Independence Pass to US Hwy 24 at Twin
Lakes. Travel North on US Hwy 24 to Leadville (home to the National
Mining Hall of Fame and Museum) and then take Hwy 91 North to Copper
Mountain, where you can rejoin I-70 back to Frisco.
8 to 10 Hour-Best
of the Central Colorado Rockies Tour. Travel North from Breckenridge
on Hwy 9 to Frisco and take I-70 to Exit 205 Silverthorne/Dillon.
Take Hwy 9 along the Blue River and past the Green Mountain Reservoir
to Kremmling. Take US Hwy 40 East to Granby and continue on to Winter
Park and over Berthoud Pass and rejoin I-70. Take I-70 East to Georgetown
and then take the Guenella Pass Road to Grant. Take US Hwy 285 West
over Kenosha Pass into South Park and continue through Fairplay and
on to Buena Vista. Take US Hwy 24 North to Leadville and on to Minturn
where you will join I-70. Take I-70 East to Vail and then on over
Vail Pass to Copper Mountain and on into Frisco. Take Hwy 9 to Breckenridge
and you are finally home and ready for some much-needed rest. This
trip is an all-dayer and will take you over several high, winding
mountain passes at the most colorful time of the year.
As an
alternative, the "Best of the Central Colorado Rockies Tour"
can be significantly shortened by taking Hwy 9 North from Fairplay
in South Park over Hoosier Pass and back into Breckenridge.
4X4
Rentals/Hummer Tours:
Some of the best sightseeing can be had this time of year on the unpaved
roads in the historic old mining regions, and a 4X4 rental or guided
Hummer Tour is a good choice for accessing these remote areas. Consult
with the hotel concierge, WSATA Conference staff, the Summit County
private concierges, or one of the regional information centers listed
above, for information, availability and pricing of these exciting attractions.
If you already have a 4X4 and want to attempt accessing some remote
areas on your own, you can find appropriate information at the White
River National Forest Service Ranger Station in Silverthorne, as listed
above. This is an excellent way to see the colorful changing of the
Aspen.
Fishing:
The Blue River below Dillon Reservoir boosts some of the state's premier
gold metal waters, and is destined to remain that way with its catch
and release fishing. You can find fishing regulations and purchase a
fishing license from local angling shops, grocery stores, discount stores
(i.e. Wal-Mart), and sporting goods stores, or look for information
at the Colorado Division of Wildlife web site www.dnr.state.co.us/wildlife
. If your are looking for advice on fly patterns or would like to take
advantage of the expert advice of a fishing guide, you can contact Blue
River Anglers, 209 N. Main St. Breckenridge, CO 80424, Ph. 970-453-9171,
888-453-9171; Cutthrout Anglers 400 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, CO
80498 Ph. 970-262-2878; or Breckenridge Outfitters ORVIS, Town Square,
100 N. Main St., Breckenridge, CO 80424 Ph. 970-453-4135. Good Luck!
Hiking:
The hiking trails in the Summit County area vary widely, from a casual
walk on a paved trail system or heart-starting hikes on unpaved trails
in the forested regions, all the way UP to the challenge of topping
a Colorado 14'er. The WSATA registration staff and the National Forest
Ranger Station (listed above) can provide detailed information on 10
or more popular remote hikes, with handouts describing the level of
difficulty, and which include a map specific to your hike. If you would
prefer to plan your own hike, this region is in the White River National
Forest, and the WSATA registration staff has a current copy of the National
Forest map.
A word of CAUTION: If you
are not from this region, please keep in mind that your hike will begin
at nearly 9,000 feet and climb to much higher elevations. Altitude sickness
is common among "flat-landers" and can be fatal. If you experience altitude
sickness (headaches, nausea, disorientation or dizziness), quickly return
to a lower elevation-simply stopping to rest Will Not Help. Never hike
alone, and only leave your hiking companion(s) in an emergency. Wear
comfortable footwear that provides good support. Take plenty of water
with you, do not drink untreated water from the brooks and streams,
and be prepared for significant changes in the weather with warm, layered
clothing and rain-gear. Begin your hike early in the day, after checking
the weather forecast, and plan to return well before dark. Tell a responsible
person where you plan to hike and when you plan to return (this is important
because, if the unthinkable happens and you get lost, we will know where
to come and find you). Take a map and instructions with you-especially
if you plan to hike away from marked trails, and consider taking a portable
phone. Because of the high altitude, the atmosphere is thin, which can
lead to sun burning in a very short period of time, so be sure to use
some sun screen (SPF 15 or above). Is this starting to sound like your
mother? All kidding aside, good planning, following these simple suggestions
and using common sense can make hiking in the Colorado Rockies an unforgettable
experience. A special note: Buying a Colorado fishing license includes
a small surcharge for search and rescue, and is a very low-cost insurance
policy to cover such things in the event you do need help. OK, now drink
your milk.
Breckenridge
Museums and Tours:
The Summit County Historical Society, P.O. Box 745, 309 N. Main Street,
Breckenridge, CO 80424, Ph. 970-453-9022, hosts a variety of tours in
and near Breckenridge. The tours include a walk through the Breckenridge
historical district, the Washington Hard-rock Gold Mine, the Lomax Placer
Gulch Tour and Slide Show, the 1875 Edwin Carter Museum, and school
house museums in Dillon and Montezuma (on a mountainside at 10,500 feet!).
They are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to show you their stuff.
Public
Transportation:
The Summit Stage provides bus service throughout the valley including
Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Breckenridge and up to Copper Mountain.
The Summit Stage can be reached at 970-668-0999 or on the web at www.summitstage.com
.
Boat Rentals:
The Lake Dillon Marina, located on the North side of the lake, offers
a variety of boat rentals at reasonable rates. The marina can be reached
at P.O. Box 1825, Dillon, CO 80435, Ph. 970-468-5100, 303-629-6342 (Denver
direct), 970-468-2842 (Fax), e-mail dillonm@colorado.net, or
on the web at http//dillonmarina.com. Please keep in mind that Fall
availability is weather permitting.
Horseback
Riding:
Fall in the Rocky Mountains means peace and tranquility, and horseback
riding adds the finishing touch to the Fall experience. Riding stables
and horse rentals may be found in several places in Summit County, and
here are a few suggestions on where to find the "hay burner" that's
just right for you. Bar T Outfitters, Silverthorne, CO, Ph. 970-468-6913;
Breckenridge Stables, Ph. 970-453-4438; and the Rusty Spurr Ranch, No.
of Silverthorne, Ph. 970-724-1123. Giddy up!
Arcades/Game
Rooms:
Well, if you simply must stay indoors, game rooms are available at Down
Stairs at Eric's, 111 S. Main St., Breckenridge, CO 80424 Ph. 970-453-1401;
and the Main Street Arcade, 135 Main St., Dillon, CO 80435 Ph. 970-262-6399.
Don't see what you are looking
for? The information you need is just a phone call, e-mail or web site
visit away. Welcome to Summit County. Welcome to Colorful Colorado.
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