Escape to Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado – Day Trips from Summit County

April 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Explore

Summit County to Leadville Day Trip

On a visit to the towns and resorts of Summit County, whether it’s for the first time or a return trip, vacationers can become explorers and take a little Day Trip to discover just what’s down the road and around the corner – at even higher altitude. At Copper Mountain’s I-70 exit, turn south and head to Leadville. The scenery on the way is stunning – Fremont Pass and the cirques south of Climax Mine – will make you want to do it again for the views of the surrounding peaks. The Collegiate Peaks come into view, one of which is the highest Fourteener in the State: Mount Elbert. There are places to picnic and do a little fishing along the Arkansas River tributary. When you come to the Y in the road, continue straight to Leadville – about another mile.  What awaits you is shopping, historic train rides, mine tours, and an excellent mining museum. Dining and cafe options are delicious and casual.

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:

Breckenridge’s Active Healing Massage 2-for-1 Season is Back

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Active Healing Massage in Breckenridge

Come in for 2 one-hour massages for only $80
or
Come in for 2 hour-and-a-half massages for $120

You can use both yourself or share them with a friend, but you have to use them by May 15.
Call for an appointment 970-389-9444
Offer Valid 4/15/11 – 5/15/11
Cannot be used with any other offers or for the purchase  of gift certificates. Must mention ad at time of booking appointments.

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With: ,

Get Chizzled! at Summit County Colorado’s Fitness and Climbing Club

April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Chizzled Fitness & Climbing Club

We have 96 members; over 100 guests have climbed at least once. It’s time to start implementing programs YOU would like to see. Please let us know if any of these interest you and if you’d sign up for them. Your input requested:

YOGA for CLIMBERS: We have an opportunity to bring in a yoga instructor whose yoga practice is geared for climbers. To start this class, we would need about 5 – 8 people interested in signing up. The classes would cost $ 10 each for members and $ 13 for non-members. The possible time slot for the class would be early morning through 3′ish in the afternoon – we are open to suggestions. Please e-mail or call (970-370-5090) to talk about it.

CLIMBING CONDITIONING BOOT CAMP: We will be offering an 8-week Climbing Conditioning Boot Camp that will be focusing on strength, core and flexibility. We will use a variety of tools including TRX, Ariel silks, body weight and weight training. The class will meet twice a week for approximately an hour; we need 4 – 8 for the class to GO. Pricing will range from $ 10 – $ 15 per class depending on size. The possible time slot for the class would be early morning through 3′ish in the afternoon – we are open to suggestions as to what would work BEST. Please e-mail or call (970-370-5090) to talk about it.

MMA TRAINING: We are very interested in getting an MMA program going and will be running a similar “Special” that we ran to get the climbing floor in. We will need 30 members to sign up and pre-pay their 1st month’s membership ($195) to get the program going. We are talking to a couple of good instructors and are very excited about this possibility. So, we need to know if this is something YOU would like to see. Please e-mail or call (970-370-5090) to talk about it.

SUMMER KIDS’ CLIMBING CAMP: Are your kids driving YOU up the wall? Well why not put THEM on the wall?  We are offering Summer Youth Climbing Camps! Children ages 5-12 are welcome. Our instructors will teach your child all the skills he or she needs. Whether it’s learning the basics or finessing already developed skills. Programs are 3-hour sessions in the morning or afternoon, for a full week during specific weeks throughout the summer. Please e-mail or call (970-370-5090) to talk about it.

KIDS’ BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Looking for somewhere to hold your child’s birthday party? Chizzled is a great spot! We can handle all the details for you – please e-mail or call (970-370-5090) to talk about it.

We are fine tuning hours of operation. Currently open 9:00 – 9:00 Monday through Saturday and 11:00 – 9:00 on Sunday. The mornings have been slow, so we are changing our hours for the next couple of weeks beginning this Thursday. The new hours will be 11:00 – 10:00 Monday through Friday and 10:00 – 10:00 Saturday and Sunday. Comments on this change are appreciated, please e-mail or call (970-370-5090) to talk about it.

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:

FREE Things To Do in Frisco, Colorado

March 24, 2011 By

Free Things to do in Frisco, Colorado – Summit County

Not only does Frisco have an almost limitless list of things to do for the whole family, there are also plenty of activities that cost absolutely nothing, and will keep the whole family occupied for hours. If your family travel has to fall inside a budget, Frisco is the perfect place for you to spend some down time. From free wireless in various places throughout the town such as the Library and Information Center, to the many playgrounds and parks, to a challenging sledding hill next to our Nordic Center, there are loads of potential smile-winning adventures just waiting for you.

Take a look at this list of possibilities, below. And remember, Frisco’s place as Main Street to the Rockies means that the mountains open up for you right from the center of town, and looks are always free!

  1. Stop by the Information Center
    The Frisco/Copper Information Center is a great place to learn about all the fun Frisco has to offer. Open every day, year-round, and located on 300 Main Street, the courteous and knowledgeable staff are here to offer suggestions on what to do, where to eat and what to see. 970-668-5547
  2. Free computer use at Info Center
    Computers, printers and Wi-Fi are available to the public for no charge at 300 Main Street as well.
  3. Historic Park and Museum
    Travel back into history and experience how the first settlers lived in Frisco during the 1800s. Walk through the real school house, jail and chapel, or (for only a quarter) watch a train travel through the Frisco of 100 years ago in our realistic diorama. While the museum and park are interesting for all, it’s the kids that seem to enjoy it most. They can watch the train, pet real animal furs, and explore the old prospector cabins. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10- 4, Sunday 10-2
  4. Historic walking tour
    Pick up a map of Frisco at the Historic Park or Information Center and visit eight historic attractions you can easily walk to from downtown.
  5. Sledding at the Frisco Recreational Peninsula (Nordic Center)
    Bring your own sled and some energetic kids who want to run uphill and sled down and watch the snow fly. Park at the Nordic Center located at the Peninsula Recreation Area and look for a sign that says “Walkway to sledding hill.” The sledding area is open every day until 4pm.
  6. Visit one of Frisco’s many playgrounds or parks
    There may be snow on the ground, but kids still enjoy playing at one of the playgrounds (Frisco Fun Ground, Lakefront Park, Walter Byron, & Meadow Creek) for hours. Many of the days are nice enough for a picnic too, as early as March! Frisco’s 7 parks often have tables, shelter and grills available.
  7. Hike, cross country ski or snowshoe one of Frisco’s many trails
    There are many popular, challenging and beautifully rugged areas to explore around Frisco. Some favorites are Rainbow Lake, North Ten Mile, the Rec Path to Breckenridge or Dillon and Meadow Creek/Lilly Pad. Be sure to bring a buddy in Winter!
  8. Glass blowing demonstrations at Gatherhouse
    Watch glassblower John Hudnut as he creates art out of molten glass. John encourages audience participation, and you can take home a glass, vase, or piece of art that you helped to create! Demonstrations are Tu, Th, Sa, Su from 2-7 p.m. at 110 Second Ave, next to the Historic Park.
  9. Window shopping on Main Street
    Sometimes nothing is quite as relaxing as merely gazing on beautiful, unique things. And in Frisco there are no chain stores or big box places to overwhelm you. Every store is individually owned, and usually family operated, which helps make all of them completely unique! Shop owners are usually present, along with laid back and helpful employees, to offer top notch customer service, or to make your day just a little more interesting!
  10. Free guided snowshoeing at Copper
    Copper Mountain offers a fantastic FREE guided snowshoe trip for the entire family! Snowshoes, guide, and snow are all included! Depending on your ability level, there are two tours to try. And, if you still haven’t had enough, leave a credit card number and hold on to the snowshoes until you have. Call 970-968-2882 ext. 4INFO for times and availability.
  11. Hot cider competition, during annual Wassail Days
    In the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Frisco magnifies the holiday spirit by hosting Santa visits, caroling in the streets, and hot wassail, free in all of the stores on Main Street. Each has their own wassail recipe designed to win your vote for the year’s best, and though they stand to win some cool prizes, bragging rights are really all they want.
  12. Open knitting 2-4 every Wednesday at What’s Needling U
    Does “knit’ pearl, knit, pearl” ring like a waltz in your ears? Or are you looking to learn a new hobby? Either way, this knitting group meets weekly to share knitting tips and trade yarns – both the kind spun from wool and those spun from your imagination! Free and open to the public. Stop in at 279 Main Street or call 970-668-0381.
  13. Take the Summit Stage to see the county
    Frisco is one of the best places to pick up the Summit Stage shuttle and take a ride through the Rockies! The stage goes directly to Copper Mountain, Breckenridge or Silverthorne, as well as other county destinations, for FREE! If you don’t want to deal with parking, snowy roads or just want to sight see, try the bus! Pick up a schedule at the Info Center or view it online at summitstage.com.
  14. Spontaneous Combustion on the Marina
    If you are visiting in February, plan your stay around Spontaneous Combustion! A fire and light show that takes place on the Frisco Marina, the event starts out with a huge bonfire and ends with a dazzling fireworks display. Check townoffrisco.com for more details, dates and times.
  15. Meadow Creek Park ice skating
    Bring your ice skates and practice Olympic twists and turns, or just try to make a few rounds without falling! Come see how skating makes all of us feel young and daring all over again! Hockey or broom ball is also allowed. Meadow Creek is located behind Wal-Mart off of Hawn Dr.
  16. Fish local streams and reservoir, through the ice or from the shore
    If you have the gear to brave the cold (and a Colorado fishing license), fishing is as fun in the winter as it is in Spring or Summer! Many people regularly ice fish on Dillon Reservoir, or wade into the cold streams around town to play the game with the underwater denizens. Blue River Anglers is open year round to offer the latest advice on where the fish are biting. Call Zeke at 668-2583 or stop at 281 Main Street.
  17. Visit Frisco’s Library
    The library in Frisco is located at the County Commons on Peak One Blvd., and offers free internet and wi-fi. If you forgot your nightly reading material, they maintain a stuffed free paperback exchange program (don’t worry, you don’t really have to exchange every time). There is also a Story Hour for young children every Wednesday. Call 970-668-5555 for hours.
  18. Volunteer your time
    You may be on vacation, but on days you may have down time, why not spend some of it helping the community you love to visit? There are often fun and educational opportunities to give back by helping at events, community centers, or non-profits. Call for ideas and contacts: 970-668-5547.
  19. Copper’s En Fuego
    Join Copper Mountain every month for their En Fuego street party! Fire jugglers, fireworks, torch light parades and music make for a hot time in winter, as locals and travelers revel in the clean and crisp mountain air! Visit coppercolorado.com for exact dates and times.

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:

The Royal Gorge Tour with Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours

January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Give us 11 hours and we’ll open your eyes to the stunning majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains! Never before have so many varied and thrilling activities been packaged into one complete adventure. Sounds like your idea of a great family fun day? Well, buckle up, ‘cause here we go!

Your day begins with a gorgeous drive over the Continental Divide as we ascend to the top of Hoosier Pass at 11,541 feet above sea level. Three fourteeners, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Democrat and Mt. Bross make a splendid backdrop for a unique family photo opportunity before we descend into Canyon Country.

Wildlife is abundant on your ride to historic Cañon City. This is one of the few stretches of Colorado roadways where you are certain to see herds of Rocky Mountain buffalo, along with pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Fly fishermen also populate the scenery as we pass by several gold-medal rainbow trout streams in the South Park region.

A highlight of your luxury van ride to the train station occurs jast as we enter the Cañon City area, with a one-of-a-kind drive up Skyline Drive. Built with convict labor (the Colorado Territorial Prison is nearby) in the 1930’s, this ribbon of asphalt ascends to a high ridge above the city that offers stellar views of the canyon landscape. You’ll be glad you brought along that extra roll of film or memory chip for this panorama!

Upon arrival at the Cañon City depot, we have just the right amount of time to spread a delicious picnic lunch on the riverbank of the mighty Arkansas. This is the river that carved the Royal Gorge Canyon and provides a delightful backdrop to a noontime interlude. Then it’s time to grab a complimentary bottle of water and board the train!

This 1950’s-era diesel locomotive train takes you over 12 miles up the old Denver, Rio Grande and Western rail line and back again. This journey glides through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” with an unforgettable vista at the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls. The top of the canyon is over 1,000 feet above and gives you a breath-taking view of the Royal Gorge Bridge. Soaring high in the brilliant blue sky, this suspension bridge, built in 1929 (on a bet!) will be a focal point of our tour later in the afternoon.

During your rail expedition, you can relax in the air-conditioned coaches as well as embrace the wilderness in the “open” cars where you can photograph the towering granite walls and hear the thunderous roar of the Arkansas River. Your conductor will tell you about the history of this famous line including the original exploration by Lt. Zebulon Pike, and tales from the frontier battles during the Royal Gorge Railroad War.

Along the way, you’ll marvel at the numerous kayaks and commercial rafts playing in the Class IV rapids of the Arkansas. This waterway is one of the most popular whitewater stretches in the entire state and the smiles on the faces you’ll see are obvious!

Upon your return to the Cañon City station, your Alpenglow Adventures tour guide will have your van transportation ready for the next round of excitement with a visit to the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. We go to a beautiful ancient monastery and invite you to experience some delightful Colorado vintages. And while the adults are enjoying some complimentary “home grown liquid magic,” our guides perform some up-close magic tricks for the kids… complete with prizes, prizes, prizes for all!

Then it’s time to leave the valley floor and point our motorcoach skyward, for the sensations and awesome views from the top of the Royal Gorge Canyon are even more jaw-dropping!

After a scenic 15-minute drive out of Cañon City, the pine trees suddenly part to reveal the Royal Gorge Bridge/Theme Park, perched high on the rim of the deepest canyon in all of Colorado. Since its completion almost 80 years ago, the Royal Gorge Bridge has thrilled millions of visitors and continues to be one of the West’s most-desired day-trip destinations. Whether you walk across, or ride the free park trolley, you’ll marvel at the vistas of snow-capped peaks… and at the dazzling spectacle of the blue-green waters over a thousand feet below.

Then, soar like an eagle and thrill to an unbelievable view of the Royal Gorge chasm aboard a 35-passenger aerial tram as it glides from one side of the abyss to the other, more than 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. Or perhaps you’d rather ride the world’s steepest incline railway to the bottom of the gorge, for one more sumptuous riverside view of this wonderful geological quirk of nature. From the river’s edge, you’ll see the Royal Gorge Bridge as a delicate ribbon in the sky. And just about an hour after entering the park, the railroad train runs right by the riverside viewing platform. Get those video cameras ready!

Visitors of all ages will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the park; from a musical revue or multi-media historical presentation at the Plaza Theatre to the professional talent taking requests and performing at the Gazebo. The kids can enjoy a children’s petting zoo, with cute barnyard animals that are just the right size for close-up fun. Larger animals, such as elk, buffalo and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are also housed at the park in a natural setting.

When was the last time you rode on an old-fashioned carousel? With over 3,400 lights, the Grand Carousel is one of the most ornate in existence. Or how’ bout one more train ride… on the Silver Rock Railroad. A delightful scenic excursion awaits you and the “young uns” on this vintage miniature train!

Since your Alpenglow Adventures fare covers all of these attractions at the Royal Gorge Bridge/Theme Park (food and beverages excluded,) you can choose to do as much as you’d like at no additional charge… or just relax and simply enjoy the vibrant Colorado sunshine and fresh air. It all adds up to great fun… and a fantastic afternoon that your family will never forget.

When the day is done, your Alpenglow Adventures shuttle van awaits, to give you a safe, comfortable ride back to your front door. During the return trip, the Colorado skies put on a show of their own, with brilliant sunsets and the marvelous pastels of alpenglow. And to make the trip back home even more fun, we’ll play our world-famous “TV Theme Song Trivia” contest for fun and prizes!

With so much entertainment to be had, make the call and get your reservations confirmed today. Because, after all, don’t you and your family deserve the very best in outdoor entertainment that Colorado has to offer?

Current Prices for the Royal Gorge Railroad Tour
(approximately 10 1/2 to 11 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return):

Adults $229.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $159.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE

Group Rates are valid for private groups with five or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:

Adults $199.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $149.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE
All prices quoted refer to pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). For door-to-door service in Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards) add $30 per person. Groups of six or more will have a 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.

When is a scenic Colorado train ride more than just another mountain adventure? It’s when we take your family through steep canyons, by raging rivers, over Rocky Mountains and inside silver mines. Take our locomotive journeys through the ancient railroad tracks of Colorado’s gold and silver mining era and step into the frontier history of the Wild West!

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:

The Colorado Zephyr Tour with Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours

January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

STARTING IN DECEMBER 2010… ASK ABOUT OUR NEW “BONUS BOXCAR BUCKS” PROMOTION WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR THIS TOUR!

When you’re in Colorado, there’s an immense amount of outdoor beauty to behold every day of the year. Here’s your chance to experience the majestic grandeur of the Rocky Mountains like never before! Imagine the pristine beauty of riding the rails through four of the most spectacular granite canyons in America, all carved by ceaseless wind and flowing water. This rugged wilderness is the scenic highlight of the daily Amtrak passenger train that features the “Best of the West.” Now your family can enjoy viewing our country’s most popular rail journey from the warmth and comfort of your glass-enclosed rail car, all in a 110-mile rail odyssey.

As part of Amtrak’s California Zephyr that runs daily from Chicago to San Francisco, this rail journey provides a breath-taking combination of gentle riverside views and rugged mountain vistas as it travels through the heart of the Rocky Mountain Canyon Country. Hugging the banks of the Colorado River throughout this westward migration, the Colorado Zephyr is the epitome of modern rail luxury and towering canyon scenery.

Your adventure begins with luxury van pick-up service from your front door and then a relaxing drive to Granby, CO starts your day. When weather conditions permit, we drive over Ute Pass, offering a stunning view of the numerous 13,000’ peaks in the fabled Gore Range Mountains! Don’t forget to bring plenty of camera capabilities for this excursion as the outdoor panoramas are not to be missed!

Once we turn east on Hwy. 40, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the mighty Colorado River. These pristine waters carved the magnificent rock formations that await. A few turns later we arrive in the sleepy mountain town of Granby, CO.

Here, your Alpenglow Adventures driver delivers your fresh, hand-crafted lunchtime delights and a complimentary bottle of water (all included with your fare) before boarding the Colorado Zephyr. The courteous Amtrak conductors will then direct you to the glass-domed observation car as you settle in for the ride of your life. The knowing smiles on your fellow passengers signal the visual satisfaction that is a vibrant part of this “steel rail caravan.”

The view out your picture window is unparalleled, with so many incredible vistas that can only be experienced by railroad passengers. The dramatic wilderness of Upper Red and Gore Canyons are devoid of highway pavement, leaving nothing but the sense of raw, unspoiled nature! Eagle-eyed passengers will spot elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the ancient Colorado landscape.

River rafters and fly-fishermen know the beauty of the Colorado River as it flows to the west. Make sure to wave “Hello” to them as you travel the same route that many of the early frontier pioneers did over 140 years ago,… rugged folks looking for excitement and adventure in a journey of a lifetime – just like you!

Just when you think the mountains could not get any more inspiring, the Colorado Zephyr enters the mouth of Glenwood Canyon. Regaled as the most photographed stretch of river scenery in the USA, your jaw drops as canyon walls suddenly tower 1,400 feet above you. With Interstate 70 on one side and your railcar hugging the other, Glenwood Canyon demonstrates America’s determination to blend modern transportation and primitive topology into a unique masterpiece for you to enjoy!

Now, the third part of your adventure begins… fun in the town of Glenwood Springs! We feature three outdoor family attractions for you to choose – the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or a guided hike to the most beautiful lake in Colorado… Hanging Lake!

At the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, you can enjoy a guided cave tour, a mile-long alpine slide, a 4,300’ aerial tram ride, plus a sweeping panorama of the Rocky Mountains…

…Or, perhaps you’d rather take a luxurious soak in the largest outdoor thermally-heated swimming pool in the world! Choose a relaxing swim in the 85ºF Olympic-sized pool or experience the thrill of the ‘bubble chairs” in the popular 104ºF pool. Either way, you’ll enjoy a dreamlike view of the mountain peaks as the steam rises high into the azure skies above you.

And in the summertime and early autumn, we offer a magnificent opportunity to hike up a one mile trail to the most photogenic lake in the Rocky Mountains! If you are into nature photography or simply want to experience the most rugged, yet dynamic scenery in the Rockies, this is just the ticket! Hanging Lake is nothing short of spectacular and the waterfalls will fill your eyes with amazement.

After the unique fun of the “trails, caves or the waves” in historic Glenwood Springs, the next big adventure is about to begin. The same Alpenglow Adventures van that brought you to the Granby train station is now ready to whisk you back towards home… but only after a two-hour stopover in the world-famous resort community of Vail, CO!

Choose to have a romantic dinner in any of Vail’s four-star restaurants or enjoy the scintillating shopping opportunities in the “pedestrians only” center of town. Perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy beverages at a slopeside bistro as the sun sets in the west. We’ll provide you with plenty of helpful suggestions to make your Vail layover the perfect crescendo to a day filled with fun!

It’s just a short, but very scenic van ride over Vail Pass (10,603’ above sea level) to get back to your base in Summit County. But think of the ever-lasting memories that you’ll bring home! The Colorado Zephyr Deluxe Tour is hands-down the most varied, complete and enticing full-day railroad tour package in the central Rockies.

Perhaps your tastes or time budget lean more to a trainride-only inclination. Our 8-hour Colorado Zephyr Wilderness Canyon Adventure tour reduces the Deluxe tour to a shorter timeframe by concentrating on the pure essence of railroading. We still provide all the benefits of the full-day tour, without the attractions in Glenwood Springs and Vail. This shorter tour allows you to ride the rails during the day and return to your home base in time for other nighttime attractions! You see the best, ride the greatest and oh.., the stories of adventure that you’ll tell your friends! Add the element of safe and courteous Alpenglow Adventures drivers and you’ll get the ultimate Rocky Mountain High! All Aboard!

Current Prices for the Colorado Zephyr Canyon Adventure Tour
(approximately 7 1/2 to 8 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return):

Adults $189.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $129.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE

Group Rates are valid for private groups with three or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:

Adults $169.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $119.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE
Current Prices for the Colorado Zephyr Deluxe Tour
(approximately 11 to 12 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return):

Adults $219.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $169.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE

Group Rates are valid for private groups with three or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:

Adults $199.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $159.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE
All prices quoted refer to all public and private customer pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). For door-to-door service in Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards) add $20 per person. Groups of six or more will have a 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.

When is a scenic Colorado train ride more than just another mountain adventure? It’s when we take your family through steep canyons, by raging rivers, over Rocky Mountains and inside silver mines. Take our locomotive journeys through the ancient railroad tracks of Colorado’s gold and silver mining era and step into the frontier history of the Wild West!

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:

The Georgetown Loop Railroad Tour with Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours

January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

STARTING IN DECEMBER 2010… ASK ABOUT OUR NEW “BONUS BOXCAR BUCKS” PROMOTION WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR THIS TOUR!

No one combines an authentic Wild West train ride, an actual working silver mine tour and a scenic drive to the top of the world quite like Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours! Add a delicious picnic lunch by the shores of a high alpine lake plus a visit to Colorado’s top winery’s tasting room and you’ve got more fun in a single day than most folks find in a whole week!

…Oh, and did we mention free ice cream cones for the whole family?

Our most popular summertime adventure is the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad tour. From early May through mid-October, we feature daily excursions to the “Silver Queen of the Rockies,”… Georgetown, CO. This railroad traces its heritage all the way back to the booming silver rush days of the 1880’s, when tons of rich minerals were freighted down the tracks through Clear Creek Canyon to the smelters of Denver.

Just getting to the Silver Plume train station is a unique adventure as the limo van journey features a brief intermission high atop Loveland Pass at 11,990 feet above sea level. The splendor of the Continental Divide is on full display as we present a photographic opportunity for all of you shutterbugs that bankrupts the English language with its raw beauty.

Upon arrival at the 1890′s-era Silver Plume narrow-gauge train station, our drivers present each Alpenglow Adventures passenger with a complimentary water bottle and lip balm prior to boarding. Then choose between the open rail cars for taking the best photos or the roofed cars for maximum comfort and get ready for fun!

With three blasts from the steam whistle, your journey begins. Ride in comfort and style as the powerful turn-of-the-century locomotive chugs through lush forests of blue spruce and lodgepole pine. And keep your camera ready as the railroad crosses the thunderous waters of Clear Creek eight times!

Then, explore an actual 1880’s silver mine, escorted by a seasoned and knowledgeable tour guide. This expedition will amaze you with the visual history of deep-rock mining and the early frontier lifestyle. If you’re eagle-eyed, you might even find a silver nugget or two, still nestled in the landscape.

After the hour-long silver mine tour, re-board the train and experience the awesome views from the High Bridge as the train completes a 360º loop above Georgetown. This is the only railroad in the entire world that makes a complete loop upon itself in the open air to gain altitude! In so doing, you are suspended 100 feet above the valley floor with the echoes of the train whistle bouncing off the mountain walls. Hold on to your hats!

When the “iron horse” returns you to the Silver Plume train station, its time for the next big adventure— Lunch! But not just any noon-time meal! No, we take you around the backside of Leavenworth Mountain, passing stunning waterfalls and ancient mining ruins along the way up to 10,000 feet!

Perched above the pristine shoreline at Clear Lake, we spread an all-you-can-eat picnic lunch in the warm Rocky Mountain sunshine. In today’s complex world of multi-tasking and bun-on-the-run fast food lunches… ask yourself, “When was the last time I truly relaxed at a fabulous outdoor picnic setting with friends and family?” Alpenglow Adventures reconnects to that memorable time in your life when the noon-time pace was a little less hectic and the fine art of picnicking was a one of life’s secret treasures!

Then enjoy a relaxing stroll down to the rushing waters at the inlet of Clear Lake as your guide prepares the motorcoach for the return journey to civilization. On this deep woods scenic drive, we often have a chance to see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Redtail Fox, Elk, Marmot and Mountain Goats. So don’t forget to bring your video camera and be ready to capture some once-in-a-lifetime footage.

Upon our return to the city of Georgetown, we feature a leisurely stroll through the fascinating old-time curio shops in the historic downtown district. How does 60% discounts on exquisite Native American jewelry and free ice cream cones sound? Better yet, how ‘bout finishing with a visit to the Canyon Wind Winery for free samples of Colorado’s best vintages. The flavor and quality will entrance you! And while the adults are enjoying some “home grown liquid magic,” our guides perform some up-close magic tricks for the kids… complete with prizes, prizes, prizes for all!

This 8-hour excursion is the truly the epitome of Colorado summer fun! And in 2010, we will be offering weekend tour packages all the way through the end of December!

Perhaps, you’re up for the train ride but don’t have the full day to spend. Then ask about our G-Loop Train Ride Only tour. You still get the Loveland Pass photo op, the round-trip railroad adventure, the self-guided Georgetown stroll and the winery visit – all in a compact 5-hour setting. This option is available in morning, noon-time and afternoon timeframes and just like the full-day tour, we begin and end the journey right at your front door in Summit or Eagle County.

Call Alpenglow Adventures at (970) 468-7777 or 800 276-1211 and sign-up for the best slice of Wild West intrigue available. You simply can’t pack more family fun into one daytime extravaganza than the Georgetown Loop Railroad tour!

Current Prices for the Georgetown Loop Railroad Tour (Diesel Engine)
(approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return. For historic steam locomotive excursions available starting in May 2011, add $7.00 per person):

Adults $99.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $59.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE

Group Rates are valid for private groups with five or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:

Adults $89.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $54.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE
Current Prices for the Georgetown Loop Deluxe Tour (Diesel Engine)
(approximately 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours from all Summit and Eagle County pick-up locations and return. For historic steam locomotive excursions available starting in May 2011, add $7.00 per person):

Adults $119.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $89.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE

Group Rates are valid for private groups with five or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:

Adults $99.50
Children (14 yrs. and younger) $79.50
Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult) FREE
All prices quoted refer to all public and private customer pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). For door-to-door service in Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards) add $30 per person. Groups of six or more will have a 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:

Spend Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in Summit County

January 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s time for a little getaway, and you have Monday off after the weekend.Time to start planning – it’s Friday!

Check out what’s going on in Summit County in the What To Do Calendar at Summitcounty.WhatToDo.info

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With: ,

When you’re in Summit County visit Art on a Whim, a humorous art gallery in Breckenridge, Colorado

January 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Winter Show Schedule at Art on a Whim is…

Scott Brunson: January 7th – 17th, Lelija Roy: January 21st – 30th, CC Opiela: February 5th – 13th

Cynthia Duff: February 18th - 20th, Jeff Leedy: February 25th – March 6th, Gary Vigen: March 11th – 13th

Talia Swartz: March 18th – 27th, DeDe LaRue: April 1st – 10th, Heather Baca: April 15th – 17th

Filed Under: Breckenridge, CO, Summit County Tagged With:

POD Personal Oxygen Device for use in the high country of Summit County Colorado

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Grab oxygen-to-go in an Oxygen Pod. Take a few breaths of 95% oxygen from an Oxygen Pod to ease your altitude adjustment and recharge your body with the energy you need to fuel your muscles to propel you up the final climb on your hike or down the ski slopes. Don’t let the altitude beat you!

Filed Under: Summit County Tagged With:
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