Monied ‘Burbs, Celebrities, Ski Resorts: Pre-Great Recession Lifestyles Profiles-At-A-Glance
This contours along the “Continental Divide, an imaginary line that marks the flow of precipitation. Rain falling on the west of the Divide makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Rain on the east makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.”
An excerpt from Book Three in “The Knowledge Path Series” dedicated to helping you find the place of your dreams.
As you leave Telluride, the next travel region on your BOF bucket list takes you to Northwestern Colorado.
Where is it?
South of the Wyoming state line.
Along the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, but east of Utah state line.
It includes Mesa, Pitkin and Summit counties.
If you are like most people you’d recognize the region in relation to Interstate 70.
Well, draw a line 50 to 100 miles south and you’ve found its southern border.
Follow I-70 from the western portal of the Eisenhower Tunnel in the east to the Utah state line in the west and you’ve got it covered.
Wikitravel describes the region this way:
This contours along the Continental Divide, an imaginary line that marks the flow of precipitation.
Rain falling on the west of the Divide makes its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Rain on the east makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring Summit County first, makes the most sense, because more resort towns ranging from innovation to early maturity can be visited in fewer vacation days.
And, guess what?
Patchwork Nation says Summit County can be added to the “Monied Burbs List.”
Across the county you’ll discover 8 or 9 towns that might capture your imagination.
In fact you’d probably recognize the names of the four major ski and snowboarding resort areas already.
- Keystone
- Copper Mountain
- Arapahoe Basin
- Breckenridge.
And, you’ll find out that two reservoirs store water for local recreation and home owners as far away as Denver.
And as you learn later, the Summit Daily News features news and information about the towns and resorts.
To be honest Summit County confused me years ago when we began our coverage.
Here’s why.
Zip Codes.
- 80424 – Breckenridge
- 80435 – Keystone and Dillon
- 80443 – Copper Mountain and Frisco
Oh, and in my knowledge base, I discovered more confusion.
Just like Santa Cruz County in California and Santa Cruz County in Arizona, there are other Summit Counties in other western states.
One closer by in Utah.
So let’s start with the least confusing.
Breckenridge.
Some like to call the most popular ski resort in the U.S.
Probably their Chamber of Commerce, right?
Unlike Durango, Breckenridge citizens live within one zip code, 80424.
Location At-A-Glance
Region: Western United States, Rocky Mountain Region
State: Colorado
Travel Region: Northwestern Colorado
County: Summit County
Patchwork County: Monied Burbs
Town: Breckenridge
Population Density: Town and Country
Real Estate Phase: Early-Maturity
Ski Area Citizens Scorecards:
(F) Breckenridge Ski Resort 36.1% (Fall 2008)
(D) Breckenridge Ski Resort 41.5% (Winter 2009 -2010)
(C) Breckenridge Ski Resort 65.2% (Fall 2013)
5-Year Time Frames — 2003 – 2008
Profile At-A-Glance (Summer 2008)
Zip Codes: 80424
Life Stages: Singles, Couples, Families, Midlife, Empty Nests, Baby Boomers
Ages: 20-29, 25-54, 30-44, 55+
Community Neighbors:
Wireless Resorters
11Y1T1, God’s Country, 30-44, Couples, Midlife Success, Landed Gentry, WRMR Maturing Resorts, Wireless Resorters (Declined, Evolved or Moved to Boulder, CO)
23Y2T2, Greenbelt Sports, 25-54, Mainstream Singles, Country Comfort, WRMR Maturing Resorts, Wireless Resorters (Aspen, CO)
33F3T2, Big Sky Families, 25-54, Mainstream Families, Country Comfort, WRMR Maturing Resorts, Wireless Resorters (Declined, Evolved or Moved to Park City, UT)
28M2T2, Traditional Times, Empty Nests, 55+, Couples, Country Comfort, WRMR Maturing Resorts, Wireless Resorters (St. Helena, CA)
Distant Exurbans – WRDE (Declined, Evolved or Moved)
56Y3T4, Crossroads Villagers, 20-29, Striving Singles,Rustic Living, WRDE Distant Exurbans, Wireless Resorters (Declined, Evolved or Moved to Telluride, CO)
Community Neighbors:
High Country Eagles
45Y3T3, Blue Highways, 20-29, Striving Singles, Middle America HCERC Rural Cowboy, High Country Eagles (Dillon, CO)
Over the next five years Breckenridge changed the most.
Compared to the other Summit County mountain resort towns.
Of the four Maturing Resorts community lifestyles only two remained.
And, the lone representative of the Distant Exurbans vanished as well.
Breckenridge said goodbye to couples, families, and mid lifers in the 30-44 age range.
Three “anchor lifestyles” remained – singles, empty nesters and Baby Boomers ages 20-29, 25-54 and 55+.
Why?
To find out, let’s start with how things were in 2008.
And, with the December, 2007 to February 2008 ski and snowboard season.
Highlights and Headlines.
Winter 2007 – 2008
History and Holiday Arts
Breckenridge Heritage Alliance and the Summit Historical Society
“It’s one of few of its kind that exists.” The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance and the Summit Historical Society recently announced that the William W. Boyd Horseshoe Collection will be on display at the Edwin Carter Museum in Breckenridge.
Third Annual Arts District Holiday Party
The third annual Arts District Holiday Party is Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at the Breckenridge Theatre at 121 S.
Providing Medical Services
Level V Trauma Center Breckenridge Medical Clinic
Breckenridge Medical Clinic recently passed a re-certification test to stay a Level V Trauma Center with a perfect score from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Trauma Services Division.
Land and Water Conservation
Plan For Carter Park
“This probably represents more of a compromise” Following a recent presentation about a plan for Carter Park designed by a community advisory group and recommended by the majority of citizens who got involved, Breckenridge Town Council gave the go-ahead.
We’re Protecting The Land And The Water
“I’m representing the people of the state of Colorado to make sure we’re protecting the land and the water” The massive budget bill passed by the U.S. Congress this week includes nearly a $1 million in federal funds for the Highway 9 widening project bet
Mining Town to Destination Resort
One Of America’s Favorite Alpine Destinations
Breckenridge, Colorado is one of America’s favorite alpine destinations. Breckenridge was founded over 140 years ago as a mining town.
2nd-Home Market In Old-Style Victorian Mining Town
“This is really a 2nd-home market” The holiday rush may be over, but January and February don’t slow down in Breckenridge, Colorado, an old-style Victorian mining town turned modern ski mecca.
Films, Festivals and Fun
Mountainfilm in Telluride
Mountainfilm in Telluride, a festival of adventure, cultural and environmental films, is partnering with Breckenridge’s nonprofit Mountain to Mountain by bringing three nights of film to the Speakeasy. MountainFilm support and attendance helped CRMS Thank you to all who supported and attended the Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s presentation of Telluride MountainFilm on Tour this year.
North American Open Freeskiing Videos
Watch freeskiing videos from this weekends North American Open in Breckenridge, hosted by Simon Dumont and Jon Olsson.
Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships
For the 18th year, Breckenridge is hosting the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
Celebrities and Salaries
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Breckenridge, Colorado is among the hot spots to be featured on the new season of E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Salaries Of The Breckenridge Town Council Members
An ordinance that will increase the salaries of the Breckenridge Town council members elected this spring recently passed the second reading with a 5-to-1 vote.
Spring 2008
Hut, Hut, Hut …
Backcountry Shelter Considered By Summit Huts Association
The Summit Huts Association is considering several spots near Breckenridge for a new backcountry shelter, but proponents are wary of environmental concerns that scuttled the last effort.
Summer 2008
Early Signals?
Hotel Occupancy In Vail, Aspen And Breckenridge
Whatever the cause, hotel occupancy this year in Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge is down slightly this year from the first six months of 2007.
Victorian Historic District
Eco-Friendly Solar Panels Into The Town’s Historic District
Colorado – Breckenridge officials are grappling with how to usher eco-friendly solar panels into the town’s historic district while preserving its renowned Victorian charm.
First Documented Gold Strike On The Western Slope
Breckenridge is home to the first documented gold strike on the Western Slope, but the story as told may be inaccurate.
Foundation Endowment
$100,000 to the Summit Foundation
The Grand Lodge on Peak 7 recently gave $100,000 to the Summit Foundation for an endowment through which the donors can designate the specific beneficiaries.
Local Celebrity
Breckenridge Snowborder
DeAnna Pappas is down to two final bachelors on this season of ABC-TV’s “The Bachelorette.”
Festivals and Celebrations
Summer Festival of Film
The Breckenridge Festival of Film, which took place June 5-8, 2008 has announced its choices for best of this year’s festival.
28th Annual Breckenridge Festival Of Film
High drama, suspense and political intrigue drew audiences from the four corners of the nation for the World Premiere of “Washington, You’re Fired” at this year’s 28th annual Breckenridge Festival of Film.
Parade Down Main Street
The fun begins on July 4th, with a parade down Main Street.
Second Annual Kingdom Days Celebration
Mobile outhouses, mine tours and gunfights aim to lure folks to Breckenridge this weekend for the second annual Kingdom Days celebration.
Kickoff Of The Up With People
Special to the Daily FARMER’S KORNER – Lovisa Cehlin traveled from her home country of Sweden to Breckenridge for the kickoff of the Up With People …
Quaint Shops
New Tin Shop Artists Arrive
The Arts District of Breckenridge’s Tin Shop is located at 117 E.
Hamlet’s Bookshoppe
“While vacationing in Breckenridge, Colorado, over the Fourth of July weekend, I stopped by a quaint little bookstore in town called Hamlet’s Bookshoppe,” emails publicist Amber Childres.
Retreats
Signature Health And Wellness Retreats
Sacred Tree, a holistic health and wellness center in Breckenridge, is launching a line of signature health and wellness retreats.
Mountain-Pine Beetle Aftermath
Turned From Removal To Replanting
The Breckenridge mountain-pine beetle program’s emphasis has turned from removal to replanting.
Music, Touring and Walking
Blue River Series at the Riverwalk Center
The Breckenridge Music Festival will present Cowboy Junkies with special guest Monahans as part of the Blue River Series at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Cowboy Junkies were …
Continental Divide Land Trust Walking Tour
A walking tour of Breckenridge highlighting what remains of the wildflowers and native landscapes indigenous to our area will be offered on Saturday, August 2, by Continental Divide Land Trust.
Ride The Rockies Bicycle Tour
After seven days and 435 miles, over 2,000 cyclists will cross the finish line in Breckenridge Saturday for this year’s Ride the Rockies bicycle tour.
On and Off the Road
A Dozen Thefts Of High-End Road Bikes
Breckenridge police believe thieves are targeting high-end road bikes after a dozen thefts since June.
Surprise Road Closure
Denver Water closed our road without communicating with anyone in Summit County, the towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, Montezuma and the Keystone community.
Breckenridge Free Ride’s New Diesel-Hybrid Bus
A bright grin under a white bucket hat and Wayfarer-style shades greeted riders boarding Breckenridge Free Ride’s new diesel-hybrid bus Friday.
Fall 2008
Early Start to New Season
Making Snow After First Big Winter Storm
The first big winter storm allowed the resort at Breckenridge, Colorado to start making snow.
Top 10 Resorts
7. Breckenridge, Colorado and Whistler, British Columbia,
18 – 20 Inches of Base Depth
As I write this, nothing but sun is falling anywhere in the Western U.S., but in the last few days and weeks snow has begun to accumulate. In Colorado, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, Loveland, Copper, and Wolf Creek are open and reporting a base depth of 18 to 20 inches.
Snowboarder Tara Weldon
After a taste of Breckenridge for an episode of MTV’s ‘Made,’ aspiring competitive snowboarder Tara Weldon is devouring the whole meal.
What’s So Funny About That?
First Laughs And Lifts Comedy Festival
If you’re all smiles today with Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper mountains opening for the season, the good vibe continues into the night and weekend with the first Laughs and Lifts Comedy Festival in Breck.
Putting the Twang in Country and the Cult in Culture
three20south in Breckenridge
Bringing a mix of country, rock and a little bit of twang, the Colorado band Great American Taxi is bringing its self-proclaimed ‘Americana without borders’ sound to three20south in Breckenridge on Saturday.
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’
In Breckenridge, will show the 1975 cult classic, ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, on Friday and Saturday at 6:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. on both days.
Where to Go for Drugs
New Owners Of The Drug Store In Breckenridge
Mark and Mary Waldman recently purchased the Drug Store in Breckenridge and say they plan to build on the Drug Store’s tradition of service and convenience. The Waldmans will host a grand opening at the Drug …
Getting Around Past and Present
Historic Locomotive
Breckenridge town council on Tuesday gave the nod – by a 4-3 decision – to install historic Locomotive No.
Modification Of Breckenridge Freeride Routes
Breckenridge Freeride routes have been modified for this winter to accommodate the community and its visitors more efficiently
An Explosive Situation Leading to Stress Reduction
Dynamite Found in Frisco
What’s selling, who’s buying, who’s selling.
Tibetan Massage Therapy
A man who lived three years in a cave, escaped China on foot and nearly passed out in the trunk of a taxi now practices Tibetan massage therapy in Breckenridge.
Keep in Clean Now
Cleaning Up The Water In Breckenridge
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is helping clean up the water in Breckenridge.
What about Frisco and Copper Mountain Resort?
Part Two: What Were Frisco and Copper Mountain Like Before the Great Recession?
Steps:
25) Compare what “life” was like in those communities before the Great Recession, how resilient each was during the economic downturn, and to what degree did each bounce back after with any “economic hangover.”
28) Which lifestyles profiled in the western resort towns during 2008 – 2009 remained five years later in 2013-2014? Which disappeared entirely? Why? Which new lifestyles emerged, grew or moved in to shift the neighborhood mix? Have longtime locals been forced out by escalating property
30) Review headlines and relevant news as far back as you can find online to surface each community’s unique pulse and identify information necessary to make your decision. Is there a “ticking time bomb” issue you may uncover that eliminates the resort from your bucket list? Search on topix.com.