The luxury life is living in Colorado. By being born and raised in this magnificent state, I recommend that no one miss out on the best the United States has to offer. Colorado convinces me of its superiority in many way, yet the lovely mountain town of Breckenridge remains my choice getaway. Only an hour and a half away from my home in Littleton, my family fell in love with Breckenridge so hard that we own not one, but two timeshares there—one summer week at the Grand Timber Lodge, and one winter week at The Grand Lodge on Peak 7.
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Although we take advantage of the awesome amenities provided by both timeshares, the town of Breckenridge is brimming with happenings for stays of any length.
Living in Colorado, the passion of skiing intertwines with my DNA. For the avid skiers and snowboarders, Breckenridge offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels across four, and soon to be five peaks. The Epic Local pass grants my father, sister, and I unlimited access to numerous ski resorts, yet we spend all our time at one. The Grand Lodge on Peak 7 spoils my family; it grants owners free day use of their facilities year round.
During the winter my mother relaxes in the grand lobby with her favorite book, while the rest of my family parks the car in a heated garage, changes into our ski gear in cozy locker rooms, and walks 100 feet out the back door to the Independence SuperChair ski lift to be whisked up the mountain. When four o’clock rolls around, after a full day of skiing, seven hot tubs await my father’s aching muscles. Breckenridge is home to North America’s highest ski lift–the Imperial Express–allowing skiers and snowboarders to view the entire town.
When summer appears, the snow melts and the ski bums transition to their second job, but Breckenridge loses none of its zeal. Peak 8 unleashes the Alpine Slide, The Mountain Coaster, miniature golf, gold panning, and more for the whole family to enjoy. Main Street buzzes with countless shirt shops, restaurants, and cafés. Once a visit we hit up Downstairs at Eric’s for some mean pinball games and delicious pizza.
Dessert resides just up the street at Clint’s Café, a small, cozy shop with more than just savory ice cream. Breckenridge upholds its mountain town title with the countless mountain activities. The summer of 2012, my father, best friend, and I ventured up Quandary Peak, towering at 14,265 feet, about six miles outside of Breckenridge. The entertaining encounters with bighorn sheep, the beauty of the surrounding mountain range, and the excellent form of exercise made it my favorite hiking experience of my life. Not only hiking, but mountain biking and four-wheeling are prominent as well. My family’s Jeep Grand Cherokee conquered Peak 9 just last month. A few paces off the trail, the peaks and never-ending evergreens leave me in awe. I feel like I must be more than 90 minutes away from home.
Although I have lived in Colorado my whole life, there’s no place I’d rather be. There’s a reason why I’m not leaving the state for college. Whether you decide to vacation at the Grand Lodge from out of state or hop in the car to visit for a day, Breckenridge satisfies your travel desires.
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