Thursday, November 13, 2008

Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge

Years ago we used to have an unofficial snow sculpting contest around the streets of Breckenridge. You could walk amongst the scupltures in front of shops and restaurants. It is now coming back to Breckenridge.

Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge takes snow sculpting back to its roots
Get your team, get snow and win dough: $2,000 cash prize for best snow sculpture

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. – November 11, 2008 – Visitors and locals alike are invited to experience how snow sculpting got started in Breckenridge through a spontaneous eruption of snow art on the streets. The Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge will make its debut December 6-13, 2008 in Breckenridge.

This grass-roots sculpting contest is open to anyone who has wanted to try their hands at snow sculpting. The event is being produced by Breckenridge Associates Real Estate and the founders of Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships as a means to turn out a whole new generation of snow artists, and to return this “native” art form to its zany roots on the streets of Breckenridge.

Those who want to participate in the Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge must print a registration form online at brecksnowflakechallenge.com and return with the $25 team entry fee or $75 business entry fee to Breckenridge Associates Real Estate at 229 S. Main Street by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3.

Sites have been designated around town for each sculpture and the sites will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. There is no team member limit, but the smaller the team, the greater the reward. Team members must retrieve their own snow and use only hand tools (no power tools allowed) to create a masterpiece that goes with the theme, “Winter Dreams.” Teams are encouraged to get creative, and Breckenridge’s own International Snow Sculpture Team will be on hand for guidance. Sculpting starts with a kick-off party at 5:30 p.m. on Friday December 5 at Burke and Riley's Irish Pub. Sculpting ends with an awards party at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.

Cash Prizes will be awarded to first through 6th place teams:
$2,000 – First Place
$1,000 – Second Place
$500 – Third Place
$100 – Fourth Place
$50 – Fifth Place
$25 – Sixth Place

“On the way to becoming the capital of snow art, we lost touch with being the home to snow art in Colorado,” said Rob Neyland, one of the founders of Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships. “Our cause is to promote the art and sport of snow sculpture by providing the opportunity, venue and incentive to awaken the next generation of Breckenridge snow artists.”

This event is not to be confused with the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships, which will take place January 20-25, 2009. All experience levels are welcome to participate and no one should be discouraged from trying to crate a sculpture. The sculptures will be on display along Main Street through the holidays.

For more information on the Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge and to obtain a registration form, rules and a snow sculpting tips sheet, visit brecksnowflakechallenge.com or call 970.453.2200.

Friday, November 7, 2008

First day of Skiing Breckenridge 2008/2009 Season

November 7th, 2008 First day of skiing for the 2008/2009 Breckenridge ski season. The temperature was a balmy 33 degrees F, windy with sunny spells. Not too many people on the mountain. 22" base on primarily man made snow. However, we did get about 6 inches of snow the day before opening.

Click here for slideshow
http://picasaweb.google.com/iggy80424/OpeningDayBreckenridgeSkiAreaNov7th2008#slideshow

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

First of Winter

Well this is really the beginning of winter! The ground will stay white from this day on for Breckenridge Winter 2008/2009. The Breckenridge Ski Area will open this Friday, November 7th, so the snow timing is well received.