Advertorial Content for Parents Handbook

Tucked high in the Brush Creek Valley, Snowmass Village, Colorado, is like the shy neighbor who turns out to be vivacious upon closer acquaintance. This 25-square-mile town resides over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails and offers one of the best summer resort music scenes in the state. Surrounded by a spectacularly scenic wilderness area, Snowmass is one of the few resorts in the U.S. to offer plentiful mountain boarding terrain and is the only Colorado resort to offer two 18-hole disc golf courses. It's no coincidence that part of our name is synonymous with "magnitude" and "substance." And yet Snowmass Village is not your typical mountain town. One need only glimpse the grand splendor of Mount Daly and the faces of people coming off the slopes year-round to understand that this town's core lies amidst a fertile landscape of adventure and rejuvenation.
The second largest ski mountain in Colorado offering nearly 150 miles of trails is right here in Snowmass Village. Snowmass also connects to the largest network of free groomed Nordic trails in the United States.
The mountain is our main street, our mecca, our coffee shop and our office. We swap gossip on picnic blankets at the Fanny Hill concerts, catch up as we catch air in the terrain parks and on the trails. While we live here for the sun-kissed summers and for the glimpses of the elk, fox and deer who share this unique Shangri-la. We're also dedicated to ensuring our guests feel the same. From the wild west to wildflowers to wildly enthusiastic locals, the town lives up to its name.

Teach your kids to ride… the bus!
By Lu Snyder
It’s never too soon to teach your kids good habits and riding the bus can easily be one of them.
Now, more than ever, families are looking at ways to cut costs and take better care of the environment. Leaving your car at home while you ride the bus can be part of the solution.
The Summit Stage runs all year long, with free service around the county. Instead of jumping into the car for your family’s next local adventure, consider taking the bus instead. You can take the bus to the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, to the resorts, the recreation centers and the factory outlet stores.
Riding the bus with your children will give them the experience and confidence to ride it alone once they’re old enough. You can add to their learning experience by teaching them some of the benefits of riding the bus:
Riding the bus saves fuel (and money) and lessens our country’s dependence on foreign oil. According the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation can reduce household expenses by up to $9,000 and saves our country 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline each year.
Riding the bus relieves traffic congestion (something we’re all too familiar with here during ski season) and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new Summit Stage buses use clean, ultra-low sulfur biodiesel fuel, producing at least 90 percent less emissions than the old buses.
Riding the bus is safer than automobile travel -- 170 times safer, according to the National Safety Council.
Lastly, riding the bus reduces road stress. The average driver may spend more than 450 hours (that’s 11 work weeks) behind the wheel each year. By riding the bus, you can take your eyes off the road and focus on your family instead; relax, chat, read a book, or just snuggle together until you get to your destination.

Protect your family’s eyes
By Lu Snyder
Fall 2009 (RFV)
Colorado is notorious for its bluebird days, with not a cloud in the sky. But the combination of sun at high altitudes

and reflection from the snow means eye protection is imperative here in the winter.

We are exposed to UV rays whether the skies are clear or cloudy, and the sun can burn your eyes, just as it can your

skin – particularly after long hours skiing or snowboarding.

Children are even more susceptible to sun damage, as their eyes do not have the same ability to protect from UV

radiation. Additionally, www.kidshealth.org reports that most kids accumulate the majority of their lifetime sun

exposure within their first 18 years – so be sure not to skimp on their eye protection.

Not all lenses provide the same protection. Darkened lenses offer only a false sense of safety. Be sure to choose

sunglasses and goggles that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays (look for the Seal of Acceptance for UV

Blockers/Absorbers from the World Council of Optometry or the American Optometric Association), advise the

experts at www.healthysightforlife.org.

Free is key
Deals abound in Summit County — you just have to know where to look

By L.S. Burns
335 words
 

There’s no need to be bashful — most everyone is looking to score a deal these days, be it dining discounts or free entertainment. The Parent’s Handbook has done the leg work for you — read on to find out about some of the best ongoing deals in Summit County.
Keystone is unrolling its KIDTOPIA festival this season, taking place over most holiday weekends this season — Dec. 21-27, 2009,  Jan. 14-19,2010,  Feb. 11-16 and Feb. 19-21.There’s a giant snow fort at the top of Dercum Mountain, family-friendly concerts in the plaza, arts and crafts, disco tubing, glow bug skating, and more.
Keystone offers a free Adventure Passport for all guests staying at resort-owned properties.The Passport gets guests with an array of free and discounted activities, like free ice-skating, night skiing, and snowbiking as well as discounts on sleigh rides, dining, and more. Visit www.keystoneresort.com.
Copper Mountain’s Chamber of Commerce knows what makes moms and dads happy — a night out sans their beloved children. Kids’ Night Out is a free childcare service where your kids can enjoy pizza, crafts, movies and more while you get some free time. The only condition is that you spend $30 per child in any commercial outlet at the resort during the hours your kids are in the program. The service is offered from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended, call (970) 968-2318 ext. 38101.
If ice skating is more your style, bring your own skates and glide around West Lake at The Village at Copper for free. You can also rent skates at the lake at Chubs. Visit the Adventure Desk to sign up for any of these adventures. Visit www.coppercolorado.com  or call (970) 968-2318 to learn more.

Protect your family’s eyes
By Lu Snyder
Fall 2009 (RFV)
Colorado is notorious for its bluebird days, with not a cloud in the sky. But the combination of sun at high altitudes and reflection from the snow means eye protection is imperative here in the winter.

We are exposed to UV rays whether the skies are clear or cloudy, and the sun can burn your eyes, just as it can your skin – particularly after long hours skiing or snowboarding.

Children are even more susceptible to sun damage, as their eyes do not have the same ability to protect from UV radiation. Additionally, www.kidshealth.org reports that most kids accumulate the majority of their lifetime sun exposure within their first 18 years – so be sure not to skimp on their eye protection.

Not all lenses provide the same protection. Darkened lenses offer only a false sense of safety. Be sure to choose sunglasses and goggles that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays (look for the Seal of Acceptance for UV Blockers/Absorbers from the World Council of Optometry or the American Optometric Association), advise the experts at www.healthysightforlife.org.

Polarized lenses, such as those offered by HaberVision, further protect eyes by reducing glare. Save 50% off retail by ordering your sunglasses and goggles online at www.habervision.com. All products are manufactured for optimum performance and 100% UV protection. (Enter Affinity Member Code PARENTS for an additional discount.)

A brimmed hat dramatically reduces the UV rays that reach the eyes, so be sure to wear one when possible.

Your children may refuse eye protection at first, but don’t despair. Let them select a style they like and set an example by always wearing yours. You’ll have more fun in the sun knowing your family is protected.

...100% powered by wind. Stroll Main Street of the Rockies for shops, galleries, restaurants and museums that guide

you to the Frisco Bay Marina. The word on the street is Frisco.
www.townoffrisco.com
see ad p10    800-424-1554

Thread’s offers a great selection of brand new items as well as a fabulous selection of quality consignments for women and children.  We carry a full selection of clothing, accessories, children’s furniture and necessities for ages newborn to Youth 16.  Our customers walk away saying “I can’t believe it’s consignment!”
240 Chapel Square Place, Avon
see ad p62    970-949-0499
see our coupon

Authentic mountain-inspired skiwear embracing the spirit of skiing. Created and designed in the heart of the mountains for skiing enthusiasts of every age. Winter outerwear for the home, resort, ski area and aprés activities; Obermeyer has been designing and manufacturing waterproof breathable ski clothing for Women, Men, Teen and Kids for over 60 years.
www.obermeyer.com.
see ad p80     (800) 525-4203

For the very best in skiwear, mountain wear, summer wear, snowboard wear, street wear, accessories and equipment. It’s The North Face, Breckenridge. We have special North Face products that few stores carry! Have a special order? Stop by and we’ll fill it. We now offer almost 1700 sq. ft. of the sweetest products in the mountains!  

Buy online at:
www.breckgear.com
322 S. Main St., Breckenridge
see ad p63      (970) 453-1613
see our coupon

The Main Street Outlet is located in the heart of the historic district at 324 South Main Street, Breckenridge, CO.  It’s a true outlet with top name brand skiwear, snowboard wear, mountain wear and street wear, all at 25% to70% off retail!  Call (970) 453-1300 for directions.  Best prices for quality merchandise, in town!
325 S Main Street, Breckenridge
see ad p63    (970) 453-1300
see our coupon

Handmade Children’s Clothing, Infants to 12 yrs. Handmade Handbags, Belts, and Hats for Women. A select Jewelry Collection. Perfect for special gifts or for something special for yourself. Unique gifts for baby showers and birthdays. We also have children’s books and greeting cards. Handmade items crafted right here in our studio!
www.magicalscraps.com
310 S Main St, Breckenridge
see ad p60    (970) 453-6023
see our coupon

An Eclectic Boutique Gift Shop. Unique hand crafted jewelry, pottery, animal figurines, and housewares along with name brands like Baggallini, Painted Ponies, and Tin Woodsman Pewter.  Fairies and spiritual gifts.  Natural health coaching and Young Living Essential Oils.  We also have a kid’s corner with fun and educational toys and books!
100 N Main St, Ste #209, Breckenridge
see ad p27    (970) 372-5228
see our coupon