editorials

As we embark on winter in Summit County, and the many sporting opportunities available, it is important to take steps to prevent
sporting injuries. Some simple preparation and tips can prevent injury and maximize your performance throughout the season!

Conditioning – Exercise before the season starts to strengthen your body before the season starts - especially your legs and core. Whether you run, bike, swim or walk, there are many ways to improve your conditioning. Get your equipment ready - make sure it fits and it is tuned properly by someone who is qualified.

Pre-activity warm up – Always do a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes of pre-activity exercise to warm-up your muscles and joints. Skiing or snowboarding without a warm-up increases the possibility of injury and decreases your performance.

Take lessons to improve your abilities – even if you are experienced at your activity there is always an advantage to working with a coach or trainer to improve your ability. Don’t push yourself beyond your
capabilities. Even if you have to take breaks during your activity it
will reduce your risk of injury. Most injuries take place later in the day when you are too tired to pay attention to your energy level at the end of your activity. Don’t make the “last run of the day” your last run of the season! Enjoy yourself and have fun!

Here at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics we believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment. Following these tips can help you avoid both minor and major injuries and keep you in the
winter playground!

Colorado Mountain Express (CME) operates 220 vehicles which travel 9.3 million miles annually, transporting visitors to and from Colorado’s beautiful mountain resort communities. CME wants each of those miles to be as comfortable and safe as possible, and that’s why they require all their drivers to take a two-week course with the Center for Transportation Safety.

Colorado’s State Patrol offer their expertise and advice during the training, where drivers navigate 10- passenger vans through a series of stations in a circuit course and also prepare for a written exam. From
vehicle orientation—which includes checking mirrors, ensuring ski racks are secure—to emergency braking exercises, potential drivers are rigorously trained to be more alert, careful and skillful drivers. “Training reminds you what we all learned in high school Physics – that gravity wins,” said Tom Ball, Executive Vice President of CME. “The idea that you incorporate reduction of speed as conditions change – that makes you a much safer driver. That’s what was driven home for me during my own training.”

CME believes driver safety training is the answer to providing a safe, comfortable ride for guests and their families to and from Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

For more information regarding driver training and safe mountain driving, contact CME at news.ridecme.com.

By J.K. Perry

Nearby the glamorous and glitzy ski resorts of Summit County lies quaint and historic Ski Cooper, where the 10th Mountain Division prepared for battle in World War II.

The resort — nestled in San Isabel National Forest — is located just 30 miles from Summit County via Highway 91 and offers most of the basic amenities of the larger resorts. And it’s cheaper, whether you’re buying a lift ticket, renting equipment or getting snowboard or ski lessons.

There’s a retail shop, rental shop, restaurant and nordic center. Don’t forget to make reservations for the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, a finedining restaurant located inside a Yurt with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

The ski school includes instruction for adults and children in
telemarking, snowboarding and skiing. If you need a babysitter, the nursery cares for children ages two to seven.

If the family is interested in a challenge, the resort sells full-day snowcat trips to the top of Chicago Ridge. Advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 2,400 acres of powder-filled backcountry glades and open bowls atop the Continental Divide. Call (719) 486-2277 for reservations and more information.

History is an important part of Ski Cooper. The famed 10th Mountain Division trained on the resort’s slopes in the mid 1940s. Many of the young men stationed there later fought the Germans at Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere in the North Apennine Mountains of Italy.

Get the skinny on Ski Cooper at www.skicooper.com or by calling (719) 486-2277.

Ski Cooper by the numbers-

Lifts- 5

Vertical- 1,200 feet

Skiable acres- 400 served by lift, 2,400 by snowcat

Trails- 26

Terrain- 30 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 30 percent expert

Average annual snowfall- 250 inches

Snowmaking- none

Longest Run- Trails End at 1.4 miles

Adult lift ticket- $39

Child lift ticket- $20

Source: www.skicooper.com

From helmets, hats, warm clothes and sunscreen, adding eye protection to your must have safety equipment is even more important than ever. With sunshine 330 days a year and the glare from snow and ice on the slopes and on the roads your effective UVA/UVB exposure is multiplied beyond your eyes ability to adjust.

The answer: Polarized Performance Technology

Along with fit, the most important aspect of performance eyewear is the optical quality and visual enhancement characteristics of the lenses. Polarized sunglasses have been used for many years to reduce glare and enhance perception. The benefits of using polarized sunglasses and Goggles are now being realized by a variety of outdoor sport players including: skiers, cyclists, drivers, anglers, individuals that are light-sensitive and those who demand more performance from their eyewear.

Get more from your outdoor experience and protect your eyes for life. How about Protection at a price you can afford? The Parents Handbook Readers receive a special offer — Don’t miss out on this opportunity to fit the whole family with HaberVision Goggles&Sunglasses. Visit www.habervision.com and enter Affinity Code: PARENTHBW to receive a 50% discount off Suggested Retail.

HaberVision was founded in 2005 by Steve Haber, a 30-year sunglassindustry veteran and avid outdoor sportsman. Early in his career Haber developed the Bollè® brand of sunglasses and goggles. After taking the company public in 1995, Steve sold his interests to pursue a lifelong passion for fishing, skiing and golf. Seeing the need for an eyewear company devoted to the polarized segment, Steve created HaberVision, with the sole purpose of helping consumers get more from their outdoor experiences. HaberVision is the world’s first online, only premium, polarized sunglass store, offering premium sunglasses and goggles at a price that does not make you compromise quality.

Visit www.habervision.com and enter Affinity Code: PARENTHBW to receive a 50% discount off suggested retail.

On-slope picnics are inexpensive and picturesque

By J.K. Perry

It’s one of Colorado’s sunny, bluebird days outside. Take advantage and save some dollars and stress by packing a picnic lunch and eating on the slopes.

Summit County ski resorts offer several suitable picnic areas, which can be an uncrowded and affordable alternative to pricey restaurants on and off the mountain.

Plan ahead and pick up items to make sandwiches and dried fruit, nuts or other energy-packed food items from a local grocery store. Pack your supplies into a backpack or two until lunchtime.To save your back, and some weight, purchase energy drinks and other beverages on the mountain right before you’re ready to eat.

Ten Mile Station at Breckenridge makes eating outdoors comfortable. The large deck outside the miningthemed food court is heated. The court is located atop the QuickSilver lift and serves a variety of food to supplement your picnic.

Copper has several picnic areas scattered across the mountain. There is one located near the Sierra lift’s base and another along Wheeler Creek, both in the heart of green-run heaven and suitable for novice skiers and boarders.

Arapahoe Basin takes picnic scenery to another level atop the Lenawee and Norway lifts.With views of the Continental Divide, the Snow Plume Refuge offers an outside deck and some food basics if you forgot your own.

Labonte’s Cabin at Keystone serves sun and sounds on its “beach” at the base of the Ruby and Santiago lifts. The Mozart and Star Fire runs offer the easiest ways to reach this out-of-the-way picnic spot.

Want to locate a picnic area on Summit County slopes? Check out the following web sites:

Arapahoe Basin www.arapahoebasin.com

Breckenridge www.breckenridge.snow.com

Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

Keystone www.keystone.snow.com

By Therese Dayton

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are soft adventures in the woods of Colorado. The Nordic atmosphere is casual and friendly. The warm winter sports of Nordic skiing, better known as crosscountry skiing, and snowshoeing are fun and easy to learn for kids and their parents. The grace of gliding on manicured snow will make you feel alive again. Choose a self-guided trail or take a tour. The health benefits are outstanding and you will have more fun than you can imagine.

Each of three unique locations: Breckenridge, Gold Run and Frisco
Nordic Centers have free parking, lodges with rest facilities, cozy fireplaces, and together offer more than 90 kilometers of daily snow cat groomed trails. All trails are mapped and marked with an active ski patrol. Purchase a day trail pass, punch pass or season pass and ski at all three locations.

Child pulk sleds, kick sleds, and children’s ski/snowshoe equipment are available for rent or purchase. Frisco Nordic has two sledding/tubing hills appropriate for all ages. Our trained instructors love beginners, children, and athletes from other sports. Lessons are offered everyday in family group and private classes by reservation.

Bring a backpack with personal items, remembering to include hats, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, energy snacks, and light to heavy layers of clothing. That are also available at the retail shops. Video and photo cameras will help you capture the romance and beauty of the snowcapped mountains and scenic vistas. Family events, including fun snowshoe walks and kid’s treasure hunts with prizes offered each season. Our team of professionals is looking forward to meeting you and making your stay here all that you have dreamed of for your family vacation.

Therese Dayton is the Program Director at the Frisco Nordic Center - Peninsula Recreation Area, 18454 Colorado Highway 9 in Frisco & Breckenridge Nordic Center - 1200 Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge (970) 453-6855, E-mail: nord@colorado.net, or Find us Online: www.FriscoNordic.com

Woodward is known by many as the world’s premier action sports and gymnastics camps, and Woodward at Copper will be the first winterfocused action sports facility bearing its name. The Copper facility will provide riders and skiers the same progressive learning opportunities that have previously only been made available to summer action sports like skateboarding and BMX.

Official programming has yet to be announced but Woodward at Copper will support the same philosophies of Woodward’s existing camps in Woodward, PA. and Tehachapi, CA. – to respond to, and grow, the unique skills and abilities of each individual athlete regardless of their ability level. Progressive teaching tools including trampolines, foam pits, resi-pits and bungee systems will be used to allow athletes to push the limits of their own abilities, and of their sports, in a safer, supported environment.

LOOK FOR CAMP WOODWARD AT COPPER SPRING 2008! Visit www.woodwardatcopper.com

by Dr. David Gray

Welcome to the High Country. My name is David Gray. I am Board- Certified in Emergency Medicine. My Practice is called High Altitude Mobile Physicians, with emphasis on “mobile”.

ALTITUDE: Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone are the highest ski- areas in North America. You’re two miles in the sky. The key is the elevation you sleep at, not where you go during the day.

HYDRATE! The biggest loss of fluid from the human-body is moisturizing the air you breathe. This is dry air up here. Thirst is not a good guide as to how much to drink. Pay attention to the color of your urine. Clear-good. Yellow-drink more water.

Acute Mountain Sickness: or Altitude Illness is not subtle. 20-25% of visitors have significant problems, and about half of those need treatment. Expect shortness of breath when you climb stairs, or walk into town. A mild headache, even slight nausea are very common. Anything more-call me for advice.

PREVENTION: There is a medication called Acetazolamide, or Diamox, a prescription item which, taken 2 days prior to coming to the high country, can prevent any of the unpleasant effects of coming to altitude. Anti-inflammatories, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxsyn are also beneficial. Ask your Doctor, or call me.

DIET: High-carb, low-fat, lighter meals are recommended, especially the first few days here. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy meals at first. Go easy on the alcohol intake, because it is dehydrating.

SKIN: Moisturize! Slather on moisturizing creams early-on. Stay ahead of the dryness, especially with the kids. Most important-USE SUNBLOCK ON EXPOSED SKIN!

Welcome to Summit County. Have fun. Be Safe. Questions or more information call (970) 389-7999.

By J.K. Perry

When the weather turns cold or you’re sick of slopes, head indoors for some recreation.

The Breckenridge Recreation Center offers oodles of affordable activities for the entire family to occupy themselves.

“The recreation center and ice rink probably offer the best (indoor) option in Breckenridge as a whole,” said Helen Cospolich, spokeswoman for the center. “It’s affordable, which is a good thing.”

There is a water park, replete with pool, water slide, leisure pool and a rope swing into the middle of the pool. Kids can keep busy in the pool, as well as by playing basketball or climbing the rock wall.

While the kids are entertained, parents can lift weights, swim laps, run, hit the cardiovascular equipment or play racquetball. The center offers a childcare program called “Bearly Big” for children from two months to 5 years-old. The service costs $5 for each child.

Another activity for kids includes “Family Can Play Time.” The program allows toddlers to horse around on gym equipment on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Check the center’s Web site for prices.

Here are some other area indoor hideouts–

• Silverthorne Recreation Center Visit www.silverthorne.org or call (970) 262-7370. * See the coupon section of The Parents Handbook for money savings offers.

• Stephen C.West Ice Arena Visit www.townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 547-9974.

Breckenridge Recreation Center details–

Address- 880 Airport Road in Breckenridge

Web site www.townofbreckenridge.com Phone: (970) 453-1734

Hours- Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission- Adult $10, $6 for youth ages 13 to 17, $5 for children ages three to 12. Children under three are free.

Family Fun Day- Every second Sunday of the month admission costs just $25 for a family of four.

Rock Wall- $10 for three belay rides. Participants don’t have to pay admission.

J.K. Perry

The holiday season brings with it lots of gifts, but parents must also be aware that some toys might be dangerous to their kids.

“I think overall toys are safe,” said Therese Pilonetti, program manager for Colorado’s Consumer Protection Division. “It’s just a matter of being aware of recalls, age appropriateness and a toys durability.”

Several toys were recently recalled by manufacturers because the playthings contained lead-based paint or parts small enough for young children to choke on. Lead can cause nervous system problems when a child mouths a toy containing lead or touches it handto- mouth. An ingested toy can be fatal, Pilonetti said.

Parents can stay updated on recalls by visiting www.cpsc.gov. The Web site contains a list of recent recalls and a service which alerts people when future recalls are made.

Some toys contain small parts, and the packages often describe whether the toy is appropriate for certain age groups. In addition, several companies sell “choke tubes,” which determine whether a part is small enough to choke on.

While toys with small parts might be OK for older children, parents must be aware these toys might pose a danger to younger children in the same house, Pilonetti said. Keep them out of reach or don’t buy toys which might be dangerous.

Parents must also determine if a toy is durable. A poorly manufactured item might disintegrate into smaller parts. Parents can inspect toys at the store. A good rule of thumb is if the toy looks like it can survive a four-foot drop, it’s durable, Pilonetti said.

She also recommends parents share toy safety tips with friends and family who buy toys for children.

“Make sure these people know about toy safety,” she said.

Most Summit County youth… Are healthy and active. Participate in sports, theater, dance, art, music, or volunteer service. Choose to be tobacco-free, alcoholfree, and drug-free.

So…what does this mean, and why is it so important to Summit County parents? You may have seen the social norms marketing campaign, This is US, which provides positive statistics from Summit Middle School and Summit High School student surveys. Social norms marketing is a new science-based prevention strategy utilized nationwide. And, the good news is that we are seeing positive results right here in Summit County.

This is US aims to decrease the misconceptions of youth about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and to decrease the use of substances among our youth. Have you heard the “Everyone does it” scenario? It is prevalent among young people nationwide. If a child is more apt to think that “everyone is drinking”, they may be more likely to experiment with alcohol in order to be part of the majority. In the five years of the campaign, the surveys have shown that not everyone is drinking, and in fact, a large majority of the students are not taking part in risky behaviors. The survey results are reported back to students through posters and other messaging to reinforce positive behaviors.

You might be wondering how you can help. Youth in Summit County need a strong voice showing that we applaud the majority of students in our community making health choices. We need to remember that it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to have a consistent message to youth. Thank you to parents and the community as a whole for supporting and encouraging Summit County’s youth.

Summit Prevention Alliance Phone: (970) 668-2077 Fax: (970) 668-1737

Nearly 150 years ago, prospectors discovered gold along the Blue River and the mining town of Breckenridge was born. Today, there are dozens of historic structures in Breckenridge, making it one of the largest historic districts in Colorado.

While it’s hard today to imagine Breckenridge as a rugged mining community, families can still experience what life was once like in this Rocky Mountain town more than 100 years ago. Kids and adults alike can discover Breckenridge’s colorful past by visiting the home of Barney Ford, an escaped slave who became one of Breckenridge’s most prominent businessmen, by taking a tour of the Edwin Carter Museum, where Carter – a miner turned naturalist – collected and preserved thousands of animals, and by learning first-hand about mining life at the Washington and Lomax Placer Mines, two authentic working mines from the late-1800’s (mines are open in the summer months).

Families can also get a glimpse into the past by taking a guided historic walking tour through the downtown area. On this tour, visitors can hear the story of Tom’s Baby, a 13 pound gold nugget discovered in 1887, learn about Father Dyer, an itinerant preacher who traveled on 14-footlong skis to spread his message to local mining camps, and hear how locals survived the snow of 1898, when it snowed so much that residents were forced to build snow tunnels to get around town.

In 2009, Breckenridge celebrates its 150th Anniversary. As part of the celebration, the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance will unveil additional historic sites, projects and special events for families to discover, including the reintroduction of Engine #9, (the train that originally steamed over Boreas Pass into Breckenridge in the late 1800’s) as well as interpretive sites in the Golden Horseshoe, a horseshoe-shaped, 8,000 acre recreational area rich in gold finds and old mining camps.

Be sure to keep up with the latest news and events by visiting us at www.breckheritage.com or by calling (800) 980-1859.

By L.S. Burns

Summit County is the perfect place to reign in the holiday spirit.With torchlight parades, tree lighting ceremonies and strolling carolers, each of our mountain towns offers events planned to help locals and visitors alike celebrate the season.

On Dec. 1, Breckenridge will officially light up for the season. Hot cocoa, Christmas carols and visits from Santa will take place during the lighting of the town tree at Blue River Plaza. Call (970) 453-5579. Do the holidays put you in a creative spirit? Consider putting it to good use at the Arts District Holiday Party in Breckenridge. The Dec. 12 event lets you create ornaments while enjoying refreshments with the whole family. The free event runs from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. at the Breckenridge Theatre. Call (970) 453-3364.

The night of Dec. 4 starts the holiday of Hanukkah. The Synagogue of the Summit is hosting a pot-luck shabbat dinner and Hanukkah party on Friday night, Dec. 7. All are welcome, contact www.synagogueofthesummit.org, or call (970) 668-0670.

On Dec. 6 Dillon will hold their annual holiday lighting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Village Place in downtown. Santa, Mrs. Claus and children of all ages will switch on the town holiday lights. Festivities include meeting Santa, children’s craft area hosted by Mrs. Claus, holiday carols and music. Hot apple cider and hot chocolate, cookies and hot dogs provided compliments of Dillon merchants and Pug Ryan’s restaurant. For more information call (970) 468-2403.

From Dec. 15 – 25, Copper will be holding their High Alpine Holidays. The two-week event will feature carolers and Santa himself, who will be available for pictures as well as for some turns on the hill. Copper also hosts En Fuego from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 15, 22 and 24. Activities include torchlight parades, street entertainers, bonfires, fire performers and a fireworks finale. A torchlight parade will round out Copper’s festivities on Christmas Eve. For more information call (888) 841-2481 or go to www.coppercolorado.com.

Have a sweet tooth? Check out Keystone’s Chocolateville from Dec. 14 through Jan. 2. Chef Ned Archibald sculpts 2,500 pounds of chocolate into a miniature alpine village, complete with a chocolate mountain, a working chocolate gondola and a 6-foot white chocolate Christmas tree with hand-blown sugar ornaments. The lobby of the Keystone Lodge and Spa will be home to this years creation. Call (800) 354-4386 or visit www.keystone.snow.com.

Bring the kids down to Frisco Historic Park for a photo with Santa and old fashioned carolers, on Dec. 8 and 15. The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on those two Saturday’s and children of all ages will have a chance to meet and be photographed with the jolly man from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call (970) 668-5276 or go to www.townoffrisco.com.

Silverthorne will host their Saturday with Santa event on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event is held at the Silverthorne Pavilion. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos and family activities will be available for a nominal fee, with all proceeds benefiting the Summit County Preschool. Call (970) 262-7300 or check out www.silverthorne.org for more information.

There are many churches throughout Summit County that will be offering both Christmas Eve and Christmas day services. A list of area churches, and their phone numbers are located under the “useful phone numbers” section of this publication.

Snowy days always limit the outdoor activities that draw us all to the mountains to begin with. On those days that tend to keep us inside, we can find creative ways to keep children busy and entertained.

If you have the space, hold an inside Olympics competition. You can give away prizes such as paper medals that the children make themselves, cookies and juice, or free passes on chores. Olympic events can beanything from gymnastics’ like cartwheels and handstands to three-legged races down a hallway, and even ice skating with socks on a wood or tile floor.

Another fun idea for kids on vacation is to buy postcards for friends and family. It is a great writing exercise for children, and postcard recipients will appreciate the memento.

To make nap time or meal time more like an adventure, use blankets, sleeping bags, or pillows to mak a “fort” with tables or tall chairs. Children love making the fort and then eating or sleeping inside. Besides, after it has served its purpose, there is virtually no clean up, just gather up the blankets, shake out, and fold.

If all else fails, remember the stand bys to any snowy day: play board and card games, hide ‘n seek, scavenger hunts, painting, drawing or coloring pictures, play dough, finger painting, indoor bowling with empty cans and a ball, craft paper dolls, make and play instruments, bake cookies, and play dress up. The list goes on and on. All that is required is a fun imagination to turn a snowy day into a fun day.

Resort sitters-call em
Noah Abrams
Resort Sitters, LLC
970-513-4445