Get Your Pedal On! A Few Bike Trails You Should Try.

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The snow is melting. The weather is warming. The rivers are rising. The grass is green. This can only mean one thing… Spring is here and new challenges await those who need their outdoor fix. When it comes to bike trails for all skill levels, you should definately give Summit County a try. With Spring in full-blown, awesome weather mode, it’s time to get out and soak up the awesomeness! Not only can you find great weather, incredible views and plenty of exploration throughout the great towns of Summit County, but you can also find a bike route for any occasion. Let’s look at a few of the local favorites that are sure to give you everything you want in a day out on the trail. I’ll give you two for the whole family, and two for the more adventurous.

Mountain Biking Summit County with the Family

Family Trail 1: Frisco to Breckenridge

This 9.5 mile, paved trail is perfect to ride with the whole family. It is considered to have a moderate difficulty rating.

“To access this section of the bike path from Frisco, go to the end of Frisco Main street or get off I-70 at exit 201, park in the park and ride next to Fiesta Jalisco, and you will see the bike path right there. A sign will direct to Breckenridge to the left. The trail begins through the wooded area behind the main street of Frisco.”

Family Trail 2: Boreas Pass to Bakers Tank

The Bakers Tank Single Track is another perfect trail for the whole family. It is considered to be easy to moderate in difficulty. The views on this ride are incredible!

“For some not wanting to ride on the road, you can drive up Boreas Pass Road (last light out of town, pass the Breckenridge Ice Rink on the left). Continue on this road till you come to a parking area and dirt road. You can begin your ride there, however, I prefer to park at the Breckenridge Ice Rink and climb up Boreas Pass Road, take a right on the dirt road cut off, and arriving at the parking lot.”

The More Adventurous Trail 1: The Colorado Trail

Trails for the more adventurous!

The Colorado Trails traverses the entire state and is a popular trail for both hiking and biking. No doubt, there’s a reason the trail is so popular; the views and varying terrain are well worth it! You can either do a 25-mile loop, or an out and back ride.

“The best place to park is either in the town of Breckenridge Free parking or at the Breckenridge Golf course off of Tiger Road.”

The loop ends at the Tiger Road RV Resort right off of Highway 9.

The More Adventurous Trail 2: The Wheeler Trail

If you are an advanced mountain biker, and want to be challenged while taking in spectacular Colorado vistas, then this a trail you’ve gotta try. Be ready for weather of all kinds, because a majority of this trail is above treeline.

“Park at the free parking lots in the town of Breckenridge and begin riding toward Peak 9/Beaver Run. At the base of the ski area is a dirt access road.”

“There is over a 3,000 ft vertical gain during this ride, so you might choose to take the Wheeler trail to Copper Mountain, have lunch, and opt to take the bus back to Breckenridge from Frisco Main Street. However those hardcore riders might take the peaks trail or the paved bike path back to Breckenridge.”

This trail offers any hardcore rider both some great challenge and some incredible downhill riding.

So, what are you waiting for? Get geared up at Pioneer Sports for your next biking adventure. You can also demo a new Giant bike to find that perfect bike for you. See you on the trail!

Spring Fever – Biking Summit County

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As I gaze out my window at today’s blue bird sky and gorgeous sunrise, I know Spring has sprung! It’s supposed to be 65 today in Conifer and a quick peak at the weekend’s forecast for Summit County calls for incredible weather this weekend as well (high of 59 Saturday and 62 Sunday). The growing green grass amplifies it’s color in my polarized sunglasses and instantly makes me smile. While I love snow and I love winter…I must admit that I love Spring, Summer and early Fall more! I am already dreaming of the big adventures this upcoming season holds. Fly fishing my favorite rivers, hiking in to remote wilderness, mountain biking new trails, day trips to some of my favorite mountain towns, and rock climbing on some local crags.

With increasingly beautiful weather already strutting its stuff, Pioneer Sports has already begun to rent out their bikes for the season. Host of primarily Giant bicycles, Pioneer has a great selection of rentals for you to choose from. From aggressive full suspension mountain bikes to buttery smooth road bikes to easy riding tandem bikes, you can get the perfect bike for your perfect day on the trail.

It's time to get outside and ride!

Bike Rental Rates

Rates are for Bike-Path Bikes, Kid’s Trailer Bike, Burley Trailers.

1 hour $10.00
2 hours $17.00
4 hours/half day $21.00
full day (open to close) $31.00
24 hours $38.00
3+ days (per day) $27.00

*add $10 for Road, Tandems or Suspension Bikes

Also, don’t forget that the Vail Pass Shuttle is FREE for with your full-day rentals!

Jump start your spring by renting or demoing a bike from Pioneer Sports this weekend and catch that fresh, crisp mountain air. Capture outstanding summit views on your way around Dillon Reservoir or on your way down Vail Pass or on your ride back from Copper Mountain. Spring has sprung alright and it will only get better from here on out!

Get up there while you still can! Spring Skiing 101

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We all know that Summit County is the Mecca of winter outdoor activities. At the top of peoples list is skiing and snowboarding throughout the winter…but why should it stop there? We still have a month or more left to get out there and burn up the slopes! Although it won’t be quite as epic as last years epic Spring snowfall (A-Basin was open until July 4th weekend), it’s still an incredible time to get on the mountain. The larger resorts (Copper Mountain, Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, etc.) will close their lifts sometimes around the second or third weekend of April, weather permitting. However, A-Basin has already projected that they will try and stay open through early June! That means that Loveland will most likely try to keep pace. These two, ”from the same mold” resorts like to “play tag” each year for the earliest open and latest close dates.

Spring skiing has one major advantage...lots of sun!

Spring is also a great time of year to try out new gear in anticipation of upgrading your gear for the next season! Pioneer Sports is your one-stop-shop for renting demo packages so you can try before you buy. You can also get your last minute discounted lift tickets right there in the store.

The back bowls in Spring

The incredible weather that Colorado has had in recent weeks only means that you can leave those extra layers behind. Join those who understand the reprieve that spring skiing in the Rockies provides and get out and play! Don’t hang up your boots just yet, don’t put your skis and snowboards away in the garage, don’t wash your ski jacket and pants quite yet. While you still can…choose fresh air, sunny skies and clear views this Spring over watching baseball, taking a hike and riding your bike! There will be plenty of time for those activities once the snow is gone.  Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Summit County History…did you know?

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A Perfect view above Dillon Reservoir

Summit County was founded and organized as one of the origional seventeen Colorado counties on November 1, 1861 during the states territorial period. Obviously, the county was named from the mountain summits that litter the valley and dot the surrounding sky. The county comprises 619.25 square miles of which 11.09 square miles are comprised of water. Summit County used to include the current seven counties of Grand, Routt, Eagle, Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Summit.

Mining kickstarted the interest in Summit County

In the year 1900 a population census found 2,744 people living in Summit County. However, the population fell in response to failed mining exploits (gold and silver were the prize) to 987 people over the next 30 years. Since then, however, as Summit County became more of a vacation and leisure and recreation destination, the population grew and continues to grow. Now, self supported in industry and business, and with some many incredible opportunities, my prediction is that the county will continue to be a very desirable living location. In 2010, there were 27,994 adventure and mountain minded people living in the area.

Other fun facts:

  • The highest point in the county is Gray’s Peak at 14, 270 and the lowest is Green Mountain Reservoir at 7,957 feet
  • On average, 155 inches fall in Summit County and some areas regularly receive over 280 inches
  • Gold was first discovered in Breckenridge in 1859
  • Summit county was home and hunting grounds for the Ute Indians
  • Summit County can boast four destination ski resorts all within 15 miles of each other

The highest elevation in Summit County

It’s easy to figure out why people call Summit County, “Colorado’s Playground”! Not only is there world class skiing in the winter, but worldclass adventure can be found in every season…from camping to backpacking to hiking to boating to whitewater rafting to fishing to hunting to biking and on and on… If your adventure leads you to explore the area, make sure you stop in to Pioneer Sports to gear up!

President’s Day Snow Report

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Get me up the mountain!

Hopefully you are out on the slopes for this fine President’s Day 2012! Here’s a quick look at how the local favorite slopes stack up from a snow and terrain perspective. I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous regarding the snowfall so far this season, but February has been awesome and we are back on track. Snow depths and accumulation in the high country has returned to a healthy level! A look at the open terrain available gives one a great glimmer of hope and it won’t be long before most resorts have 100% of their terrain open for your pleasure.

My Barrel Bonk

Breckenridge

- 2339 of 2358 acres of the mountain are open.
Snow in the last week: 15″
Base Depth: 52 “
Total Snowfall: 172″
Copper - 1756 of 2465 acres of the mountain are open.
Snow in the last week: 9″
Base Depth: 43 “
Total Snowfall: 125″
Keystone - 2809 of 3148 acres of the mountain are open.
Snow in the last week: 7″
Base Depth: 37 “
Total Snowfall: 98″
A-Basin - 455 of 900 acres of the mountain are open.
Snow in the last week: 7″
Base Depth: 44 “
Total Snowfall: ?
Vail - 5164 of 5289 acres of the mountain are open.
Snow in the last week: 14″
Base Depth: 43 “
Total Snowfall: 170″
Beaver Creek – 1789 of 1815 acres of the mountain are open.
Snow in the last week: 17″
Base Depth: 48 “
Total Snowfall: 160″
Don’t forget to get your discounted lift tickets at Pioneer Sports! You can choose from Vail, Beaver Creek, A-Basin, Loveland, Copper, Breckenridge and Keystone. Your one-stop shop for all your snow gear needs. You can also make your reservations online to streamline your morning preparation time. See you on the mountain!

Snow Report Update

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Well, it’s midwinter, and although we would love to get a lot more snow in the high country, there’s plenty of snow to get out there and have a great time on the mountain! If you’re like me…you’ve already spent way to much time sittin’ on the couch watchin’ the TV. Below is an update on your favorite ski resorts.

Time to get off the couch!

Breckenridge – 1305 of 2358 acres of the mountain are open.

Snow in the last week: 14″

Base Depth: 34 ”

Total Snowfall: 104″

Copper – 863 acres of the mountain are open.

Snow in the last week: 9″

Base Depth: 32 ”

Total Snowfall: 73″

Keystone – 1310 of 3148 acres of the mountain are open.

Snow in the last week: 8″

Base Depth: 27 ”

Total Snowfall: 62″

A-Basin – 245 of 900 acres of the mountain are open.

Snow in the last week: 12″

Base Depth: 37 ”

Total Snowfall: ?

Vail – 2325 of 5289 acres of the mountain are open.

Snow in the last week: 12″

Base Depth: 27 ”

Total Snowfall: 107″

Beaver Creek – 1503 of 1815 acres of the mountain are open.

Snow in the last week: 12″

Base Depth: 29 ”

Total Snowfall: 99″

Breathtaking view from the top of Copper

So as you can see by the current conditions that although resorts are still waiting for the snow pack to increase and base levels to rise, there’s plenty of great terrain to navigate. Snow is also in the immediate forecast and given the recent regular snows that the high country has been receiving, the numbers posted above will continue to rise…and rise…and rise! Come on over to Pioneer Sports to get your discounted tickets and gear. You can also reserve your rentals online which streamlines the time it takes you to get to the mountain. While you’re there, consider a demo rental and try out some new snowboards and skiis on your feet. See you on the mountain!

 

 

 

 

Copper Conundrum

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A great sunrise at Center Village

To go or not to go? … that was the question posed to my crew and I. I have desperately been waiting for a good dumping of snow to test out my back. Well, I gave up on the wait. I have been trying to heal from a recurring back injury that plagued me all of 2011, which has made me rather cautious regarding my return to the mountain. “It’s good enough” I decided. I couldn’t wait any longer. With a less than 100% back, I decided to take advantage of a couple days off and hit up Copper Mountain with good friends Michael, Nicole and Thomas. Regardless of the minimal snow accumulations throughout the valley we still decided to go to Copper and see what terrain we could find.

Thomas is having a Hart to heart inside Pioneer Sports

Nicole is happy with her sweet set-up from Pioneer Sports rentals

We arrived at Copper (after a stop at Pioneer Sports to gear up my friends) to a beautiful crisp and mostly sunny morning. Man, it was good to be back on my board and soaking in the sun and the air. As I rode the lift up, the last thing on my mind was the minimal snow fall lately, but my thoughts were on more elegant concepts; such as the grandeur of magnificent creation in every direction and as far as my eye could depict. I was in my element again.

 

This past weekend brought 5-10 inches of fresh snow to a most of Summit County. Even though we need more snow up in the high country, there’s still no use of sitting on the couch indoors. There’s no use in complaining about the lack of snow when there’s plenty of snow to get your turns in. My grand New Year’s Prediction is this: get ready for the snow…I have a gut feeling that late Winter and early Spring 2012 is gonna bring LOTS of snow. i.e. a CDOT nightmare, but a snow bunny’s good fortune!  i.e. Chaos for Denver/front range, but jubilation and right order for ski resorts and those who play there. I seriously doubt that we will get as much late snow as last year (record amounts mind you) but we’ll get our fair share…so be ready. Get out there and play in the snow already!

A moment at the top was worth the journey

Reserve your Ski and Snowboard Gear Online

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Christmas is for Snowboarding and Skiing!

I know what you were thinking… oh, I don’t feel like fighting the crowds at the ski shop to rent my gear… isn’t there an easier way? Just when you thought it was a hassle to rent your mountain gear, now it’s easier and faster than ever! Pioneer Sports has an awesome online reservation process that’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Go to the online reservation page and enter your promo code. If you don’t have a promo code, you automatically will get a 10% discount for registering online. That’s a pretty sweet incentive for doing something that already makes your life easier! Click on the Start Here button to begin your rental process.

2. Choose the equipment, the dates you will need your gear and input your rider/boarder information for all people in your group.

3. Sign-in (if you have registered in the past) or register then checkout to complete your order. Walla… your life was just simplified!

You’ll be surprised at the quality of gear and equipment you can rent at Pioneer Sports! Take the pain out of renting and reserving your equipment and save your energy for the slopes!

 

 

Slopes are Open! Spend Thanksgiving weekend on the Mountain!

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Snow time is Ski time

Snow is falling in the high country as resorts open and continue to increase their base.  It’s been a rather predictable snow year so far but there’s already plenty of snow to spend the entire day burnin’ up the slopes! You’ve gotta get out and get those preseason yard sales over with anyways! Yes, it’s true that Thanksgiving brings out the “tourist skiiers”, but it also holds back a lot of the locals. Therefore, normal crowds can be expected and you shouldn’t let “big, bad, tourist monsters” dicourage you for gettin’ out there. Summit County resorts have been getting steady snow in the last couple of weeks, so the snow conditions are better than you might think. Sure, some Texan wearing blue jeans and a Carhart jacket may uncontrolably run into you on the slope once or twice, but shake it off and remember that you’re out rockin’ the slopes while others are sitting at home watching football and eating pumpkin pie. Well, actually, the latter sounds pretty awesome too…

If you are contemplating heading out to the Summit County ”slopes” for a day or two (or three) this week, then remember that Pioneer Sports in Frisco has discounted lift tickets. And while you are in the store purchasing your your tickets, you can also rent your ski or snowboard equipment, or demo some new gear. You can make convenient online reservations for your rentals as well so you’re not spending all your “slope time” filling out paper work and sizing gear up.

Whatever you decide to do this Thanksgiving “break”, just remember to give thanks where it is due and remember that our time here on the earth is short in the grand scheme of things, so spend it doing what you love most and with the ones you love most. Happy Thanksgiving!

Unity Snowboards and 2011 Ski Rental Discounts

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Unity Snowboards

Did you know that Unity Snowboards are handcrafted in Summit County, CO? How can you resist the urge to try out a local made product with outstanding quality and performance? Caution: You may fall in love with these boards. Unity Snowboards have been making awesome boards in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Silverthorne, since 1995. Pioneer Sports has partnered with Unity boards and offer these great boards for rental! If you are like me, sometimes you get tired of the corporate feel of the “big boy” products and want to go local…”mom and pop” style!

As the snow continues to fall in the high country, we know that we are getting closer to one of our favorite times of the year…Ski Season! You can reserve your rentals now at Pioneer Sports and save 25%. Your reservation must be made in advance of November 15th in order to receive the discount. You can even reserve your rentals for peak season times.

The 2011 ski season is almost here!

Ski Rental Packages

Pioneer Sports offers the most current rental equipment from five major manufacturers: HART, Rossignol, Salomon, K2, and the amazing Nordica. Our rental line also includes skis engineered specifically for a woman’s style of skiing.

Sport Shape Package

Skis with a stable and forgiving flex at a value price, and perfect for helping the new skier adjust to a changing terrain. This package comes with a three-buckle boot.

Mid-Shape Package

An upgrade to the latest in rental ski technology. Treat yourself to better stability and performance. Including a four buckle boot, these skis get you all set as a first time beginner as well as still being suitable for intermediate skiers. This package provides the newest rental ski technology making turning easier.

Performance Package

Another upgrade to the previous year’s high-end skis from Rossignol, Salomon, K2, and Volkl with four-buckle performance boots. This package provides better performance for intermediate to expert skiers.

Premium Performance Package

Try out the current year’s high-end skis from Hart, Salomon, K2, and Nordica with performance boots from Salomon. This package offers the latest ski and boot technology for novice to expert skiers wanting to take their skiing to the next level. See what they can do for your skiing.

Kids Ski Package

We offer specially designed skis for children up to 90 pounds with a size 6 or smaller shoe size. This package includes K2 or Nordica shaped skis with Salomon boots and is perfect for a fun day on skis for the little ones. Poles are optional.

Snowboard Rental Packages

To make each day on the hill a memorable one, Pioneer Sports has stocked a great line of performance snowboards. The brands we proudly carry include Salomon, Burton, and our local favorite, Unity.
We stock wide widths to accommodate larger feet, and the boards are equipped with Burton strap bindings.

Our boards allow for smooth turns in all conditions and for all skill levels. Tight trees are a breeze, parks are a pleasure, and open groomed runs will make you smile. Pioneer Sports’ demo package will make all riders feel like the king of the mountain.