Breckenridge Grand Vacations Selected Top Company in Travel and Hospitality

Breckenridge Grand Vacations Selected Top Company in Travel and Hospitality

Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) has received ColoradoBiz Magazine’s award for #1 Top Company in the Travel and Hospitality category. In its 31st year, the recognition is given to the very best statewide companies, in 14 industries.

Businesses submit their nominations throughout the year, and a poll of companies including Deloitte, Moye White, Versatility and Colorado State Bank and Trust select three finalists for each category. The winner is then chosen by a judging panel, formed by ColoradoBiz editorial staff and business leaders, based on outstanding achievement, financial performance and community involvement.

“We owe it all to our amazing staff who are so committed to creating Grand vacations every day, to every owner and guest – and to each other,” says BGV’s CEO, Mike Dudick, “This award is a true testament to the fact that we really are the best in sales because we are the best in service.”

A leader in the fractional ownership industry, Breckenridge Grand Vacations is one of the most successful independent developers in the industry, and the company’s culture is centered on the commitment to providing service with a family feel to owners and guests.

“I feel part of the BGV family,” says Hollis Politte, who purchased at the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 in 2010 and recently upgraded her ownership week to the Grand Colorado on Peak 8, “It’s just nice to see that the company has grown over time, but the same level of personal touch is still there.”

That same family feeling of a small company is fostered among its 600 employees. As a result, Dudick believes, BGV was voted #1 among large-sized companies in Colorado in the 2018 Denver Post’s Top Workplaces awards – and was one of the key reasons for the most recent ColoradoBiz award. The Top Workplaces award was based solely on feedback received from an employee survey.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations is the parent company of the award-winning Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Grand Timber Lodge, Gold Point Resort and the Grand Colorado on Peak 8. In addition, BGV plays an active role in the community, supporting philanthropic events and organizations, and encouraging its employees to also give back to the place we all call home. In 2016, the Breckenridge company created BGV Gives to further extend BGV’s philanthropic reach and impact in the community.

The 2018, ColoradoBiz Top Company award winners were announced during a gala event in Denver on August 29. Other finalists in the Travel and Hospitality Category were Footers Catering and event management company RMC (Resorts|Mountains|Cities).

About Breckenridge Grand Vacations

Created in 1984, Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) was built by brothers Mike and Rob Millisor and friend Mike Dudick upon the belief that the success of their company would be determined by the positive impact it had on their owners and guests, employees and the community. The developers of the company also embraced the concept that BGV would be the best in sales if they were first and foremost the best in customer service. The company has embraced the Net Promoter methodology company-wide and consistently beats industry averages with its high scores. BGV now creates Grand Vacations for over 25,000 owners and employs over 600 staff members (as one of the largest employers in Breckenridge and a leader in the fractional ownership industry worldwide).

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38th Annual Film Festival

Breckenridge Film Festival

BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP

Special guests including Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino and Michael Shannon, plus world premieres, 70+ inspirational films and more offered up for the 38th edition

The stars have aligned for the 38th edition of the Breckenridge Film Festival from September 20 – 23 with a stellar line-up of special guests from Hollywood, inspiring films, up-and-coming filmmakers, premieres, cutting-edge programming, unique experiences, parties, and fall foliage leaf-peeping. The festival’s setting in the culturally vibrant arts district provides the ideal scene for a convergence of film enthusiasts, stories and filmmakers.

“We are elated to host Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino to premiere her latest film, Waterlily Jaguar at this year’s festival, along with her co-stars, director, and producers,” says Breckenridge Film Festival’s Executive Director Janice Miller. “In addition, actor Michael Shannon is joining the festivities where he’ll receive a Career Achievement Award and screen his upcoming film, What They Had, scheduled to hit theaters in October. Plus, there are so many other highlights and offerings that have aligned this year, culminating in what we believe is a true milestone in our 38 years of this film festival.”

Showcasing over 70 films, this year’s lineup includes four world premieres and 37 Colorado premieres. Film blocks feature stories of adventure, insightful documentaries, comedic shorts, suspenseful dramas, and a highly regarded student film program. Actors, directors, producers, animators, and film enthusiasts come together starting Thursday night through Sunday evening for screenings, workshops, talk-back forums, and of course, parties.

As part of its ongoing mission to inspire, educate, and entertain, the 38th annual Breckenridge Film Festival is honored to present the following featured programming at the Riverwalk Center:

OPENING NIGHT | Love, Gilda – Thursday, Sept. 20, 7:00 p.m.: In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Director Lisa Dapolito masterfully weaves together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends, rare home movies and diaries read by modern-day comediennes (including Amy Poehler).  Love, Gilda offers a unique window into the honest and whimsical world of a beloved performer whose greatest role was sharing her story. Love, Gilda was selected as the Opening Night for the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. The film is slated for a nationwide theatrical release beginning September 21. The Opening Night film is sponsored by Breckenridge Associates Real Estate, with the acclaimed Opening Night Party following, sponsored by Pinnacle Gives.

ADVENTURE REEL | Andy Irons: Kissed By God – Friday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.:  Three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons was an incredible presence on the world stage as the “People’s Champion.” He was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue-collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of the internal battles that led to his demise. This Teton Gravity Research film is about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through Iron’s life. He struggled with the same demons that millions of people worldwide battle with daily. Note: Viewer discretion is advised due to mature content surrounding substance abuse, adult language, mental health issues, and addiction. This evening is sponsored by local mountaineering shop, Mountain Outfitters, and includes door prize giveaways.

SPECIAL GUEST MICHAEL SHANNON | Career Achievement Award and What They Had – Saturday, Sept. 22, 3:00 p.m.: Award presentation followed by film and question and answer with Michael Shannon. What They Had was written and directed by Elizabeth Chomko. Bridget (Hilary Swank) returns home at her brother’s (Michael Shannon) urging to deal with her ailing mother (Blythe Danner) and her father’s (Robert Forster) reluctance to let go of their life together. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21 and will be released in the United States on October 19 by Bleecker Street. What They Had received many accolades, including Truly Moving Picture Award at Heartland Film 2018 and People’s Choice Award at Toronto International Film Festival 2018. This program is supported from Wyndham Vacation Rentals.

AWARDS + RED CARPET REEL | World Premiere of Waterlily Jaguar and special guests – Saturday, Sept. 22, 7:00 p.m.: Awards to be presented include ‘Best of Fest’ in the categories of Documentary, High School, Adventure, Short Comedy, Animation, Human Spirit, Short Drama, Student, Drama, Comedy and Music Video, plus Director, Actor, Actress, Editing, Cinematography, Screenplay and “Director’s Choice”. The World Premiere of Waterlily Jaguar follows as this year’s Red Carpet Reel. Bob Price (James LeGros), a famous novelist known for his “airport” bestsellers, seeks to write something more meaningful for his new book, but his quest for truth and happiness sends him tumbling down a spiral of obsession that may leave the relationships he has already forged in shambles, including his marriage to Helen (Mira Sorvino). Special guests in attendance include Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, James Gros, Christopher Backus, Steven Swadling, Director Melora Walters, and Producers Mark Mathias Sayre and Jonathan Piumelli. Alpine Bank proudly presents the evening, with support from Breckenridge Grand Vacations.

BRAND CAMP with CampSight | Branded Storytelling – Sunday, Sept. 23, 6:00 p.m.: This collaboration of the Breck Film Fest and CampSight (formerly Camp 9600’) breaks new ground with the cutting-edge concept of branded storytelling in the filmmaking realm. From the integration of technology with a 360-degree, immersive film from Mammoth Lakes to a moving tribute to a cult brand, Airstream, other films include Royal Caribbean’s The Master Carver, Carhartt’s Walk By Faith, and selections from Otterbox. Filmmaker Jacob Rosenberg extracts nuggets from creators, producers, and brands themselves to share with the audience. He is the founder of The Reserve Label, an award-winning team of producers and directors who strive to immerse audiences into innovative entertainment experiences across the media spectrum. This evening program is ideal for general audiences as well as industry professionals. Brand Camp brings the film festival to a close and kickoffs CampSight, an innovation and marketing camp for outdoor-inspired brands, visionaries, and storytellers; it runs through Tuesday, Sept. 25. Door prize giveaways from Otterbox and Carhartt complement the evening. Brand Camp is supported by Summit Mountain Rentals, Fireside Inn & Active Interest Media; the Wrap Party that follows is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties.

To enhance its mission to inspire, the Breckenridge Film Festival is honored to present:

INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FILM FINALISTS | FREE – Saturday, September 22, 10:00 a.m.: The Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media in partnership with the Thompson School District proudly present the 22 finalists of over 200 films submitted to the Breckenridge Film Festival. The best from Colorado high school filmmakers were screened in June at the Centennial State Student Film Festival, with finalists moving on to the Breckenridge competition. High school students are invited to accompany their work, which is critiqued at a roundtable discussion by professional filmmakers attending the Breck Film Fest. The top three films, as decided by a nationwide reviewing panel, receive cash prizes. Finalists include The Magic of Reading, Behind the Curtain, Le Marbre, Rememory, Dream on Bypass, Order Up, Coaching Wrestling, Boundless, Jasmine Stung, Vietnam War, Midnight Train to Memphis, Turn to Stone, Lone Wolf, Interview with Owen, Marbles, Old Bloo, Chains, The Elephant in the Room, Denial, In the Trees, The Yellow Wallpaper and Wilderness. The High School program continues into the afternoon with two filmmaking workshops. Admission is free and open to students only with limited availability. Attendees must pre-register by contacting Steve Moos at steve.moos@thompsonschools.org.

CHILDRENS PROGRAM | FREE – Saturday, September 22, 10:00 a.m.: Animated short films being shown include A Drawing, The Extraordinary Story of Oliver Wyght, Treemaker, Bamboo and Spark.  Following, Kathye Conti of the Creative Spirits Art Studio leads children to create their own story on canvas utilizing expressive painting and collaging. The Summit Foundation, Sea Change LLC, Breckenridge Grand Vacations and Climax Molybdenum Mine make this free program possible.

Passes, tickets, lodging information, and full festival schedule can be found at BreckFilmFest.org.

Breckenridge Film Festival is made possible in large part by The Summit Foundation, Town of Breckenridge, Kaiser Permanente, Colorado Creative Industries, Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Millie’s Kids, Alpine Bank, Welk Resorts, with support from Breckenridge Creative Arts, Main Street Station by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Ski Country Resorts and Frost Motion Designs, as well as 200+ volunteers and additional supporters from the Breckenridge community. Vail Summit Orthopedics & Neurosurgery is the sponsor of the Riverwalk Center.

Media Contact: Kim Dykstra, PR/Marketing | 970.406.0371 | PR@BreckFilmFest.org

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The 31st Annual Great Rubber Duck Race

On Saturday, September 1st, the Great Rubber Duck Race was held for the 31st time on the Blue River in Breckenridge. Due to low water levels, a “digital duck race” was held. Sponsored by Breckenridge Grand Vacations and BGV Gives, this long-standing community event raised over $139,000 for The Summit Foundation, Summit County’s public community foundation.

The event began at 10:00 am with free family activities such as bounce houses, slides, and a community mural. Attendees were able to walk across the river to go between activities in Blue River Plaza and the Riverwalk Lawn.  Ducks were sold as attendees waited for the races to begin, starting with the FirstBank Kids Duck Dash at 1:00 pm. An hour later, the Kaiser Permanente Business Battle race was held with 363 local businesses vying for the grand prize. The Great Rubber Duck Race followed at 3:00 pm, where more than 9,500 ducks competed for the “fastest” duck bragging rights. Nearly 200 prizes were distributed to the winners, with generous prize donations courtesy of Breckenridge Grand Vacations and hundreds of other local businesses.

Throughout the month of August, employees of Breckenridge Grand Vacations generously volunteered their time and sold ducks around Summit County.  Nearly 30 employees donated more than 65 hours of their time, all for the success of the event!

For a list of winners, please visit www.summitfoundation.org.  Be sure to save Saturday, August 31st, 2019 for the 32nd Annual Great Rubber Duck Race… one of the longest-running Duck Races in the country!

Summit Foundation Rubber Duck Race

All duck photos by Jeff Kepler

 

 

 

 

 

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Leaf Peepin’: Good for your Heart & Soul

LEAF PEEPIN’: A LOCAL’S GUIDE

 

What better way than to keep your heart and your soul healthy than to take in the best of what fall in the high country has to offer!! Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and GORGEOUS foliage… what more could you ask for? Every year around this time, Summit County gets taken over by yellow, orange, and red hues that radiate throughout town. No matter how you prefer to get around – bike, car, or the good old-fashioned way by foot – leaf-lovers can discover golden foliage all over town! Check out a few of our favorite spots in Breckenridge to do some leaf peepin’!

BY FOOT

  • French Gulch Road to Sallie Barber Mine |■
    • Distance:6 Miles
    • Trailhead: French Gulch Road Trailhead
    • Overview: Beautiful vistas, fall colors, and abundant wildlife. This is a great hike that is serene and easy to navigate due to the fact it is not over-populated. The trails of French Gulch pass through Breckenridge’s “Golden Horseshoe,” one of Colorado’s most abundant mining regions. The initial strikes here in 1859 gave birth to Breckenridge. For most of the next century, the town’s fortunes were largely driven by the Golden Horseshoe’s output. Dozens of mines were active here at one time or another. History buffs can opt for a guided hike with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.
    • For more information, please click here.
  • Trails at Carter Park | ■◆
    • Distance: Multiple trails / distances.
    • Trailhead: Carter Park is the hub for a variety of trails that segment into the White River National Forest, so you will have plenty of options!
    • Overview: This is a short-and-sweet hike up to the trailheads at Carter Park; great for anyone who might be short on time. Once you get to the top of the stairs, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Tenmile Range and all its beauty. There’s also a little bench at the top so you can sit, catch your breath, and relish the views. This is an ideal option since it is walking distance from town and is not a huge commitment if you have children. If you want to keep hiking, go for it! Start on one of the trail heads at the top of the stairs. Watch out for bikers and remember they have the right-of-way!
    • For more information, please click here.

BY BIKE

  • Aspen Alley | ■
    • Distance:3 Miles
    • Trail Type: Singletrack
    • Location: Breckenridge
    • Average Grade: 8%
    • Location: Breckenridge
    • Overview: Aspen Alley certainly lives up to its name; it’s one of the most iconic mountain biking trails in Breckenridge! This intermediate downhill trail is lined with aspens and is a great way to take in all the beautiful fall colors. Biking through the “tunnel” of Aspens is an experience like no other. While this trail is two directional, we highly recommend treating it as a downhill only trail. It is rated blue, so we would not recommend this for beginners.
    • For more information, please click here.
  • Breckenridge Flumes Loop | ■
    • Distance:5 Miles
    • Trail Type: 100% Singletrack
    • Average Grade: 3%
    • Location: Breckenridge

Overview: Take the whole family on an adventure; this is a great intermediate kids route! The Flumes Loop is a combination of trails that will take you through the Highlands neighborhood in Breckenridge and provide majestic mountain views – a perfect option for beginners. This is a multidirectional trail and is extremely well-marked.

BY CAR

  • Boreas Pass Road | #1 Fall Foliage Drive
    • Elevation: 11,482 ft
    • Distance from Breckenridge: Starts at the south edge of town
    • Directions: This is THE drive to do in Breckenridge to see the beautiful fall foliage. It’s a popular route for a reason! Take Hwy 9 towards Blue River and turn left into Boreas Pass Road. Keep following this road. You will wind through some neighborhoods and end up on a dirt road that will take you to the top of the pass. If you keep going past the top of the pass, you will end up at the small town of Como. From there you can take Hwy 285 toward Fairplay, and then take Hwy 9 back north to Breckenridge.
    • Scenic Stopping Points:
      • Bakers Tank (on the left side of the road)
      • Black Powder Pass (at the top of the pass)
    • For more information, please click here.
  • Loveland Pass Loop | #2 Fall Foliage Drive
    • Elevation: 11,990 ft
    • Distance from Breckenridge: 37 minutes, 23.3 miles
    • Directions: This is a breathtaking drive any time of year. From the winding roads, to the cascading landscapes, the aspen trees take over during the fall in a mesmerizing fashion. From Breckenridge, head southwest on Hwy 9, turn right onto Swan Mountain Road (this is a beautiful drive as well!). Turn right onto Hwy 6 which will lead you past Keystone and Arapahoe-Basin, to the top of the Continental Divide. Be careful – there are no guard rails. From the top, follow the road down Loveland Pass back to I-70. Head West on I-70 to bring you back to Summit County and Breckenridge!
    • Scenic Stopping Points:
      • Top of the Continental Divide
    • For more information, please click here.
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