Planning a wedding is stressful. You’ve got to get the invitations out, schedule the vendors, plan the seating chart, to name a few. All of these planning details have been pressing down on you, and can leave you feeling tense and anxiety ridden.

But don’t let all of the planning and deadlines that have led up to the wedding day ruin the day itself. Your wedding day should be free of stress and anxiety so you can enjoy each and every once-in-a-lifetime moment. Here are some tips for staying stress free on your wedding day.

Hand Over the Details

Make sure you have a wedding coordinator or amazingly capable personal attendant. This person should be in charge of all the details. Once the day is rolling and the festivities have begun, starting with makeup and hair, you shouldn’t know about any snafus. Your coordinator, attendant, and/or bridal party can take care of it. It can be helpful if you make make a book full of bridal party phone numbers, vendor phone numbers, and any other VIPs that may need to be reached on the wedding day. Then anyone can make the necessary contacts without bothering you for information. It will be your job to stay blissfully unaware of any potential problems.

Schedule a Massage

If you want quality time with your bridal party consider scheduling a spa day together. You can relax in soaking pools and get massages so you all feel ready for the big day. You should also consider whether or not you need some time alone to gear up for a big day full of people. Don’t feel guilty if your inner introvert needs a massage alone. There will be an endless stream of people wanting to congratulate you on your wedding day. If the thought of that makes the hives start to break out, take some time alone and relax with a massage a day or two before the wedding. A massage will help melt away any tension or anxiety that may have settled in your body in the days and months leading up to the wedding day.

Your Special Day

The wedding day is your special day. Of course you want to please everyone involved, but ultimately it is your special memory. Only spend time worrying about the details that matter most to you. The more you have planned and taken care of in advance, the less you will have to worry about on the wedding day. Take a moment to sit back, enjoy and savor every special moment. Don’t sweat the small stuff, anything that might go wrong is likely just to make the memories sweeter.

Our mountain environment can be harsh on the body. Long, cold Breckenridge winters dry out the skin. In addition, our bodies can be exposed to toxins through pollution and foods. As a result, our overall wellbeing can suffer. The body wraps at our Breckenridge Spa can restore your skin, melt away stress and anxiety, and eliminate toxins. Take care of yourself by trying out some of these body wraps.

Detoxifying Body Wrap

Draw out toxins and restore your skin with this hydrating body wrap and treatment. A combination of warm clays, heat therapy, oils, and dry brushing, will leave your skin feeling healthy and radiant. A scalp and foot massage will help relieve stress. At the end of this body wrap you will feel like you have brand new skin. Feel revived and well with this detoxifying body wrap.

Intense Nourishment

When your skin is feeling dry, itchy, and tight, the Intense Nourishment treatment is for you. A coffee and salt body exfoliation will remove dead, dry skin, as well as stimulate circulation, bringing life to the surface of your skin. After a marine algae wrap is applied to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. An article published in the journal Mar Drugs outlines the numerous benefits of marine algae. Studies have shown that marine algae provides many bioactive compounds that hydrate the skin. In addition, algae can combat aging and damage to skin due to UV exposure. Algae can help your skin feel supple and youthful instead of tight and dry. Overworked areas on the hands and feet are given a mud mask to soften tough skin. The treatment is complemented with revitalizing scents of ylang-ylang, tuberose, and vanilla. It is completed with a relaxing head message, for the ultimate in stress relief.

Detox and Revive

When you are feeling sluggish, try the Detox and Revive treatment. First, exfoliation removes dry and dead skin cells. Then the skin is pampered with gels and oils to refresh and restore it. Scents of grapefruit, juniper, and rosemary bring energy and strength. A foot reflex pressure message will help eliminate toxins from your body. When you need more energy and power to tackle what life throws at you, take time for this invigorating detox treatment.

Restore

Body treatments are a great way to restore your mind and body. The combination of aromatherapy, massage, and wraps for revitalizing the skin will help you feel fresh and new. Your skin is your largest organ and it plays an essential role in keeping your body healthy. How often do you take time to care for it? Your skin will be delighted with the extra attention, and stress and anxiety will melt away with gentle massages and calming scents. Make an appointment at The Spa at Breckenridge and take time to care for your skin.

A week of skiing can be hard on your body if you aren’t used to that level of activity. But don’t stress, a sports massage can get you back out on the hill faster! Sports Massage is a great way to relieve post workout pain and muscular strain.

Once in Awhile Exertion

Sports massage can be especially ideal when your workout uses new muscles or strains old injuries. A ski vacation often involves intensely using muscles in ways they aren’t used for everyday activities. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can experience muscle soreness and even injury. A sports massage can keep you up and running so that you can hit this slopes again quickly. You don’t want to use up too many vacation days on rest or recovery.

Regular Routine

If you include workouts as part of your everyday health regimen, you should consider including sports massage in your regular routine as well. A regular sports massage will improve range of motion, keeping you limber and preventing injury. It can also boost your recovery time so that you can keep working out and push your limits further.

See a Doctor for Injury

Runners World reminds sports enthusiasts that massage therapists are not doctors. If you have a sports injury, you should see you doctor first for a diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with your massage therapist to discover methods for relieving pain and starting on the road to recovery.

Deep Tissue Massage

Sports Massage differs from Swedish Massage or other massage therapies that focus on relieving stress and tension. Sports Massage focuses on specific muscles and target areas. It often includes deep tissue massage and myofascial release massage. It will require intense pressure and may involve a bit of discomfort. Keep in mind however, you should not experience significant pain. If you are in pain during the massage, your body will tighten up and make your massage less effective. Tell your massage therapist when you are experiencing pain and discuss your comfort level with extreme pressure. It is important to communicate with your massage therapist so that you can accomplish your specific goals during your massage.

Stay Healthy

If you are an active person, incorporating sports massage into your workout routine can help you workout more efficiently and help you avoid time off due to injury or recovery. Stay in action when you use sports massage to take care of your body.

The Spa at Breckenridge offers a “Mountain Recovery” massage that will help you recover from all of your mountain adventures, whether it is skiing, hiking, or biking. Include this sports massage in your vacation so you can go home feeling great.

Breck Pride Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the amazing community that makes up Breckenridge. Whether you call Breckenridge your home or your home away from home, there is a lot to be proud of; it is a community that engages with the arts, environment, recreation, and its diverse population. The Breckenridge Resort website states, “Breck Pride is for everyone – LGBTQ, straight, skiers, snowboarders, beginners, experts, supporters – come one, come all! Come as you are.”

Get Your Badge

It is free to register for Breck Pride Week. You can pick up your badge at the beginning of the week that will get you into free events, and give you access to discounts and freebies from local businesses throughout the week. You can register online at the Breckenridge Resort Website. A reception will be held on March 7th at the resort to kick off the week. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle and make new connections.

First Tracks

Don’t miss the rare chance to be the first skier on freshly groomed snow. On March 9th, the Quicksilver Chair will open at 7:30. It takes you to the Mercury Chair that you can use until the rest of the resort opens. Enjoy the magic of the first light of day on the mountain. You will need to register online for this event. It is $25 and requires both a Breck Pride badge and a lift ticket.

Color Run

Close down the hill on Saturday, March 9th with the Color Run. Participants will meet at the Overlook and a DJ will get the party started. Come in your best colorful costume! At 3:30 participants will parade down the runs and convene at the Maggie, where the Pride Festival will be underway on the Village Plaza. This event is available for all ages, but skiers must be comfortable on intermediate, blue runs. A lift ticket is also required to participate in this event. Show off your pride during this exhilarating parade on skis.

Ski Meet Up

If you came to Pride Week on your own, or just need to find a ski buddy that is at the same skill level, you can meet up at 9:00 am at the Quicksilver Chair. Don’t set out by yourself when there is a great opportunity to meet new ski buddies.

In-Town Events

Throughout the week there will also be après ski events including dance parties, cocktail hours and a two-night pride festival. In addition to events offered by the resort, local businesses are also offering special events and deals throughout the week. Catch Drag Bingo on Thursday at Kenosha Steak House or Gay Trivia at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub. Breckenridge Distillery is offering a dinner and pairing, so that you can sample some of the finest local spirits. On Friday, loosen up with après ski yoga and catch a screening of “Call Me By Your Name” at the Speakeasy Theater. Check out Breckenridge Brewery with a chance to see the inner workings and meet the brew master. For a complete listing of all Pride Week events go to GoBreck.com. Mark off March 7th-11th on your calendar to come to Breck and celebrate Pride!

Photo Credits:
Joseph Large/Breckenridge Tourism Office
Breckenridge Tourism Office

Winter Works of Art in Breckenridge

Snow sculptors from around the world gathered the last week in January to compete for the glory of a gold medal. Each year, for the last twenty-eight years, teams of talented artists have transformed a block of snow into a masterpiece during the International Snow Sculpture Competition.

The Medium and Tools

The artists start with a twelve foot block of snow, weighing 50,000 pounds. These blocks are created in Breckenridge by a brigade of volunteers in the days approaching the competition. Artists are allowed to shave, sculpt, and mold the snow into a sculpture using only hand tools. Included in their arsenal are saws, chisels, chains, chicken wire, and even vegetable peelers. Over the course of a week the sculptors add intricate detail to larger than life sculptures for a magical effect. Internal support, power tools and colorants are all prohibited from the competition.

The Competitors and Winners

According to the Summit Daily, 250 invitations are sent to artists requesting submissions for sculpture designs. From the submissions, sixteen teams are chosen to compete in this prestigious event. Eleven countries were represented in all, and included teams from the United States, Italy, Estonia, Mongolia, Lithuania, Switzerland, Argentina, Turkey, India, and Mexico. The results are sixteen breathtaking sculptures crafted from one of the mountain’s most significant resources, snow.

This year the gold medal winner was team Mongolia Erdene with their sculpture “Secrets.” The sculpture depicted a woman with intricate flowing hair and gown, holding a key, presumably to her secrets. Team China was awarded the silver medal for “The Thinker, ” a gorilla deep in thought over an apple. The bronze was give to team USA Wisconsin for “Dance Devine.” In this sculpture leaves appeared as though they were moving in a delicate dance. In addition to the judged awards, people’s choice went to “Secrets” and kid’s choice went to “The Thinker.”

Plan for 2019

If you have never encountered the snow sculptures, put them on your calendar for next year. You can watch artists carve and create throughout the week. Then, you can enjoy the finished product. The sculptures are especially magnificent at night, when colored lights dance and play on the sculptures. Plan to include this event in your ski trip or take a day trip to enjoy the mountains and the sculptures. You won’t be disappointed.

We all know the holidays can be stressful. While the hustle and bustle of wrapping gifts, preparing meals, and traveling or welcoming guests is over, you could still be carrying around a lot of stress. Use these tips to relieve stress and prevent future stress.

Exercise

When you are stressed it can be tempting to zone out in front of the TV or browse social media. However, a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that while many people reported this activity as a method for relieving stress, only 29% claimed that it was effective. In contrast, 69% of people who used exercise for relieving stress reported it effective. Exercise is an excellent stress reducer. It also keeps your body more physically healthy, which in turn, relieves stress. When you are busy, don’t neglect exercise. Exercise will give you the mental and physical energy you need to accomplish all of your goals.

Take Time Out

Reserve some time for yourself. Carve out time to pursue a hobby, get outside, enjoy a massage or a facial or get coffee with friends. Whatever it is that makes you feel happy and healthy, make time for it. Don’t neglect yourself. When you are feeling well and cared for, you will excel at accomplishing work goals, family goals, and community goals without feeling bitter or tired.

Sleep

Sleep is often overlooked, but when you are not sleeping you are not operating at 100%. Being too tired can impact your focus and productivity. You will accomplish tasks slower and possibly with more mistakes when you are not well rested, adding to your already overwhelming stress load. Prioritize your time so that you can get 6-8 hours of sleep at night. You may find your stress melting away as you feel more alert and productive during waking hours.

(Read more about how massage can help you sleep better!)

Healthy Eating

Stress eating is often a result of overworking, crunched time schedules, and a generally hectic life. You may have to turn to fast food to have time to eat, or sugary sweets in an attempt to have energy. Emotional stress causes many people to consume rich, comfort foods. Some stress eating is ok, but when it becomes a habit it can contribute to a raise in stress.

Choose healthy snacks as an alternative. Keep your desk or car stocked with apples or oranges instead of candy. Carrots offer a nice crunchy snack that can take the edge off your hunger. Tortilla chips and guacamole with give you fuel and brain power. Nuts that are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids satisfy a salty craving in a healthy way. Coffee and tea are great drinks to give you a caffeine boost, but skip the cream and sugar. When you establish healthy habits and eat foods that are good for your body, you will feel better instead of worse, which will help reduce stress.

Counterintuitive

Our intuitive methods for dealing with stress- hunkering down, watching TV, staying up late to get things done, and eating on the run- can all be major contributors to stress. Instead, get exercise, take time for an activity you love, and plan to eat well. You will begin to feel the stress lift off, and it will give you the freedom to enjoy being productive.

Read More

• Our Aromatherapy Massages
• Massage for Stress Relief

Before you hit the ski hill, or for a nice midday lift, stop in at one of Breckenridge’s coffee shops to rest and relax. These coffee shops offer astonishingly good coffee, excellent baked treats, and breakfast menus. Stop in and enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which is especially inviting on a cold Breckenridge day.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace is located in a historic home, which gives off a cozy and welcoming vibe. They offer delicious baked goods and healthy options for breakfast, including gluten free, vegetarian and health conscious options. Settle in with a cup of coffee for nice morning of relaxation. Head in early though, because Amazing Grace closes at 3:00, before the slopes do.

Cuppa Joe

When you crave an excellent cup of coffee, head to Cuppa Joe. Slightly off the beaten path on Ridge St., the extra effort to get there is well worth it. A local favorite, this coffee shop was voted Best Coffee Shop in Summit County by the Summit Daily News. Relax and enjoy a finely crafted latte or pour over coffee. You can come in early, before you set out on your adventures; the shop opens at 6:00 in the morning. You’ll need to get there before 3:00 if you need an afternoon pick-me-up.

The Crown

Step in after a day of skiing to refresh and rejuvenate at this conveniently located coffee shop on Main Street. You can get a great cup of coffee at The Crown, or a cocktail and appetizer if you prefer. A warm atmosphere with wooden accents and a fireplace makes The Crown the perfect place to linger. They also have a charming patio with views of the ski runs. It is open until 6:00 in the evening on weeknights and 8:00 on the weekends, so head in for a quick energy boost after the slopes, so you can take on the night. Or, relax a little longer over breakfast or lunch.

Cool River Coffee

For a sweet treat try the Chocolate Cherry Mocha at Cool River Coffee. On a warm day, cool off with the Dream Orange milkshake. Cool River Coffee has a lunch and breakfast menu, and offers sweet baked treats. They even have gluten free and vegan options. This coffee shop is located on the south end of Main St., behind Swiss Haven. Relax and enjoy a decadent treat or drink at this inviting coffee shop.

Experience Breckenridge

Aside from skiing and boarding, one of the best parts about Breckenridge is the people. At these coffee shops, you will encounter warm welcomes and passionate people. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, and the spirit of Breckenridge, in these charming coffee shops.

It’s the season of gift giving and it can be hard to find that perfect item that’s easy to give while you are traveling. Instead of giving a thing, try giving an experience. The gift of a massage gives the opportunity for your significant other to relax and rejuvenate. Here are five massage gifts you should consider giving this year:

1) Massage

Give the gift of relaxation! A massage can rejuvenate the muscles as well as the spirit and gifting a massage can be a great way to support your loved one. Purchase a gift card here.

2) Body Treatment

A full body treatment is a luxurious gift that will pamper your friend or significant other. Massage combined with aromatherapy and skin treatments will help your loved one look and feel radiant. A body treatment will help combat the dry winter weather and restore moisture to the skin.

3) Hot Stone Therapy

This ancient Native American practice is still incredibly useful for relieving stress and tension. A treatment that uses hot and cool stones combined with massage will leave your SO feeling loose and deeply relaxed. This calming and restorative massage is exactly what the doctor ordered to eliminate post holiday stress and tension.

4) Mountain Recovery

Do you love to ski with your significant other? Have you been hitting the slopes hard everyday of your Christmas vacation? Your bodies’ may be paying the price of reveling in fresh powder and mountain air. A mountain recovery massage can help combat the wear and tear on muscles that comes with skiing or boarding. Relieve aches and pains and prevent injury with this massage that focuses on restoring over-worked muscles. Your SO will thank you and be ready to get back on the lift after this revitalizing massage.

5) Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy combines massage with essential oils to treat specific ailments or emotional needs. Aromatherapy can relieve pain, restore energy, or eliminate tension. Your SO will work with a massage therapist to discover the ideal oils for their specific needs and these oils will be incorporated with the massage.

For an extra special gift, tack on a head, foot, or hand massage. Your significant other will be grateful for this thoughtful and generous gift. At Spa at Breckenridge, you can purchase gift cards online. Your SO can use our ski-in/ski-out location conveniently while you enjoying your vacation, and you won’t have to find room in your luggage for gifts.

Here at the Spa at Breckenridge, we believe your massage should be relaxing, relieve pain and release tension. Not all massage is equal, and to experience the best massage, you need a great professional massage therapist. Here are a few of the qualities and qualifications we believe are important when choosing your massage therapist.

Personal Goals

First you need to determine what your goals are for your massage. Do you just want to relax and relieve tensions? Or, do you have a specific region of pain that is bothering you? Once you have your goals in mind, you have a better idea of what type of massage you need and how to approach your massage therapist.

Where to Start

A great place to start finding a massage therapist is to check out reviews on the internet. Yelp and TripAdvisor offer many reviews. Look for a well-reviewed spa or massage therapist that offers the amenities you a looking for. Once you have discovered a few good ideas it is time to make some phone calls and talk directly with massage therapists.

A Phone Call

The receptionist will answer any preliminary questions you might have. Some questions you may choose to ask include:

• What are your certifications or qualifications?
• Do you specialize in a particular style of massage?
• Do you have experience working with …injury, arthritis, pregnancy, neck pain, or other particular circumstance…?
• What should I expect during a massage?

A massage therapist should be willing to talk with you about your concerns and desires. If a massage therapist is unwilling to listen, they may be unreceptive to your wants and needs during the massage. A massage therapist should encourage you to communicate during your session. They should be willing to hear what feels good or what might be painful so they can adjust accordingly.

Everyone is Different

Every massage therapist is different. Even very qualified massage therapists are not always the right fit for your particular needs. One of the best ways to know whether or not a particular massage therapist is a good fit is to try a session with them.

Many spas specialize in less expensive, generic massage and give the same massage to every patient. We believe that to get the best experience, your massage should be unique to you and be tailored to your unique needs.

Ultimately, you should look for a well-qualified, professional massage therapist that has experience with your particular needs, and has a willingness to communicate openly. You should feel comfortable and relaxed around your massage therapist rather than nervous or tense. Put some time into find the ideal massage therapist for you so that you can feel relaxed and restored after a massage session.

At over 9,000 feet, air that is already dry year round becomes even drier in the winter. The harsh climate, lack of humidity, and exposure to sun can wreak havoc on your skin. What can you do to protect your skin during the winter?

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is vital to healthy skin. Snow reflecting UV rays along with the already thin atmosphere can heighten your risk of sun damage. The only way to avoid this damage is to cover as much skin as possible and apply sunscreen to any exposed areas. In the winter, it is often your nose, cheeks, lips, and neck that receive the most exposure. Wear goggles or sunglasses to keep the sun off the sensitive area around your eyes. Protecting your skin from the sun will help it stay healthy and younger.

Moisturize

Moisturizers are also an important part of your skin care routine in the winter. Applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp can seal in moisture and help your skin feel supple longer. Choose thick creams to apply at night and lighter lotions for daytime use. WebMD suggests oil based lotions rather than water based for extra protection.

Hydrate

Water loss is constant during the winter. Whether you are out on the slopes or relaxing by the fire it is important to stay hydrated. The easiest way to hydrate is to drink water instead of other drinks. Avoid caffeinated, sugary drinks and alcohol. These drinks can leave you feeling parched. If you do want to splurge on a special drink, make a habit of drinking a glass of water before and after. Try adding lemon, lime, or cucumber to your water for a touch of flavor. While extra water won’t cure inflamed or itchy skin, it will keep you feeling healthy and well, and will combat moisture loss.

Humidify

It is often thought that it is the cold, harsh air of winter that causes dry skin problems. However, Today points out that it is actually the artificial heat that dries skin. Central heat, wood-burning stoves, a space heater, it doesn’t matter what type of heat, it will cause the air to become dry. Plug in a few humidifiers around your home to keep moisture in the air during the most frigid days.

Pamper

You don’t want to overdo it with products during the winter, especially cleansers and astringents that contain alcohol. You can, however, get a facial or body treatment to revive your skin. Exfoliating your skin and treating it with natural oils and moisturizers will help fight off dry patches and keep your skin feeling soft and supple, even during the winter.
Stop at the Spa at Breckenridge for a facial or body treatment to rejuvenate your skin after exposure to the harsh winter climate. Our skin care professionals can also help you develop a skin care routine that will help you feel soft and smooth all winter long.