Article and photography by Alexa Meisler
Winter sports enthusiasts have long hailed Breckenridge as a destination for its quaint, small-town atmosphere, great restaurants, top-notch lodging, spas, and of course skiing and snowboarding. What many may not realize about this 148-year-old mining town, located in the Colorado Rockies, is the depth of recreational spring and summer activities such as Colorado Bike and Ski Tours’ “Women’s Sport and Spa Weekend.”
Christina McGrath created and guides this women’s retreat, allowing participants the opportunity to try something new in a supportive environment. I joined the group last spring for a weekend and learned how women truly experience sport and adventure differently than men. In addition, I learned that in a healthy female environment women flourish and are able to gain confidence, especially when trying a new sport.
We began our weekend with a three-mile mountain bike ride up a dirt path through Aspen groves that eventually gave way to great mountain views. McGrath took time with each of us reviewing such essentials as shifting gears, checking in on our breathing and our adjustment to the altitude. Although McGrath demonstrated how to use our momentum to climb the incline, a larger part of the exercise was trusting ourselves to keep moving.
Another major sport component to the weekend is rock climbing. On day two, we started with a one-and-a-half mile hike at Swan Mountain, which took us to the twenty-five-foot boulder to begin the climb. After gearing up and learning safety calls, we took turns tackling the rock. I didn’t make it to the top, but I worked through some of my height fears by merely attempting the challenge. In the end, I felt empowered and amazed at how high I climbed.
By day three, we all were in need of some serious pampering time, beginning with a champagne brunch and a mini natural beauty clinic. Then we were off to The Blue Sage, which offers such signature treatments as the Take a Deep Breath Oxygenating Facial and the much-needed deep tissue massage.
This retreat is an ideal adventure for those seeking to learn new skills or try a new sport. McGrath goes out of her way to make the weekend amenable, tailoring it to the group’s goals. In an atmosphere that provides just as much support to know one’s limits as when to push through them, the retreat encourages guests to enjoy individual accomplishments. This weekend is about more than biking and hiking; it is a chance to surprise yourself with the depth of your own courage, willpower, and strength.
For more information call (970) 668-8900 or visit www.coloradobikeandski.com
March/April 2008
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