In Breckenridge, it is a common occurrence to use the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes,” in appreciation of the ever-changing weather systems that come through this mountainous area. The average high temperature in February is 34 degrees with an average low of 3 degrees, but then you get some “blue-bird” days thrown in for good measure where you can find it in the 40s. You just never know.

This year, Breckenridge received something in the area of 16 feet of snow in January with the temperatures rarely approaching the freezing mark, leading OnTheSnow.com to dub Breckenridge the “Snowiest resort in America” for January with 22 more inches than its closest competitor. February has seen much of the same for the first few weeks with another 5-6 feet of the white fluffy stuff, but then you get a day like today with not a cloud in the sky and the temps residing at a balmy 39 degrees. For those of us that live here year-round, 39 degrees and sunshine is a day at the beach … a white beach that is. For the visitors to our lovely community, a few days traversing through the limitless amount of powder and windy conditions atop the 5 peaks at Breckenridge Ski Resort will leave them thirsting for the sun as well.

So that leaves us all searching for that sunny spot where the sun’s ultraviolet rays at 9,000 feet can very well make the temperature feel much warmer than it really is. So, a 39-degree, sunny day in the High County can ultimately feel pretty temperate and it is not uncommon to find individuals basking in all the sun’s glory on the multitude of outdoor patios sprinkled throughout the various mountain communities.

Take Chef Todd Hall for instance. The Bostonian and acclaimed culinary star, in Summit County on vacation this week, found himself soaking in the rays on this glorious Frisco morning amidst the towering piles of plowed snow. It is not always easy to find a sunny spot this time of year, as the massive snow banks create there own sort of mountainous shadows, but the head chef at Temazcal Tequila Cantina in Boston found the perfect spot on the outdoor patio of Imagine That’s newest client, Abbey’s Coffee. A local coffee shop, named after their dog Abbey who was the main Siberian Huskie in the Movie Snow Dogs (A Summit County urban myth according to Abbey’s owner Suzie Ver Schure), Abbey’s is a staple for locals and visitors alike that are looking for a family friendly atmosphere to enjoy some of the finest coffee in Summit County. But, more importantly this time of year, the outdoor patio is the perfect sunny respite after spending the day on slopes. With all of winter’s glory surrounding us until summer comes calling, we all do what we have to do to find our beach.

Colorado boasts over 300 sunny days a year, but that can be misleading in Summit County because the air temperatures are often below freezing for half the year. But, Abbey’s has strategically placed it’s outdoor patio to maximize the number of hours of sunlight that one might be able to access while sipping on a Cup o’ Joe and enjoying a fresh cinnamon roll. Chef Hall knew exactly what he was doing on this sunny morning before ramping up to whatever activity the day would see for the celebrity chef. Whether you are a local or just visiting for the week, there is nothing better than finding a sweet sunny spot to relax in and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Imagine That is thrilled at the prospect of being hired to build Abbey’s brand-new website which should be live in a few months. But until then, we are just happy to be located right next door and have the ability, like Hall, to enjoy their sun-soaked patio on these beautiful Summit County days.

Abbey’s website is a currently a work in progress, but if your business is in need of a brand new website or just a website refresh, Imagine That is a local company run by local residents that understand the needs and challenges faced with creating a web site to appeal to Summit County’s unique demographics. Check out our website design portfolio of past projects and  today for your free estimate. Until then, Dream Bigger, and let the sun shine brightly on whatever you are up to on this beautiful day!