The first thing that the owners of LOGE Camps want you to know: it’s pronounced “lodge.”
LOGE stands for “Live Outside, Go Explore.” Yes, the cozy, outdoor-oriented hotels are fantastic places to kick back and relax, but you’re encouraged to venture beyond the four walls and out of the confines of your comfort zone. I got a firsthand look at this adventurous getaway when I spent a weekend at their newest location in Breckenridge. It was an exhilarating experience unlike any hotel stay I’ve had before, exuding a “summer camp for adults” vibe in which guests can embrace everything the mountains have to offer–and meet new friends while they’re at it.
As with all LOGE Camps, the Breckenridge location was an existing building that was given new life rather than demolished.
“We create valuable experiences in previously underutilized spaces and forgotten places by respecting the past and stoking what’s next,” says Garret Van Swearingen, Director of Content and Partnerships at LOGE. “It’s more sustainable and better for the environment to renovate instead of building new. We always try to give away the old bedding and furniture to homeless and animal shelters, and we use low flow toilets and energy-efficient light fixtures.”
Guests have the option to either stay in the hostel bunks or in a private room. During my stay, the hostel area was still under construction, so I had a room to myself. I noticed a few unique features right away: wall-mounted ski hooks and bike racks were located near the door; a large YETI cooler sat on the carpet; a long, furled up hammock was suspended from the ceiling–just in case a normal bed wasn’t my thing. This was indeed a room designed to accommodate the outdoor-lover’s lifestyle.
Over the course of just one weekend, strangers became friends as I mingled with fellow guests over crackling campfires and gooey s’mores, swapping stories of past exploits. While one group opted for a scenic hike led by a forest service volunteer, the rest of us embarked on a guided mountain bike ride on the beautiful and challenging Blair Witch Trail, itself a short bike ride away. Do I own a mountain bike? No. Did that matter? Also, no. LOGE had us covered with some truly top-of-the-line rentals. In Garret’s words, “Other hotels provide amenities like soap and those cute little shampoos. Our version of this: hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes during the summer, and new offerings of winter gear coming this season. We give our guests the opportunity to try out a fun new piece of gear that they may not get to try otherwise.”
For a few glorious hours, we all rode our rented bikes over hefty rocks and logs, around hairpin turns, and down adrenaline-spiking descents.
Later that evening, after we’d had a chance to relax in our rooms, we happily explored the quirky food and drink spots in downtown Breckenridge via the convenient local shuttle. My overall impression of the LOGE experience was that it was the ideal way to explore a new place with like-minded new friends.
“Our properties are designed to get people out of their rooms, engaging with one another, and facilitating real connections,” Garret explains. “It’s a cool thing to witness; we like to call it ‘the magic of LOGE.’”
So whether you’re a trail runner, cyclist, hiker, or general outdoor enthusiast looking to book a stay in Breck, LOGE should be your first choice. Private rooms are currently available, while the hostel rooms are predicted to be finished in September or October. Make your reservations now, and get ready for an authentic, memorable adventure in Breckenridge.
