The Fireside Inn and Hostel is located in the historic town of Breckenridge and is within easy walking distance of more than 80 restaurants, shops, and bars. In the summer enjoy hiking, biking, rafting, sailing and fishing in the mountains. Excellent stop over for those hiking the Colorado or Great Divide Trails or cycling the Trans America route.

In the winter, snow boarders and Alpine skiers enjoy over 2,043 acres of groomed trails. We are five minutes by free shuttle to the lifts at the Breckenridge ski resort and less than an hour by free bus to Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin ski areas. Vail is 1.5 hours by bus or 40 minutes by car and only two hours from Denver.

The 50th Anniversary of the Annual Christmas Bike Trip is scheduled for December 26-31, 2006. Every year since 1956, bicyclists from all over the country have participated in this challenging cycling tradition. The Christmas Bike Trip features a 400-mile route through the mountains, desert, and seacoast of Southern California. The ride is a major fundraiser supporting the San Diego Councils' Youth Education and Outreach programs.

Cyclists can join this Christmas tradition for $300 (Hostelling International members) or $325 (includes a one year membership). The fee includes two meals per day, modest indoor accommodations, sag wagon support, gear transport, and a commemorative Christmas Bicycle Trip T-shirt.

We want to know your favorite travel book!! Share with us the book that inspired you to travel or that helped you through the streets of an unknown land. We will be printing your responses as gift ideas in our winter newsletter. Let us know the title, author, and special meaning of your book. Email responses with "Travel Book" in the subject line to council@sandiegohostels.org.

Every year, the San Diego Council hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at our hostels. These dinners bring hostel guests, staff and volunteers together to partake in our holiday traditions. What a great way to share American culture with travelers from around the world!!

We always need help with cooking and cleanup at these events. If you are interested in helping out at one or both of these great dinners, please email Jared at volunteer@sandiegohostels.org

Supporting San Diego Council has never been easier!! By using your Ralphs club card, you can support youth education and global understanding every time you buy groceries! When you register for our Ralph's Club Card donation program, a portion of your grocery dollars will be donated to San Diego Council's Youth Education and Outreach Programs.

Signing up is simple at www.ralphs.com. Just click on "Community Contributions", fill in your information, and be sure to choose Hostelling International, San Diego (NPO #82125). It's an effortless way to give back to the community and support HI.

Please note that even if you have already signed up, you may need to re-register as the new campaign year started on September 1st 2006. If you have any questions about this campaign or our Youth Education and Outreach programs, please contact Laura at 619-338-9981 or programs@sandiegohostels.org. Thank you for your support!