Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s premier ski destinations, renowned for its expansive terrain, world-class terrain parks, lively après-ski scene, and charming mountain town. This complete guide covers everything you need to know to plan an epic ski trip to Breckenridge.
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TL;DR
- With 2,908 acres of skiable terrain across 5 peaks, Breckenridge offers runs for all ability levels.
- The resort is famous for its extensive terrain parks and pipes for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
- The charming Victorian-era main street features shops, restaurants, and bars with a lively après-ski scene.
- Breckenridge has a variety of lodging options from slopeside hotels to condos, cabins, and vacation rentals.
- Lift tickets, passes, rentals, lessons, and other activities can all be booked online in advance of your trip.
An Overview of Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort is located in Summit County, Colorado, in the Tenmile Range. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet and a summit elevation of 12,998 feet, the mountain’s 2,908 skiable acres offer an incredible variety of terrain for all ability levels.
The resort’s ski area is spread across five peaks, each with its own unique personality and trail offerings. Wide-open groomers on Peak 8 roll out along the Blue River Valley, while advanced and expert runs plunge down the double-black-diamond steeps of Peak 6. Gladed tree runs lace Peak 7 and Peak 9, while Peak 10 features a mix of beginner and intermediate terrain.
Four terrain parks, including multiple superpipes and rails, have earned Breckenridge a reputation as a snowboarder’s and freestyle skier’s paradise. The 22-foot superpipe is actually certified for Olympic training. Meanwhile, the charming Victorian-era main street offers shopping, dining, and bars to keep the après fun going late into the evenings.
Breckenridge’s Unique Local Experiences
In addition to its excellent skiing and riding, Breckenridge offers many unique cultural experiences and opportunities to interact with locals. Historic tours of the Victorian main street provide insights into Breckenridge’s origins as a gold-mining town in the 1800s. Visitors can drop into craft distilleries and breweries for a taste of local flavors or time a visit to coincide with Ullr Fest, a lively winter festival celebrating the Norse God of Snow.
For a particularly memorable cultural experience, try a hand-pulled sleigh ride along the frozen Blue River under the stars. Local mushers provide informative narration on the Tenmile Range’s mining history as you glide through the winter wonderland behind a team of eager sled dogs.
Top Lodging Options for a Breckenridge Ski Trip
With its pedestrian-friendly main street and multiple chairlifts emanating from town, Breckenridge offers superb ski-in/ski-out access. Top-rated hotels and lodges like The DoubleTree, Gravity Haus, and Beaver Run Resort place you just steps from the Quicksilver SuperChair. For extra convenience, ski valets will store and tune your equipment.
Visitors on a budget can often score great deals on condo rentals mere blocks from the slopes. Free resort shuttles also provide transportation from lodges slightly farther afield. Wherever you stay, research the closest lifts, restaurants, and bars to optimize both your skiing and après fun. Booking Breckenridge ski packages online often bundles discounted lift tickets and equipment rentals with lodging.
Winter Activities for Families and Thrill-Seekers
While Breckenridge’s terrain parks cater to thrill-seeking snowboarders and freestyle skiers, families also have plenty of options for winter fun. The resort’s three-to-five-foot terrain features in the Rippers’ Alley kids area helps little ones build confidence on skis or a snowboard. Families can also whoosh down beginner runs together or go tubing after ski school.
For a unique high-altitude experience, soar above the Tenmile Range on a breathtaking winter zipline tour or snowmobile excursion. Or strap on snowshoes or Nordic skis to explore the hushed winter wilderness on your own steam. No matter your interests, Breckenridge’s typical 300 days of sunshine, 400+ inches of annual snowfall, and advanced snowmaking ensure you’ll enjoy ideal conditions.
Getting Lift Tickets and Ski Passes
Walk-up lift tickets can be purchased daily, but buying online in advance saves up to 15%. Breckenridge’s EpicDay Passes offer savings and flexibility, providing 1-7 discounted days of access depending on the pass selected. For maximum convenience, season-long Epic Passes provide unlimited access to Breckenridge and Vail Resorts’ extensive network of North American resorts.
College students can score deals on passes and specialized Epic Military Passes discount rates dramatically for active and retired military personnel and their families. All passes grant access to Breckenridge’s slopes, lifts, terrain parks, and special events like demo days with the latest ski gear.
Renting Skis and Snowboarding Equipment
Extensive ski and snowboard rental outlets are scattered throughout Breckenridge, including shops right at the bases of Peak 8 and Peak 9. Breckenridge Sports Rentals, Christy Sports, and Rocky Mountain Underground offer top-quality rentals along with boots, poles, helmets, and other essential gear.
It’s best to reserve your preferred equipment online in advance. Make sure to consider factors like your skill level, weight, height, and snow conditions. Most shops also offer tuning and waxing services to keep your gear in top shape. Trying demo skis for a day is another great way to test the latest models before buying.
Improving Your Skills with Lessons
From first-day beginners to experts looking to progress to the next level, Breckenridge Ski and Ride School offers specialized instruction for all ages and abilities. Adult group lessons work on fundamentals like turning, stopping, and terrain awareness. Private lessons allow instructors to focus completely on your personalized goals.
Multi-week adult specialty clinics focus on moguls, steeps, trees, park/pipe skills, and more. The resort’s state-of-the-art Woodward Copper Barn features trampolines, foam pits, trapezes, and indoor slides for mastering tricks and skills. For kids, all-day programs combine lessons, lunch, and afternoon activities to help even the littlest shredders build lifelong skiing skills.
Top Spots for Après-Ski Relaxation and Entertainment
When the lifts close, Breckenridge comes alive with slope-side bars, local brewpubs, and restaurants to continue the festivities. Kick back fireside with a craft beer at Après Handcrafted Libations in Peak 7 Plaza, or enjoy wine and snack boards on the heated patio at Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon on Main Street.
For a uniquely Breckenridge evening, take a twilight snowcat tour up Peak 8, culminating in a gourmet five-course meal at Crystal Peak Lodge, reachable only by snowcat. You’ll gain a whole new perspective on the resort sparkling below under a blanket of stars.
FAQ
What is the best way to get to Breckenridge?
Most visitors fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car or book ground transportation to Breckenridge, a drive of about two hours. Shuttle services and private car services are also available.
When is peak ski season in Breckenridge?
While Breckenridge’s official ski season runs from mid-November through mid-April, the resort’s peak visitor periods are the Christmas/New Year’s weeks, MLK weekend in January, President’s Day weekend in February, and Spring Break in March.
What is there to do in Breckenridge in the summer?
Breckenridge has tons of warm-weather activities like hiking, biking, golf, fishing, zip lining, music festivals, and more. Many hotels, shops, and restaurants stay open year-round.
What is the best way to save money on a Breckenridge ski trip?
Booking lodging and lift tickets/passes early online yields the best deals. Ski packages, multi-day lift tickets, and season passes offer additional savings compared to buying daily.
What is the closest airport to Breckenridge?
Denver International Airport is the closest major airport at about two hours’ drive time. But Eagle County Regional Airport in Vail/Beaver Creek is also handy, at just over 1.5 hours from Breckenridge.
