Breckenridge Colorado, Skiers Perspective

General Feel

Breckenridge Colorado has been a classic ski destination since 1961. There have been major expansions over the years, including the highest lift access terrain in the United States. The town is absolutely charming: tons of shopping, artwork, holiday decoration, housing, music festivals, and even horse rides down Main Street.

A member of the Vail Resort family, Breckenridge is doing big things. There is plenty of construction and expansion in its future. The sky is the limit for this resort. Skiing Magazine noted Breckenridge's hot party scene, with a #3 ranking in its Reader's Choice Parties category.

Quick Facts Breckenridge Colorado

• Season: Mid November to April
• Average Snowfall: 310 in / 7.8m
• Acres: 2358 Acres
• Runs: 155
• Lifts: 30
• Lift Capacity: 37,880 people per hour
• Vertical: 3,398 / 1,036 m
• Elevation: Base - 9,600 ft 2918m / Summit – 12,998 ft 3951m
• Terrain;
• Beginner – 14%
• Intermediate – 31%
• Expert – 55%

Tips

• Beware of wind. Some people call Breckenridge Colorado the windiest resort.
• Often long lines are a problem due to the close proximity to Denver.
• Expensive lift tickets. Try the Epic Pass - $579 for unlimited skiing to all Vail Resorts.
• The Gondola that goes from town to the base of Peak 8 is not free. Neither is the parking.

Terrain/Off Piste

Breckenridge Colorado has terrain for all ability levels. One of its claims to fame is its massive terrain park, which attracts park rats from near and far. Spend a few minutes watching these guys go big and your jaw will drop.

The terrain varies widely. From high alpine bowls, to steep chutes, to nice glades, to easy groomers, to easy backcountry access. Breckenridge is divided into Peaks 7, 8, 9, and 10. There is talk of developing Peak 6 in the future too. Peak 9 is the center of the mountain and has the most appealing family terrain. On Peak 10, try Mustang, Black Hawk, or Quiver for steep trees. On Peak 9, try the Peak 9 Chutes, an easy hike up to an open bowl.

Peak 8 offers the most challenging terrain. The Imperial Express Superchair takes you to incredible heights and a 10-minute hike takes you to the summit of Peak 8, at 12,998 ft. From here you can enjoy the scenery in all directions. Then you can access Lake Chutes, Snow White, Imperial Bowl, Whale's tail, North Bowl, Horseshoe Bowl, Cucumber Bowl, or Art's Bowl for some above tree line adventures.

The snow is usually good all over the mountain, but remember that the windy weather does some weird, but wonderful things to snow.

Backcountry access is good, but not exceptional. There are some good lines off Peak 6 the SKY chutes off the backside, and Quandary Peak is nearby. Colorado snow pack is extremely dangerous so know what you are doing before you go out there.

Family Rating

Families love Breckenridge. You can't go wrong. The charming main street will give you hours of entertainment. Shopping is endless. Activities are in abundance.
Breckenridge is located within Summit County and a free bus will take you anywhere you want or need to go. Including a pool and recreation center, tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, night skiing (at nearby Keystone), or anywhere else you may want to go.

Breckenridge Colorado is a fantastic place to let the kids ski too. The terrain can be challenging, but it also offers some of the best beginner terrain around. There are 600 acres groomed daily and there is an intermediate/beginner trail called 4 O'clock Run that goes 3.5 miles from the top of the mountain to the base – a great family adventure.

Bars

The nightlife at Breckenridge is some of the best. Skiing Magazine ranked it #3 for partying, but it may have deserved even higher. There is always something going on in a town like Breckenridge. Bars are in close proximity to all of the accommodations. Driving is not necessary and a free bus system allows people to get out and have a good time safely.

Try Liquid Lounge with live DJS. Mi Casa has delicious margaritas. Cecilia's is a truly, funky, happening club. Sherpa and Yeti's love live music. O2 Lounge is a trendy oxygen bar – try it if the altitude sickness kicks in. Breckenridge Brewery brews a local microbrew. Downstairs at Eric's is a great place to watch the big game. Ullr's is tops for happy hour.

Food

Along with a killer nightlife, comes great food. On the mountain, there is the typical lodges that serve burgers and candy. But the real culinary scene is in town. Breckenridge Brewery serves up great burgers. Crown Café offers tasty treats. Dredge Boathouse has dining on the Blue River. Fatty's serve a great pizza. Spencer's cooks your steak to perfection. Taddeo's is delicious pasta. Rasta Pasta is a Colorado Italian food chain. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is great seafood. And the list goes on and on. There are tons of options for anything you are in the mood for.

Disclosure

Visit Breckenridge Colorado and have a blast! Compiled for us by Mr DL, a skier of course.

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