For locals and vacationers alike, Breckenridge is one of the greatest places to settle into. Once a mining town, it manages to combine authentic Victorian charm and friendly local vibes, modern day amenities such as fine dining, shopping, nightlife and luxury lodging, and a world-class ski area. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Breckenridge Ski Area definitely has something for everyone: Its four peaks (Peaks 7, 8, 9 and 10) deliver 2,358 skiable acres — and Vail Resorts hopes to someday expand onto Peak 6.Its five terrain parks and two half-pipes dare up-and-coming freestylers to go big or go home.
The longest trail, Four O’Clock, is a playground for beginners, but it also delivers guests to their ski-in, ski-out condos.
Peaks 8 and 9 accommodate green terrain, which comprises 15% of the mountain, as well as intermediate runs. And, Breckenridge grooms in the middle of the day, so afternoon skiers and riders can enjoy fresh corduroy.
Peak 10 is known for its advanced bumps and tree skiing; even the intermediate runs are designed for advanced intermediates.
The lower half of Peak 7 is all about blue skiing, which makes up 33% of the entire mountain. But hike up to the actual peak, and you’ll find often-pristine bowl skiing reserved for advanced skiers.
The majority of the terrain at Breck is advanced (52%). Horseshoe Bowl, most easily accessible by the double T-bar (hint: try to pair up with someone who matches your height, otherwise, you may be in for an uncomfortable ride), is full of double-diamond steeps.
Imperial Express, a recent chairlift addition, is the highest lift in North America, rising to 12,840 feet. Located on Peak 8, you’ll find ungroomed, fairly steep terrain. The snow is usually good up there, but beware of spring-melted crud that looks like fun — until you have to turn through it.
The BreckConnect gondola links the parking lot with the base of the ski area. It’s an improvement over the bus shuttles, which, quite honestly, had their share of rank smells at times. The gondola soars over luxury homes and condos, some of which you can rent for ski-in, ski-out access.
There are plenty of places to grab a bite on the mountain, including mid-mountain stations on Peaks 8 and 9.
Throughout the season, Breckenridge Ski Area swells with activities. Ullr Fest revs up the party in January, followed by the International Snow Sculpture Championships, U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix and the Spring Massive Festival, which closes out the season in April.
From its total vertical drop of 3,398 feet, to about 150 trails and 29 lifts, Breckenridge is the biggest of the Summit County resorts, by the numbers (though Keystone has the most skiable acres), and definitely has the biggest personality.
*all photos courtesy of Breckenridge Ski Resort
Images courtesy of randomduck, kcxd, alexindigo, Zach Dischner, emerson12, josephdepalma, kentgoldman, limaoscarjuliet, pixculture, *~Dawn~*
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