The Ski Resort
Just outside of Denver, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, you will find the Breckenridge ski resort. Since it first opened its gates for visitors in December 1961, it is pretty steeped in history, but it still boasts all the advantages of a modern and updated ski resort. The 181 trails and five peaks will leave no room for boredom and everyone in your party will find the ideal terrain serviced by 34 lifts. The annual average of 300 inches of snow make it a perfect ski destination at any time of the season.
Peak 10 features Breckenridge´s most challenging terrain. The Falcon Super Chair whisks advanced skiers up the mountain. The expert only terrain consists of black runs like Mustang, Blackhawk, and Crystal. Further down you can change onto green runs to ski into the valley.
Peak 9 is probably the best location for beginners. Off the Quicksilver Super Chair you will find some amazing beginner runs like Silverthorne, Red Rover and King´s Way that are all designated greens. The Mercury Super Chair provides access to blue trails at the upper part of the mountain and the further you ski down the more green runs are available. The Beaver Run Super Chair also takes you up to some great blues that later merge with greens like the Lower American and Cashier. All of these are perfect to work on your ski legs and technique. From Peak 9 you can actually take the Peak 8 Super Connect and you will end up on mid-mountain of Peak 8.
From there you can even go higher to the tippy-top by taking the New Imperial Express Super Chair. It is definitely recommendable for beginners and intermediates to steer clear of this part since you will only find thrilling black runs up here. Further down you will find something for everyone, starting with greens like Powerline, additional blacks like the Little Johnny to a ton of blue trails.
Peak 7 is the mountain for intermediates. The Independence Super Chair features blue trails only, so you will have a good choice of trails winding through the forest and holding some pretty decent challenges. Further up you will find double black diamond runs that are perfect for skiers that have some more experience under their belt.
Breckenridge - a Paradise for Freeriders
Actually more than 34 percent of the Breckenridge are designated blacks in the backcountry. Real professionals looking for the thrill are going to find what they are looking for. Especially the newly opened Peak 6 is a true eldorado for freeriders. Breckenridge is also world famous for the champagne powder that guarantees perfect conditions for ungroomed trails. Further down it has some pretty great blue trails for intermediate skiers.
Snowboarders and Freestylers will appreciate the four terrain parks. Experts usually love the Freeway Park. To get there, take the 5 Chair Lift at Peak 8. The highlight is the 22 ft Superpipe. If you want to join the local Freestylers, you should check out Park Lane, that is parallel to the Freeway Park.
Beginners should head to the Bonanza Park between the Mercury Super Chair and the Beaver Run Super Chair at Peak 9 since the Freestyle features are easier here. You will find the easiest features at Trygve´s Park. Here, kids are welcome as well. As you leave the Rip´s Ride lift, you will already see it. The small obstacles are perfect for practicing your first tricks and jumps.
Interesting facts
- Offering 1,176 ha of slopes and terrain, Breckenridge is among the 10 largest Ski Resorts in Colorado.
- Breckenridge is among the 10 best rated Ski Resorts in the USA.
- It is among the 3 most family-friendly ski Resorts in the USA.
- Elevated between 2,926 m and 3,962 m, the Ski Resort is among the 5 highest elevated Ski Resorts in the USA. The vertical drop from summit to base is 1,036 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in the USA is 375 m. Most runs are therefore relatively long.
- During the season the average snow depth at Breckenridge is 159 cm. Snow coverage is usually best during April, offering an average base depth of 242 cm. Therefore Breckenridge is among the 3 ski Resorts with best snow conditions in the USA.
- Breckenridge features 79 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in the USA is 70 sunny days. April is the sunniest month with an average of 17 sunny days.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
On Mountain Dining
The ski resort boasts 8 mid-mountain restaurants that are tempting to spend your lunch break there. Right at the base station of Peak 8 you will see the Ski Hill Grill that has a huge salad bar to choose from as well as hearty burgers and Starbucks coffee. Sevens, at the base of Peak 7 has a huge sun deck with a magnificent view and great service. They are well-known for fantastic Pizza and homemade soups.
If you are hitting the trails at Peak 9, you should definitely make a stop at The Maggie. Enjoy the classic American breakfast or the mexican food during the day.
The 9600 Kitchen uses local ingredients only and creates creative dishes that will please everyone´s taste buds. It is also a great place to come for mixed drinks and its colourful cocktails are outstanding. The many fireplaces create a domestic atmosphere or you sit down on the sun deck from where you will have the best panorama of the surroundings.
Must-Ski Runs
You like the convenience of the ski-in ski-out village? From Peak 9, 8, and 7 it is easy for every ability level to ski right from the trails into the base. The longest trail is the Four O´Clock with a length of 3.5 miles (5 km) and an actual height difference of 2,624 ft (800 meters). The Devils Crotch is only 0.6 miles long but has some challenges in store that will keep even the best skiers on their toes.
Most Difficult Runs
Longest Runs
Videos
Activities
Tons of non-skiing activities wait for you in Breckenridge. The shopping experience in town is one of a kind with an abundance of sports shops; even a Christmas shop that is open all year round awaits you here. Art and fashion stores are available as well.
The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster is a blast for everyone. Hop in and off you go on 2,500 feet downhill through the forest! You can go on this crazy ride by yourself or take someone with you. Look for it at the foot of Peak 8.
The TenMile Flyer Zipline is another fun outdoor adventure. The two-stage Zipline with a first dual span of 392ft and a second quad span of 1,095ft makes you fly through the air. The Spa at Breckenridge awaits you if you want to relax your sore muscles. You can also buy Fun Park Tickets that include activities like Mini Golf, mountain biking, Alpine Sliding, Trampoline and more.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
The Main Street features tons of bars, restaurants and pubs. The Base Nine Bar has a great selection of martinis, flatscreen TVs to catch up on major sport events, and billiard tables for a fun night out.
You'd rather go for a dance club? Celia's Night Club has a great music variety and the people that come here love the diverse. The Napper Tandy´s Irish Pub is an Irish style pub that has a huge selection of brews from all over the world.
Dining and Restaurants
Locals love the Angels Hollow. It is known for having a relaxed atmosphere and the menu spicked with typical American fare. If you crave a real good BBQ, reserve a table at the Kenosha Steak House in the Historic District. Pulled pork sandwiches and one-pound cheeseburgers are definitely the most picked dishes from the menu. A wide range of different beer types adds the final touch to a perfect night. Modis, another great place to try, caters guests with aesthetic Asian specialties. Also located in the historic district, it is well-known for its peking duck.
Getting here
The Denver International Airport is the closest one to Breckenridge. Shuttles run between the airport and the ski resort. Of course, you will also find rental car options at the airport. If you decide to travel by car, take the Interstate 70 westbound and exit 203, from where you change onto the Highway 9 (southbound).