Breckenridge

Breckenridge Ski Resort

The historic mining town of Breckenridge sits below almost 3000 acres of some of Colorado’s finest terrain and is home to North America’s highest lift, the Imperial Express.

Breckenridge has always been popular with British visitors and its easy to see why. The transfer from Denver is quick and easy, there’s a wealth of good accommodation in the former mining town and that’s before the 187 trails are even taken into account. These runs spread across five distinct peaks – each of which offers something different – and extend to a lofty 3961m, making this one of the most snowsure ski areas in the USA.

The best way to experience what Breckenridge has to offer is via Ski Club Freshtracks on our Colorado Adventure trip, which also takes in Crested Butte.

Our Breckenridge Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Breckenridge Skiing and Snowboarding

A good lift system – the main links are all fast chairs – whisks skiers and boarders up five separate peaks. Each is different, but the general rule is that the more gentle slopes are at the base within the trees, whilst the steeper stuff lies beyond above the treeline.

Peak 8 and Peak 9 are home to the best beginner terrain on the mountain. Early starters should begin on the flat greens served by the Quicksilver SuperChair on Peak 9 or those beneath Rip’s Ride or 5 Chair on Peak 8. The long blues on Peak 7 or those off the Beaver Run SuperChair on Peak 8 make for great intermediate cruising – look out for the daily grooming map to see where the fresh corduroy is each morning.

Peak 10 is entirely dedicated to advanced and expert terrain, come here if you’re looking for steep groomers. Otherwise, head towards the top of each of the peaks for Breckenridge’s iconic powder bowls – Beyond Bowl on Peak 6 would be our top pick. If the weather has closed in, head into the trees served by E Chair or 6 Chair for some steep, but seriously fun tree runs.

The nearby resorts of Keystone and Arapahoe Basin are also well worth exploring – both are linked by a free shuttle bus.

• Total Pistes: 2908 acres
• Beginner: 11%
• Intermediate: 31%
• Advanced: 24%
• Expert: 34%
• Lifts: 34
• Altitude: 2926m – 3961m

Breckenridge Piste Map

The local area map can be downloaded here.

Breckenridge Resort

The historic mining town of Breckenridge breaks the purpose-built mould that most American ski resorts fit. Main Street is lined with pretty, colourful buildings housing shops, bars, restaurants and there is a great buzz about the place. Guesthouses and apartments can be found in and around Main Street, but many of the larger accommodation blocks are located up at the base of Peak 9.

For an American resort, après can get lively and the numerous happy hours are well worth making the most of. Breck even has its own brewery, producing a wide range of beers – all brewed at almost 3000m.

How to get to Breckenridge

Getting to Breckenridge from Denver is easy, either by car, shared transfer or bus. Just watch the weather forecast as I-70 is prone to snow and avalanche closure, but the problems are not as bad as for Vail further along the road.

• Denver airport: 2 hours

Breckenridge Contact Details

• Website: www.breckenridge.com
• Email: breckinfo@vailresorts.com
• Telephone: +1 (970) 453-5000
• Facebook: @Breckenridge
• Instagram: @breckenridgemtn
• Twitter: @breckenridgemtn