Skiing in Breckenridge
Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski destinations in the USA, and one of the oldest resorts, being established as a gold mining town in 1859. Skiing was introduced back in the early 1960’s, and today Breckenridge still has an historic Victorian Main St, containing 170 listed buildings, which have been carefully protected. A modern ski resort, with an extensive lift system, ski-in/ski-out lodging and a huge selection of après-ski entertainment and shopping sits comfortably within the wonderfully preserved town of Breckenridge, and attracts 1.5 million visitors annually.
Skiing in Breckenridge – The Mountains
Breckenridge itself sits at 2926m, and the vast lift system, consisting of 28 lifts, transports skiers up to the peak elevation of 3963m at a rate of 37,000 passengers an hour. The skiing in Breckenridge is spread out over 4 mountains, Peaks 7, 8, 9 and 10, and there are 4 access points to the slopes allowing peak-to-peak skiing. Breckenridge is predominantly an intermediate and advanced ski area, with the allocation of trails being 15% beginners, 33% more difficult, 20% most difficult and 32% expert. That said, it is such a large resort, that beginners will enjoy the wide slopes on Peak 9, with almost a third of its’ slopes catering for novice skiers, and Peak 8, where it’s possible to join the longest run in Breckenridge, the 5.5km long 4 O’Clock trail. Intermediates will be spoilt for choice with the varied, consistently groomed terrain available in Breckenridge, and the combination of lifts means excellent access to all slopes. On all 4 peaks experts will find challenging runs, from the mogul runs of Peaks 8 and 10, to the speed trails and tree-skiing of Peak 9. Breckenridge is also a snowboarders’ paradise, with 4 terrain parks, 3 half-pipes and a super-pipe.
Skiing in Breckenridge – The Après-ski
The resort of Breckenridge offers a vast selection of après-ski options, including over 400 shops, restaurants, bars, galleries and spas. Some favourite watering holes when the lifts close include The Breckenridge Brewery, Mi Casa and The Maggie. Main Street is festooned with twinkling fairy lights throughout the year, creating a festive atmosphere, perfect for evening strolls and houses some great restaurants, to suit all budgets, including Pierres’ Riverwalk Cafe, Blue River Bistro and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Accommodation ranges from the small condos just outside town to luxury hotels on the mountain. Breckenridge also has a recreation centre, and dog-sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice-skating are all available.
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