Love to ski? I am sure Breckenridge, Colorado, is on your to-ski list! It’s one of the most popular ski towns in Colorado – and for good reason. There are many peaks from which to ski (or snowboard) here. Breckenridge has a lift capacity (in 34 lifts and a gondola) of 42,880 people per hour! There are over 600 acres groomed daily, and 187 trails. The ski peaks are numbered in order from north to south. Peak 8 is the oldest ski peak – but don’t worry, they are all linked together.

Wikimedia commons: Davepark, adapted by Wandering Educators

Here are our top 10 tips for visiting Breckenridge

1.  Altitude. It’s serious here! The base elevation is 9,600 feet, and the summit elevation is 12,998 feet. Many people get altitude sickness when they visit higher altitudes. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, and more. You can alleviate it with rest. You can try to avoid it by staying properly hydrated, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and resting when you feel the symptoms.

2. Cold. You’ll want to wear plenty of layers, and bring warm clothes. It’s colder the higher up you go. If you wear breathable clothing, and keep all your extremities warm, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry about being cute – worry about being warm (frostbite is not cute!). Be sure to bring waterproof ski gear. As you can imagine, Breckenridge is a laid back ski town – enjoy not dressing up!

Breckenridge Trail Map

3. Sunburn. Yes, you can get sunburned in winter (I am living proof!). Actually, because of the glare of the sun off the snow, and being at higher altitudes, you can get even more sunburned than in the summertime. Wear plenty of sunscreen and be sure to wear spf lip balm.

4. Shade your eyes. Going along with the sunburn, be sure to wear sunglasses and ski goggles with high UV protection. You don’t want to burn your eyes, either!

5. Learn from the pros. Take lessons if you are a beginning skier or snowboarder. It’s worth it to learn the right way to go down the slopes – and fall properly without breaking anything! Be sure to tip your teachers well – they are doing this for the love of the sport, and sharing their insiders’ knowledge with you!

6. Find a good place to stay. Because Breckenridge is a small town that is focused on the outdoors, there isn’t a lot of hotel development. We love renting homes or condos, often with ski-in/ski out options. You can find lodging specials online - and save your money for skiing (and shopping, and eating…).

Breckenridge ski resort from downtown. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Jasen Miller

7. Getting around. There is a free shuttle (the Free Ride Transportation System) that runs all over Breckenridge. And ski lifts, and a gondola, and, well, your feet and skis!

Free Ride. Photo Wikimedia commons: Bidgee

8. Take a tour! Did you know you can Ski with a Ranger? The US Forest Service, in conjunction with Breckenridge Ski Resort, offers guided interpretive tours. How cool is that? You can take an intermediate tour down Peak 7, and learn about the local wildlife, trees, beetles, avalanches, history, and more. Learn more here.

9. Eat well. We’ve shared some delicious places to eat in Breckenridge, but explore and discover your own foodie finds! Breckenridge is a former mining town with historic Victorian buildings, and there are plenty of great places to eat (and shop).

10. It’s not all about skiing. There is so much to do in Breckenridge beside ski, in all seasons! You can catch some theatre, dog sled, ice skate, take an alpine roller coaster (the Gold Runner!), shop, take art classes, visit galleries and museums, go ice fishing, and (my favorite) visit a spa.
 

More Breckenridge Information

No commercial airport.

Fly into Denver (about 100 miles away) and take the shuttle in (or rent a car). That way, you won’t have to worry about driving the mountain roads in winter.

Lift Tickets

If you purchase your lift tickets in advance, you can get a discount. If you buy a multi-day lift ticket, your ticket is also valid (for certain days) at Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Vail, or Beaver Creek.
Lifts are open every day from 8:30am-4pm. If you prefer night skiing, head to Keystone after you finish Breckenridge!

Equipment

You can bring your own equipment, or rent some. There are several shops located at the base of Peaks 8 & 9. Helmets are recommended on all ski slopes.

Have fun!

Breckenridge Peak 8. Photo Wikimedia commons: Drew Stephens