Breckenridge - Introduction
Breckenridge has long been, and continues to be, the favourite American resort with British skiers. Its appeal is obvious: a former gold mining town that now is better known for its rich seam of snow. The shops, bars and restaurants on and around Main Street are housed in traditional Victorian buildings, many of which are authentic and enjoy a colourful history. There is a plethora of skiing and snowboarding suitable for all ages and abilities, whilst other snow sports on offer include snowmobiling, sleigh-rides and ice-skating. With its rich heritage, well groomed slopes and the nearby resorts of Keystone, Vail and Beaver Creek, you’ll never be short of things to do in Breckenridge.
Skiing
The choice of skiing is also vast, ranging from the wide, well-groomed gentle slopes at the bottom of Peaks 8 and 9, wonderful areas on which beginners can develop their technique, to mogul runs and the famous wild Back Bowls of Peak 7, which offer vast steep terrain without the trees at a 45-degree pitch and will test the skill of more advanced skiers. Intermediate skiers however, enjoy the greatest range of the 2000 plus acres of terrain at Breckenridge. The resort now boasts the highest chairlift in North America, the Imperial Express Super Chair on Peak 8, alongside the existing 29, opening up yet more terrain. As well being able to enjoy the vast skiing available to you at Breckenridge (which boasts a great snow record and a ski range from 2926m – 3963m, almost guaranteeing super skiing), you may also take advantage of the full area pass which includes the resorts of Keystone, Vail and Beaver Creek. This is certainly the best way to experience many of the top resorts in Colorado.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is welcomed with two terrain parks and two half-pipes including a Super-pipe with 18.5'' walls. For those with less experience, the Gold King half-pipe and terrain park have smaller table-tops and jumps, whilst night-time exhibitions in town as well as regular competitions will keep spectators amused.
Ski Schools
There are several ski schools that cater well for children and adults, with varied lessons to suit your individual needs. Early reservation is highly recommended as these courses are very popular.
Eating Out
On the hill the Vista Haus is notable for its noodle bar and collection of vintage snowboards. Better still is the newer Ten-Mile Station, a cavernous restaurant with a large sundeck and killer steak sarnies. In town, Cafe Alpine serves tapas and French cuisine at high prices, boarder hangout Maoris is owned by a pro-snowboarder, whilst family-friendly Breckenridge Brewery serves the good old favourites of steaks and cheeseburgers.
Bars and clubs
There are numerous bars situated around Breckenridge, the most popular being The Brewery which actually brews its own ale. With over 50 bars you will be sure to find one that will entertain and satisfy your thirst.
Off the slopes
Shopping is a great alternative if you wish to vacate from the slopes with over 100 shops to choose from situated in the beautiful historical buildings where the scenery itself is something worth viewing. Surrounding the area with other activities including shoeshoeing, sledging, ice-skating, cinema, and sports centres including swimming, and tennis.