BRECKENRIDGE
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Breckenridge, CO, USA is one of the most well known popular ski and snowboard resorts in North America. It receives 300+ inches of deep, dry Colorado powder per season and averages 300 days of sunshine per year.
Breckenridge Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
The terrain at Breckenridge is spread across four mountain peaks, named Peak 7, Peak 8, Peak 9 and Peak 10. Between the four peaks there are wide open powder fields, steep chutes, enormous moguls, long groomed trails and easy beginner areas. The efficient lift system is well laid out and copes well with increased weekend and holiday crowds.
In 2009 the Breck Connect Gondola commenced operations linking downtown Breckenridge with the base areas of Peaks 7 and 8. The eight passenger gondola provides quick and easy access to the mountain departing from the main Gondola North parking lot and stoping at both bases eliminating the need to catch crowded shuttle buses.
Breckenridge is owned by Vail Resorts Inc. meaning the lift pass can also be used at other Vail Resorts.
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
The summit of Peak 8 is where the recently added Imperial Chairlift is located. New in the 2006/2007 winter season it is the highest chairlift in North America accessing 400 acres of steep chutes and powder fields previously only accessible by a 45 minute hike. The double black diamond Horseshoe, Contest and Cucumber Bowls are all treeless and open enabling deep wide powder turns to be had by all.
From the top of the Imperial Chairlift head right to access the challenging bowls of Peak 7 leading down into treed terrain.
Long huge mogul runs are found on the left hand side of the Falcon Super Chairlift on Peak 10.
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
While advanced skiers and snowboarders enjoy Breckenridge it is particularly suited to intermediates with its very long immaculately groomed cruising trails on Peaks 7, 8 and 9.
Peak 7 has six excellent wide tree lined groomed cruising trails all serviced by the Independence Super Chairlift.
Some of the longest intermediate trails at Breckenridge are found on Peak 9; from the top of the Beaver Run Super Chairlift there are boundless trails leading down to the base area.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
Beginners head for the lower areas of both Peak 8 and Peak 9, the terrain here is gentle and wide, great for practicing linking turns.
The Breckenridge Ski and Ride School has lessons for children as young as 4 years old as well as ski and snowboard camps, clinics and telemark classes. First time classes are offered inclusive with lift pass and rental equipment.
Breckenridge Terrain Parks and Halfpipe
Breckenridge can boast having excellent freestyle facilities for snowboarders and freestyle skiers alike. The terrain parks and superpipe rank among the best in the USA and frequently host international events.
The most advanced park is the Freeway Terrain Park located on Peak 8; it is made up of huge jumps, table tops, long rails and big hits. The massive superpipe is at the bottom of the park.
The Country Boy Terrain Park located on Peak 9, is an advanced intermediate park with features slightly smaller than the Freeway Park. Also located on Peak 9 is the intermediate Gold King Terrain Park with medium sized jumps, rails and fun boxes; it has a mid sized halfpipe as well.
On Peak 8 the Trygves Terrain Park is an advanced beginner park with small jumps and rails. The main beginner park is the Eldorado Terrain Park on Peak 9, it has very small jumps, rails and fun boxes. Half of the park is used by the Breckenridge Ski and Ride School.
Other Activities at Breckenridge
Off piste activities available at Breckenridge include ice skating, sledding, snowmobile touring, hot air ballooning, 2 climbing walls, swimming, historical tours, evening sleigh rides, cinemas, live theatre and cooking classes.
Breckenridge Shopping
There are over 175 shops in Breckenridge. Breckenridge Sports stores are in 8 locations around town all selling and hiring the latest ski and snowboard gear.
The town has major grocery and liqueur stores, souvenir shops packed full of T-shirts, posters and photos of Breckenridge, specialty shops like book stores, jewellers, clothing boutiques and even the Breckenridge Barkery catering to canine visitors.
Breckenridge Restaurants
There are 70 restaurants in Breckenridge, French, Italian, Mexican, Steakhouses, Sushi, Vegetarian and fast food to name a few of them.
Crepes a la Carte have delicious savoury and sweet crepes perfect for a snack at any time of day. The Blue River Bistro has classic fresh pasta dishes and excellent service while the family friendly Kenosha Steak House specializes in BBQ pork and delicious hamburgers.
Nightlife at Breckenridge
After dinner party goers spend all night at Cecilia's the cigar bar and night club with DJs, bands and lots of dancing. Sherpa & Yeti's have live bands every night and is always packed to the rafters.
For a quieter night go to the historic Brown Hotel, it's where the locals go and has been in Breckenridge since 1868 with a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
One place that everyone visits is the Breckenridge Brewery they have 8 handcrafted fine Colorado ales and even brew a special Christmas Ale! Take a tour then have a meal and soak up the magnificent mountain views.
