Located between the upmarket resort of Vail and the state capital, Denver, Breckenridge is one of Colorado's most popular resorts and the largest of Summit County, yet it retains a down-to-earth atmosphere. There is a huge range of excellent ski runs here, and snowboarders also have extensive facilities; while off-slope activities and entertainment are second to none.
Breckenridge town has a rich gold mining heritage dating back to the mid-19th century and still retains its Victorian charm and original buildings. These historical points of interest rest side-by-side with modern facilities, including a huge range of shops and boutiques, galleries, and ski/sports facilities.
There is both off- and on-slope lodging in a host of establishments, including spacious hotels, quaint bed-and-breakfasts and comfortable homes and condos, both luxurious and budget. Non-ski activities include telemarking, dog-sledding and swimming; additionally, the town is awash with fine restaurants and trendy cafés, bars, traditional pubs and nightclubs.
Breckenridge ski resort boasts 150 trails over four interconnected mountains and a large amount of expert terrain. Twenty-seven lifts, including a double-loading six-passenger chairlift, provide access to the slopes, the longest of which is 5.8kms. In addition to the pistes, snowboarders also have four terrain parks, three half-pipes and a super-pipe; the Freeway Terrain Park is especially superb.
For alternative sliding, Breckenridge is linked to three other resorts in Summit County via a complimentary shuttle bus: Keystone, with its night skiing; Copper Mountain and its segregated runs; and Arapahoe Basin, with its steep dives. Vail is only 50kms to the west along I-70; while Denver is to the east and offers great sightseeing.
Breckenridge’s ski season runs from November to May and rate reductions are available at the beginning and end of the season; children under five years ski for free and seniors over 64 receive a discount. The most convenient way here is to fly to Denver and transfer by shuttle bus.
