Breckenridge Resort Guide

The skiing in Breckenridge is divided into the five ‘Peaks’. The wide, groomed runs of Peak 7 and Peak 9 are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Peak 8 and Peak 10 offer more challenging slopes with bowl and glade skiing at altitude. There are some lovely, cruisey blue runs from Peak 8 mid-mountain to the base whilst Peak 10 offers only black runs. The whole area is an intermediate paradise and is well known for its excellent ski school and also adaptive ski programme.

Peak 10 - Where the locals head and one of the quietest areas with only black diamonds from the top. Centennial and Crystal are mostly groomed for high-speed carving, or you can dip into the Dark Rider glades for some powder turns.

Peak 7 and 8 - Intermediate blue run heaven! If you’re looking for a confidence-building run then head to Claimjumper on Peak 7. The Rocky Mountain SuperChair and Independence SuperChair will whizz you up the mountain in no time to get you on the runs again and again.

Secret powder stash - This black diamond glade terrain is absolutely a hidden gem at Breck. Glide through the trees days after a storm and you'll be riding on some very fluffy, tree-protected snow.

With its friendly and relaxed locals, attractive Main Street and the rows of clapboard houses, Breckenridge is a quintessentially North American ski town. It is also the perfect choice for groups with non-skiers, for families with energetic children or for those who want to get out and experience more of the US after they are done skiing. There are over 200 shops in Breckenridge itself and the outlet shopping at Silverthorne (a half hour shuttle ride away) is a must for the bargain hunters. The town is lively in the evening with over 80 restaurants and bars and there is something to suit every pocket and taste. Other activities include everything from snowmobiling to mine tours.

Childcare - For children aged 12 months to 4 years old there is either the Peak 8 Childcare Centre or the Village Child Care. Reservations are recommended although drop-ins are allowed if there is space. Parents are required to remain in Breckenridge at all times while children are enrolled.

Transportation - The resort operates its own bus routes around town which are regular and efficient. Many properties, such as One Ski Hill Place and the Blue Sky, also operate their own free “on-call” shuttles that run into the evening. The Summit County buses run from Breckenridge to Keystone and Arapahoe Basin and take around 30 minutes. There is a ski bus operating to Vail most of the season which costs around $40pp and takes roughly 1 hour. 

Car Hire - As Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin are included on the same lift pass, if you are planning on skiing more than one resort we would highly recommend hiring a car. You’re going all that way and can ski these other resorts for free!

Supermarkets - Breckenridge is really well served for supermarkets including Food Kingdom Grocery and Liquor Store on South Ridge Street, and City Market on North Parkway.

Altitude - Don’t be put off when chatting to people or reading about the altitude in Breckenridge - yes, it is a high resort at nearly 10,000 feet and the Peak is 13,000 feet, but it’s all about taking it easy.

1. If you do find yourself feeling ‘light-headed’, stay on the easier slopes to give your lungs time to adjust.
2. Stay off the alcohol - vodka, black runs and lack of oxygen are not a good mixture! Remember, there isn’t much oxygen up there, and don’t forget you’re in the Rockies, where it’s dry weather.
3. Drink lots and lots of water. Carry a small bottle of water at all times, plus there are lots of mountain restaurants to take breaks.

Weather - Colorado prides itself on 300 days of sunshine a year, and at 10,000 feet even on a cloudy day, you will need sun protection. Have your sunscreen with you at all times and remember on a sunny day you need to apply it every 2 hours.

Breckenridge has a fantastic range of restaurants. In fact, it is easier to say what isn’t available - unfortunately, that is curry!

• Mi Casa’s - best Mexican in town. Although you can't pre-book at weekends, turn up early and pop your name on the list, then head to the bar for a margarita.
• Sauce on the Maggie - excellent Italian food with an extensive wine list.
• The Hearthstone - for a special occasion - make sure you pre-book this one.
• The Goldpan Saloon - a real Western bar, the oldest bar in town dating back to 1879.
• For casual food - Eric's, the Breckenridge Brewery or Motherloaded.
• For fine dining - Hearthstone Restaurant or Aurum Food & Wine.

For a full list of restaurants please see the Breckenridge Dining Guide.

Best après - The Maggie Pond at the base of Peak 9 has ‘live’ music at the end of the day. Mi Casa’s offer free chips and salsa with happy hour margarita’s (this is where a lot of the ski instructors hang out). Also, try the Breckenridge Brewery and Sevens at the base of Peak 7 and TBar at Peak 8. On the mountain, Ten Mile Station is a good sun trap and great for a well-deserved end of day drink.

Self Catering - the best value and biggest supermarket is City Market on the outskirts of town. Don’t forget Gourmet Cabby (breakfast, lunch and dinner deliveries) and Windy City Pizza will deliver direct to your door!

The Eclipse - The Eclipse Theater (formerly The Speakeasy) has three screens showing current movies. They also have a new lounge area serving theatre snacks and beverages.

The Rejuvenation Center in One Ski Hill Place - Relax and rejuvenate with a massage treatment at the Rejuvenation Center located adjacent to the Aquatics Center in One Ski Hill Place.

Barney Ford House Museum - Visit the house of Barney L. Ford: escaped slave, prominent entrepreneur, and Breckenridge's first black businessman.

Breckenridge Nordic Centre - Discover cross-country skiing (32 km) & nature snowshoe (15 km) trails (easy, rolling and expert terrain) in the White River National Forest. Full-service lodge with snack bar, ski school/tours and rental/retail/wax/repair shop.

Breckenridge Stables - Peak 9 Dinner Sleigh Rides. You can enjoy a delicious dinner on the mountain or just make the journey to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Rocky Mountains.

Ice Skating - The Stephen C. West Arena is open year-round for public skating, hockey and figure skating activities.

Silverthorne factory outlet shopping - just 30 minutes away. You’ll find great bargains here in the discount ski shops, together with Nine West, Levi’s, Timberland, Nike and Ralph Lauren.