Breckenridge Ski Resort - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Breckenridge Ski Resort is located in Summit County, Colorado and is a great place to enjoy the winter months. The resort has something for everyone, from beginner skiers to advanced riders. There are four terrain parks, including a superpipe, and freestyle skiing is allowed on nearly half of the mountain. The resort also offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the resort has several restaurants and bars, as well as a spa. In addition, the town of Breckenridge is full of shops and cafes to explore. Whether you're looking to hit the slopes or simply take in the scenery, Breckenridge Ski Resort is the perfect place to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.

Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the oldest and most well-known ski resorts in Colorado. The resort was founded in 1961 by a group of investors who wanted to create a destination for skiers and snowboarders in the Summit County area. The original Breckenridge Ski Resort was a modest operation with just four ski lifts and a few basic trails. However, the resort quickly grew in popularity, and by the 1970s, it was one of the most popular ski destinations in the state. Today, Breckenridge Ski Resort is home to over 150 trails and 29 lifts, making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The resort is also known for its scenic beauty, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re an experienced skier or a beginner, Breckenridge Ski Resort has something to offer everyone.

The best time to visit Breckenridge Ski Resort is typically between late November and early April. This is when the snow is at its deepest and most reliable, making for ideal conditions on the slopes. However, it's worth noting that Summit County can be very crowded during peak winter months like February and March. 

1. Plan your trip in advance to get the best deals on lodging and lift tickets. Breckenridge is a popular destination, so prices can be higher than other ski resorts.
2. If you want to save money on lodging, consider staying in one of the nearby towns instead of at the resort itself. Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne are all close to Breckenridge and offer more affordable accommodations.
3. Once you arrive at the resort, make sure to take advantage of the free shuttle buses that run between the base area and the mountains. This will save you money on parking fees.
4. If you plan on skiing or snowboarding every day of your trip, purchase a multi-day lift ticket in advance. This will give you a significant discount compared to buying single-day tickets. 
5. When purchasing lift tickets, keep in mind that there are discounts for seniors, students, children, and military personnel. Discounts are also often available if you purchase your tickets online in advance.
6. If you're traveling with young children, check out Kids Ski Free programs offered at various times throughout the season. These programs provide free lift tickets for children 12 and under when accompanied by a paying adult.
7. Rent your equipment in advance. Again, because Breckenridge is such a popular destination, equipment rentals can fill up quickly during peak times. By renting in advance, you'll ensure that you get the gear you need.
8. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Summit County is known for its changing weather conditions, so it's important to be prepared for anything.
9.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times and ski with caution. With all the excitement, it's easy to forget that skiing can be dangerous if you're not careful. Pay attention to other skiers and obstacles on the slopes and ski within your ability level.

1.  In 1961, Breckenridge Ski Resort became the first Colorado ski resort to install a chairlift. 
2. The original gondola at Breckenridge Ski Resort was built in 1966 and could carry 60 people per ride. 
3. In 1972, Peak 8 received a makeover for the 1972 Winter Olympics, including the construction of an Olympic Village and an event plaza. 
4. After the Olympics, much of the new infrastructure on Peak 8 was removed, but the event plaza remained and eventually became home to the resort's base area facilities. 
5. The longest run at Breckenridge is 4.5 miles (7 kilometers), and the average snowfall is 300 inches (762 centimeters) per year.
6. There are four terrain parks at Breckenridge, offering a total of 14 acres (5 hectares) of skiable terrain.
7. There are 34 lifts at Breckenridge Ski Resort, including high-speed quads and gondolas.
8. In 2015, Breckenridge was ranked the #1 Overall Snow & Weather Destination in North America by OnTheSnow readers.

It's hard to know how much time to spend at the resort. However, a good rule of thumb is to allow at least one full day for exploring the Breckenridge Ski Resort. This will give you enough time to hit the slopes, check out the shops and restaurants, and experience all that the resort has to offer. 

From Denver, take I-70 West to Exit 203 for CO-9 North toward Breckenridge. Merge onto CO-9 N/Blue River Pkwy and continue to follow CO-9 N for about 28 miles. Take a slight left turn onto S Park Ave and Breckenridge Ski Resort will be on the right. If you're coming from the north side of town, head south on Main St toward Solar Pl. In .3 miles turn left onto N Park Ave and then turn right after 1 mile onto S Park Ave. Breckenridge Ski Resort will be on the right in .2 miles. 

Admission to the resort is $50 per day for adults and $30 per day for children. Seniors and military personnel receive a discount of $10 per day. Guests can purchase a three-day pass for $135 or a seven-day pass for $315. Season passes are also available. 

The resort is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.