Breckenridge Mountain Is Where Powder Hounds Love to Ski — and It's Getting Trendier Every Day
This resort is masterfully balancing trendy-chic with family-friendly, so cool families don't have to choose.
It all began with a forecast calling for 30 inches of snow. On the plane ride from Los Angeles to Denver, Colorado, the excitement from all the skiers and snowboarders on board was palpable. I was on my way to shred down some seriously fresh powder and sleep in one of America’s newest, and coolest, ski-in and ski-out hotels in Breckenridge.
When I arrived at Gravity Haus, the stylish hotel that doubles as a chic social club, l met with Clark Rothey, a legend among legends in Breckenridge, and the man who’d be introducing me to the best powder conditions in America. For more than three decades, he's taught countless people how to ski and ride and has trained his fair share of instructors how to do the job, too. On our way to the chairlift and down every run someone stopped to greet him, embrace him, and share a story about how Rothey taught them how to ride all those years ago — it quickly became clear that Rothey is the most popular guy around.
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During our two days of riding together, he took us down his favorite runs to hunt for the best powder conditions. For us, that meant getting to Six Chair, a two-seater that opened up mid-day to bring us to first tracks down Breckenridge’s deepest snow conditions. It was terrain Rothey hit with ease and unbridled joy that I assumed someone working the same job for 30 years would have lost decades ago. At the same time, Rothey wants to make it clear that just because Breckenridge is a powder hound’s dream doesn’t mean it’s not welcoming to beginners.
"What Breckenridge has always catered to and hit very, very well is the families,” he says. “There's no doubt that they hit this extremely well. We have a great kids program, rentals, and terrain that all matches families extremely well.” As for places like Gravity Haus coming in and spicing up the mountain neighborhood, Rothey is cool with that, too. “Things are just becoming more hip. It’s like, come and have a good time, whatever. We don't care if you're 50 years old or 22 years old. Come and there's something for you to play with.”
Ultimately, in Breckenridge ski-loving travelers find a resort that offers a wide range of terrain, for all levels, and Colorado views that never get old. And those among us who are just here for the après are destined to be pleased by the wide variety of creative and upscale bars and restaurants and extremely chic hotels like Gravity Haus.
A long ski season that stretches from early November to mid-April
A great destination for families with private and group ski lessons available for all skill levels
A stylish après scene of bistros, cocktail bars, and lifestyle-focused hotels
When to Go
Breckenridge typically gets its first taste of snow in late October, but the ski season doesn't truly start until late November and it lasts until mid-April. January and February are known as the months with the best conditions, but March is technically the snowiest month and tends to see lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. To maximize your trip for budget and shorter lift lines, consider visiting in early March. You can still enjoy less crowded slopes later in the month and through the end of the season in April, but conditions are likely to be more slushy.
Where to Stay
Gravity Haus
For the best ski-in, ski-out access, there’s no better place to stay than Gravity Haus. Located just off the base of Peak 9 and a block from the town's historic Main Street, the hotel comes with plenty of plush space for you and your crew, along with a Japanese-style onsen to soak in after hitting the slopes. It also has a bar, restaurant, and fabulous in-house coffee shop, Unravel Coffee. Gravity Haus members can also take advantage of an off-site coworking space in the Wetterhorn Building near Peak 9.
Crystal Peak Lodge
Located at the base of Peak 7, this condo-style lodge also has ski-in, ski-out access. Each room comes with a full kitchen, laundry unit, fireplace, and balcony, and shared amenities include two indoor pools and an outdoor hot tub. Apartment sizes vary and units can sleep between five and 11 guests, making this the perfect choice for large groups on extended vacations who will feel right at home.
One Ski Hill Place
One of the top perks of this alternate ski-in and ski-out Breckenridge accommodation is the complimentary gear storage and locker rooms that make the transition from slope to après a breeze. Situated at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place is a more upscale condominium-style resort that offers a wide array of room styles from simple studios to four-bedroom apartments. There is a spa, two on-site restaurants, and a bar that happens to be one of Breckenridge's most popular après-ski watering holes.
Where to Eat
Cabin Juice
For a quick bite right off the mountain head into Cabin Juice at Gravity Haus. Despite the name, the restaurant doesn’t just serve juice, although it has plenty of nutritious, organic, and delicious items on the menu for brunch, après, and dinner. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms and the menu changes seasonally.
Breckenridge Distillery
At Breckenridge Distillery, you can sample house-made spirits like bourbon, whiskey, and gin, but the big attraction for protein-hungry skiers is the steaks at the on-site restaurant. The menu features cuts like prime rib, tomahawk, New York strip, and butter-drenched picanha.
Aurum
For fine dining, you can go for the four-course seasonal tasting menu at Aurum or order one of the crowd-pleasing dishes like the curry-coated cauliflower or the balsamic-braised short rib. Besides the delicious food, the cocktail menu is reason enough to book your reservation with creative twists on traditional recipes alongside their infusion-heavy signature drinks, plus a varied selection of mocktails.
Where to Après-ski
Gold Pan Saloon
One time-tested favorite for après in Breckenridge is the Gold Pan Saloon, which has served thirsty travelers for more than 150 years, and in 2017, it was even named a historic landmark. The bar is usually busy at après so it's a good place to go for a vivacious atmosphere and a menu stacked with comfort food.
TBar
If you just can’t seem to tear yourself away from the mountain for a drink that’s okay because this bar is located right on the slopes and has some of the best views around. Just head to TBar, located at the base of Peak 8. During happy hour you’ll be able to order up a post-ski beer for just $4, cocktails for $5, and grab snacks for just a few dollars more.
Robbie's Tavern
Robbie's Tavern is a locally owned bistro with an international wine list and a wide selection of beers, plus snacks, bowls, burgers, salads, and more for your post-ski cravings. On Peak 8, this is a solid go-to for great views and a more relaxed atmosphere for your casual après in Breckenridge.
Off-mountain Activities
Even when you're not on the slopes, there's plenty to keep you busy on a winter escape to Breckenridge. Your first duty when scoping things out is to take a stroll down Main Street, where you'll find all the trendy boutiques and restaurants, as well as some historical landmarks from the town's mining era. If history piques your interest, Breck History offers themed tours that vary in focus from the mining industry to the bawdy legacy of Breckenridge's old saloons. This same organization also operates many of Breckenridge's museums like the High Line Railroad Park which explains how the rail industry helped grow the town's population.
At the end of January, you may have the privilege of witnessing Breckenridge's annual International Snow Sculpture Championships. This two-week event is split into two parts: sculpting week and viewing week. That means you should plan accordingly if you want to see for yourself how these impressive sculptures are crafted by hand (during sculpting week) or if you want to participate in the voting process (during viewing week).
How to Ride
Tickets
Lift tickets start at $188 per day, but can cost as much as $251 depending on what part of the season you're visiting. There are discounts for buying online and booking your accommodation and tickets at the same time. This resort is also available on the Epic Pass, which is a great way to save on costs when you sign up before the season's deadline. Note that lift tickets at Breckenridge are limited and can sell out so it's best to purchase them online as soon as you know your travel dates.
Rentals
The most convenient place to rent your gear is at the resort, but the equipment is limited and likely to run out on busy days. Booking online is the best course of action, especially because there is a discount for reserving your rentals in advance. Around Main Street, you also have your pick of ski rental shops like Main Street Sports, Breckenridge Ski & Sport, and Alpine Sports, among others. If you don't have time to pick up your skis, you can have them delivered to your door by a service like Ski Butlers or Black Tie Skis.
Skiing and Snowboarding Info
Home to 2,908 skiable acres spread over five peaks with 187 different trails and 35 lifts, including the highest in North America, Breckenridge is an expansive resort where you'll be spoiled for choice. It is slightly better suited to more experienced skiers with only 11 percent of the terrain dedicated to beginners and over 50 percent dedicated to advanced and expert skiers. However, it's still quite a lot of terrain considering 40 percent of the resort's acreage is above treeline. Sitting at 12,840 feet above sea level, the record-holding Imperial Super Chair is worth riding at least once to experience the view from the high-speed lift.
There are three main base areas — Peaks 7, 8, and 9 —and tickets, rentals, and dining options are available at all three, but lessons only take place on Peaks 8 and 9. First-timers and beginners will be most comfortable here, as there is no beginner terrain on Peak 7. And for trick-loving snowboarders, the resort has two terrain parks where you can practice your jumps.
Programming
In addition to offering private lessons, which can be customized for groups and families of different ages, Breckenridge also provides group lessons for kids and adults of different skill levels. From first-time skiers and snowboarders to more experienced guests who want to level up their technical skills. They offer both half-day (2.5 hours) and full-day (5.5 hours) lessons and groups will be organized according to age and ski level.
If you want a longer and more immersive lesson, you can sign up for one of the resort's many camps, which include an all-terrain program for more advanced kids, a women's camp led by all-women instructors, and adaptive programs for skiers with disabilities. Adults who want to fine-tune their skills can join the Breck Club, a 10-week program designed to help you advance.
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