Breckenridge

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Breckenridge. With plenty of facilities for snowboarders, Breckenridge is popular with young people. There are several terrain parks and an area where you can learn to freeride. The resort's slopes are spread across four interconnected mountains in the Tenmile Range, named Peaks 7, 8, 9, and 10. The highest chairlift in North America—a high-speed quad lift on Peak 8—tops out at an air-gulping 12,840 feet. Peak 7 and Peak 8 have above-the-timberline bowls and chutes. The lower reaches of Peak 7 have some of the country's prettiest intermediate-level terrain accessible by a lift. Peak 8 and Peak 9 have trails for all skill levels. Peak 10 has long trails with roller-coaster runs.

In line with the town's proud heritage, some runs are named for the old mines, including Bonanza, Cashier, Gold King, and Wellington. During one week each January the town declares itself an "independent kingdom" during the wild revel called Ullr Fest, which honors the Norse god of snow. Breckenridge, CO. 970/453-5000. www.breckenridge.com. Nov.-Apr., daily 8:30-4.

Facilities

4,337-foot vertical drop; 2,358 skiable acres; 14% beginner, 50% intermediate, 36% advanced; 29 lifts; 1 gondola, 2 high-speed six-person lifts, 7 high-speed quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 6 double chairs, 12 surface lifts.

Lessons and Programs

Breckenridge Ski & Ride School. Contact the Breckenridge Ski & Ride School for information about lessons and specialty clinics. The Children's Ski and Ride School at Peak 8 has its own lift. Breckenridge, CO. 888/576-2754.

Lift Tickets

Few skiers and riders pay the mid-season walk-up rate of $86 for a one-day lift ticket. Breckenridge skiers use a variety of season passes sold by Vail Resorts, which owns Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Vail. Most vacationers purchase lift and lodging packages, or buy advance multiday lift passes at discounted rates online.

Rentals

Rental packages (skis, boots, and poles; snowboards and boots) start at $30 per day. Prices vary, but not dramatically. If you can't find your brand of high-performance equipment in the first store you try, you're sure to find it elsewhere.

Child Care

Breckenridge has a number of child-care programs. All-day classes or half-day classes for kids are available. Early drop-off is an option if you want to get to the slopes before everyone else. Classes meet at the Kids' Castle at Peak 8, and Beaver Run and the Village on Peak 9.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
• Fishing
• Fitness
• Golf
• Horseback Riding

• Nordic Skiing
• Outfitters
• Rafting
• Snowmobiling