First timer's guide

Never been to Breck? Here are some tips and insider info to help you feel like a local. Be prepared though, because once you're here, you may never want to leave.
"This is my family's favorite place to ski. There is a variety of terrain and I have found it to be the best place for beginners with wide, flat, well-groomed runs on which to learn. Five peaks, well-groomed, well-marked trails and plenty of green, blue, black and double-black areas."

– Mom from Littleton, CO via Tripadvisor.com

ON THE SLOPES

Take a look at the trail map and you'll see—Breck is big. The five peaks are lined up peak-to-peak-to-peak along the valley, with the historic town of Breck stretching 7 miles tucked below.

Peak 6 is the first peak on the northern side of the valley. Added in 2013, Peak 6 boasts some of the steepest, hike-to chutes and terrain for experts, as well as intermediate above-treeline bowl skiing and snowboarding.

Peak 7, easily accessed by the in-town gondola, is a playground for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with wide, open cruisers.

Peak 8 is the heart and soul of Breck. It's where it all began. From almost anywhere in town, you can look up and see Peak 8's iconic Horseshoe Bowl, topped by the highest chairlift in North America—the Imperial Express SuperChair.

Peak 9 is a beginner's paradise, but don't let that fool you. Look up into the trees for some of Breck's hidden gems for experts.

Peak 10 is the proving ground for black diamond rippers with some of the best groomed expert terrain around, as well as The Burn, some of the best tree skiing.

Learn more 

IN TOWN

As one of the largest historic districts in the state, with more than 200 restaurants, shops and eateries, it's no surprise that Breckenridge has racked up heaps and heaps of accolades from the Best Ski Town to the Most Charming Mountain Town and even the Best Après Scene.

MORE RESOURCES

Read more about the town's history. 

Check out the dining, après and nightlife options. 

Book your lodging

What to bring

  • Ski and snowboard equipment (or rent it here
  • Winter boots or shoes with good tread
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Googles and sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Winter hat
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Warm layers
  • Sunscreen, lip balm and moisturizer
  • Medical records, insurance cards and any needed prescriptions
  • Cameras, phones and chargers
  • Hand warmers (especially if you have poor circulation)
  • Optional items: swimsuit, exercise clothes, day pack
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What to know
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Altitude: In Breckenridge, you're 9,600 feet above seal level. Be prepared to adjust to the altitude. Drink lots of water and take it easy at first. Research the possibility of altitude sickness and learn how to avoid it.

Off-peak times: If you can, plan your visit during the week and avoid holidays. If you're visiting during a popular time period, i.e., a weekend, holiday, signature event or Spring Break—book everything in advance and plan for extra time to get around town and on the slopes. If unavoidable, try to check EpicMix Time for real-time lift line updates.

Getting around town: The Town of Breckenridge has paid parking downtown. Check out our free bus system in town and to the slopes.

Take a tour and lesson: To really get the inside scoop, sign up for a free mountain tour through Breckenridge Ski Resort or a lesson and let the locals show you where to go and what to do. Don't forget about our historical tours in town, which are fun during a day off the slopes or after skiing.

Tips for First Timers at Breck

First Timer FAQs

Sometimes. When skiing on your own or with friends helmets are not required, but highly recommended. Children participating in Ski & Ride School lessons are required to wear a helmet.

No, although some like to have one. A number of accommodations are within walking distance of historic Main Street and the slopes, and the Town of Breckenridge is served by the Free Ride transportation system. The Free Ride travels through Breckenridge connecting the resort's base areas and free parking lots, runs the perimeter of downtown, and stops at the Ice Rink, City Market, the Recreation Center, Village, Four O'clock Roads, Columbine, Broken Lance Drive and Peak 9. 

Click here to check out the Free Ride map.

The lifts open everyday at  8:30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. On rare occasions, lifts may temporarily close during the day due to high winds or lightning. Gondola Scenic Rides 10am-3pm
Yes. We offer daycare for children ages 8 weeks to 5 years old on Peak 8, at The Villiage and at Beaver Run. 

Reserve Child Care Here

Breckenridge has five Breck Sports rental shops conveniently located at the base of Peaks 8 and 9. 

Resort Information Center: 800.789.SNOW (800.789.1663)
Vacation Reservations: 888.284.9477
Colorado Road Conditions: 877.315.ROAD (877.315.7623)
Current Snow Conditions: 970.754.0011
Free mountain tours are available at the base of Peaks 8 and 9. Tours start promptly at 10 a.m. and usually last 1.5 to 2 hours. Mountain tours are open to intermediate/expert skiers and snowboarders only. Look for the Mountain Tours sign. On your own? Large versions of the trail map are located at various points on our mountain, and you can view the map on EpicMix or online.
Take Interstate 70 west to exit 203. Continue south on Highway 9 to Breckenridge. From metro Denver, the trip is approximately 90 miles. If you do not have access to a car, Colorado Mountain Express provides door-to-door shuttle service to and from Denver International Airport.
Transportation is available from Breckenridge to Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain. Options include the free Summit Stage bus system, Colorado Mountain Express, other shuttle services, Uber and taxis.
20 or more people are considered a group. Please visit our group section for additional information, email breckgroup@vailresorts.com.
Yes. Resort Employees – Employees of other North American Ski Resorts must have a current letter from their employer on letterhead, and identification, to receive the discount. Limit one per day for employee only.
No. Breckenridge does not offer night skiing, but our sister resort Keystone does. Visit the Keystone website for the full schedule and night skiing ticket availability. 
No. Breckenridge does not offer tubing, but our sister resort Keystone does. 

Visit www.keystoneresort.com for details.
Lift tickets can be purchased during the ski season between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Save money when you purchase lift tickets online in advance. Explore an Epic Pass if you're planning to ski for an extended period of time or make multiple trips to our resorts.
 

Yes. A select number of rooms are designated canine-friendly with a deposit.

Please call 800.985.9842 for availability.

 

 

Yes. Proper identification and a PSIA card must be presented at any ticket window to receive a discount.
The price of a single day lift ticket varies during the season. For current pricing please call 800.789.SNOW (800.789.1663) or view lift ticket pricing online.

Ski and snowboard storage is available at the base of Peaks 8 and 9.

Two-hour ski check: $2
Overnight Storage: $10

Peak pricing:

Two-hour ski check: $4
Overnight Storage: $12

Yes. Free parking is available at Airport Lot (add this google map linkhttps://goo.gl/maps/4EcrzGkrzyyots4B6This lot is located on Airport Rd and provides a free shuttle to the base areas. Pay parking lots can be found at the base of the Gondola, Base of Peak 8, and Beaver Run at Peak 9. Pay parking is approximately $15 per vehicle per day. Fees are subject to change. For more parking information go to https://www.breckpark.com/skier-parking

Yes. We offer lessons for skiing and snowboarding, as well as telemark skiing, and offer park and pipe classes regularly. Click here for times and rates.
We offer lots of great programs and activities for children. Click here for more information.

Altitude sickness can affect people when they travel quickly from lower altitudes to 8,000 feet or higher (Breckenridge is at 9,600 feet). If you're experiencing a headache, nausea, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or fatigue, you may have altitude sickness. 

Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes and can range from mild to serious. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility. Seek medical attention immediately if you start to experience any symptoms.

A few tips to help prevent altitude sickness:

  1. Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day).
  2. Take it easy. Don't over-exert yourself when you first arrive. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
  3. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including barbiturates, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of symptoms.
  4. Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories) while at altitude.
If you've not spent time in the mountains before, be aware that weather conditions will be different in town and in the valleys than at the top of the peaks. Dress for cooler temperatures, dress in layers and wear breathable clothing. Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Apply sunscreen to help prevent sunburn as you are closer to the sun and rays reflect off the snow. You'll tan or burn much more quickly and deeply in the mountains than at sea level.

Visit our custom weather forecast here for an up-to-date custom forecast.
Click here for what to bring, located in our First Timer's Guide. 

Check the weather in advance as temperatures change frequently. 

Visit our custom weather forecast here for an up-to-date custom forecast.

Plan ahead and purchase a multi-day lift ticket at least 14 days in advance and you'll receive exclusive online savings by joining PEAKS. If your arrival date is within 14 days, you can still get special lift ticket savings at the ticket window on tickets of three-days-or-more when you sign up for PEAKS at the resort.

Purchase Lift Tickets Online
Breckenridge lift tickets only provide access to Breckenridge. If you wish to ski other Vail Resorts owned properties you may exchange your Breckenridge lift tickets for tickets to other resorts, subject to certain restrictions.