Ski Holidays Breckenridge, USA
USA
Founded in 1859 and virtually abandoned at the end of the Gold Rush, Breckenridge has now maintained much of its 'Old West' charm of the gold mining era, thanks to the arrival of the ski industry in the early Sixties. The total ski area is serviced by 28 lifts and can be reached by foot or a short shuttle bus ride from all parts of the town. Having said that the majority of the available accommodation is located in good ski-out/ski-in slope side positions.
With a vertical drop is just over 1,000m it may not seem that Breckenridge will compare with the good European resorts but the key thing to bear in mind is that the resort itself is located at almost 3,000m with the highest lift reaching runs at nearly 4,000m. All this means that visitors to Breckenridge are staying in accommodation at an altitude that is more than 1,000m higher than almost anywhere they would normally stay at in the Europe. Some visitors may find that altitude sickness is a problem in Breckenridge, especially within the first few days of arrival until they acclimatise to this new environment. The best and most effective way to combat the effects of altitude is also perhaps the easiest. It has been found that drinking large quantities of water is the most effective antidote. Your lift ticket for Breckenridge is also valid for use at Vail, Beaver Creek and Keystone. Day trips to these other resorts are easily arranged and can be simply accessed via a scheduled bus service. The shortest of these trips is to neighbouring Keystone which is open until 9pm most nights of the week with perhaps the biggest floodlit skiing operation in the US.
The Snow
Breckenridge offers some great cruising terrain below the tree-line for beginners and all levels of intermediates, as well as a growing number of challenging runs for experts.
The skiing in Breckenridge is “limited” to a mere four peaks, aptly named Peaks, 7, 8, 9 and 10 for those of you that have difficulty with European piste maps. Peaks 8 and 9 are an absolute haven for intermediates because early on the trails are still perfect corduroy and you can take yourself to the top of either and just let yourself cruise all the way to the bottom. For the more adventurous, there is Peak 7 for a more solitary off the beaten track type black diamonds or Peak 10 for its blue-black warm-up runs and double diamond lung-busters!
Breckenridge is a popular resort for snowboarders and for good reason. Whatever your ability level you will not fail to have to have fun here. There is an excellent fun park on Peak 9 with a great variety of jumps and obstacles and the half-pipe there is certainly worth a visit. In total Breckenridge has four terrain parks and four half-pipes to suit all abilities and because of the variety timid beginners and intermediates can improve their confidence in the pipe or over jumps.
Après ski
With over 140 bars and restaurants in the area, Breckenridge offers plenty of choice to suit all tastes and moods, with everything from burgers and pizza to fine cuisine.
Most of the pubs in “Breck” are of the sports bar variety with pool tables, dart boards and air-hockey and as well as offering a good selection of beers they usually serve pretty good bar food.
For those determined to make use of the good exchange rate and grab a few bargains then there is a free shuttle bus to the Silverthorne Retail Mall, about 30 minutes away, which has factory outlet stores for such big names as Timberland, Gap and Levi’s.
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