Snow is already falling in the Rockies and that means we are thinking about our next family ski vacation, and Breckenridge Ski Resort is on my mind. This spring, I had the opportunity to visit and learned why "Breck" is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Western Hemisphere.
First, the resort is huge, meaning there is so much terrain, that everyone in your family is certain to be well-entertained, challenged and just plain blown away. Breckenridge has five peaks, 2,908 acres, four terrain parks, a 22-foot Superpipe and 11 bowls. Breckenridge also boasts the highest chairlift in North America and a world-class ski school.
Second, all of this is situated above an authentic, hip mountain town with awe-inspiring views. Renowned for the welcoming spirit and friendly character of their locals, it is easy to see why they say that "Breck" embodies more than just a destination, it inspires a way of life. In addition to the above, here are ten reasons why we think you should take your family to Breckenridge for a family ski vacation.
Photo Credit: Carl Scofield, Go Breck
1. Ski School
Starting at three years old, Breckenridge offers a wide variety of options for your little ones to learn to ski or snowboard or to brush up on their skills. You are certain to find something to suit your child and your budget as they offer group lessons, 4 child lessons (perfect combination between a group and private lesson), private lessons for one on one instruction, and family private lessons.
For the little ones, classes are structured just for their age level and include a combination of indoor and outdoor activities in their kids' ski/snowboard yard that demonstrate proper form, promote muscle memory, and reinforce the skills necessary for the mountain. Those a bit older (and skilled) take to the mountain with an experienced professional to hone their skills, learn new ones and have fun. My brand new four-year-old skier had a blast skiing around the kids' ski yard, all while learning the skills necessary to be safe and excel.
2. Family Lessons
After spending several days apart, we opted for the private family lesson, which was the perfect way to spend some time together with our older child while our little one was at ski school. We have a combination of skiers and snowboarders, as well as a variety of skill levels in our family, and our instructor handled all of us and our individual needs with ease, and humor. My daughter raced with him on skis through the terrain park and followed him through the kid trails in the trees, all while he was teaching her the skills necessary to be safe and have fun. At the same time, he was able to instruct my husband, a new snowboarder, as well as give me pointers to enhance my ability (my snowboarding skills were a bit rusty). As a testament to his patience and ability, my eight-year-old daughter was so sad to leave him at the end of the day she asked if she could keep his name tag so that she could "remember him." He gracefully obliged and it made her day.
3. Kids Adventure Zones
My daughter will tell you that the Kids Adventure Zones are the best thing about Breckenridge. Located throughout the resort, these themed trails are can be found in the trees adjacent to the slopes and are made just for kids. My daughter loved checking out the decorations consistent with the different themes while challenging herself to control her speed and learning how to safely navigate the tree-filled terrain. Her favorites were Riperoo's Forest and the Haunted Forest. Be sure to check a map for locations so you can be sure to hit each zone.
'Photo credit: Breckenridge Ski Resort
4. Gold Run Alpine Coaster
If you're looking for even more adventure, make sure you leave time for a ride down the mountain on 2,500 feet of coaster track on Breckenridge's Gold Run Alpine Coaster. This was our first time on an alpine coaster and the kids loved the two-seater coaster cars and the ability to control your own speed through the turns, dips, and twists through the forest. The coaster is open year round.
Photo Credit Brent Clark, Breckenridge Ski Resort
5. Ice Skating
There is plenty to do in Breckenridge off the mountain as well. Rent some skates and glide across the glistening ice as you listen to music at the Ice Rink located at the South end of town.
6. Sledding at Carter Park
If your family wants a sledding day, this is the place to go. This hill, dedicated to those looking for some great family fun time is the perfect way to spend time when not skiing. Our kids wore us out going up and down the sledding hill over and over and over again.
7. Mountain Top Children’s Museum
Let your kids think outside the box at this creative, hands-on children’s play space at the Mountain Top Children's Museum. If you need a night out, be sure to check out their “Kid’s Night Out” program.
8. Breckenridge Recreation Center
This 69,000 square foot Recreation Center offers a variety of athletic and community activities. In addition to a gymnasium, the facility contains indoor tennis courts, lap and leisure pools, a water slide, a racquetball court, basketball courts, indoor rock-climbing wall (top rope, bouldering and lead climbing), an indoor track, weight training and cardiovascular equipment, aerobic/dance studios, a sauna, and spas.
9. The Town of Breckenridge
The town of Breckenridge has more than 200 restaurants, bars, and shops, and numerous year-round activities and events, offering plenty to suit everyone in your family. Be sure to plan a stop at Downstairs at Eric's, this local institution is part sports bar, part arcade with a fantastic family-friendly menu.
Photo Credit: Bob Winset, Go Breck
10. The Residence Inn
Located near the resort and the center of town, the new Residence Inn offers families of skiers a convenient and comfortable stay, just a short shuttle ride from the base of the mountain. We started each day with a warm and filling breakfast in the hotel's cozy lobby and ended each day by the firepit overlooking the stunning mountains. We found the Residence Inn to be an ideal hotel for this traveling family as it has comfortable rooms with adjoining living space, kitchens, and suites for larger parties. They also have a great ski locker area to store your skis when not in use. My kids will tell you that the best part is the outdoor pool and hot tub, and I can tell you that with a view like that, why would you stay anywhere else.
To top it off, Breckenridge Ski Resort is constantly improving. Check out what is coming in the 2017- 2018 Season:
The Falcon SuperChair on Peak 10 is being replaced with a new high-speed, six-passenger lift, offering an easier and faster ride up the mountain. Peak 10 is a popular area for advanced skiers and snowboarders providing access to fun and challenging terrain, easily accessed from the Peak 9 base area. (This upgrade is another milestone in a wave of recent capital improvements at the ski area - including the opening of Pioneer Crossing, a new 490-seat restaurant on Peak 7 last season; an upgrade of the Colorado SuperChair in 2014; and 500 acres of new terrain on Peak 6 in 2013). If that’s not a sweet enough treat, Breckenridge’s Ten Mile Station is going “Willy Wonka” this season, adding a “Candy Cabin” that will offer an array of your favorite chocolates and sweets, and Pioneer Crossing is adding sweet and savory crepes to its breakfast lineup this winter.
On November 10th, Breckenridge Resort will open for the 2017-2018 season. Plan your vacation at breckenridge.com. For additional activities in the town of Breckenridge visit gobreck.com.
The author was a guest of Breckenridge Ski Resort and Go Breck. Some activities and some meals were provided for the purpose of this review. All opinions are those of the author.
