Breck guides
Breckenridge first-timer guide
New to Breckenridge? The mountain, the town, the altitude and how a ski day here actually works, in five minutes.
Photo: Jasen Miller, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The basics
One town, five peaks
Breckenridge Ski Resort sits on the east side of the Tenmile Range in Summit County, Colorado, about two hours west of Denver. The ski area spreads across five peaks, numbered 6 to 10 from north to south, with the town of Breckenridge at the bottom.
Unlike a lot of big resorts, Breck isn't one base village. There are three main bases at the foot of Peaks 7, 8 and 9, and the town itself works as a fourth: the free BreckConnect Gondola runs from the edge of town up to Peak 7 and on to the Peak 8 base.
It's high. Town sits around 9,600 feet and the Imperial SuperChair tops out at 12,840 feet, the highest chairlift in North America. About 40% of the terrain is above treeline, which means big views, wind, and very different conditions from the bottom to the top.
Breck by the numbers
- Skiable acres2,908
- Trails187
- Lifts35
- Summit (Peak 8)12,998 ft
- Base9,600 ft
- Highest liftImperial SuperChair, 12,840 ft
- Average snowfall355 inches
- Terrain parks3
- Terrain11% beginner · 31% intermediate · 24% advanced · 34% expert
North to south
The five peaks
- Peak 6Above-treeline bowls off the Kensho SuperChair. Mostly advanced and expert.
- Peak 7Long, rolling intermediate groomers off the Independence SuperChair. Gondola stop at the base.
- Peak 8The hub. Main base area, the Colorado SuperChair, and the high bowls off the Imperial SuperChair and T-Bar.
- Peak 9Mellow blues up top, beginner terrain at the base, and the North Chutes for experts.
- Peak 10Steep blacks and glades off the Falcon SuperChair.
How a Breck day works
- Hours: chairlifts run 9am to 4pm and the gondola 8:30am to 5pm (last upload 4:30pm). The high-alpine lifts can open later depending on weather.
- Getting to the lifts: walk to Peak 9 from town, take the gondola to Peaks 7 and 8, or ride the free buses. Driving to the bases is the hard option.
- Moving between peaks: you can ski and ride lifts across all five, and the resort runs a free shuttle between the Peak 7, 8 and 9 bases.
- Getting home: ski Four O'Clock from Peak 8 down to town, or take the gondola down.
- Food: on-mountain restaurants include Vista Haus (top of the Colorado SuperChair), TenMile Station (top of Quicksilver), Pioneer Crossing (top of Independence) and The Overlook (top of Beaver Run).
The altitude
Most visitors come from much lower, and almost everyone notices it. Headaches, poor sleep and getting out of breath on the stairs are all normal for the first day or two.
- Drink a lot more water than usual, starting the day you travel.
- Go easy on alcohol the first night. It hits harder up here.
- Plan an easy first day. Save the bowls for day three.
- Wear sunscreen. The sun is much stronger at this height.
If symptoms get worse instead of better, or you feel confused or very short of breath, get medical help.
Ski & snowboard rental
Book online before you arrive and pick your gear up in town the evening before. The morning rush at the base shops can eat your first hour, and booking ahead can be cheaper.
Lift tickets & the Epic Pass
Breck is on the Epic Pass. Buying a ticket at the window on the day is the most expensive way up the hill, so buy ahead online or look at an Epic Day Pass if you're here for a few days.
The Friday snow email
One short email a week in season: what fell, what's open, and where to ride this weekend.