SNOW SKIING IN BRECKENRIDGE

Location can be very important at ski resorts. If you're really into saving a few dollars so you're willing to stay miles and miles away, then you're not serious about skiing. I want to stay as close to the lifts as I can get. Or at least close to a shuttle that will get me to the lifts in a few minutes. There are basically seven (7) areas to stay in Breckenridge:

Historic District: The Historic District consists of the structures of the gold fever era that have been preserved and assigned historic buildings of Colorado Historical Society.

Peak 7: Lodging on Peak 7 offers unique views of Baldy Mountain and valley, quiet and secluded, ski in / ski out.

Peak 8:Peak 8 is just a short shuttle ride to town and slopes. Access to the Breck connect gondola.

Peak 9: Has 2 base areas. The Beaver Run base area has a chairlift and resorts, and the lower base area consists of the Village Resort, Main Street Station and the QuickSilver Superchair.

Four O'Clock: Goes from Breckenridge Ski Resort down into town and will drop you off at any accommodation you choose in this area.

Four Seasons: Great affordable location, only a short walk to town and the slopes. Also on free town shuttle route.

Warrior's Mark: Located off the beaten path of Breckenridge's hustle and bustle. However, it is still walking distance to Main Street and the Quicksilver Chairlift on Peak 9.

My recommendation is that you stay in the 4 O'Clock area or in the Historic District. If you want to be very close to the lifts, the 4 O'Clock area is right on the mountain. You can ski right back to your condo at several of the properties here. Plus, the shuttle can get you to the lifts in minutes. If your goal is to be near town, the Historic District is within walking distance to shopping and dining. The lifts are less than 20 minutes away by shuttle. The shuttle runs down French Street, so any condos on or around French are very convenient. You can catch the shuttle toward town and head to the Gondola, or you can catch the other shuttle and hit the Beaver Run area lifts.

The photo above is the Pine Ridge Condos, where I have stayed. The 4 O'Clock trail runs right next to the property so you can ski home without having to get on a shuttle. The condos are pretty typical for Breckenridge. They're not ultra-modern, but they're clean and they have all the amenities you'll need.

Breckenridge is one of my favorite places to go for ski vacations, but it gets absolutely packed during the week between Christmas and New Years. When I say packed, I mean packed. Traffic downtown comes to a complete stop. It can literally take 15 minutes to go a few blocks by car. Obviously that includes ski shuttles. If you're going to Breckenridge during this time period, you have to choose whether to stay in the Historic District so you don't have to drive to get downtown or staying on the mountain so the ski shuttle ride is shorter.

I have never encountered any significant traffic in Breckenridge, except during that holiday week. In that event, I'd also recommend you plan your ski days so that you do not have to rely on the gondola (to Peak 8). If you have a child going to ski school, that you stay on Peak 8. Any other time, there is no problem.

There are three hotels in Breckenridge that I am aware of--The Lodge, Mountain Valley Lodge (Marriott) and Valdoro Mountain Lodge (Hilton). They are all very nice. Personally, I like staying in a condo. There are many more condos so the prices are very competitive. Plus, I like having my own kitchen and fire place. It's great to come back at the end of the day and have food and drinks waiting for you, rather than having to go to a restaurant or order room service.

If you're going to rent equipment, there's not a big difference in price or gear quality among the rental places in town. They all generally offer nearly new state-of-the-art skis, boots and poles for about $25 per day for kid's gear and about $40 per day for high performance gear. If you know what you want, several places will let you reserve your gear online for which you get a discount, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive.

However, you do have some options about how you rent your gear. I have my own gear, but I rent gear for my son. We always rent from Blue River Sports, located on S. Park Avenue. They're very friendly and they have top of the line gear. We've never had a single problem with any gear rented from them. Their link is in the Links section below if you want to check them out.

You can also rent from a shop that comes to you. Ski Butler will send a van full of gear to your hotel or condo and fit you right there. They'll also pick up your gear on your last day. This is a very convenient way to get your gear. I've never used this company but I know others who have, and they had good experiences. Their link is in the Links section below if you want to check them out.

Another option is to check out renting your gear in your home town and taking it with you. Sail & Ski on Highway 183 rents snow gear for about the same price as renting at the resort. Since rental charges are incurred per day, Sail & Ski only charges you for the days you'll be on the slopes. In other words, if you're going to ski five days you only pay five days rental even though you pick up the gear a day or two before you leave and you return it a day or two after. It's a pretty good deal if you don't mind hauling your gear with you on the trip. A link for Sail & Ski is in the Links section below.

Helmets are always extra. Be aware that ski rental places often run out of kids' helmets--especially during peak season. You can buy a helmet for about the cost of renting one for the week, and then you don't have to worry about supply.

My favorite skis are Salomon and Apache. I ski Salomon 165mm and Apache K2 150mm depending on conditions. The K2s are probably my favorite all-purpose skis. They are responsive and they don't dig too much.

If you're going to buy one piece of ski equipment and nothing else, my advice would be to buy boots. Ski boots are notoriously uncomfortable generally, and even more uncomfortable to walk in. I used to hate having to walk in ski boots. I bought a pair of Salomon X Wave boots, which are form fitted in the store. They are almost as comfortable as hiking boots. I can wear them all day with no problems. Go try on some boots and walk around. You'll find the right pair. Even if you pay $600, it will be money well-spent.