155 km
2926 m - 3914 m
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Test report Breckenridge
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Breckenridge
Total result: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Test Breckenridge
The review Breckenridge was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Breckenridge
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The Breckenridge ski resort stretches from Peak 7 over Peak 8 Summit and Peak 9 until Peak 10. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the USA.
Runs/slopes
Additional runs
50 km Marked ski routes
Altitude difference
988 m (Valley 2926 m - Mountain 3914 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
21
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 5 ← 4
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 5 ← 4
There are slopes of all difficulty levels in Breckenridge. The runs on Peak 7, 8, 9 and 10 lead down through forest aisles to the valley. In the lower area, the slopes are primarily easy to very easy. The higher you go, the more challenging the slopes become. On Peak 8 Summit, the quad chair lift goes up to 3914 m from where you can ski on steep, treeless slopes back down to the valley. The last metres up to Peak 8 Summit at 3963 m must be conquered by foot, but then you will be at the highest point in a US ski resort.
Runs/slopes
Total 155 km
Easy
40 km
(26 %)Intermediate
70 km
(45 %)Difficult
45 km
(29 %)
Additional runs
Marked ski routes
50 km
Longest run
5 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Public race course with time measurement
There are mainly modern, high speed chair lifts at Breckenridge. Unfortunately, none of the chair lifts have weather protectors. From the town of Breckenridge, a modern 8 person gondola lift with 2 middle stations leads directly to the ski resort. The Imperial Express Super Chair is the highest detachable quad chair lift in the world and it leads up to 3914 m.
Number of ski lifts
21
Total capacity
37680 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
30.2 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
1
16
4
Additional
2
8
You can ski almost half the year in Breckenridge. The lifts are in operation from the beginning of November until the end of April. Due to the high altitude and the snow-making on the main runs in the base areas, the ski resort is very snow reliable.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
25 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is practically always open.
Season 2009/2010
164 Days open
164 Days when valley run open
164 Days when valley run open
Season 2010/2011
167 Days open
167 Days when valley run open
167 Days when valley run open
Season 2011/2012
165 Days open
165 Days when valley run open
165 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is very good.
About 30% of the ski resort is groomed daily. The other slopes are not prepared because they are mogul slopes, deep snow slopes or because of the steepness of the bowls.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
The Breckenridge ski resort is accessible in about 15 minutes from Highway 70 via a highway, which is sometimes 4 lanes wide. Unfortunately, the parking lots at the ski resort all charge for parking. You can only park in the Airport Road Lot - Satellite Parking for free. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to the ski resort.
Access via Highway 70 Denver-Grand Junction, Ausfahrt Frisco
- Breck Connect Gondola (Breckenridge), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 16 km · approx. 14 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, for a fee
- QuickSilver Super 6 (Breckenridge), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 18 km · approx. 15 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the entire ski resort very well. On the back, there is a detailed map of the Peak 9 North slopes. All lifts and slopes are indicated with detailed information. There is also additional information about the ski school, activities, restaurants, parking lots and all important telephone numbers on the map. All mountain elevations are shown. Additional elevations of the mountain lift stations would also be helpful.
The trail map depicts the entire ski resort very well. On the back, there is a detailed map of the Peak 9 North slopes. All lifts and slopes are indicated with detailed information. There is also additional information about the ski school, activities, restaurants, parking lots and all important telephone numbers on the map. All mountain elevations are shown. Additional elevations of the mountain lift stations would also be helpful.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
There is current information about the prepared slopes and the status of the lifts at almost all mountain lift stations. The slopes are all sign-posted with names. It is easy to find your way between the four peaks. There are also employees available to answer questions at the main points in the ski resort.
There is current information about the prepared slopes and the status of the lifts at almost all mountain lift stations. The slopes are all sign-posted with names. It is easy to find your way between the four peaks. There are also employees available to answer questions at the main points in the ski resort.
They place a high value on the cleanliness of the ski resort.
The Breckenridge ski resort places a high priority on environmental protection. There are numerous environmental projects and a comprehensive ski bus network. Unfortunately, most of the food and drinks are served using plastic dinnerware in the restaurants on the mountain. There is a ban on smoking in the entire resort.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
- Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
The personnel is very friendly. You are greeted at all ski lifts and helped when boarding the lifts.
Photos
You can get refreshments at all four peaks in the ski resort. The restaurants are located in the base areas, with the exception of the Vista Haus and the Peak 9 Restaurant. American-style food is mainly served. When the weather is nice, grilling is done on the terraces.
9 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
The Ski Hill Grill
At the Peak 8 base station at One Ski Hill Place
The Ski Hill Grill offers a salad bar, an American grill, Italian and Asian food, gourmet sandwiches as well as breakfast.
-
Ten Mile Station
At the base station of Peak 10
Despite self-service, the Ten Mile Station is something special. There are freshly grilled burgers, pasta and salads. The terrace is inviting when the weather is nice.
Photos
The T-Bar is the highest Après-Ski bar in North America, located directly in the ski resort. You can end the ski day in the cozy bars at the base stations, sometimes with live music. There are over 30 bars, pubs and restaurants waiting for guests on the Main Street in Breckenridge. The nights can go on for a long time here.
-
The T-Bar
At the Peak 8 base station at 3040 m
The T-Bar is the best Après-Ski bar in Breckenridge located directly on the slopes. At an altitude of 3040 m, the T-Bar is also the highest Après-Ski bar in North America. Also easy to reach with the BreckConnect gondola. The guests can stay until the end and take the gondola back down to Breckenridge for free.
Photos
There are many luxurious accommodations directly in the ski resort and on the slopes. There are also hotels belonging to well-known hotel chains such as Hilton and Rockresorts. Only some of the hotels in the village of Breckenridge are located directly at the slopes. They are also easily accessible by foot or with the ski bus.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Breckenridge
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 25100
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In the Peak 8 Child Care Center, the Village Child Care Center and the Braver Run Child Care Center, children as of 8 weeks are accepted. There are also many activities, such as the Breckenridge Recreation Center, ice skating, hockey, Eric's Arcade (video games), Carter Park (sledging hill) and the Mountain Top children's museum. There are separate slopes for children and marked practice areas in the ski resort. Breckenridge is very family and child friendly.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Nursery
- Playground / park
Special tips for children
-
Dragon Trail
The Dragon Trail is a slope just for children. Children ski through funny houses and are accompanied by a dragon.
-
Kids' Castle
The Kid's Castles are children's areas for the little ones with their own magic carpets and funny characters. The Kid's Castles are located at the Peak 8 and Peak 9 base stations and are easy to access even without skis.
-
Gold Runner Alpine Coaster
The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster on Peak 8 is fun for the whole family. It races downhill over 715 metres.
Photos
Beginners will find very easy slopes in the lower part of the ski resort. You can ski from the lower part of Peak 10 to Peak 7 and back on easy slopes and thereby all base stations are accessible for beginners. There are also practice lifts and people movers in the ski resort. The upper slopes on Peak 10, Peak 9 and Peak 8 Summit are not recommended for beginners.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Special slopes for slower skiers / beginners
- Easy valley run
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
Unlimited steep and really difficult slopes are found on Peak 10 (Mustang, Dark Rider, Blackhawk), on Peak 9 North Slope (Mine Shaft, Devils Crotch, Tom´s Baby, Tim´s Mom), on Peak 8 (Imperial Bowl, North Bowl, George´s Thumb, Lake Chutes, Snow White, Horseshoe Bowl, Contest Bowl, Cucumber Bowl) as well as on Peak 7 (Peak 7 Bowl, Art´s Bowl). From the mountain station of the Imperial Express Super Chair, you can go up to Peak 8 Summit at 3963 m in order to reach additional difficult slopes. Breckenridge offers the ideal terrain for advanced skiers and it is distributed through the entire ski resort.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- many mogul slopes
- very many extremely difficult, steep and unprepared runs (Double Diamonds)
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 155 km
Difficult
45 km
(29 %)Additional runs
Marked ski routes
50 km
Most difficult run
-
Devils Crotch · Length 1 km · Altitude difference 300 m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
The ski resort is a true paradise for boarders and freestylers. There are 5 terrain parks, a quarterpipe and a superpipe. No wish is left unanswered here.
Information for Snowboarders
- some cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Park Lane Terrain Park
The Park Lane Terrain Park is medium level and is accessed with the 5-Chair chair lift. The park, which is located on Peak 8, is one of the highlights in Breckenridge.
- Freeway Terrain Park & Pipe
The Freeway Terrain Park & Pipe is large and is accessed with the 5-Chair chair lift. The superpipe is one of the best pipes in all of North America. Located on Peak 8, the park is one of the highlights at Breckenridge.
- Trygve´s Terrain Park
The Trygve's Terrain Park is very easy in level and is accessed using the Rip's Ride chair lift. Located on Peak 8, the park is ideal for the first attempts.
- Sundown Terrain Park
The Sundown Terrrain Park is located at the Beaver Run Super Chair at Peak 9 and is medium in level.
- Bonanza Terrain Park
The Bonanza Terrain Park is located at the Beaver Run Super Chair on Peak 9 and is ideal for beginners.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Quarterpipe
- Superpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Corner / Hip
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 32 km
The Breckenridge Nordic Center is located at Peak 8, directly above the village. You can use the BreckConnect gondola for free to go up from the village to Peak 8. Additional information at: www.breckenridgenordic.com
Conclusion
Information on the slopes, free cookies, snacks and information in the morning at the lower lifts, free bus shuttles to parking lots and up to the ski resort, free BreckConnect gondola, nice little historic town, no smoking in the entire ski resort
Parking fees at the lifts, no direct run back to the gondola - walking required, early closure of some lifts (2.45 pm at the Imperial Express)
Detailed description of the ski resort
From the new Breckenridge Station you can take the eight person gondola up to Peak 8 via the Shock Hill station and Peak 7 station (from 07/08 on). The high speed quads Colorado Super Chair and Rocky Mountain Super Chair take the skiers and riders nearer to Peak 8. Via the easy Columbine you can reach the T-bar and the high speed six person chair Independence Super Chair. This lift open up fantastic wide runs underneath the Peak 7. If you take the T-bar you can reach the advanced runs in the Contest Bowl, Horseshoe Bowl, Cucumber Bowl, North Bowl, Peak 7 Bowl and you can ski or ride to the high speed quad Imperial Express Super Chair. You can reach from the Colorado Super Chair via the double chair 6 also the Imperial Express. The Imperial Express Super Chair is the world´s highest quad chair lift and ends at an elevation of 12840 ft. From here you can ski or ride only advanced runs via wide bowls back to the valley.
To reach the runs at Peak 9 you can take either the double chair E up to Peak 9 or you can glide via an easy to the base station of Peak 9. The high speed quad Beaver Run Super Chair take you to the top of Peak 9 as the high speed six person chair Quicksilver Super6 open up very easy slopes for the beginners and is the connection to Peak 10. At Peak 10 the high speed quad Falcon Super Chair open up nice and wide runs. At Peak 9 you will find runs of all levels of difficulty and the high speed quad Mercury Super Chair supports the Beaver Run Super Chair. Back to Peak 8 you can take the high speed quad Peak 8 Super Connect with mid station. From the top station you can ski or ride via wide and intermediate runs to the base of Peak 8. Here the two double chairs open up easy runs for beginners as well as two funparks. You can take the gondola down to the parking lots or the easy runs Four O´Clock or Snowflake to Breckenridge. The town of Breckinridge was formally created in 1859 during the Colorado gold rush and has still the character of a nice gold-digger village.
Test Report issued on 2012-03-22
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Highlights
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge
****
A slope-side mountain hotel
80424 Breckenridge
50 m to ski resort Test report »
A slope-side mountain hotel
80424 Breckenridge
50 m to ski resort Test report »
