Checklist: How to plan a Breckenridge vacation

The countdown is on. Breckenridge Ski Resort opens Nov. 13 — just a month away! It’s time to set a date and live out that ski vacation that keeps playing in your head.

Here’s a quick list to help you get organized:

Know your audience

Family vacation, college reunion trip, girls shred weekend: Who’s coming with? Where you stay, the slopes you hit and what your après scene looks like varies by company. Breck serves up terrain for every level, loads of quality family time (think on-mountain roller coaster and kid’s zone runs) and real mountain town nightlife.

Consider booking additional activities your crew may be into: sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, great restaurants and shopping for everything from doggie apparel to gourmet spices and olive oils.

Book lodging early

Do you want to roll out of bed and onto the chairlift? Prefer a luxurious scenic spot with hot tubs and panoramic views? Or does a cozy Victorian B&B suit your style?

The Village at Breckenridge offers affordable family-style condo suites, while One Ski Hill Place defines luxurious convenience at the base of Peak 8. Filter Breckenridge lodging options by location, distance to the lifts and amenities like hot tubs and shuttle proximity to find your ideal home away from home.

Hot tip: Enjoy up to 25 percent off by booking lodging before opening day. Choose from in-town condos or townhomes, slopeside rooms and more.
Browse additional Breckenridge Vacation Deals.

Gear up, take a lesson

Impress friends or family with your smooth ahead-of-the-game ways.

Beat the lines and get your lift tickets online at least seven days in advance. You’ll get them in the mail and can bypass the ticket window to go straight to the chair lift and save money over what you’ll find when you get here.

Reserve skis, boards, boots and any other equipment you might need before you even get to Breck. Check out Breck Sports — they have seven locations, the latest gear to demo and deals on multi-day rentals.

Choose from group or private ski lessons and send the kids to ski school to put some confidence behind their turns. Be sure to book ski and snowboard lessons ahead of time.

Know it all

Look at the events calendar to see if there’s anything big going on during your visit. If you’re looking for holiday spirit, visit during the Lighting of Breckenridge on Dec. 5. Ullr Fest, Jan. 13-16, is a lively week with a wild parade, and the International Snow Sculpture Championships Jan. 18–Feb. 7 are an all-ages favorite. And with Peak 6 now open, you’ll want to make sure you’re here to experience Breck’s newest expansion.

Watch the flakes fly on the Breckenridge Mountain Cams as your arrival date approaches. Don’t forget to check the snow report and weekly powder predictions before you arrive.

Stay up to the minute and follow Breck on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for exclusive email deals.

Need help planning? Call the customer care center at 800-536-1890.

— Lisa Pogue