Preparing for Breck’s Opening Day

Oct. 23, 2015 By Tim de Redon

Every year, it seems like Opening Day at Breckenridge will never come! Many hours have been spent day-dreaming of your favorite powder runs from last year. Even though it’s approaching fast, there’s still a bit of time until you get to strap in and hit the slopes.

Your patience can be quickly tested (just like Ripperoo’s in the video below), so here’s a few tips on how to prepare and survive the final days until Breck reopens:

Do a gear check:

This one is easy. Make sure you have all the gear and equipment you’re going to need to fully enjoy a day on the slopes. Do your skis or board have gouges and other damage from last season? Get them tuned at Breck Sports to maximize your comfort and control on the mountain. With such a wide variety of terrain at Breck, you’ll want to be prepared for it all.

Stay warm this winter with great prices on apparel at the seven convenient locations at Breck Sports. Apparel choices can make a world of a difference, so speak to their experts and make sure you’re covered with the right clothing from head-to-toe to stay warm when pushing through the deep powder. Another great spot for ski gear on Main Street is the Patagonia store. From jackets to socks, they’ve got it all.

Don’t have your own skis or board, or want to avoid damaging your equipment while traveling? Rent the perfect skis at RentSkis and pick them up right here in Breck once you arrive. With tons of options to choose from, finding the perfect equipment is never a problem for any level of ability.

Get your Season Pass before it’s too late:

Don’t forget to get your Epic Pass as soon as possible and enjoy the best season pass around. Ski as much as you want, when you want on some of the best terrain in Colorado and beyond (the Epic Pass gives you access to 12 world-class resorts; including four in Colorado, Park City in Utah, and resorts in California and Australia).

If you don’t ski enough to get the Epic Pass, which pays for itself in around five days, then beat the lift ticket lines by purchasing your lift tickets online before heading to the mountain. Buy your tickets at least seven days in advance online for the guaranteed lowest price.

Download the EpicMix App:

Get more from the mountain with the award winning EpicMix app. This app literally does it all! Track your vertical feet each day, and earn pins for riding certain lifts or exploring new runs at Breck. View your free EpicMix photos from your trip. Compete at the EpicMix Race Course and compare your time to Lindsey Vonn. The options are endless.

If you’re new to Breck, why not have the app create your perfect day on the mountain. The brand new EpicMix Guide program automatically generates run recommendations based on the information you input (run difficulty, skiing ability, and time on the mountain).

Coming this 2015/16 season, EpicMix Time is a new function of the app that delivers time transparency to our guests, showing you lift line wait times across the mountain, providing you with information to choose where to ski and ride, and ultimately giving you more time to do what you want to be doing, shredding on the slopes.

Take a lesson (or two):

Whether it’s your first time on the mountain or you just want to improve your skills, the Breckenridge Ski & Snowboard School has a pro to help you reach the next level. Lessons range from beginner to expert as well as a more personalized option with private lessons. Check out the available options online and book early, as classes fill up quickly.

If you want to get to know the mountain better, during the winter season Guest Service volunteers provide complimentary tours of Breck for any guest whose ability level is intermediate or above. The Mountain Orientation Tours leave from the base of Peak 8 or at Beaver Run on Peak 9 each morning promptly at 9:30am. Each tour is considered a “Familiarization Tour” of the mountain and should last between 2 – 2½ hours.

Get back in shape:

The first run back is always a memorable experience. Before you get on the hill and start your season, get back into shape (if you slacked-off this off-season) and ensure you have the best first run possible. Check out some tips from professional skier and fitness coach Trevor Hiatt about how he prepares for Opening Day.

If you’ve never skied in Colorado before, especially in Breck – understand the effect that mountain altitudes will have on your body. Don’t let the high altitude have a negative impact on your experience. Even the most physically active guests can be affected by the altitude when skiing at almost 13,000 feet (Did You Know? Breck has the highest chairlift in North America). Altitude sickness is a very real thing and it can strike anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness? Shortness of breath, rapid pulse, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite and nausea. It can feel a little bit like the flu or a hangover and can be exacerbated by jet lag. To learn more about how to prevent altitude sickness check out our blog.

Most importantly, get amped!:

Start compiling your favorite music and watch you favorite ski videos to get you pumped up and ready to hit the slopes. It’s not for everyone, but there is something about listening to music that seems to make the experience of shredding just that much better. Remember to listen at a reasonable level to ensure you can still hear what’s going on around you.

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect song, check out my five favorite songs to listen to while on the mountain (warning: I have eclectic taste):

Sax on the Beach- Bradley Raoul
Naxxos- New Orleans
Mac Miller- He who ate all the Caviar
Parov Stelar- The Sun ft. Graham Candy (LCAW Remix)
Odesza- Say my Name ft. Zyra

We’d love to hear from you! What ski movies do you watch to get you ready for another season? What song are you planning on listening to for your first run?

– Tim de Redon