3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got to Breck

There are three things every skier wants to know when visiting a new resort: how to find the best terrain, where to park, and how to save money. At a destination as big and diverse as Breckenridge—five distinct peaks, 2,908 acres, 34 lifts—this insider knowledge goes even further. Set yourself up for success before your trip by following these tips.

How to Find The Best Terrain

When you have five peaks to choose from, terrain that ranges from gladed trees to high alpine bowls and hike-to expert chutes, it’s best to let a local show you around. Breck Guides will find the perfect local for you. The Breck Guides Elevate experience takes small groups of advanced skiers and snowboarders to some of the resort’s most interesting terrain. These guides know where to find the freshest snow. They will ask what you want to accomplish and then deliver it. They’ll give you pointers to improve your skiing and riding, but this is different from a typical ski lesson. With Breck Guides, you’ll ski or snowboard the mountain like the locals do—and we’re talking about the folks who log more than 100 days a year and know how to find the best stashes. And as an added perk,  you won’t be waiting in any lift lines with your guides’ express access to the front.

Where to Park

First ask yourself: do I need a car in Breckenridge? If you’re flying into Denver, Colorado Mountain Express offers door-to-door shuttle service. The town of Breckenridge has a free bus with regular service to most locations in and around town. If you have wheels, there are a range of parking options. Park for free at the Satellite lot south of town or on the north side of town in the Ice Rink lot. Paid parking is available at Beaver Run (Peak 9), Gondola South, Gondola North, and Gold Rush lots. Prices range from $5 to $20, depending on the day and the lot location.

Purchase in Advance

Possibly the best cost savings comes from the Epic Pass, currently on sale and offering 4- and 7-day options, along with an Epic Local and a full Epic Pass option. These are available for a limited time in the fall. If the pass isn’t the right choice or is no longer on sale when you purchase, the best way to get discounted lift tickets is to purchasing online at least 7 days in advance. Tickets purchased close to their use date can be picked up at any EpicDay Express window. Advance, online purchase offers up to 25 percent discount on the lift ticket window price.

 

There are more things you want to know too — where to find the best après or the best breakfast burrito, for example. Or where to get the best views on the mountain, or where to find the best locally distilled whiskey. We’ve got those answers, too. Dial in your trip, arrive, and explore first. Then explore the Breck Blog for more tips. We definitely won’t leave you hanging.