Breckenridge - Colorado Ski Resort: background
Breckenridge is 104 miles from the Denver International Airport, in the Rockies. Parents will like the charming Victorian town, that's over 140 years old; kids will like the outdoor ice skating on Maggie Pond.
As for Breckenridge the ski resort: three mountains offer 146 trails, with 28 lifts. Summit Elevation is 12,998 feet; vertical rise is 3,398 feet; total ski/ride terrain is 2208 acres.
Terrain is made of: Easiest, 15% (with good learning terrain) ; more difficult, 33% (-- "an intermediate's paradise") ; most difficult, 20%, and Expert, 32%.
Features of Breckenridge, for families:
- Child care is offered at two Breckenridge Children's Centers: slope-side nurseries for infants, toddlers, or pre-schoolers
- there's Ski school for ages 3 to 4, 5 to 6, and 7 to 12; boarding for ages 7 to 12.
- Peak Adventure Series: three mountain adventures offer challenges suited to different skill levels, including kids trails, race runs, beginner half pipes; each adventure takes 2 to 3 days to complete, and those who finish get an award package. To participate, join any Ski & Ride School class and ask to join the Peak Adventure Series.
- Bombers: multi-week programs with professional instruction; ages 7-12, and 13 and above.
- Park and Pipe programs: Rocky Mountain Park & Pipe Camp has a 2-day camp for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders, no park or pipe experience necessary; ages 7-12, and 13 and above. (Check web site for dates, and updates, on programs.)
Breckenridge ski resort has multiple terrain parks, including Trygves Terrain Park for novices, with smaller jumps, rails, fun boxes and even a halfpipe; and next step up, Gold King, with medium to medium-large hits and features for riders to build skills.
Keep in mind about Breckenridge:
- be sure to make reservations for child-care
- for kids' ski programs, you can use an Online Children's Reservation System
- Breckenridge has a Snow Sculpture Championships in January
- the Spring Massive Festival, for three weeks in April, fun events and spring skiing conditions
This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check destination sites for updates.
