You’re ready to pack your bags and visit the beautiful peaks of Breckenridge but you have questions about your ski plans. Maybe you’re a seasoned ski vet and already know the basics but need to learn a bit more about the local slopes. Or maybe you’re a total newbie and need to learn it all. Either way, we’re here to help with our top advice for ski beginners in Breckenridge!
Learn the Ski Maps
One of the most important things you can do ahead of your trip is to learn about the mountains and the slopes. Breckenridge is comprised of five peaks and is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. Luckily, the resort website makes navigating the peaks easy with its Base Area and Terrain Guide. When reading the guides and maps, make sure to stick to the slopes that best fit your skill level. Green slopes for beginners, blue for intermediate, and black for advanced. Red indicates the chair lifts. Another great resource for mapping your trip is Google Maps. This is particularly helpful when trying to get directions to the slopes from your vacation home.
Lift Tickets
Before you can hop on a chair lift, you’ll need a lift ticket. The resort offers many different types of tickets depending on how many days you plan to ski, your age, and your group size. We recommend purchasing Breckenridge Resort lift tickets in advance directly from the resort website for the best pricing. If you plan to ski several resorts in the area, you may also consider a Summit County Epic Pass.
Ski Lessons
If you’re a newbie, or you need a refresher on your skiing skills, make sure to reserve ski lessons. For a variety of lessons for all ages, we recommend booking Breckenridge Resort ski lessons directly with the resort. Make sure to book in advance as space for all lessons is limited. Alternatively, consider visiting nearby Frisco for beginner lessons. Frisco Adventure Park offers a more relaxed and less crowded spot to learn.
Must-Have Ski Gear
Making sure you’re prepped with the right gear before you hit the slopes is essential. We recommend equipment delivery to avoid long lines at the gear shops and Black Tie Rentals is our top recommendation for all your ski equipment needs. On top of the usual ski gear, you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate clothing. A great resource for beginner skiers is the REI blog, What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding. You'll find a detailed list of needed clothing plus convenient REI shopping links.
Booking a Ski-in/out Home
Most people believe that to have a truly exceptional ski vacation they must book a vacation home with direct ski-in and ski-out access to the slopes. However, due to the layout of the Breckenridge resort, most ski-in and out homes in the area require a bit of walking or poling to reach the lifts or runs. Make sure to thoroughly read the ski access details for your vacation home so you’re prepared with any access directions ahead of your visit. Take a look at the luxury Breckenridge Ski Homes with River Ridge Rentals for the perfect spot for your ski vacation.
Making sure you’re prepared for your ski vacation is the best way to enjoy a stress-free ski trip. For more information about Breckenridge as well as suggestions for area activities, dining, and more, make sure to check out our other River Ridge Rentals blogs!