Breckenridge, CO
For those seeking a winter wonderland steeped in history, with endless vistas and countless outdoor activities, look no further than Breckenridge, Colorado. From the mining town’s Main Street, to the neighborhood Victorians, Breckenridge has one of the largest historic districts in Colorado. Looming over the town stands the TenMile Range of the Rockies, with several peaks that will satisfy any skier or snowboarder. Connecting the two areas is the Breckenridge Gondola, making travel between town and mountain a scenic adventure in itself.
At its heart, Breckenridge is a mining town dating to the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of 1859. Founded to serve the needs of miners working placer gold deposits along the Blue River, it was named after the 14th Vice President of the United States, John C. Breckinridge. It was an attempt to curry favor with the government, in hopes the town would be rewarded with a post office. It worked, resulting in the first post office between the Continental Divide and Salt Lake City. However, just two short years later the Civil War broke out, and the town sought to distance themselves from their pro-Confederate namesake; they made the bold move to change the first i to an e, and the town became Breckenridge.
The gold supply was largely depleted by the turn of the century, and over the next few decades all the area’s mines closed. The population dwindled to 393 by 1960, raising concerns Breckenridge would soon become a ghost town. This all changed in the summer of 1961, when the Porter Lumber Company of Wichita, Kansas was issued a permit to create a new ski area. Just six months later, on December 16, 1961, the Breckenridge Ski Area opened with one double chairlift and a short T-bar.
That first season over 17,000 skiers visited Breckenridge. Encouraged by the initial success, the area expanded. Alpine slides were added, as well as additional trails on Peak 9. By 1971, seasonal attendance topped 221,000. Breckenridge soon became known as a serious ski destination. In 1981 they debuted the world’s first high-speed quad lift on Peak 9, capable of transporting 2800 skiers per hour. Erased were any fears the town would be lost to the ages.
Today, the ski area encompasses 2908 skiable acres, over 5 peaks. There are options for everyone, beginner to absolutely insane expert. I personally leave the extreme bowls and expert terrain to better skiers, but there are more than enough intermediate runs to keep me busy for days. For those that would not be caught dead on less than a black diamond, Peak 10, The Back 9 and the trails on the summit of Peak 8 are sure to impress. I would have died attempting any of these, so I stuck with Peaks 6 and 7, and that worked out well. I had a great time AND can still walk.
As for staying in Breckenridge, nothing beats the actual mountain. You can stay in town, but for convenience you can’t top the slopeside accommodations at the base of Peak 7. Both Crystal Peak Lodge and Grand Lodge offer excellent ski-in/ski-out accommodations just a short stroll from the Independence SuperChair. Options mostly consist of privately owned condos, so be sure to review pictures of the specific unit you are renting.
At Crystal Peak Lodge, you can easily retrieve your skis from the first floor locker room and be on the lift in minutes. Definitely spring for an upper level mountain view unit. Not only is it great fun to watch others descend, at night wildlife emerges from the woods and prowls the quiet village.
For any sort of nightlife you will want to make the trip down the mountain into town. Fortunately, the base of Peak 7 is also convenient to the Breckenridge Gondola. Since 2005, this high speed gondola has linked Main Street with the Ski Resort, and is capable of transporting 3000 people an hour. Service ends pretty early, but there are several shuttles that travel up and down the mountain as well.
The town itself is filled with fabulous independent restaurants, many located in restored Victorian era buildings. Both Hearthstone and Briar Rose should not be missed. Because it is Colorado, there is no shortage of craft beer to be had, so wander around until you find an establishment that suits you. Or one that isn’t crowded, depending on when you visit. Just remember to drink water as well- the altitude most definitely will dehydrate you.
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