When I bought the book Ski Europe, I learned how they rate the Alps. It isn’t all about how many black diamond runs they have. Here are some of the reasons Breckenridge rates so high:
1. Not a purpose built resort, or the town came first. Breckenridge is an old mining town.
2. Close to a major airport. Denver International Airport is a ride down the mountain. Breckenridge is the closest major resort to the world’s third largest airport
3. Plenty of things to do for the non-skier. The town makes a point of having all kinds of activities for the odd ball that doesn’t ski. Nearby Frisco, Dillon & Silverthorne offer even more options
4. The town doesn’t shut down after the lifts do. Breckenridge is a year ‘round tourist venue. They have events all year long. Many come from other resorts for things to do.
5. The resort has plenty of culinary delights. Breckenridge has a wide variety of restaurants at all price ranges and cuisine. It is not just for the uber wealthy or brown baggers on a tight budget.
6. The resort is not exclusively a beginner or expert ski level resort. There are 5 mountain peaks and a wide variety of beginner to expert level runs
7. The resort allows snow boarders and runs for boarders. Breckenridge was the first major resort to welcome snow boarders. It has several terrain parks and even hosts world class competitions.
8. The town has a vibrant night life. Breckenridge’s roots were founded on its party atmosphere. That hasn’t changed but it has grown dramatically. For those who want to burn the midnight oil in the wee hours of the morning, Breckenridge harkens you to stay up late and rumble with its night life.
9. It is not in the middle of no where. Breckenridge is at the edge of the front range with Denver just a drive down the mountain. There are other resorts nearby and just10 miles off the Interstate freeway, I-70. It is the most popular destination ski resort in North America with non-stop flights from most every major airport in the world. It has become a world renown, world class resort.
10. The resort is well managed and well maintained. Breckenridge is owned by Vail Resorts and its #1 resort surpassing its namesake resort of Vail. Vail resorts is the largest ski resort owner/manager in the world and it has properties throughout the ski world. It has changed Breckenridge into a premier resort with annual improvements since acquiring the resort in 1998. In partnership with the Town of Breckenridge, there are checks and balances that balance a public company with the values of a locally owned tourist town.
11. The ski season is not abbreviated due to the weather or bad conditions. Breckenridge has the highest lift in North America and the base elevation is 9600 feet. The ski season starts in early November and extends well into May, and sometimes beyond. Water rights for snow making have been acquired for acres upon acres of snow making for the best possible conditions. When other resorts haven’t opened, don’t have enough snow and have terrible conditions or have closed for the season, Breckenridge is open for business and has one of the best late skiing conditions I believe in the Americas.
The European Alps have had ski resorts for many, many years before the ski trend started in the 1960’s in North America. Breckenridge has seemly taken its playbook from the most successful resorts of the Alps, and adjusted it to the culture of the USA. That is why it is consistently rated as one of the best ski resorts in the world and has a real jewel of a resort town, too, all surrounded by well maintained by the U.S. National Forest Commission.
