Breckenridge Ski Resort is huge – with 31 chairlifts, four peaks covering 2,358 acres, and 155 trails, there is something for every level of skier. Besides quantity, Breckenridge is known for its snow quality. With their high base elevation of 9,600 feet (the summit goes to 12,998 feet), skiers can rely on snow late into the season while other resorts are losing their snow.
Staying in a ski town with direct mountain access and nearby shops and restaurants is the way to go. The town of Breckenridge is seven miles long and two miles wide and has the largest historic district in Colorado — housing 249 structures. Main Street will keep skiers and non-skiers busy with over 76 restaurants and bars, 203 shops and boutiques, and numerous art galleries.
The town was established as a base camp in 1859 after gold was discovered along the Blue River. Visitors can learn more about the town’s colorful history through jeep, mining, and walking tours.
Breckenridge is conveniently located off of Interstate 70 and is about 94 miles west of Denver International Airport (DIA). You also have the option of flying into Eagle Vail Regional Airport and driving about 73 miles on Interstate 70 East. If you don’t want to drive, you can take the Colorado Mountain Express from DIA to Breckenridge.
Once you are in town, you can use the “Breckenridge Free Ride,” a free shuttle which runs around the perimeter of the town and to the resort’s base village.
The great thing about Breckenridge is its proximity to other Summit County ski resorts. The Summit Stage is a free transportation system that will take you to nearby Keystone and Copper Mountain as well as the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne.
My favorite place to stay in Breckenridge is the DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge, formerly known as the Great Divide Lodge.
I loved the hotel when it was the Great Divide Lodge, and now it’s even better. During the fall of 2011, the hotel underwent renovations, which included fully refurbished guest room bathrooms, new Sweet Dreams™ bedding, a revamped fitness center, new furniture in the lobby, and a newly remodeled outdoor pool.
There are many reasons why the DoubleTree is my favorite place to stay in Breckenridge. Although it’s not right in town, the hotel is conveniently located. It’s a short walk to town or you can take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle into town.
Although the hotel is not ski-in/ski-out, you simply cross the street and then walk across a small parking lot. This will bring you right onto a ski trail. From there, it’s a short ski down to the QuickSilver Super6 chairlift.
I love having a ski shop (Breck Sports) on the premises. It comes in really handy if you need to pick up small items like hand warmers, suntan lotion or something you may have forgotten to pack. Also, it’s very convenient if you want to demo skis.
On one of my ski trips to Breckenridge, the airline lost my skis. It was super convenient to go to the ski shop right within the building and rent a pair of high-performance demo skis until my skis arrived the next day.
If you’re too tired after skiing and don’t feel like going into town for dinner, there is a restaurant on the premises – the 9600 Grill & Restaurant.
The 9600 Grill & Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m. and can be enjoyed either in the restaurant or in the comfort of your own room. Dinner is served until 10 p.m. Skiers can enjoy Après ski at the Grill where appetizers, sandwiches, and hand-tossed pizzas are served. During the summer months, guests can enjoy dining or cocktails outside on the deck.
Last, I love the deluxe accommodations, the spacious rooms, and having breakfast in my room. Since every room has a mini-refrigerator, you can have a quick breakfast before hitting the slopes. Or, if you feel like having a heartier breakfast, there is always the 9600 Grill & Restaurant.
The DoubleTree has 208 spacious guest rooms (average size room is 550 square feet) which are available in two types: standard or mountain-view. Standard rooms can sleep up to four people, and mountain-view rooms can sleep from up to four to six people, have an additional sitting area, and beautiful mountain views.
Both room types include flat screen cable TV with premium channels, in-room movies and HBO, a mini refrigerator, and high-speed internet access. Dog-friendly rooms are available for an additional fee.
Amenities include 24-hour front desk and concierge services, a 24-hour business center, elevator access, a heated underground garage, and valet parking.
After a day of skiing, guests will enjoy the DoubleTree’s sauna, indoor/outdoor pools, five indoor/outdoor hot tubs, in-room massage, and dining. There’s a gift shop onsite and complimentary ski and bike valet.
IF YOU GO:
Breckenridge Info: http://www.gobreck.com
DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge
550 Village Road
(970) 547-5550 or
(800) 222-TREE (8733)
www.breckresorts.com/doubletree-by-hilton.aspx
Linda Steinmuller is a freelance travel writer and copywriter from Brooklyn, New York, who loves the outdoors and skiing, and visits Colorado frequently.