These Resorts Have the Best Party Scenes in the West
If you're going to choose a resort based on its after-dark activity, these ski areas are a great place to start.
If you’ve skied Breck and don’t like it … it’s you, not the mountain. Let’s talk stats. Just shy of 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, five peaks, four terrain parks—one with a 22-foot superpipe. High-alpine terrain like few other resorts in Colorado. Fast and efficient lifts, plenty of on-mountain eats and suds. Oh, and the town of Breckenridge, complete with Main Street’s hopping restaurants, bars, shops, and all the mountain-town amenities you’re looking for.
It’s crowded, you say. This is true. It’s expensive. Also, not untrue. Yet, if you know where to ski, it’s worth it. When conditions allow, the high-alpine is the place to be. There’s no magic password. If you’re an advanced to expert skier, this is for you: Colorado Super Chair -> Chair 6 -> Imperial Express. Offload point: 12,840 feet over the majestic Colorado Rockies. At your feet: Double-black-diamond adventure terrain, bowls, and chutes. You’ll never see Breck the same way again. Especially after you recount your day’s adventure over Ahi Tuna Nachos at Main Street’s Blue River Bistro. Best of both worlds. – Sam Berman
AVERAGE SNOWFALL | ACRES | LIFTS | TRAILS |
353″ | 2,908 | 34 | 187 |
Breckenridge is on the Epic Pass, the Epic Local pass, and the Summit Pass. Epic Pass and Epic Local pass holders get unlimited access to the resort with no blackout days. Summit Pass holders get unlimited access with holiday blackouts.
From great new restaurants to hopping nightlife to nearby family fun, check out the SKI Editors’ top picks for what to do in Breckenridge, Colo.
Last year was the Freedom SuperChair on Peak 7, and this year is Peak 8’s Rips Ride, which gets upgraded to a high-speed quad to improve the skier experience on the beginner terrain it serves.
Head to the Blue Stag Saloon for a selection of craft beers, a rotating tap, and a robust wine list in a woody, rustic ambiance.
Slide down the free communal tubing hill at Carter Park, a couple blocks off Main Street.
Geek out over custom skis while enjoying a microbrew at RMU Tavern, a ski shop and tap house combined. Sample the 16 rotating craft beers inside or in the new outdoor beer garden.
Make it to town for Ullr Fest, usually in January, for the annual homage to the Norse god of snow and join in the festivities, including a town-wide snow dance, parade, ice plunge, and more.
The former Village Hotel at the base of Peak 9 debuted last season as the renovated, ski-in/ski-out Gravity Haus, with 60 modern alpine rooms, fitness center, backcountry discovery center, bowling lanes, a co-working space, and a Japanese-inspired onsen.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but when the wind is whipping, head for the Horseshoe Bowl T-Bar and Imperial Express SuperChair. Those gusting winds may be blowing snow in your face, but they’re also blowing grade-A chalk into the high-alpine expert terrain. Grin and bear it, then reap the reward.
“Best skiing on crowded days is off the E-Chair” reveals one local, who will now need to enter witness protection.
First timers, listen up: You don’t have to wait in the Peak 8 gondola line to download. You can ski all the way back to town from Peak 8 on the cruisy, green 4 O’Clock trail.
If you're going to choose a resort based on its after-dark activity, these ski areas are a great place to start.
Condos, luxury hotels, ski-in/ski-out, value accommodations—these ski areas have it all.
The first resort hopes to start spinning its lifts in October, with more ski areas than ever scheduled to open in November.
It’s hard to imagine that one of Colorado’s most popular resorts still has hidden gems, but we found them. Add these to your must-ski list this season.
Gravity Haus' hotel membership lures avid ski travelers through community and perks.
Vail Resorts will upgrade or replace lifts at five of its North American resorts in time for the 2021-'22 ski season.
SKI's travel expert weighs in on whether to rent an SUV or take a shuttle from the airport during your next ski vacation.
Despite the pandemic, new full-service lodges have cropped up in ski country. If these hotels are any indication, the competition for bragging rights is on.
Our highly subjective list of the best terrain parks in ski country.
An endless variety of skiing, from well-groomed greens to epic slopes.
Vail Resorts is helping you make the most out of the end of the season with their Epic 96 Hour Sale.
For the first time in two decades, a backcountry cabin has opened on public lands outside of Breckenridge, Colo.
Don't let ski season fizzle out: These 10 resorts close it out with a bang.
Got some non-skiers in your crew? These are the Top 10 ski resorts with something for everyone.
Over 44 inches have fallen on the two Colorado resorts, setting records for the month of October.
Vail Resorts launches a new customizable pass that provides flexibility and lower prices for guests skiing as little as one day per season.
The lifts are still spinning at these areas in the USA.
There's a reason the two are ski resort staples.
This never-ever dons her first pair of skins and discovers the joys of uphill travel.
Breckenridge Ski Resort announces a plan to extend its winter season through Memorial Day.
Breckenridge has enticing high alpine terrain, and a new documentary to prove it.
Sure, ski instructors selling under-the-table private lessons will save you money. But at what cost?
Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Monarch Mountain join a growing list of Colorado hills already open for business.
Thanks to October storms, three Colorado resorts will open ahead of schedule.
In addition to buying up more ski areas, Vail Resorts’ summer agenda features more Epic Discovery programming, new events, and added reasons to escape to the mountains in the off season.
Vail Resorts rolls out a new way to anticipate lift line waits at a handful of resorts this season.
A fast toboggan ride down is no longer patrol's first response.
Enter now for your chance to win a 5 night stay ski in/ski out with airfare, skiing and more!
Because after a good day on the mountain, it's your right to celebrate with a drink.
Epic SchoolKids serves up free skiing and riding to elementary-aged kids.
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Time to revisit these ski-town lodges, where recent renovations mean things don’t look quite like they used to.
Winter is back and Breckenridge is waiting for you! Enter now for your chance to win a 5 night stay Ski in/ski out with airfare, skiing and more!
Take an afternoon break this season at these new on-mountain hot spots.
Breckenridge, Colorado: Huge, clean jumps, creative rails, and a 22-foot superpipe. But there's more than just a terrain park.
Hunter Mortensen’s tips for ripping the alpine and lower gladed terrain on Breckenridge's Peak 6.
Vote for the best edit from ski areas across the country.
Breckenridge Ski Resort - Stomping Grounds Edit
Vail and the U.S. Forest Service destroy illegal structures at four resorts.
Despite gnarly wind and snow, we hung out at the Grand Prix in Breckenridge to watch the men's and women's halfpipe finals.
We hung out in Breckenridge for the Women's Slope Style and Men's Superpipe finals.
The ski industry is on the rebound: Skier visits were up last season, and resorts were champing at the bit to get started on expansions and upgrades. Here's what to look forward to this season.
Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen Highlands, and Mount Snow reopen for an additional weekend.
Check out these 2013/14 pass deals that will save you money and get you skiing.
Eldora joins Vail’s Epic pass while Mountain Collective adds Mammoth, Snowbird, and Whistler Blackcomb.
On-hill upgrades to look forward to this season.
Usher forth the coming ski season with four wunderbar festivals.
Ski and snowboard camps help kids conquer the disease and the slopes.
Kevin Rolland and Tom Wallisch won pipe and slope at this weekend's Dew Tour stop at Breckenridge.
We stopped by Breck's opening day. A serious crowd was on hand to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Vail Resorts' EpicMix will now include photo sharing.
This season, Vail Resorts' EpicMic will include photo sharing with EpicPhoto.
Salute the Red, White, and Blue at altitude.
Don't throw the boards into storage just yet. March, April, and even May (if you ski at Mt. Bachelor) are the best months to get great deals on lodging, lift tickets, and equipment, all while curating a gnarly goggle tan. Sun, brews, music, and costumes are what make spring skiing the next best alternative to an epic powder day. Here's where to close out yet another great season of shredding.
These are some names you might get used to hearing this season: Keri Herman, Rosalind Groenewoud, Dania Assalay, Ashley Battersby. These photos of female halfpipe and slopestyle athletes prove that they've got what it takes.
It was a snowy day in Breckenridge as the world's best superpipe skiers battled it out on a massive 22-foot pipe. Simon Dumont, Justin Dorey, and Kevin Rolland skied the cleanest runs in the pipe to earn them first, second, and third.
Today was prelim day at the Nike 6.0 Open stop of the Winter Dew Tour in Breckenridge, Colorado. Kevin Rolland is first going into tomorrow's superpipe, and Russ Henshaw is leading in the slopestyle department. Check back tomorrow for shots from the finals.
Breck adds four feet to their pipe for the winter.
On Monday, Vail Resorts announced a location-based mobile and web app, called Epic Mix. The company's Interactive Director, Mike Slone, sat down with us to discuss check-ins, pins, and where digital experience collides with a typical ski day.
This timeshare lodge is perfect for visitors that return to Breckenridge each year.
Open for dinner, and lunch on the weekends, the Whale’s Tail has been serving fresh seafood in a fine dining setting since 1973.
Located between Peak 8 and Peak 9 at the base of the slopes.
Open year-round for indoor and outdoor skating.
A thrilling and educational outing for the entire family near Baldy Mountain.
A great family summer activity at new heights near Breckenridge.
At Harmony Health and Massage, you’ll get a combination of energy healing and nurturing bodywork.
Be transformed inside and out during a hot stone massage or athletic relief treatment for your legs at this spa.
While not the typical day spa, Breckenridge Acupuncture is perfect place to go to correct your body’s imbalances.
Blue Sage Spa is now full service day spa offering massages, facials, and more in Breckenridge.
This is the perfect place for après ski or after summer activities in Breckenridge.
Since 1981, Mi Casa has been serving up the homemade chips and salsa and other authentic cuisine.
Not just a pizzeria, the restaurant is also known for burgers and homemade classic pasta dishes.
For great American food, head to this two-million-pound floating restaurant.
Since 1996, Angel’s Hollow has been offering great gourmet food at less than gourmet prices.
It’s traditional pub food infused with great craft beer at this local establishment.
The menu features gourmet pasta, soups, salads, steak, and seafood entrees all for moderate prices.