#7 — BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
WEBSITE: BRECKENRIDGE.COM
VERTICAL: 3,398 feet
ACREAGE: 2,358
SNOWFALL: 300 inches
TICKETS: $93 (2009-10)
Summit County is the considered the heart of Colorado resort skiing, and the heart of Summit is Breckenridge, the most visited resort in America last season. Breck’s terrain park, arguably the best in the world, is the biggest draw. The Freeway terrain park attracts everyone from super pros like Simon Dumont and Bobby Brown to ams who want to cut their teeth in the scene. With a rap sheet of successful events miles long, Breck’s park staff has proved that it is more than capable of running a world class event. From old X Qualifiers to Ski Tour to Winter Dew Tour, Breck’s event pedigree is surpassed only by Aspen’s hosting of the X Games.
When the park gets crowded (and it will), Breck has plenty more to offer. It doesn’t snow like Utah and the terrain isn’t Squaw, but there are good stashes in the Lake Chutes and Snow White Bowl. If hiking is your thing, head up to Peak 7 and you’ll be in the steeps in no time. Watch out, as the wind likes to blow in Summit County, but that means there are wind-loaded pow deposits out there for you to find days after a storm.
At the base of the sprawling mountain lies the town of Breckenridge. Filled with local shops, restaurants, bars and tons of charm, Breck is a lively town with lots to do and see. Local eats like Empire Burger mesh with upscale joints like Relish to offer the full array of cuisine. Dance it up at Cecilia’s, drink it up at Liquid Lounge or get weird with it at The Absinthe Bar. Breck’s popularity stems from its ability to cater to everyone, from aspiring park pros to Texan tourists to weekend devotees. Head to Breck and you won’t be disappointed, whoever you are.
THE TOP 12
#1 Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
#2 Aspen/Snowmass, CO
#3 Sqaw Valley, CA
#4 Jackson Hole, WY
#5 Mammoth Mountain, CA
#6 Alta/Snowbird, UT
#7 Breckenridge, CO
#8 Telluride, CO
#9 Mt. Baker, WA
#10 Big Sky, MT
#11 Copper Mountain, CO
#12 Park City, UT
