This friendly mountain town is a funky chic ski resort in winter and a Wild West, hiking and biking summer destination.

Breckenridge, Colorado — funky, reformed mining town — has finally gone very upscale with the addition of a few gorgeous luxury properties at the mountain base, available for the 2009-2010 winter season. Families with the splurge instinct should check out the beautiful Crystal Peak Lodge condominium at the newly revitalized Peak 7 base. Adjacent to it in the base village, also served by the BreckConnect gondola to/from the town of Breck and Peak 8 is the  Grand Peak Lodge, with timeshare units that are more widely available for rent. To max out on pampering, there’s One Ski Hill Place, a luxury RockResorts condominium opening at Peak 8 for summer 2010. It’s expected that some of these large studio (498-square-feet) to four-bedroom residences will be available for rental.

Meanwhile, we’ll review the welcoming family properties we’ve enjoyed ourselves (below). One of the special things about this ski area is that the town is so great, most families don’t crave the ski-in/ski-out facilities that seem essential at many mountain resorts. Transportation by eco-efficient shuttles is free and easy, and safe enough for the kids to ride alone. One-bedroom units around town range all the way from $ per night in summer to $$$$ over the Christmas holidays, when Breck rates peak.

In addition to the hotels and resorts noted, families can turn to the central reservations department at the Breckenridge Resort Chamber at 311 South Ridge Street, Breckenridge, Colorado 80424 or their last-minute specials site at www.gobrecknow.com.

Off Mountain but Very Close

Great Western Lodging
322B N. Main Street, P.O. Box 3355
Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
(970/453-1009, 888/333-4535)
This is a locally run management company with condos and vacation homes around town. We liked The Corral, a circular condo complex near Peak 9 that faced the mountain on one side and the town’s ice skating arena on the other. Conveniently located on the shuttle route, it was quiet and cozy. The two bedrooms (one with small twin beds) and two baths were filled with moose-themed paraphernalia and knickknacks. The living area had two queen sofabeds and a big stocked kitchen. Common amenities included ski lockers on the ground floor, our own washer/dryer with detergent provided, no pool, but an exterior hot tub that we didn’t see until checkout. Great Western’s staff was efficient and pleasant and rates are competitive.

Grand Timber Lodge
75 Snowflake Drive
Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
(888/783-8883, 970/547-5003)
The wooded Grand Timber is located right between Base 8 and 9 and it has more of the mountain style that Beaver Run lacks. Condo accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom units with cooking facilities and other features such as washer/dryers. There is a Victorian Spa and Day Salon, and well-equipped exercise rooms and exercise classes, with scheduled cycling, yoga and other fitness programs. Children’s facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a kiddie pool and kiddie water playground, as well as regular outdoor playground. Grand Timber’s activities director schedules weekly events for resort guests, such as winter sleigh rides followed by dinner. Activities just for the kids include the weekly Kids’ Fest, featuring arts and crafts, movies, games, and pizza, and the once weekly Teens Night. For all other needs, Grand Timber Lodge has a general store, Lodgepole Bar and Grill restaurant, a video arcade, video rentals, babysitting for a fee and a games room.

Mountain Thunder Lodge
50 Mountain Thunder Drive
Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
(888/400-9590)
Mountain Thunder, one of Breck’s Vail Resorts properties, is nestled in dense woods, about a five-minute walk from town. (These are the best value units.) The dark wood lodge’s grand lobby is a focal point of socializing, with card games and board games laid out near the fireplace. Here too, you can find studios to four-bedroom units with kitchens, individual fireplaces and high-speed WiFi, each decorated in a style befitting its condominium owner. Expect lots of rich fabrics, earthy colors, perks like DVD players, multiple TVs and a private balcony/patio. The two- and three-bedroom townhomes are the newest accommodations and also feature private garages and entrances.They’re at the base of Peak 8 and are ideal for larger families and reunion groups. Among the common facilities, there is a child’s play area, exercise room, and indoor and outdoor pools. Call in advance to arrange for crib rental, childcare and babysitting services.

Ski In/Ski Out Lodging

Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
620 Village Road
Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
(800/265-3560; 970/453-6000)
This complex is a totally different style hotel, located on the edge of the slopes near the main Peak 9 base and Beaver Run Superchair. It’s a very large and unattractive concrete block, but it houses convention space and has the greatest number of accommodations. Inside, they are stylish with exposed slate walls, big fireplaces, quality linens and throw blankets; sizes range from hotel rooms to studios and larger suites, with kitchens. All underwent a major renovation a few years ago, and constant upgrading.  Resort amenities include massage treatments, sauna and steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, eight hot tubs, an exercise room and a tennis court, video arcade, and miniature golf. There is a convenience store, two restaurants, a café and a lounge as well as laundry service, in-room games and movies. Jeep rentals are available.

In summer, the resort’s Kid’s Day Off for children ages 5-12 keeps kids entertained from 9am-5pm with locally inspired activities including gold panning, swimming, the Alpine Super Slide, trips to museums, chair lift rides, and arts and crafts. Treasure hunts, miniature golf and other activities occur during the year-round Kid’s Night Out, which runs from 6-9pm, with dinner included. The private daycare concession, KinderHut, has a nice outdoor playground and a trained childcare staff available for infants and toddlers from 6-weeks to 2½-years, for half or full days. In winter, KinderHut provides ski instruction and equipment for children 2½ to 6-years-old right, right outside the hotel’s windows.

The Village at Breckenridge Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
(888/400-9590, 970/547-5725)
Situated at the base of Breck with ski-in, ski-out access, The Village is centrally located by the river yet near to Main Street, and offers attractive hotel rooms, studios and vacation homes as large as three-bedroom Chateau suites. It is a Vail Resorts property and can be booked like their nearly 600 other rooms in town, through Breckenridge Hospitality. For exercise and entertainment, this resort has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, exercise facilities, a fly-fishing school, paddle boating on Maggie Pond in summer, and an arcade. For leisure, the resort offers spa and massage treatments, video and DVD rentals, a restaurant, gift shops and laundry services. In winter, this complex hosts The Village Childcare Center; cribs are available upon advance request.

Things to Do in Breckenridge in Winter

Breckenridge is a winter wonderland with countless activities to enjoy beyond just skiing and snowboarding. Here are some ideas for a memorable winter vacation:

• Hit the Slopes: Breckenridge boasts five peaks with varied terrain for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, you’ll find the perfect run.
• Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing: Explore over 30 miles of groomed trails at the Breckenridge Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center.
• Sledding and Tubing: Enjoy family-friendly fun at Carter Park and Airport Road’s free sledding hills or try the tubing hill at the Frisco Adventure Park.
• Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of a dog sledding tour through snowy landscapes.
  Snowmobiling: Take a guided snowmobile tour of the backcountry.
• Fat Biking: Explore snowy trails on a fat bike designed for winter conditions.
• Sleigh Rides: Cozy up under a blanket and enjoy a scenic sleigh ride through the snow. Choose from dinner sleigh rides, scenic rides, or even a dinner and show experience.
• Scenic Snowcat Tours: Take a heated snowcat tour to a historic mining cabin for s’mores, hot cocoa, and stories of Breckenridge’s mining history.
• Explore Main Street: Discover over 200 unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars on historic Main Street.
• Historic Tours: Learn about Breckenridge’s rich history with a mine tour or a ghost tour.

Tips for Traveling to Breckenridge During the Winter

To make the most of your winter trip to Breckenridge, consider these helpful tips:

• Book Accommodations Early: Breckenridge is a popular winter destination, so securing your lodging well in advance is crucial. Look for options near the ski lifts or Main Street for easy access to activities and dining.
• Prepare for the Altitude: Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet above sea level, so altitude sickness can be a concern. Drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and consider arriving a day or two early to acclimate.
• Pack for All Weather Conditions: Winter weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so pack layers of warm clothing, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats, and sturdy boots.
• Rent or Bring Winter Gear: Unless you plan to ski or snowboard regularly, renting winter gear like skis, snowboards, or snowshoes is a cost-effective option. Many shops in town offer rentals and fittings.
• Get Around Town: Breckenridge offers a free shuttle service to help you navigate the town and get to the ski areas. You can also walk or rent a car, but be prepared for snowy and icy roads.
• Purchase Lift Tickets in Advance: Lift tickets can be purchased online or at the ski resort. Buying them in advance can save you time and money.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected events like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  Respect the Environment: Help keep Breckenridge beautiful by practicing Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all trash and staying on designated trails.

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