Breckenridge

There's an old saying in Colorado; you're either a Breckenridge person, or a Vail person. Breckenridge is the low-key cousin to glitzy, upmarket Vail, and unlike the larger resort it has its roots in the mid-19th century gold rush. The architecture of Breckenridge is classically American, with a Wild West feel to it and a genuine charm that isn't always found in North American resorts.

Breckenridge has a real vibe to it, and it's status as the largest historic district in Colorado makes it an interesting place to visit. The old clapboard buildings in Main Street are very quaint, and the bars and restaurants are always lively during the evenings. There is something for everyone with over 100 restaurants to choose from. The resort is snow sure, with a higher altitude than any in Europe. 

Breckenridge is owned by Vail Resorts, and most lift passes include a days skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. All the resorts covered by the local multi-area pass can be reached by bus, making Breck an incredibly convenient ski base. 

The bulk of the skiing in Breckenridge is tree runs, although there are steeper slopes above the tree line. The ski area has over 150km of slopes, which is more than enough to keep even the fastest piste skier busy. There are five sectors of the ski area, fully linked up via lift and pistes, offering a variety of skiing for all ability levels from easy lower slopes to steep drops further up the mountain. 

The area is less well known than nearby Vail, and as such is less busy. There are a number of slopes designated black and double black certified, which means advanced and expert skiers have plenty to enjoy while in the resort; Peak 8 is the centre of the hardest skiing, and, along with and Peak 9, has access to plenty of powder bowls and freeriding zones. 

Intermediate and beginner skiers can head for the wide, gentle skiing on Peak 9 and 10, while the challenging blue runs and glades on Peak 6 are popular amongst confident intermediate skiers. The nursery slopes are good, and the ski school is historically one of the better ones around. 
 

Property for sale in Breckenridge is a mixture of town houses and condominiums, with a number of larger properties futher out. The most conveniently located properties are the condos in the centre of the resort, with popular properties within walking distance of Main Street.

As a typically American ski resort, Breckenridge rarely has European style ski in, ski out property for sale. Properties located near the ski lifts are incredibly popular, and tend to sell quickly. Buyers looking for town centre or proximity to the slopes will find that condos are the best option; although there are luxury lodges around, they are often in secluded positions.