First Time Ski Trip Guide to Breckenridge

If you’re preparing for a winter trip to Breckenridge for the first time, planning out your day of skiing can be a bit daunting! With 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, and 235 lifts Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels from beginner to expert. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for a breakdown of beginner to expert hike-to terrain so you can get the most out of your days on the mountain. 

Beginner: Green

While Breckenridge is a world-class ski town, you’ll be surprised to find many beginner trails that are great to learn on. The beginner trails at Breckenridge provide wide and flat runs so you can feel comfortable getting your “ski legs” under you.  

Where: Base of Peak 9

Lift: Quicksilver SuperChair 

Runs: Silverthorne, Lower Lehman & Frontier 

The Quicksilver SuperChair is made to service beginner riders and runs slower than other lifts. From here, the runs you access will be long and wide and at a low angle.  

If you’re not quite ready to get on a chairlift, there is a magic carpet lift and platter lift next to Quicksilver SuperChair for practicing your newfound skills.  

Where: Base of Peak 8

Lift: Rip’s Ride 

Run: Trygve’s 

This is a great learning area to start at as the run is shorter than the trails on Peak 9! There is also a magic carpet located next to Rip’s Ride if you aren’t quite ready for a chairlift.  

If you’re brand new to skiing, we always recommend taking a lesson to help learn the basics! You can sign up for group and private lessons via Breckenridge Ski Resort’s website.  

Intermediate: Blue

Intermediate skiers and riders will find a plethora of trails at Breckenridge that will even transition you into above tree line terrain, so you’ll be feeling like an expert in no time! Intermediate runs can be accessed from all base areas, so no matter where you are staying you can find a great trail.  

Where: Base of Peak 9  

Lift: Beaver Run SuperChair 

Runs: Gold King, Sundown, Columbia & Cashier 

Like the beginner trails on Peak 9, the intermediate trails are also wide and long, giving you plenty of space to perfect your turns and skills. From here, you can access the Mercury SuperChair and more intermediate runs without returning to the bottom of the mountain.  

Where: Base of Peak 7 

Lift: Independence SuperChair 

Runs: Claimjumper, Pioneer, Wirepatch, Angel’s Rest & Monte Cristo 

Peak 7 is an intermediate skier’s and rider’s dream as all the runs are intermediate, long and fun! With easy rollers on several runs, this is a great area to explore. From here, you can then take the new Freedom SuperChair so you don’t have to return to the base of the mountain. 

Where: Peak 6 (accessed from the base of Peak 7) 

Lift: Kensho SuperChair 

Runs: Bliss & Elysian Fields 

Peak 6 is the perfect opportunity to experience Breckenridge’s high-alpine terrain without getting on an expert run. From Independence SuperChair, take Zendo Chair to Kensho SuperChair. Here above the trees, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Make sure to look to your left where you can see frozen Lake Dillon and the expanse of mountains in Summit County. 

Expert: Black 

Where: Base of Peak 10 (accessed from the bases of Peak 9) 

Lift: Falcon SuperChair 

Runs: Spitfire, Corsair, The Burn & Cimarron 

The terrain off Falcon SuperChair is exclusively expert terrain. You’ll find steep groomers, moguls and even glades. If you head all the way to looker’s left of the lift, you’ll find a few double black diamond runs as well.  

Where: Base of Peak 8  

Lift: 6-Chair 

Runs: Adios, Snowbirds, No Name & more 

Access 6-Chair by taking the Colorado SuperChair from the base of Peak 8 or the Peak 8 SuperConnect from Peak 9. The many runs off 6-Chair are advanced, but short so you can get in endless laps on a powder day. 

Lift: Horseshoe Bowl T-Bar 

Run: North Bowl 

Horsehoe Bowl T-Bar can be accessed via Peak 8 or Peak 7 and provides a great introduction to expert terrain in the high alpine. Head to the right when you get to the top to access this terrain, or you can access double black diamond runs in Horseshoe Bowl to the left.  

Pro: Double Black  

40% of Breckenridge’s terrain is above tree line, which means more expert and hike-to terrain. Please keep in mind this terrain is expert-only and be sure to only ski and ride in terrain where you have control.  

Where: Base of Peak 8 

Lift: Imperial SuperChair 

Runs: Imperial Bowl, Lake Chutes & Horseshoe Bowl 

Imperial SuperChair is the highest chairlift in North America sitting at 12,804 feet above sea level! From the top you have a choice to head left or right to wide open hike-to terrain, if you’re up for the challenge. 

Lift: E-Chair 

Runs: Windows, Purgatory, Devil’s Crotch 

These runs are tight, tree runs that all funnel down to a creek bed. You can access E-Chair via Peak 8 SuperConnect or the Colorado SuperChair. 

Where: Peak 6 

Lift: Kensho SuperChair 

Runs: Six Senses, Serenity Bowl & Beyond Bowl 

This hike-to terrain is well worth the journey! These are wide open runs featuring chutes, cliffs and endless lines.  

Looking to Stay Ski-in/Ski-Out? 

Spend more time skiing and less time in line at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 or the Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Both of these full-service resorts offer the luxury of stepping directly onto the slopes and taking a lift up the mountain. With heated indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs plus adults-only grotto with steam room and sauna, you can soothe and refresh your body after a fully day on the mountain.