5 days in Breckenridge: A spring break guide

If you are sick of shoveling snow and putting up with bitter cold temps and grey skies, it’s high time you booked a ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, the spring break capital of Ski Country. During the months of March and April, Breckenridge is the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking warm sunshine, great late-season snow conditions, and plenty of room to spread out on the slopes.With the help of Mountain Travel Expert Bill Kelly, we compiled a 5-day sample itinerary for an unforgettable spring-skiing trip to Breckenridge.

5 Day Spring Break Guide: Breckenridge, Colorado

Day 1: Check in to Mountain Thunder Lodge and check out downtown Breckenridge

After flying into Denver International Airport, hop in your ground transportation or rental car and drive along the famous I-70 ski resort corridor for 1.5 hours. On your drive to the resort, after passing under the continental divide via the Eisenhower Tunnel, one of the highest vehicular tunnels in the world, you will have vistas in all directions of spectacular snow-capped peaks. Once you arrive in Breckenridge, head to Mountain Thunder Lodge and settle into a well-appointed studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom condominium or two- or three-bedroom townhome. If it’s still light outside, you may notice from your balcony that Mountain Thunder Lodge provides convenient access to the base of Peak 8 via the BreckConnect Gondola.

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“The Mountain Thunder Lodge's complimentary and convenient skier's shuttle will take you to the ski area if you aren't skiing from the base of Peak 8," says Bill. "When the day is over, enjoy a soak in one of three hot tubs or the outdoor, heated pool. Sunny, spring conditions will make the onsite playground and outdoor BBQ highly enjoyable if you have the whole family in tow."

Day 2: Explore Breckenridge’s terrain and enjoy a sun-drenched après-ski patio

Start your first day on Breck’s 2,900 acres of well-varied terrain by warming up on any one of the green, blue or black runs that are accessible from the base of Peak 8. No matter where you end up, you will be treated to some of Ski Country’s best spring skiing and snowboarding. When it’s time to investigate more of the resort’s terrain, there are abundant options for every level of skier or snowboarder. Less experienced skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the many green runs off 5-Chair, Quicksilver Super6 ™ and the Snowflake chair. Intermediates will appreciate the Independence SuperChair, and families will enjoy Peak 9’s nice mix of greens and blues. Experts have a lot of challenging, above-treeline bowl runs off Peak 8, Peak 7 and Peak 6.

At lunchtime, stop in at the newly renovated Overlook restaurant to enjoy the specialty, fresh-made ramen noodle bowls with your choice of veggies and meat. The Overlook sits at Peak 9 at 11,274 feet and claims Breckenridge’s highest dining elevation.

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Colorado enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually, so the odds of glorious weather for skiing—and après-skiing—during a Breckenridge spring ski trip are in your favor. Once your legs have had enough, mosey on up to T-Bar. Located at the base of Peak 8, T-Bar offers daily food and drink specials, indoor and outdoor seating. T-Bar is one of Breckenridge’s most popular season-long après-ski spots, but warmer March and April afternoons are when the T-Bar really shines. The sun-drenched outdoor patio is the perfect place to soak in some rays, people watch and enjoy the views.

"You can’t beat the bluebird skies on a warm Colorado spring day," says Bill. "Breck's high, continental elevation ensures the snow sticks around longer than lower elevation resorts."

Day 3: Check out Peak 6’s terrain

This is a great day to spend some time exploring the new Peak 6 terrain if you haven’t done so already. Experts and intermediates can enjoy 500 acres of above-treeline bowl skiing in Peak 6. Steep-seekers will appreciate Peak 6’s two extreme-rated bowls: The Six Senses and Serenity Bowl. Those who like to earn their turns will enjoy the hike-to Beyond Bowl. Peak 6’s two blue runs, Bliss and Reverie, and the blue powder field, Elysian, provide intermediates with the unique opportunity to experience high-alpine bowl skiing. No matter what terrain you’re skiing or riding on Peak 6, everyone will enjoy the crisp blue skies, warm sunshine, soft snow and see-forever views.

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Day 4: Watch the pros or get some of your own air at one of Breck’s four terrain parks

If you have never been to Breckenridge, one of the first things you will notice from the chairlifts is the prevalence of terrain parks. Breck is home to four world-class terrain parks, a 22-foot superpipe, and a long list of Olympic park and pipe skiers and snowboarders. You can watch a lot of the gravity-defying action from the lifts, especially from 5-Chair via the One Ski Hill Place base area. If you would like to test your own air awareness, the Breckenridge Ski & Ride School offers exceptional terrain park and pipe camps and lessons.

For those just learning the basics, Trygve and Bonanza Park offer small, beginner-friendly jumps, rails and boxes. Park Lane, which features two medium triple lines, is a great place for intermediates to advanced intermediates to test their mettle and see how they stack up against the Breck locals. At Breckenridge’s largest and most renowned terrain park, Freeway, keep your eyes peeled for Olympians like Gus Kenworthy, Keri Hermann, Bobby Brown and James “Woodsy” Woods.

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"From small kickers to huge jumps, Breck’s four diverse terrain parks will impress first- time Breck skiers and snowboarders," says Bill. "There is a lot of variety and something for every level to enjoy."

A day in the park can work up a mighty appetite, and Breckenridge offers a huge selection of restaurant options to satisfy every palate. One of Breckenridge’s most memorable dining experiences, Starlight Dinner, is accessed via snowcat and, on a clear night, offers spectacular views of the glittering stars above and bright moon-lit snow. Guests will be whisked to TenMile Station, where they will enjoy a taste-bud pleasing prix fixe menu. Advanced reservations are recommended and a children’s menu is also available.

Day 5: Hit the runs you haven’t yet skied and experience one last rush on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster

On your last day on the slopes, try to tick off the remaining must-ski runs and activities from your list.

If there’s one non-skiing activity that you will want to experience before your Breckenridge spring-skiing trip comes to a close it’s the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster. Providing a different sort of mountain thrill, the Gold Runner zooms down 2,500 feet of elevated coaster track above the base of Peak 8 and enables you to enjoy the snowy forests and ski runs from a different perspective. Guests can ride by themselves or cozy-up with a friend or family member. Hand brakes allow you to control your speed around the hairpin turns and twists.

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"Breckenridge offers so much more than just downhill skiing," says Bill. "In addition to the Gold Runner, you can experience snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog-sled tours and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Nordic Center. You can even tour a real mine and pan for gold!"

On the mountain, it's likely there are some runs you haven't yet had the pleasure of schussing down. If you haven’t experienced the resort’s many expert and intermediate tree runs from the top of the Independence SuperChair, head over there on your last day. Maybe you still want to explore all of the black and double-black runs from the top of Peak 10, so make that a priority. If you haven’t taken the kids through the Haunted Forest or Ripperoo’s Forest tree trails, make that happen, too. Just remember, Breckenridge is comprised of nearly 3,000 acres so don’t be too disappointed if you can’t ski every run; you will just have to come back next ski season for more!

Snap out of your winter blues with a spring-skiing trip to Breckenridge, and let Ski.com help plan and book your complete vacation. Get a free quote today.