A Kid's Guide to Breckenridge Resort | Ski.com

Photo: Jack Affleck/Vail Resorts

What’s safe, what’s accessible, what’s fun?

Welcome to Breckenridge, Colorado—a five-peak, three-base, ski resort spread out across the southern half of the Tenmile Range. Tucked away in a historic mining town west of the Continental Divide in Summit County, Breckenridge is one of the most visited and beloved ski resorts in the Western hemisphere.

Don't let its reputation for above tree-line hiking and steep alpine bowl cruising intimidate the family fun; Breckenridge offers something for all skiing abilities and interests. Continually recognized as one of the top kid-friendly ski resorts, Breckenridge makes it easy for children to enjoy their time, both on and off the mountain.

What to ski

Photo: Jack Affleck/Vail Resorts

There is a variety of learning areas, family green trails, and Kid Adventure Zones at Breckenridge Resort. The majority of the beginner learning areas are located at the bases of Peak 8, accessible by the BreckConnect Gondola, and Peak 9, accessible by foot. Below is a breakdown of the two Peaks and what to expect there.

Peak 8

Photo: Jack Affleck/Vail Resorts

The base of Peak 8 is a beginner ski area, equipped with a ski school if your family is inclined to a lesson. One of the biggest perks this zone offers is Peak 8's proximity to the BreckConnect Gondola. Not only does this access afford an enjoyable ride for the family through the hills of Breckenridge up to the base, but it eliminates the usual walk from the car to the ski base. On Peak 8, there are magic carpets, surface lifts, and learning chairlifts. Mellow green runs such as Trygve’s and Lower Springmeier are great warm-ups for the family. Rip’s Ride is the beginner chair to start with, which offers access to Dragon Trail, a kids' fun run through a small castle hidden in the woods. Next up is 5-Chair, running next to the Park Lan Terrain Park, making it an entertaining ride up. From 5-Chair, there are a few green runs to practice turns on: Springmeier, Swinger, and Powerline. These green runs are renowned for their gentle and gradual slope.

Peak 9

Though Peak 9 may be a bit busier than Peak 8, it is the true family zone for skiing at Breckenridge. There is no need to navigate through intermediate or expert terrain to access Peak 9, as it is located right at the base of the Village at Breckenridge. Many ski school lessons spend their time here before progressing to more challenging runs, as the access to green runs and beginner chairs are bountiful. The green runs accessed from Peak 9 are ideal for young beginner skiers and snowboarders, as it is generally a mile long and stays at a consistent, gentle grade. These lengthy, easy green runs, like Silverthorne and Frontier Run, are flat, wide, and perfect for your family to practice turning. Highlighted slow, safety zones are plentiful at the base of Peak 9. You can use the six-person QuickSilver chairlift to access these popular green runs. Don’t forget to check out the two Kid Adventure Zones on Peak 9: Ripperoo’s Forest, equipped with bridges and tunnels for kids to zip through, and the Haunted Forest, a spooky tree trail with giant spiders, bats, and skeletons.

If your family feels comfortable and in control of these popular green trails, you are ready to explore more of Breckenridge’s terrain offerings!

On the mountain

Photo: Jack Affleck/Vail Resorts

With 2,908 acres of skiable terrain to explore, and only 11% of that being green trails, it can be overwhelming to decide which ski runs are right for your family at Breckenridge. Sticking to the terrain around Peak 8 and Peak 9 will be the start of your family ski adventure; both peaks offer some great runs for beginners and intermediates.

Featuring 3.5 miles of groomed blue-to-green terrain, Four O’Clock trail is the longest run at Breckenridge and perfect for families. This trail connects skiers from the top of Peak 8 to Breckenridge Village. Similar in style, Lower Lehman is green trail on Peak 9 that offers space to work on stopping and turning skills. This trail is a little hidden compared to other highly traveled trails in the area, which is an enjoyable change of pace. Similarly, Powerline is a subtle green trail under 5-Chair, prime for more stopping and turning practice.

Looking for a little more challenge? Family zone trail Bonanza steps it up. This blue run is open, groomed, and has a steady intermediate pitch. Spruce is another medium blue trail that has rolling pitches and wide width. Additionally, Upper Springmeier is a fun add-on to the already conquered Lower Springmeier, offering consistent blue pitch before it merges into its green sister trail.

Kid Adventure Zones

Photo: Bob Winsett/Vail Resorts

Designed for challenging speed control and having fun, Kid Adventure Zones at Breckenridge are scattered across multiple peaks. They are short, thrilling excursions for children, usually hidden in the trees adjacent to the popular green and blue trails.

As previously mentioned, Riperoo’s Forest and the Haunted Forest are two kiddo favorites at Breckenridge. Both are located off the QuickSilver Super Chair from Peak 9 and wind their way through open forest glades. On Peak 8, Dragon Tail offers medieval fun as you enter through ‘Ski-A-Lot castle’ and pass the giant, friendly dragon.

If your family has been cruising on blues, CJ’s Cabin and Rip’s Ravine are fun offshoots on blue terrain. CJ’s Cabin is a historic cabin tucked in the trees off Upper Lehman trail. Rip’s Ravine is adjacent to Northstar and offers more glade terrain for kids.

Off the mountain

Photo: Vail Resorts

When the skis and boots come off, there is still plenty of family fun to be had at Breckenridge! On the mountain, take a spin on the Gold Run Alpine Coaster. This 2,500-foot coaster track is situated right on the mountain. Single or double riders control their own personal speed for spins, dips, and twists down the mountainside. If thrill-seeking is your family’s interest, there is also the Breck Flyer Zipline, located at the base of Peak 8.

If your family is wandering in and around Main Street, there are plenty of spots for both education and play. There are a variety of informational walking tours regarding the history of the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado’s oldest town west of the Continental Divide. The Mountain Top Children’s Museum is located near the base of Peak 9, a playful museum for toddlers and young children with crafts, dress-up, and hands-on activities. For the older kids, Downstairs at Eric’s on Main Street stocks classic pinball and Ms. Pac-Man games in their large arcade.

Ready to treat your little ones to a Breckenridge ski vacation? Get started by filling out a free quote.