For the skier and rider who wants it all, it’s hard to do better than Breck, where vintage-cool ski town charm meets big-mountain views and terrain. The connection between mountain and town is ever present, with the resort’s Five Peaks serving as the backdrop to historic Main Street. Plus, with an abundance of walk-to-lift accommodations, the BreckConnect Gondola, making it easy to go car-free. On-mountain, there are nearly 3,000 skiable acres spread across the resort’s Five Peaks, and some of the country’s best lift-accessible high-alpine terrain, including the highest chairlift in North America. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sea-level, Breck consistently offers great snow conditions well into the spring, with a season that runs into May.
The resort is unveiling a fresh lineup of events this year, including the Rockstar Energy Open. The brand-new slope-style snowboarding competition and festival (December 19 through 21) will feature 20 world-class competitors and is free to attend. It coincides with Breck’s Ullr Fest (December 18 through 20), a more than 60-year-old, one-of-a-kind ski town celebration that features the world’s longest shotski, a town parade and a giant community bonfire.
Where to stay: Geared to the modern adventurer, 60-room Gravity Haus offers easy access to the slopes on Peak 9 and Main Street, plus a Japanese-inspired onsen, performance-focused gym, and in-house adventure company. For slope-side luxury, the original ski-in/ski-out stay at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place, has roomy condos and kid-friendly amenities like a two-lane bowling alley. The Carlin, a Euro-style inn, has just four, Scandi-minimalist suites set above two of the town’s best eateries. Newcomer Alpenrock boasts the only speakeasy in town.
Stats: 35 lifts for 187 trails. One-day lift tickets from $149; on the Epic Pass.