Breckenridge Colorado - A First Time Visitor's Guide

If you’re visiting Breckenridge, Colorado for the first time, you’re likely to find the town is a destination unlike any other. At an elevation of 9,600 feet, Breckenridge’s climate and atmosphere are far different than those of lower elevations, requiring a bit of adjustment on the part of visitors from lower altitudes. By following a few simple steps, visitors can make their first Breckenridge vacation a comfortable and enjoyable one. Here’s how:

Acclimating to Breckenridge’s high altitude simply takes time. Staying well hydrated and rested can help prevent the onset of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness. Avoid overexerting yourself during your first days of skiing or riding. Staying away from alcohol, tobacco and caffeine for the first two to three days of your stay can make a tremendous difference as well. If you feel exhausted or develop a headache, light activity will help you recover faster than bed rest. Sleeping decreases your rate of respiration and can actually exacerbate the effects of altitude.

Pack appropriately to dress for cold weather skiing and riding. Utilize layers of clothing that can be added or removed throughout the day as the weather patterns and temperatures typically change from morning to afternoon. Layer in articles of clothing that wick moisture away from the skin to keep you warm and dry, even in the harshest of conditions. Wool, silk and synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and fleece will do an exceptional job of this. Fibers such as cotton absorb moisture and dry slowly, which means if you get wet or damp, you’re going to be cold all day. Your ski jacket and pants should also be comprised of a waterproof, breathable material. Perhaps most importantly, cover any exposed skin on the coldest of days to prevent the onset of frostbite.

Breckenridge’s thinner atmosphere and the intense reflection of the sun off of snow and water can cause sunburn much faster than you might expect, as ultraviolet light is far more intense at higher altitudes. Protect your face, neck and ears with a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Use goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. Goggles are generally far more effective as they provide superior coverage to sunglasses.

The Breckenridge Ski Resort provides complimentary mountain tours to help visitors learn to navigate its four expansive peaks. Free mountain tours meet at the bases of Peaks 8 and 9 at 10:00 AM daily. These tours are open to intermediate and advanced skiers and riders only. Participants should be comfortable skiing the resort's "blue" runs before participating. The ski area also offers several large trail map signs posted within its boundaries to help you find your way. Guest services staff are typically found nearby to answer any questions you may have.

Finally, first time skiers and riders should take a lesson with the Breckenridge Ski and Ride School. The mountain has developed programs specifically geared towards entry level snow sports participants with a strong focus on the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding. Taking a lesson can save you hours (or days) of frustration trying to pick up your new sport and will have your linking turns and cruising with ease in no time.

Properly preparing for your trip, following a bit of simple advice and listening to your body will all help make your first Breckenridge, Colorado vacation an enjoyable one. Unfortunately, visitors who arrive under prepared and underinformed typically succumb to the area’s altitude and its effects in some way shape or form. By ensuring that you and those who are traveling with you are well equipped for your vacation, you can all but guarantee yourself the trip of a lifetime.