Exercise, fresh air and sunshine are essential to living a healthy life and this historic, former gold-mining town has all three in abundance. Breckenridge sits high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado--about two hours from Denver--and boasts fresh mountain air, 2,350 ski-able acres and over 300 sunny days per year. Friendly and laid-back, this place revolves around skiing and healthy living.
Ski Terrain
Four peaks--known simply as Peak 7, Peak 8, Peak 9 and Peak 10--make up the Breckenridge ski resort. Beginner runs comprise 14 percent of the terrain, 31 percent are intermediate and the rest are advanced or expert. Compared to more difficult mountains, many Breckenridge intermediate and advanced runs ride more like beginner or intermediate runs. The resort grooms about 30 percent of its slopes daily, making skiing easier for less experienced or out-of-shape skiers.
Avoid the Crowds
Squeeze in a few more trips down Peak 9 runs like American and Peerless by taking the two-person C or E chairs--rather than waiting to board the often crowded Beaver Run or Mercury Superchairs. The same goes for skiing the advanced runs off the Falcon Superchair on Peak 10--you'll feel like you have the whole mountain to yourself here. Beginners can avoid the crowds by skiing the green runs off the Snowflake lift below peak 8.
Push Yourself
Advanced skiers can ride the Imperial Express Superchair, the highest lift in North America at 12,998 feet. Take in the panoramic view before skiing down Imperial Bowl. The exit at the top is narrow and crowded, but once you get onto the bowls it's wide open. Mornings are less crowded and have better snow. After skiing to the bottom of the lift, continue skiing on over 20 advanced runs leading to Peaks 7, 8 and 9.
Fuel
Finding nutritious food at any ski resort is never an easy task. Fortunately, Breckenridge started a program in 2007 called Appetite for Life (APL). Foods with the APL label have healthy ingredients and are labeled with nutritional information. All the on-mountain eateries, including the Vista Haus--on Peak 8--carry APL products. Skiing at high altitude dehydrates you--which can lead to altitude sickness--so the resort recommends drinking lots of water before, during and after skiing.
Historic District of Breckenridge
Take an après-ski walk among the rows of authentic candy-colored Victorian houses in Breckenridge's historic district. Just minutes from the slopes--and home to the town's many restaurants and shops--you'll also find a drugstore, a natural grocery store and several ski shops. If a hard day of skiing leaves you a little sore, head over to the Carter Recreation Center for a yoga class---or book a massage at one of the district's many spas.
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