Our scene opens on a day in early November. The Town of Breckenridge, Colorado is the location. Observe the blue skies and clean air. The quaint and narrow Victorian streets are filled with smiling faces. Welcome to Breckenridge.
Let's cut to late December. What's that noise? It's the sound of horns honking and impatient drivers shouting expletives to each other. Ugh! What's that smell? It's the smell of gas emissions from the over-sized SUVs that line the streets. Welcome to Breckenridge during ski season!
If you're planning a Breckenridge ski trip, you're probably wondering about transportation. Breckenridge is served by Eagle or Denver International Airport. Colorado Mountain Express has shuttle services both these airports. You have two options:
1. Take CME to the Frisco transfer center and then take the free Summit Stage to your condo.
2. Take CME directly to your condo
Option one is more economical if you book online. However, traveling on the local buses with a large amount of luggage can be problematic. Locals have "issues" with people who take up available seats with their over-stuffed suitcases. You can solve this problem by having your gear shipped to your home base, or by renting equipment at the resort. If you're willing to pay extra, consider option two. Caveat: CME charges per person. For big groups, a car rental might be cost effective. However, be sure to consider the parking fees that might be charged by your lodging venue.
Once in Breckenridge, you have transportation options that are both economical and ecological. The Summit Stage and the Breckenridge Free Ride offer free transport throughout Breckenridge neighboring towns. While the routes are sometimes a bit "indirect," the scenery is fantastic, so chill out! If you're lucky, you will be privy to one of the local rider's romantic sagas, which can be more engaging than a daily soap opera!
If you're not staying at one of the ski-in/ ski-out lodging venues, take the bus to Breckenridge Station, where you can catch the gondola to Peak 8. The gondola is a controversial issue. To finance its creation, there is now a $10 parking fee, which lead to some rather snarky comments from the locals. In fact, free parking is more or less an oxymoron when it comes to parking. Furthermore, if you park, you probably won't be anywhere near the mountain, so a shuttle bus ride will still be required. If you are not going to Peak 8, there are buses that go to other locations on the mountain. Check the sign, and make sure that you get on the right bus. Please.
Now let's talk about lodging. Your best bet is to rent a condo or a home, and split the cost between your party. Check the rental home's address and area against the local area maps to see how close you are to the mountain. Beware, however, the closest places turn into the most crowded; if you are looking for seclusion, you might want to stay off of the main drag. For example, the Four O'clock Lodge is served by the Four O'clock trail it is super convenient, but at the end of the day, that trail is similar to Grand Central Station at rush hour! If you'd prefer to be closer to Breckenridge nightlife, consider a lodging venue in the town. Both French and Harris Streets are lined with exquisite Victorian architecture. They offer relief from the madding crowds, which is what vacations should be about.
However you get to Breckenridge, and wherever you stay, remember to be safe, and to have a blast!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Lisa Marie Mercer.
The pristine snow, the glorious wildlife, the cranky ski bums, the long wait for a cup of coffee...Ah, Winter in Breck. At least you will find a bit of solitude in your comfy vacation rental home, if you book it at Zonder.com. There you can sleep and unwind in luxury, while you plan your insanity defense for smacking an SUV with a ski pole...