I've visited both places during summer months and I recall Steamboat as being more appealing. I hope others have more specific details.

HTtY

I lke both areas and you really can't wrong with either one..However...Steamboat's downtown has a more western feeling to it but as you mentioned, it's a longer drive.
Breckenridge is attractive with many more options nearby. With little kids, I would choose Breckenridge.

I might have recommended Breck, but given that it's a Christmas trip, definitely Steamboat. Steamboat will have less day skier traffic from the Denver area. breck will be more crowded. Steamboat also usually has some of the best early season snowfall of any resort. Breck won't have as much of its terrain open. Finally, my kids had a great ski school experience at Steamboat. Have a great trip.

We are going mostly the week before Christmas, departing on the 26th if that changes anything?

If this helps...the city of Steamboat runs a free city bus service about 20 hours a day. We were there a couple of years ago without a car and were able to get pretty much anywhere we wanted to go. I also like the more laid-back atmosphere there. And it's gorgeous and I think they get fabulous snow.

Are you sure you want to spend about four hours with a 3 and 6 years old in an airport shuttle van getting to Steamboat. And longer if weather is bad. You have to go over at least one mountain pass. Breck is pretty dead during the run up to Christmas. With Christmas on Tues the crowd will not show up till the weekend before so the first few days would be very low. If you are not skiing then the ski traffic will not any difference to you.

I was a little surprised by your comment about equal cost to Breck and Steamboat given the differences in distances and the use of an airport shuttle to Steamboat since I was unaware of any shuttle service to Steamboat. But assume you had better information.

I just check Colorado Mountain Express which is the main shuttle service to Summit Cty and even as far as Aspen. No shuttle to Steamboat. So who are you using?

Yes, there is a shuttle service from the Denver airport to Steamboat--we used it for our trip a couple of years ago. I don't know if this is who the OP is using, but this is who we used:

http://goalpine.com/

You are correct. Since I rarely go to Steamboat, a shuttle was not high on my list. With four departures the schedule is limited and it is still a four hour ride. Breck would still be my choice. If the cost difference is important and you don't plan to ski a lot, I would consider something in Frisco. It is the hub of the county free bus system and you would still have good access to Breckenridge, Copper, and Keystone without a car. And there is a low cost bus service to Vail which is very pretty at that time of year.

You can't go wrong with either destination. Yes, Steamboat is a longer drive from Denver, but the reward is a less busy mountain. Not sure where you are flying from, but you might also compare flights to Steamboat (Hayden) as well.

I would choose Steamboat, hands down. Because I don't enjoy Summit County and its over-development and fake 'mountain suburban' feeling. Blech.

Steamboat is more an authentic Colorado town, with real residents, in a gorgeous wide open setting. Since your kids are so young, you really don't need a lot of activities besides snow and a hill. No outlet mall there (thank goodness).

Our trip to Steamboat two years ago was my only experience there, but I loved the town--PeaceOut pretty much nails my impression of it.

Agree with PeaceOut 100% and the drive to Steamboat is spectacular, too.

HTtY

I too agree with PeaceOut. I would choose Steamboat.

Funny, I just assumed the OP was flying into Hayden if going to Steamboat. We did that on a direct flight and the airport shuttle was a snap.

Both are great but based solely on the fact you have had altitude sickness I would pick Steamboat. If you do choose Breck then be sure to ask what the altitude is at the place you are staying. I went to Breck several times with a group of friends, staying at one of their homes that was at 11,500 feet. Someone got altitude sickness every year. No fun for them!

Skiing is such a great family vacation, have fun!

Flights into Hayden just seem really expensive. But I will price them again in the new year when they are released as maybe the cheaper flights have already been booked out. i looked at this years prices and it was very expensive (add at least $1000 to our budget). When you are flying 4 people it's never cheap to fly. Whereas the shuttle service is only about $100 extra. The extra time in a bus doesn't bother me at all, my kids are used to big drives now.

The biggest draw to Steamboat for me was saving the $$$ on accommodation and the western vibe of the town.

And I am concerned about altitude sickness. I got sick when we went to Estes Park and RMNP a few years back. But in one day we drove from the middle of Kansas straight up there. But I was also pregnant at the time which wouldn't have helped. It didn't affect my husband at all. So I don't want to NOT go to Breckenridge only because of altitude. And thinking back I was only sick for 24 hours or so. This time we would be smarter and stay in Denver a couple of nights to adjust. I love the look of Breckenridge, especially how pretty it is done up at Christmas time. I did price a nice condo in Frisco also that could save us alot of money. Just thinking I would be dissappointed if we stayed there and not in Breckenridge itself.

It's a hard decision but I appreciate all your opinions as it all helps!!!

I love the look of Breckenridge, especially how pretty it is done up at Christmas time.

Perhaps the glitter is there to confuse you. 

HTtY

Steamboat will be 'done up' at Christmas time, too.

BTW, some doctors I know cringe at the idea of skiing at Breckenridge. It has a reputation in medical circles, for significant skier injuries, even deaths. Probably because it gets lots of inexperienced skiers on crowded runs.

Our trip to Steamboat was right after Christmas (January 5th-10th) and yes, it was beautiful, especially near the ski runs--there were little white lights everywhere. It snowed several times during our stay--so pretty!

Families and kids are Steamboats specialty and I think it is a good option for you with young children and your history of altitude sickness. Even though the official celebration doesn't start until January,Steamboat is celebrating it's 50th season and the town excited and getting ready. Contact me directly with any specific questions about the area. alicia@snowventures.com

Just another questions. can anybody tell me what the drive between Steamboat Springs and Salt Lake city in winter (late December)... I have read alot about the drive from Denver to Steamboat but not the other direction to Salt Lake City. Thanks..

If you are considering flying into SLC to ski in Colorado, you really ought to consider Park City. It is really close to the airport, in fact if you fly in early you can ski that same day. Park City is at a lower altitude and has a very western feel to the town. Just a thought.

Good idea.

Only place in the world I got altitude sickness was Breckenridge. Several rented a home and almost everyone had it.

No amount of OTC stuff worked & all went to MD. Took almost all week to get over it too.

Park City is a great option. Nice ski/out lodging at base ski area w/ an ice rink (not town itself but free shuttle to closeby)cute town, great food. Shuttle from Park City airport great and quick.Can get discount lift tickets same day of flight tickets.

Salt Lake City is a LONG way from Steamboat--and in winter, the drive might be daunting. Ski in Utah if you're flying into SLC.
As for altitude sickness, we go to Denver often (and it isn't real high), and then to the mountains. I have been sick in Denver more often than Breck or Keystone or Vail. I think my point is that it can be variable. You MUST MUST drink a LOT of water ALL the time. Our son just hands us a bottle of water when we enter the door!!

Thanks everyone..

Have you looked at a map? 'o)

We have spent the last two Christmas seasons at Breckenridge and love it. I think the big difference is that most of the town of Breckenridge is all togethor & Steamboat is spread out between the town & the mountain. If your condo is on the mountain in Steamboat you will not be in the town. I bet there is transportation but you will have to wait instead of just walking in Breck. We live in Colorado so don't have altitude problems but that may be an issue wherever you go. Please do not overthink this or be alarmed by some of the comments here. Frankly, I am appalled at the negative comments on Breckenridge. There is a lot to do there for nonskiers(as I am) & your kids will love the trolley as mine have since they were toddlers. Breck is a very family oriented place & we have had great times there with our kids over the last 23 years. Many happy memories!

I agree. Breck is a cute little town--enough good food and good shopping for the time.

I agree but PeaceOut is consistent. He/she doesn't like Breckenridge and never misses an opportunity rip on it. But it is just personal opinion. The comment about a mecca for medical injuries is off the wall. Have never heard that. Our family doctor skies there regularly. Eighteen people died last year on Colorado slopes - 0 at Breckenridge, 5 at Keystone. So maybe you should avoid Keystone. Half were on beginning slopes and the other half on expert slopes. Nine were caused by running into trees.

Given that Breckenridge is a hundred plus year old mining town with some of the original buildings still standing - just barely - it is about as authentic as it gets. And I am sure the several thousand local residents living there would be offended to be viewed as non real residents. But that is just my opinion.

I thought someone died at Breck on opening day last year--as at Vail. We were there. VERY sad, but it happens. The one at Vail was an ER doctor!

Steamboat seems more family friendly.

I completely disagree with wannawander's statement about Steamboat being more family friendly and wonder where these comments are coming from. We have been to Breckenridge at least once a year for the last 24 year WITH kids and a few years before without. Has Wannawander been there once? I can't imagine a place more family friendly. With many condos, lodging is great for families. Being a town/ski area all togethor it is very easy to get from lodgings to skiing. Many restaurants are geared for families & I can give you suggestions. For nonskiers, the sledding hill is lots of fun and they have a great rec center. Also, there is a nice cross country skiing center. Shopping is always an option. In Colorado, Breckenridge has a image of completely being for families and many from Texas, the midwest take advantage of this quality. I think wannwander is confused with perhaps Vail or Aspen.

My final decision would be based on the time to get to the two areas. Breckenridge is so much easier.

I just looked at another of wannawanders posts. Apparently she is a single wonman in her 40's, living in Washington DC. She is currently asking for advice on places to move to. So how does she know that Steamboat is more family friendly, has she ever even been to Colorado? I would suggest you take advice from people that have actually been there, many times.

Betsy, I agree with you 100% but since she just signed on this month it looks like she is posting from her dreams and not experience. I would doubt if she has even been close to Colorado. In '68 we spent our first married Christmas in Breckenridge. It didn't leave a favorable impression on my new bride because it was super cold that week. Breckenridge certainly has changed a lot since those days but so has all of the ski areas. The Aspen of today (which we now tend to avoid) is nothing like the Aspen of the late 60s when it was actually affordable.

If OP wants to save money then she should look at Frisco. Those condos north of main street (and the creek) have very pretty locations. That would give a similar set up - location wise - to Steamboat. Remember, OP indicated that skiing was not a top priority.

Frisco is a fun little town also. Our son's inlaws just sold the cabin we usually use near Silverthorne and bought one in Frisco. Looking forward to March!!

We have constantly looked at property in Summit Cty and IF, big IF, we were to purchase anything it probably would be in Frisco just because of the year around location.

My family spent a holiday weekend in Breck a couple of years ago, and really enjoyed it. Friendly, great skiing, and for me (I don't ski), good shopping, cafes, people watching, etc.

Steamboat's "kids ski free" program is definitely a draw for some families. But they're ALL pretty family friendly, including Vail and Aspen (at least if you include Snowmass). All have their pros and cons, and everyone is going to have personal favorites, but you can't go wrong with any of them.

fmpden says, "I agree but PeaceOut is consistent. He/she doesn't like Breckenridge and never misses an opportunity rip on it."

Hmmm. Truth is, fmpden never misses an opportunity to rip on me. Whatever.

Last I checked, this forum is for people to express their own experience and advice.

If you want to follow the crowd, go to Breckenridge and Summit County. Keeps people away from the places we like so much better.

My favorite ski areas are Snowmass and Beaver Creek but I don't recommend them to the exclusions of others. You are welcome to your opinion but what I commented on are comments that are misleading at best if not factual wrong.

I guess it how you define "authentic" but Breckenridge is pretty authentic since it is 41 years older than Steamboat. Breckenridge at a 153 is far more representative of the mining heritage of Colorado and even the skiing heritage. While Steamboat can claim a heritage back to Howelson Hill and a ski jump in 1915. The same Norwegians were jumping off of mining slag hills at the mouth to Ten Mile Canyon (Dillon/Frisco) in 1910. Modern downhill skiing came to Steamboat in 1963 a couple of years after Breckenridge. So suggesting that Steamboat is some how more authentic just shows you don't know your history.

Since I ski nearly about every other week, I do follow the crowd to Breckenridge. Of course that crowd is generally pretty small in the middle of the week. So I don't think it is a negative. But a big reason for small crowds at Steamboat is because is it much harder and longer to get to especially if the weather is marginal.

Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone may remind some of mountain suburban but not Breckenridge with its many old Victorian buildings. And the residents of Breckenridge are just as real as any other Colorado town.

Yes, fmpden, you are the ultimate source of all Colorado information. Your knowledge is superior to all others.

Now tell me how historic are the big box stores in Summit County.
And the outlets in Silverthorne.
And the chain fast food joints everywhere.
And the neighborhoods on the holls with their look-alike suburban-type homes with LAWNS..
And the history of lovely downtown Frisco.

BTW, I said this, "I would choose Steamboat, hands down. Because I don't enjoy Summit County and its over-development and fake 'mountain suburban' feeling. Blech.". Note, I said SUMMIT COUNTY.

Breckenridge is a cute little place, co-mingled with the sprawl of Summit County. It is a shame it has been practically surrounded.

<<<Breckenridge is a cute little place, co-mingled with the sprawl of Summit County. It is a shame it has been practically surrounded.>>>

We went to Breckenridge, stayed in Breckenridge, skied at Breckenridge, ate and shopped in Breckenridge. Except for a drive to Vail one day, we didn't notice the "sprawl of Summit County".