Breckenridge or Copper Mountain or Other??
 

Hello

We are planning a trip to the Breckenridge/Copper Mountain area in early February (Superbowl Weekend) and need some advice. We are relatively inexperience skiers (been a total of 3 times) and will have a couple of children with us this time (ages 6 & 8) who have never skiied. before. Which of these two (or possibly another area) would be recommended where the boys can get some lessons and the adults will not be intimidated by the courses and have plenty of greens and "easy" blues to choose from? We would like an area or resort which also might not be as crowded, if there is such a thing. We plan on being there Thursday-Sunday.

Looking forward to suggestions.

Thanks a lot.

Both Copper Mountain and Breckenridge have easy trails and a ski school.

Breckenridge is a town with shops and restaurants. Copper struck us as more a series of condo developments, without many restaurants.

If you ALL take lessons, you will maximize your total experience, and move your skiing skills forward by light years, EVEN with a lot of nice cruising greens.

Both Breck and Copper offer plenty of greens and easy blues. In that regard it's six of one and a half a dozen of the other. Take your pick.

As far as crowds go......Thursday's are not particularly crowded at either. Friday MAY be a little more crowded than Thursday, but not by much. Saturday will probably be the most crowded at each resort as "day-trip" skiers from the Denver area head up to both resorts on that day. Crowds will be comparable at each resort that day. I skied Breck last Super Bowl Sunday, and despite the fact that the game didn't start until about 4:30 pm local time, it was very uncrowded on the slopes all day long. By noon we were virtually alone on some of the runs (including blues) that we took. It was almost scary to look up the hill and see it as empty as it was.

To specifically address your questions and concerns ------

the boys can get some lessons and the adults will not be intimidated by the courses and have plenty of greens and "easy" blues to choose from.


Copper Mountain would be your best choice. Without question Copper Mt has the best skier separation. As you face the mountain all the green slopes are to the right (west, blues in the middle, and the blacks on the left. One of the few mountains you can ski without worrying about accidentally making a wrong term on being on a slope beyond your ability. Second, it a small resort with a convenient shuttle bus system which means you will not need a car to get the kids to ski school and yourself on the slope from any condo in CM. For a short visit there are enough restaurants to take care of you but if you want a high end restaurant it is ten miles to Frisco and 25 to Vail.

Ski school is located at the west end (Copper Junction) and it is convenient enough that you could easily check on the kids at noon.

Crowds will be about the same for Copper and Breck and Super Bowl weekend is generally light.

Breck is much bigger and more complicated to use just because it is more spread out. Copper is a little easier to access simply because it right off of I-70. For a short, learn to ski week, my strong recommendation would be Copper.

One note of caution -- traffic returning to Denver late Sunday afternoon and evening can be bumper to bumper and very slow for at least 50 miles. So allowing an extra two hours for your return on Sunday would not be unreasonable.

We liked Keystone. They have a children's ski school that is separate from the one for the adults. They may all be that way but we only experienced Keystone. IMO, compared to Breck and Keystone, Copper's amenities seemed limited but that may be what you prefer.

I endorse the advice from fmpden. Very good explanation of Copper Mountain ski facilities and I-70 conditions. I have experienced all three mountains ( Breck,Copper and Keystone) and Copper Mt. is the best fit in regard to your requirements.

I third the advice from fmpden. Copper will also have fewer crowds than Breck. It's more of a locals mountain and less of a destination resort. They have condos and some amenities but it's not a full blown resort town like Breck and others, which keeps crowds down. So it's not where you'd go if nightlife and tons of shopping is most imporant to you, but for your needs, it's perfect. We took a ski trip with a big group of my husbands family--kids, teens, adults--and everyone loved it.

Thanks everyone for all of the comments. Even though we've booked a condo in Breckenridge we may try and check out Copper Mountain as well. Thanks to the poster about the traffic on I-70. Since our flights leave about 3:30 we will probably leave around 12 noon. Should that be sufficient to drop a car off and make our flight?

That doesn't leave much margin. Plan on a solid two hours to DIA and car rental drop. That puts you at the airport check in area around 2 to 2:30. Personally I would leave by 11:00.

I think it's a bit tight especially if you happen to run into any problems on I-70...road accidents, bad weather and/or heavy traffic.

I agree. You should plan to leave earlier. We always leave Breckenridge 4 hours before flight time under normal circumstances. If it is snowing on a Sunday afternoon, allow more time.

Because Breck and Copper have different owners, you'd probably have to buy a one-day pass if you decided to spend a day at Copper. It may make more sense to just ski at Breck, with a multi-day ski package.

I prefer Breck to Copper, even though there is more seperation of the different levels of skiing at Copper. It's easy enough to find the difficult level of runs that you prefer to ski on at Breck.

Hi, am new, just found this thread. We are travelling in Feb to Breck. to introduce our 7-yr old to skiing. THought we'd try two days , at least, at Copper to use their ski school. any feedback would be most appreicated, tips for making this trip a success so that she wants to come back! it will just be the 3 of us. at Tahoe when she was small, they had a parents "share" ticket that we both skiied on for one day, taking turns hanging out at the lodge with the little one, and the other hitting the mountain. Didn't know if there might be something along those lines, so that if she graduates from school to the greens in a day or so, we could take turns on the whole mountain, vs. the bunny slopes, at a reduced price? Doesn't have to be at Copper, we will have a car....

Just committed to renting a condo in Copper in March. As ski virgins, hope all is well. This decision made on the recommendations we received here on Fodors.

Sure hope the temperature is moderated from what it is now!

As the majority has recommended, Copper is your best bet for beginning skiing. It has been awhile since we were in the beginning business. I am sure that the Copper Mt web site will explain the ticket options. Copper has had a reduced ticket that is limited to the green slope out of Union Station. Don't if that is still available. Second, Copper has had a very good beginning skier package that included lessons, lift pass, rentals for about three days as I remember. Again, don't know if still available. Not aware of any type of "shared" ticket. I will poke around and see what I can find for you. Probably will be there is next week so will see if I can find the latest info for beginners.

thanks! do you know anything about coupons that are for BOGO for adults? It seems it would be legit as you actually buy the passes on site, it's just coupons that are on the internet. Also, I started a differnt topic concerning dog sled tours in the area, wondered if anyone had any experience there?

As a former Summit County resident I would suggest Breckenridge and Keystone. Breck, as it is known in the area, is "shallower" and a great place for a family to start skiing. Keystone (which is about 15 to 20 minutes away via Swan Mtn. road in good conditions) is steeper and a good step up. Keystone and Breck are both Vail Resorts and share lift tickets. A full day lift ticket bought at Breck will also work at Keystone and vice versa. The Peaks program is a good idea if you are looking to ski for multiple days and make Colorado an annual trip. You earn points toward free lift tickets and it's free to join. More info on snow.com, the Vail Resorts website. Just be sure to ask whether or not your lessons include lift tickets or not before buying anything! Hope you enjoy the county!

Check to see if you can get a hold of a Gold C book, there are numerous lift ticket discount coupons in it... 12-22$ per ticket discount!

Breck is a great town for restaurants, shopping, etc. Many like skiing Breck, but for me, my favorite is Copper Mountain. You don't have to stay in Copper, you can find plenty of lodging through the area in Copper, Frisco, Breck, Dillon, and Silverthorne. Check out condo options at VRBO.com You can also go to ebay.com to find coupons discount skiing at Copper Mountain.

I forgot to add, Keystone ski area is fantastic for famlies. The great thing about this area is you can ski a different resort each day. Do check out Keystone, it's a big mountain, and all about families.

Your time for getting to the airport is not nearly enough!! You should be checking your luggage in not less than 2 hours before your flight. THEN there is security. At any given time in the Denver airport, that maze can be packed--you absolutely never know. Go straight to security, and do any shopping you are doing--or eating on the other side of it.
Traffic could be bad, even early on that Sunday. Or weather, but you will know about that when it happens.

TTT because we got a great deal so we're going to Breckenridge for 4 days in March. (Staying at the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 -- a timeshare exchange).

I don't ski often and may not ski at all. DH and DD are good intermediate skiers. Assuming they will ski at Breckenridge (this is a Wednesday-Friday in mid-March), and noting that fmpden says its a little less "user friendly" because it's so spread out, could those who know the area give us a little advice -- where should they ski (which of the four peaks?), where to get lift ticket discounts (if there are any). They're probably going to rent equipment -- anyplace in particular that they should do that?

Second, we'd love some restaurant recommendations - 3 nights worth! We like a good friendly pub with good food, in general, we just like good food at places that won't break the bank. "nouveau" American, traditional American, southwestern, Mexican (if it's particularly good), Indian, Thai, Italian, all good. No Japanese. We love "local" and "funky".

Also need to know where the good local coffee houses are, since I will likely be nursing a latte and reading a book!

Lastly, our flight leaves for home from DIA at 6 p.m. on Saturday. What time do we have to leave Breck? (In SF, we would typically arrive at the airport about 1-1/2 to 1-1/4 before out flight). We will NOT be checking bags unless we decide to bring our equipment.

Thanks much!

I don't know what airline you are flying but remember the charge for luggage now--including boot bags and skis!! I'd guess everyone but Southwest is charging.
I fly in and out of Denver several times a year and it is just about impossible to predict what the security maze will look like. I might guess that at that time it will be pretty light so two hours might be plenty. But are you renting a car? More time there.

<<<I'd guess everyone but Southwest is charging.>>>

And we're flying Southwest (we knew about the charge, or non-charge)!

Yes, we're renting a car, so we'll add time for that.

You might ask the Grand Lodge if they have ski rentals on site. Many lodges do. If they don't, go to Blue River Sports on Park Ave. They offer a discount if you make reservations online at least 2 weeks in advance. We and our guests have used them for years. They are very friendly and service oriented.

Starbucks is located on Main St as well as Clint's - a bakery and coffee spot. My favorite 'white tablecloth' restaurant is the Hearthstone on Ridge St in a charming Victorian house. Giampetro's is a very casual, inexpensive and small Italian restaurant. Empire Burger has the best burgers in town, and Blue River Bistro is a nice mid-price restaurant.

As for skiing, the mountains are all inter-connected with trails so they can try them all. Peak 7 tends to be crowded in the mornings as the gondola from the parking lots drops everyone off there. Peak 10 is for solid intermediate/advanced skiers,, but the other peaks have a trails that are a variety of levels.

We always leave 4 hours prior to departure time and have never had a problem even with minor traffic or weather delays. If there is a big snowstorm though I would allow extra time.

If you want to avoid the chains, for coffeehouses there's the Crown, like most everything else, located on Main St. They also have light food items (their cheese plate is good) and desserts. Couches, games and puzzles on shelves. Greta's, also, but I haven't been there in a long time.

Clint's has great baked goods, but the space is quite small, so not as good a place as the Crown for hanging out. Also, I've had issues with some of their staff having an attitude, so I'll go there for croissants, but not to hang out.

There's some ethnic food in Breck, but not a lot. Haven't been to the Chinese place since I got food poisoning from there. I really like My Thai, and it is a funky local's place. Mi Casa has decent Mexican/Tex-Mex, great corn chowder, and a good bar scene. I like all the Japanese places, but you're not into that. Fiesta jalisco is more authentic Mexican, but the ambiance is not great (though the service is very fast). A new place, a little nicer, is Ember. Run by the sous chef of the previous restaurant at that space. I've never really liked the Hearthstone. It's very cute and pretty, but I've found the food to be blah.

Breckgal might have meant that Peak 8 tends to be crowded. You can also access Peak 7 from the gondola, but it's not as crowded there as Peak 8. I would guess your skiiers would enjoy sking off Peak 7, 8 or 9. Peak 7 features primarily rolling blue runs. And, as mentioned, the various peaks are all connected to each other with lifts and trails.

Don't know if Breckgal refers to someone from Breckenridge or the hair products. Lets clear up some points. There are four skiing areas or mountains if you like at Breck going from 7 at the north end to 8 and 9 in the middle and 10 at the south end. All are side by side and interconnected. It is slightly easier to move from 10 to 7 than the reverse. Peak 8 is the original base for Breck with 9 the second on much larger base. There are access point for 9 -- Beaver Run up on the hill and the base at the south end of town. Both 8 and 9 have a mix of green to black with 9 offering the most options. 10 is high mountain with all expert runs. The runs under the chair and to the right of the chair going down are generally groomed and make for fast, steep runs. The runs further to the right can be very bumpy depending on conditions.

Peak 7 is a new area opened a few years ago and now has a new base development under construction. It is designed to be a rolling terrain (sometime referred to as glade skiing) and carries an intermediate (blue) rating but IMO it is a very easy blue so not let those blue mislead you. The blues on the other part of the mountain are more difficult.

Peak 7 and your time share is a little isolated from the rest of Break. You are not within walking distance of anything. Assume that the local bus services that location but you are a couple miles from the downtown area. Unfortunately using you car is not recommended during the day because of parking problems. However, in the evening the big paid parking lots are free and available. Peak 7 is a good place to started the day because it will be less crowded than 8 as mentioned earlier.

However, mid March is the height of Spring Ski so it will be crowded everywhere. Second the traffic returning to Denver on weekend will be EXTREMELY heavy and SLOW. I would plan on leaving Breck around noon on Saturday to stay ahead of the traffic built up.

Thanks all.

fmpden, thank you for the details you gave about the skiing. As for the timeshare, I know it's isolated, BUT, there's both a gondola and a shuttle bus into town from the condo-- I don't plan to drive, at least during the day.

Again, thank you.

The gondola goes to the center of the large public parking lots which puts you several blocks from the center of downtown. I am sure the local public bus picks up there but it would be inconvenient. I assume the shuttle bus would be a better option.

Just wondering - what is the significance of the peak numbers? Where are peaks 1-6?

The mountain range that Breckenridge ski resort is located on is called the Ten-Mile Range. It's not exactly ten miles long, as I've heard, but close. Peak 1 is close to Frisco, and it's possible to climb/hike to the top of it. Peaks 2 - 6 run south from there, and the ski resort is on portions of Peaks 7 - 10. Not very imaginative names, but they do pre-date the ski resort.

Got to call them something. Dates back to the early mining days and maps. Frisco was the hub of the mining activity so it was natural to start there.

Question about preparing for the altitude. Everything I've read says to drink a ton of water, and eat a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Does this mean while you're there, or before you go, and if before you go, how far in advance of the trip?

Also, I read about a drug you can take -- Diamox (Acetazolamide). Has anyone taken it? Does it do any good? How far in advance of the trip do you need to take it?

I've never suffered from altitude sickness before, but then, I don't know that I've ever been that high before (except once over the Loveland Pass, is it that high?).

Keep in mind that most people don't have altitude sickness. Most people do notice that you get short of breath more easily.

I would say that the drink lots of water advice applies to while you're at altitude. I haven't heard the carbs/fat thing (which doesn't mean that it's not true). Part of the water suggestion is that it's quite dry here, and quite sunny, so it's easy to get dehydrated.

Sometimes people take diamox prophylactically; to obtain any effects, I believe you need to start taking it a few days before you arrive. But really, I wouldn't bother unless you've had problems in the past.

Cause and prevention of altitude sickness is poorly understood. You could go to altitude four times and be really effected the fifth time. A lot depends on your personal health and activities. The problem is that you do not have enough red corpuscles to carry the oxygen The reduced atmospheric air pressure reduces the efficiency of your lung function. So if you have anything that compromises your lungs - cold, allergies, etc., - you have the potential for more problems. The average healthy person should not have an SERIOUS problem. But altitude sickness should not be taken light because it can kill you - not likely but possible. You adjust about a 1000 feet per day. We who live at altitude have about 20 percent more red corpuscles that flat landers.

The common advice is drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol while here. Never heard anything about carbs/fats and do not see how that would affect anything. Reason for the water is to keep you blood functioning well. A slight headache is not uncommon the first day or so. Have no idea what diamox would do for you but check with your doctor.

Diamox is a prescription medication. It needs to be started several days before you go. There are potential side effect, such as kidney stones, so if you haven't had a problem in the past, better to do without.

The water and carbs are while you're at altitude.

Everyone, thanks. We'll do without the Diamox due to the potential side effects, and will just keep hydrated and eat pasta while we're there!