Breckenridge - successful, fun trip
 

We went to Breck Dec. 27-29. Had a wonderful time and here's a bit of feedback.
We landed in Denver and spent a day around Boulder. We did end up staying in Frisco the night before skiing, rather than drive to Breck in the wee hours of the morning. And very glad we did. The roads were snowy and very slow going. We picked up our skis at Breck late that afternoon, then stayed at the BW Lake Dillon Lodge (in Frisco). By going in the night before we were able to figure out where to go w/o rushing around like a bunch of midwestern newbies!!!
The next morning we were back at Breck in about 15 min. Stayed at the Village Hotel. Very small room but adequate for the minimal time we spent in the room. Service was great and the room was clean.

NOTE to self - do not leave ski boots in car overnight. It was -20!!! Hairdryers warmed them up rather quickly! haha!

The all day lessons were very good. In retrospect and contrary to advice of ski school phone reservations, I would have put teen boys in adult lessons since they ended up getting separated based on their slightly different skill levels. Mostly much younger kids (under 12) in the kids lessons. But the lessons were worthwhile anyway. Made great progress...great instructors. Although my son (15) has skied only in midwest, a few times during last few years, and never took a lesson before this, he was skiing successfully on all green, blue and a couple runs on black diamonds! Colo. mts aren't so intimidating after all!!!

Another NOTE to self - be prepared for altitude sickness. I had read a little about it but didn't realize how high Breck is even before getting on a chairlift. In spite of drinking tons of water for a few days prior, after a full day of skiing, AMS kicked in and we were fortunate to discover Urgent care next door to our hotel. Overnight oxygen tank, along with nausea med. worked quickly and teen was back on slopes the next morning.

2nd day with no lesson worked well. Boys felt pretty comfortable on slopes they had been on with instructors the day before. Both were absolutely exhausted at the end of each day! And they are both athletes! I will definitely stay longer next time so the skiers have a day to hang out and rest before skiing again for a couple more days.

I loved loved loved Breckenridge, the town! So beautiful and such friendly, helpful people. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed. Lots of good restaurant choices with good food.
Yes, the prices are outrageous but we were expecting that. Bought bottles of Gatorade for $6 in the cafeteria style restaurant only once then discovered that it is only $2.50 in a machine or in the ski shop.

We were in Boulder the day before Breck. Love that town too! And a great restaurant (relatively new), Shine! Try it next time you are there!

Thanks again for all of your ideas in previous post of mine!!!
Julie

How great that you could do this trip together with your teenagers. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Another note: If you continue to pay for ski trips, your boys will always find time join you--no matter how old they get. And take the trips before they get married. The trips get really expensive when you start adding spouses and children.

<<<Another note: If you continue to pay for ski trips, your boys will always find time join you--no matter how old they get.>>>

This goes for all kinds of travel in our family.

<<<And take the trips before they get married. The trips get really expensive when you start adding spouses and children.>>>

True, but they'll still come! And you'll get to see/spend time with your grandchildren :-)

Linda is SO right. We have never had any trouble getting our kids to travel with us!!
And a last memorable one was to Paris with spouses/fiancee!!

I would love to do this again with my son and/or daughters (daughters have never skied but I told them they'd love it if their first time was in Co. My son would go again in a heartbeat....I'm afraid his high school athletic schedule will start getting in the way. Might need to do some creative scheduling.