Breck’s overall ranking might have dropped a few places from last year, but don’t let that fool you. Readers ranked it higher this year in several key categories: better snow, better grooming and, perhaps most important in days such as these, better value. “Everybody loves Breck,” though some of you listed that as a weakness. “Too crowded on weekends” and “too crowded on Christmas.” Well, duh. For a place this popular, location is key. So we’ll point it out again: Peak 10’s challenging steeps, such as Mustang and Blackhawk remain “almost private runs.” Experts looking to avoid the “yahoos” overrunning Peak 9 should hike to Peak 7’s Y Chutes for some quiet time with the double-blacks. Intermediates seeking something softer will find mellow rides on 7’s lower half. And those not ready for either should look into the improvements to the ski school this season. Complaints about recent hillside construction—and about Peak 8’s confusing base—should also be answered soon.
/ What’s New / Breck’s growth spurt, with One Ski Hill Place at Peak 8’s base (lodging, restaurants, ski school) scheduled to open this spring, and Peak 7’s Grand Lodge and Crystal Peak Lodge, which opened last season.
/ Mandatory Run / Did we mention Peak 10?
/ Local Tip / On powder days, get off the Gondola at Peak 7 and take Independence Chair to access the T-bar.
