Breckenridge, USA - Colorado

Lisa Neale from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Just come back from Breckenridge for the first time and can say without a doubt one of the best skiing holidays I have ever had and will ever go on. Okay so the Americans are a little over the top and get excited about the smallest of things. However the snow was amazing, the teaching from the ski school fantastic and general ambiance of the resort out of this world.
Runs were lovely and wide, I skiied mostly on peak 7,8 and a little on 9. I started off an advanced beginner and can now manage most blues. The ski school were lovely and friendly, my teacher was 79 years old!!
The snow was good for April, and only had 2 not so nice days out of 9. Can be very hot due to the high elevation, so wear plently on sun block.
Altitude sickness was not too bad, but everybody in out party suffered some form. It was mainly getting out of breath after walking up a flight of stairs or insomnia for the first few days.
Only concern is that ski companies don't tell you that all the resorts start to shut from even the first weekend in April. Cooper mountain started to shut around the beginning of April when I was out there. Although this does not mean complete closure, I do feel that we should be given the choice if we want to go to a resort that will partially close.
Nightlife was good. We all liked the Irish bar, they had an outside fire pit which was an excellent way to make new friends!!
Accommodation wise, do be careful as to where you pick. Stayed at the Pine Ridge Condos which backed onto the 4 o'clock run home- some hotels/apartments are some time away from ski lifts and runs back. However there is a good bus service that runs around the resort.
Food wise, use the gourment cabbie (what a fantastic idea) they will deliver anything food related (I think maybe even oxygen) to your place. Pick up their menu and choose from all the restaurents. The Blue River Bistro is lovely and the rest do the typical American food.

2006-04-16