First-Timer’s Guide to Skiing Breckenridge

Breckenridge Ski Resort operates several paid lots, and you pay with the Breck Park app or at an onsite kiosk. The South Gondola Parking Structure, North Gondola Lot and Gold Rush Lot are in town near the BreckConnect Gondola, with gondola access to Peaks 7 and 8 and bus access to Peak 9. The Beaver Run Lot is slopeside at Peak 9, and the Stables Lot is a short walk from Peaks 7 and 8.

Spaces are first come, first served, but you can reserve a spot ahead of time at breckpark.com. For free parking, try the Ice Rink Lot just outside downtown or the McCain Dr. Lot (winter only) near the town entrance, both served by free buses. Overnight parking is not allowed in resort lots, and rates change, so check breckpark.com before you go.

The Breck Free Ride bus is free and runs throughout town and to the resort base areas year-round, from early morning until late evening. Schedules and live tracking are available at breckfreeride.com.

The BreckConnect Gondola runs from the gondola lots in town up to Peak 7 and Peak 8, so you can leave the car parked and ride up to the slopes. Many visitors staying downtown never need to drive to the mountain at all.

Kids’ lessons meet at the Grand Colorado Children’s Facility at the top of the BreckConnect Gondola on Peak 8, the Village Children’s Facility next to Maggie Pond at the base of Peak 9, or the Beaver Run Children’s Facility at Peak 9.

Adult group lessons meet at the Grand Colorado Plaza on Peak 8, at the Village ski school ticket office at the base of the Quicksilver SuperChair on Peak 9, or across from the Beaver Run chair maze. Your lesson confirmation email will list your meeting spot. Plan to check in at least 30 minutes before your lesson.

If your lesson meets at Peak 9, Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge Breckenridge Ski Rentals is also on Maggie Pond, a short walk from the Quicksilver SuperChair and the Village Children’s Facility. Main Street Station Breckenridge Ski Rentals on the south end of Main Street is another easy option if you are staying downtown.

If your lesson meets at Peak 8, BlueSky Breckenridge Ski Rentals is steps from the Snowflake Lift, which carries skiers and riders toward Peak 8. You can also ride the BreckConnect Gondola from town.

Breckenridge Ski and Ride School recommends picking up rental equipment the day before your lesson, and arriving about an hour early if you pick up the same morning.

Charter Sports lets you pick up your equipment the afternoon before your first ski day, so you can skip the morning rush, get fitted without feeling hurried, and head straight to your lesson. Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge Breckenridge Ski Rentals also offers complimentary overnight ski, snowboard and boot storage.

Performance ski and snowboard packages are designed for beginner to intermediate skiers and riders and are a great fit for first lessons. They are $55.30 per day with boots when you book online.

Junior ski and snowboard packages for kids 12 and under are $35 per day online, and helmets can be added for $12.60 per day online. Book at least 24 hours in advance to get the online discount.