Snowmass and Breckenridge are well-known for their mountain views and amazing alpine atmosphere; both are great ski vacation destinations. Each has a variety of runs and lifts to keep you busy, along with great dining, events, and fun activities to make your trip memorable.
Frias Properties is based in Aspen Snowmass, so we are admittedly biased in our love of Snowmass. We think the area is hard to beat as a quintessential Colorado destination, but we also appreciate Breckenridge as a resort town and admire its variety of attractions.
Snowmass, Colorado
As the second largest ski resort in Colorado, Snowmass remains one of the premier winter resorts worldwide. Home to the world’s largest mountain terrain comprising more than 3,000 acres, Snowmass is a prime ski destination for a reason.
Snowmass offers nearly everything one could want from a world-class ski resort, with diverse terrain for all skill levels, fast lifts, and the longest lift-served vertical drop in the state. In 2023, Conde Nast Readers voted Snowmass as the number one ski resort in the US.
Snowmass also offers a striking footprint with some of Colorado’s tallest, most distinctive peaks visible from upper-mountain areas.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Snowmass
Snowmass is covered with perfect Colorado powder and massive enough to offer up every type of terrain from serene to extreme. Snowmass features 98 trails totaling 150 miles of skiing and riding with cruisers, cliff bands, three terrain parks, and pipe, all accessible via twenty speedy lifts that rarely have lift lines.
Snowmass offers a classic Colorado skiing and snowboarding experience with a local vibe, expert instructors, and a renowned ski school, making it great for beginners and families. It is also heaven for intermediates, with some great terrain for experts. Snowmass also features the longest run in the US - Longshot - with 5 miles of downhill terrain on the easter side of the mountain.
With nearly 95% of lodging in Snowmass being ski-in/ski-out, getting to the mountain is a breeze, which means more time in your day for skiing and riding.
Dining in Snowmass
Seven on-mountain restaurants offer places to grab a bite and rest your feet after tackling long trails with some of the best steeps, cliffs, backcountry, terrain parks, and powder in the country. Snowmass offers top-notch restaurants throughout the resort with options for nearly everyone. From elegant to outdoor patio dining, there’s a variety of cuisine for all tastes. Explore our favorite Snowmass restaurants to learn more.
Recreation
With a mountain of things to do, Snowmass offers a variety of experiences for visitors and locals alike. Plenty of shops exist just outside your stay in Snowmass Village, and the town has events scheduled all year long. From Snowmass s’mores and ice skating to the torchlight parade and live music in winter and summer, Snowmass is a haven of entertainment.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Another true winter wonderland, Breckenridge is another of Colorado’s celebrated ski resorts. Offering world-class skiing for all levels of skiers and riders to great nightlife, lodging, and dining, Breck is a blend of everything you’d want for a fun ski vacation.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Breckenridge
With 5 peaks, 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, 4 terrain parks, and the tallest chairlift in North America, Breckenridge offers amazing skiing and riding for all skill levels. Breckenridge’s great terrain and unique character make for a stand-out experience.
Breckenridge is incredibly popular amongst the skiing community, which comes with some downsides. Lengthy wait times are typical, and high-alpine areas are susceptible to wind and variable conditions, which can increase the pressure in lower terrain zones. While Breck offers lots of terrain, the front-facing layout makes it difficult to get between mountain areas, which can mean an exhausting time getting around and less time getting in those turns.
Dining in Breckenrdige
Breckenridge offers a range of dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and apres. From fine dining to local specialties, there is a mix of restaurants to grab a bite at any time of the day. Downstairs at Eric’s is a local favorite for solid bar food, while BoLD offers fantastic Mediterranean cuisine with a fun happy hour. There’s a mix of everything here, with something for nearly every palate.
Recreation
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, Breck still offers plenty to do. Shopping, hiking, and town events will keep you busy while you enjoy the alpine scenery. Breck offers a casual atmosphere, though options aren’t as plentiful as the Snowmass area.
Snowmass vs Breckenridge
As we’ve discussed, Snowmass and Breckenridge offer visitors amazing skiing and recreational opportunities. Breckenridge has a great laid-back vibe but tends to be busier with crowds and has fewer acres for skiing. Snowmass offers fewer crowds, shorter lift lines and waits, and the advantage of access to all 4 mountains for skiing and riding. A vacation in Snowmass also gives you the benefit of exploring neighboring Aspen, Colorado.
Make Snowmass Your Vacation Destination
Start planning your trip to Snowmass by browsing our skin-in, ski-out vacation rentals in Snowmass Village. Guests of Frias Properties receive complimentary Aspen airport transfers, health club access, front desk check-in, housekeeping, 24/7 maintenance and support, and concierge services to help with restaurant recommendations and reservations during your stay.
Contact our Reservation Team at (970) 920-2010 to book your stay or ask for more information.