Colorado is full of stunning mountain destinations. With so many great places to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which mountain town to make your next vacation destination. The good news is, you really can’t go wrong! All of the luxury resort towns here have great things to offer. The perfect place for you depends on your personal preferences, of course! Two popular Colorado mountain destinations are Snowmass and Breckenridge.
Both towns are well-known for their mountain views and incredible skiing opportunities. They have a variety of runs and lifts to keep you busy, along with great dining, events, and fun activities to make your trip memorable.
So, where should you stay: Snowmass or Breckenridge? Well, 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.
Let’s dive into what each town offers so that you can make the best decision for your trip. Join us as we dive into Snowmass vs. Breckenridge!
Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass is the second-largest ski resort in Colorado, home to the world’s largest mountain terrain, comprising more than 3,000 acres. It’s certainly a prime skiing destination for a reason!
At Snowmass, you’ll find everything you could want from a world-class ski resort. They have runs suitable 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. That’s saying something!
When it comes to the scenic views, you won’t be disappointed. Snowmass has some of Colorado’s tallest, most distinctive peaks visible from upper-mountain areas.
What’s the Ski Scene Like in Snowmass?
Skiing is one of the biggest draws to Snowmass, so you’ll of course need to know about the local scene. Snowmass Mountain has 98 trails totaling 150 miles of skiing and snowboarding. There are also three terrain parks here! Plus, the lifts are super speedy, so you won’t find yourself waiting in constant long lines.
You don’t have to be an expert to have a good time, either. Snowmass Mountain has a ski school onsite for little ones or first-timers, but there are also plenty of more challenging trails, so no one on the trip will get bored.
Snowmass also features the longest ski run in the US (Longshot). Brave it and ski down 5 miles of downhill terrain on the eastern 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
Where are the best places to eat in Snowmass? That’s no easy question. There’s so much to consider!
Want to eat on the mountain? You can do just that at one of the seven on-mountain restaurants. 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!
There are options closer to ground level, too. From elegant dinners to outdoor patio dining, there’s a variety of cuisine for all tastes throughout Snowmass Resort. Explore our favorite Snowmass restaurants to learn more.
Recreation
There’s a mountain (haha, get it?) of things to do in Snowmass. Explore the many shops just outside your stay in Snowmass Village, and check out the town events scheduled all year long. From Snowmass s’mores and ice skating to the torchlight parade and live music in winter and summer, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Breckenridge, Colorado
We can’t lie; Breckenridge is another great option for a winter wonderland vacation. With world-class skiing for all levels of skiers and riders, and 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 five peaks, 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, four terrain parks, and the tallest chairlift in North America, Breckenridge offers fantastic skiing and riding for all skill levels.
Breckenridge is an extremely popular place to ski! That does, however, come with some downsides. Expect to wait in long lift lines and spend significant time traveling between skiing areas. The mountain's front-facing layout makes it difficult to get between runs, 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’s 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. No matter what you’re hungry for, you’ll surely find something to satisfy your 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 provides a casual atmosphere, though options aren’t as plentiful as in the Snowmass area.
Snowmass vs Breckenridge: Which is Better?
Well, there you have it. Clearly, Snowmass and Breckenridge are both incredible vacation destinations in Colorado. You can go skiing at either mountain, explore shopping near either resort, and have delicious food in either area.
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 four mountains for skiing and riding. A vacation in Snowmass also gives you the benefit of exploring neighboring Aspen, Colorado. So, what will your decision be?
Make Snowmass Your Vacation Destination and Book Directly with Frias Properties!
In our humble opinion, Snowmass is the winner here. If you agree and want to start planning your trip to Snowmass, you’re in the right place!
Browse our ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals in Snowmass Village here. 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.