Village at Breckenridge Resort

Particularly convenient if you have ski-schoolers in tow, the Village at Breckenridge ski-in/ski-out condominium suites are perched at the base of Peak 9 by the Quicksilver Super6, steps from where the brave (and infinitely patient) instructors meet up with their eager newbies. Need rentals? The experts at the onsite Breck Sports will have you fitted and good to go in no time – they know you’re anxious to get out on the slopes. Before you know it, it’ll be last call on lifts, so find one that’ll give you a nice long run down. Then hit Park Avenue Pub in the Village Hotel, order the signature homemade chicken wings, and try to narrow down some finalists from the impressive collection of Colorado craft spirits and unique microbrews. The Maggie nearby is another great option, popular for its massive family-style nachos plates. Drag your aprés-ski-stuffed selves back to get changed for a stop at the indoor/outdoor pool or hot tubs before finally collapsing back at your condo for a super-easy dinner (pizza? frozen lasagna?) and movie night for anyone who can still keep their peepers open.

Located right in the heart of the ski village action, your studio or one- to three-bedroom vacation residence welcomes you back daily after your adventures on the slopes or trails. Wood-burning fireplaces up the cozy quotient, and balconies let you make the most of that invigorating mountain air. Work your culinary magic in the fully equipped kitchen for breakfast and dinner, springing for lunch on the mountain. (Packing lunches always seems like a great idea until the person carrying them wipes out.) The spacious setup is designed to accommodate your whole crew, so everyone gets an actual bed (no floor-crashers this time). And open plan living/dining areas are perfect for facing off across game boards, or tackling your biggest puzzle yet.

The skiing/riding is spectacular, that’s for sure. But the concierge and activities desk is your go-to for other ideas galore. Downtown Main Street is a must, so that part’s non-negotiable. Stroll and browse the Victorian storefronts until something catches your eye. Plan to go all out with a snowmobile trip or horse-drawn sleigh ride – or find a spot to go night-tubing under the lights. If you’re here in the summer, the nearby Breck Summer Fun Park is a hit with thrill-seekers, with its Gold Runner Coaster, Alpine SuperSlide, TenMile Flyer Zipline, Bungee Trampoline and more. Brought your clubs? The 27-hole Breckenridge Golf Club is the world’s only Jack Nicklaus-designed municipal course.