Ski season is fast approaching the mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado, meaning it’s time to begin making plans for your annual winter trip. With snow already falling and town events dotting the calendar, there’s no better time to prepare for your Breckenridge vacation than the present. So, just what should be on your agenda?

Sick Grab!
Confirm Breckenridge lodging: The premier terrain at the Breckenridge Ski Resort is certainly no secret. And, when combined with town attractions and Main Street’s charm, Breckenridge has quickly become the place to take a ski vacation. Therefore, it’s important to make your lodging plans early. From discount lodging options to more upscale vacation home choices, Breckenridge certainly offers variety in accommodations. Still, the early bird does get the worm in Breck, so plan and book early to ensure your vacation accommodations are exactly what you imagine.
Select, and purchase, lift tickets: Let’s face it: lift tickets take a chunk out of your vacation budget. But, with some early planning, there is plenty of savings to be found at the Breckenridge Ski Resort. If you’re planning a longer vacation, you won’t find a better deal than what’s offered with the Epic Pass. With access to six of Colorado’s best ski mountains – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, and Arapahoe Basin – this pass allows skiers to access a variety of terrain (all close to Breckenridge) with no blackout dates or restrictions. The total cost is $599, which gives you your money’s worth if you use this pass at least six times. Now, for those who will only be skiing one or two days, there are still deals to be found if you act early. Shop online, compare prices, and look into bundling your lift tickets with your lodging or equipment rental. By combining costs, you’ll often find savings.
Gear up: Now is a good time to search online for equipment rentals if you don’t own your own gear. By confirming rentals now, you’ll avoid long lines at the rental shop and you can likely find discounted prices. Don’t feel limited to the Ski Resort rental shop for your equipment. Call local shops in Breckenridge and ask about discounts and promotions, or search online for private parties who rent equipment. You might even ask neighbors or friends if they have equipment you can travel with. And, finally, if you’re in the market to buy your own gear, shop now for early savings. Waiting until the height of ski season to make purchases will almost guarantee you’ll pay top dollar for equipment.
Condition your body: Skiing just cannot be compared to any other sport, which is why you plan your yearly trip to Breckenridge, right? But, along with the excitement and exhilaration of the sport comes muscle use that’s likely been out of commission for the spring, summer, and fall. Because skiing relies on lateral movements much more than the “one step in front of the other” pattern used for walking or running, it’s important to get your legs and feet back in condition to make this lateral change. Try short, side-to-side, jumps (perhaps over a stack of books or another prop). You might integrate lunges in between jumps to work your glutes, and work on your balance and posture simultaneously. Speaking of balance, work yoga sessions into your weekly routines. And, incorporate strength-training exercises by adding sit-ups and arm, leg, and shoulder weight routines into the mix.
There is no doubt that you’ve made the right decision by planning your winter ski vacation in Breckenridge. By searching for Breckenridge lodging early and purchasing your lift tickets before you get to town, you’ll have the comfort and assurance that your trip will be stress-free. Add in plans for equipment rental with a routine for ski conditioning, and you’ll be in tip-top shape to attack the slopes.