Geographically speaking, Breckenridge is a tiny slice of Colorado—it’s just seven miles long and a mere two miles wide. But don’t let its size fool you. This hearty little mountain town packs a punch, and it’s home to some of the best (and most beloved) skiing not only in Summit County but in the entire United States. The energy in this ski town is infectious.
The town itself has been around since the Gold Rush when hopeful miners flocked to Colorado’s high country in hopes of striking it rich. After a day on the slopes, you can belly up to the bar at the Gold Pan Saloon, which has been pouring drinks since 1859.
Breckenridge’s namesake ski area—Breck, as it’s affectionately known—boasts many superlatives. It’s home to the highest chairlift in North America, the Imperial Express, which reaches 12,840 feet above sea level. (On a clear day, you can see three “Fourteeners,” Colorado-speak for peaks over 14,000 feet tall, from the top of the lift.) Breck was also the first resort in the country to allow snowboarding, beginning during its infancy in 1984.
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The ski area encompasses more than 2,900 acres of rideable terrain and receives more than 300 inches of snow annually. Breckenridge averages 300 days of sunshine each year, so the odds are good that you’ll have perfect weather during your visit.
One of the best parts of a ski vacation at Breck is that renting gear is exceptionally convenient, thanks to Epic Mountain Rentals. Operating in shops near the ski area, Epic Mountain Rentals provides top-of-the-line equipment for skiing and snowboarding. It offers Sport, Performance, Demo, and Junior packages that suit specific ability levels. Plus, some shops offer extra amenities like boot storage, overnight storage, and quick access to the ski school. To help you plan the perfect trip to Breck, here’s a rundown of rental services offered at different shops.
<<Get just the right ski or snowboard equipment no matter the snow conditions in Breck.>>
Breck Sports | Village
Breck Sports prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for everything you’ll need to enjoy a day on the slopes. That’s especially true at its Village shop right next to the intersection of South Park Avenue and Village Road. Its location is super convenient because it’s on the bus route, and there are places nearby to eat. The Village shop is also adjacent to the Breckenridge Ski & Ride School.
Epic Mountain Rentals understands that no one likes to schlep their stuff all around the resort. So, Breck Sports Village location’s rentals include boot and shoe storage during the day as well as overnight gear storage. You’ll love the fact that you don’t have to lug your boots back to the condo or hotel room. At some point during your trip, you might realize you’ve forgotten some necessities. It’s no problem because the Village location has apparel and other accessories available for sale.
In Breckenridge, you’ll find rental shops that offer the latest ski and snowboard gear from the best brands.Breck Sports | Beaver Run
Sitting just steps from the Beaver Run SuperChair, Breck Sports’ Beaver Run snowboard shop is the perfect spot to snag your rental board before you head out for the day. If you need a caffeine boost to kickstart your morning, you can grab a cup of coffee right across Village Road. When you’re ready to gear up, Epic Mountain Rentals will give you access to the latest boards from top brands. They have great ski options, too. Once you’re good to go, you can store your shoes at the shop for the day. Because the shop sits at the base of the Beaver Run lift, you’ll be able to reach the slopes quickly. When you’re finished for the day, drop your gear at the Beaver Run shop and take advantage of the free overnight storage option. The Beaver Run location also offers hotel delivery and is on the bus route.
Breck Sports | Peak 8
The Breck Sports Peak 8 rental shop sits at the base of Peak 8 slopeside (on the shuttle route) and provides access to half a dozen chairlifts, including Colorado Superchair and Rocky Mountain Superchair. If you’re a beginner and plan to take lessons—or you want to improve your skills—this is a prime spot because it’s near the ski school. Peak 8 is also pretty convenient because it offers shoe and boot storage during the day, so you don’t have to haul all your stuff around. Maybe best of all, you can take advantage of the shop’s on-snow valet service. They’ll deliver rental gear to you near the slopes and then pick it up when you’re done. That’s a great option if you want to get on and off the mountain as quickly as possible. If you need to head back to Peak 8 at the end of the day to drop off gear or get your boots, you can grab a drink at the nearby TBar or Robbie’s Tavern.
Breck Sports | The Maggie
The Maggie is open seasonally and specializes in all things winter at Breck. One of Breck Sports’ premium locations is right in the heart of the action at the Maggie base area. The Maggie is steps from the QuickSilver SuperChair—not to mention the nearest ski and ride school location. When you need to take a break from skiing or riding, try the delicious lunch fare at Sauce on the Maggie. At the end of the day, take advantage of The Maggie’s overnight storage, and then pick up your gear there the next day. If you need a ride to The Maggie, the shop is within easy reach of the shuttle route.
Epic Mountain Rental experts will ensure that your skiing or snowboarding gear fits properly and suits your abilities.Breck Sports | DoubleTree by Hilton
Do you tend to have cold feet? If so, you should seriously consider renting your equipment at the Breck Sports shop in the DoubleTree by Hilton. This shop rents heated boots, so you never have to suffer cold toes from the hotel to the top of the mountain. Plus, the shop offers day and overnight storage for boots, so you can drop them off when you leave the slopes and not worry about keeping up with them. When you get your gear through this shop, you’ll not only have the option of toasty boots but also top-quality equipment from the best brands. Plus, the shop staff members will ensure that your gear is appropriate for your experience level and fits you correctly.
<<Ask these five questions to make sure you’re on the right skis.>>
Breck Sports | Crystal Peak Lodge
What’s better than ski-in, ski-out lodging? Not much, except maybe having the ability to grab your rental gear just 50 yards from the Independence Chair. In addition to its killer location, the Crystal Peak Lodge offers several other perks. The lodge is close to the nearest ski school and places to grab a bite to eat. Before you hit the slopes, you can stash shoes or boots in the shop and then pick them up when the day is done. Crystal Peak Lodge offers overnight storage, so they’ll keep your ski or snowboard boots until you need them the next day.
Breck Sports | Main Street
Need to get a few other errands done in addition to picking up or dropping off your rental equipment? The Breck Sports Main Street location has you covered. Not only is it sandwiched between the town’s best stores, galleries, and restaurants, but this location is also right on the bus route. So, it’s no problem to finish skiing and hit the town for an afternoon or evening of shopping. And you won’t have to haul big boots as you’re browsing the shops or sitting down for a meal. The Main Street rental shop allows you to store boots during the day and overnight. If you’re just shopping around Main Street Breckenridge, pop into Breck Sports on Main Street for a large selection of apparel coats, gloves, and accessories.
Epic Mountain Gear| Frisco
Located a short 20-minute or so drive from the resort itself, Epic Mountain Gear in Frisco is worth the excursion. It’s retail options are abundant and offer everything you need—from top brands in outerwear and wax for your skis to energizing snacks—for a great day of skiing or riding at Breckenridge. When you rent equipment from Epic Mountain Gear, you’ll find a wide variety of state-of-the-art skis and snowboards for adults and kids.
If you thought this article was informative, you should also read:
Which Ski Rental Package is Right for You?
Your Ski Rental Delivery Service Guide
An Insider’s Guide to Breckenridge Ski Resort: A True Big Mountain Experience
Written by Emma Walker for Matcha in partnership with Epic Mountain Rentals.
Featured image provided by © Vail Resorts
