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 Weather
Be it January or June, one thing is guaranteed in Breckenridge, either it will be snowing or it will be breathtakingly clear with endless blue skies and sunshine. Indeed, the weather is hard to predict in the High Country but the key seems to be the number 300…that’s the average number of inches of snow the resort receives annually as well as the number of sunny, blue sky days! And it is not uncommon to experience both of those extremes in a singly day as the weather can change in an instant, so be prepared for anything!!!
Breckenridge is blessed with a very mild, arid climate that produces wonderfully dry and fluffy champagne powder during the winter months. Summertime is magnificent in the mountains where air conditioning is a rarity as the daytime temperatures average 75 and the nights are a crisp 40-45 degrees. The snow begins to cover the slopes in September and does not let up until mid-May, with the months of February, March, and April offering the heaviest average snowfalls.
 Altitude
Colorado’s High Country ranges between 8,000 to over 14,000 feet above sea level…the base of Breckenridge is situated at 9,600 feet above sea level and tops out at over 13,000 feet! The high altitude allows for the wonderful climate and abundant snowfall, but can take its toll on visitors to the area. Since the positives of being in the High Country far outweigh the negatives, care should be taken by all to ensure that your ski vacation is spent on the mountain and not in the doctor’s office. Negative effects can range from a mild headache to full blown altitude sickness with more typical symptoms being flu-like with some nausea. There is no way to tell who will be effected by the altitude and to what extent; symptoms usually go away after a day or two but there are some very rare cases where leaving the area and going to a lower altitude is required.
Below are some tips that should help to make your stay in Breckenridge more enjoyable:
- Everyone can and will be effected by the altitude to a certain extent
- Hydrate! Drink as much water as you can…and then drink some more. Start prior to traveling and drink water heavily throughout your vacation.
- Do not drink alcohol. O.k., you can drink alcohol if you want, but take it easy. A drink at high altitude will have three times the effect as at sea level. The ill effects on your system will be greatly increased!
- Take it easy your first day or two and try to get as much sleep as possible.
- There is less oxygen in the air so your heart and lungs have to work harder and you will feel the effects of things like walking up stairs much more.
- Eat high carbohydrate foods, bring energy bars and water with you on the mountain.
- Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply it often, the sun is 40% stronger than at sea level and you will burn quickly.
- Moderation is the key to an enjoyable ski vacation in the mountains.
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