Expert Advice to Get the Most Out of Your Time at Breckenridge Ski Resort
For skiers and snowboarders planning a trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, there’s no better source of insider knowledge than someone who lives and breathes the mountain lifestyle. We recently sat down with Christopher, owner of the local Black Tie Ski & Bike Rentals shop, to get his expert thoughts and advice on making the most of your Breckenridge ski resort experience. As both a former ski instructor and long-time local business owner, Christopher offers a unique perspective that combines technical expertise with genuine local knowledge.
Getting to Know Breckenridge
Breckenridge isn’t just another ski destination—it’s a historic mining town with rich character. “Breckenridge used to be a mining town! You can even take underground tours of the old mines,” Christopher shares enthusiastically. This historical aspect offers visitors a unique experience beyond just skiing, with underground mine tours that reveal the area’s fascinating past.
What sets Summit County apart, according to Christopher, is its sheer size and variety. “Summit County is huge, so it gives you a variety of areas to stay in and places to adventure,” he explains. And while winter draws the crowds, Christopher insists visitors should experience the area in summer at least once. “’I came for the winter and stayed for the summer,’ is a commonly heard saying here.” For those who do visit during the summer, Christopher recommends they rent e-bikes to see the county. “It’s a really fun way to get around town and eliminates the stress of trying to find—or pay for—parking! I love the ride from Breck to the Dillon Amphitheater; they put on a lot of free concerts over the summer and fall.”
Navigating the Mountain Like a Pro
Breckenridge’s five peaks offer terrain for every skill level, making it an ideal destination for mixed-ability groups and families. For first-timers, Christopher draws on his instructor background to recommend Peak 9: “Peak 9 is great for beginners. It has lifts that access mellow, wide terrain that feels like it goes on forever.”
For those seeking more challenge, “Peak 10 has some great options for advanced terrain.” Christopher also suggests exploring Peak 8’s above tree-line terrain. “The upper mountain is all double-blacks in bowls and chutes. Some of it is lift accessible, and a lot of it is ‘hike-to terrain’ for truly adventurous skiers.”
When it comes to avoiding crowds—a common concern during peak season—Christopher has a simple recommendation: “If you don’t mind it, T-Bar often isn’t as crowded as some of the other main lifts.” This chairlift tip alone could save you valuable skiing time during your vacation.
Gear Essentials for Breckenridge Conditions
As a self-described “nerd for gear,” Christopher stays updated on equipment trends through his connections with ski representatives and his deep industry experience. For Breckenridge specifically, he notes the “pretty classic dry mountain climate” and emphasizes that “layers are key and a good base layer gets you very far.”
One common mistake Christopher notices with beginners involves footwear: “Padded socks are a mistake.” He recommends steering away from padded socks so the boot can be as tightly fit to their foot as possible. “No one wants to ruin a ski trip with shin bang!”
Après-Ski: Relaxing Like a Local
After a day on the slopes, Christopher has several favorite spots to unwind: “Brooklyn’s Tavern and Billiards, trivia night at Broken Compass Brewery, or Motherloaded Tavern.” There’s a special connection to Broken Compass—the Black Tie staff formed a trivia team that won the series, resulting in a beer named after them: “Jack’s 5th Concussion, a Double Black IPA.”
For days off the slopes, Summit County offers plenty of options. “Whether it’s downtown Breckenridge, or the neighboring areas, there are lots of restaurants, shops, spas and bars,” Christopher shares. He jokes that Breckenridge might have “the most spas per capita,” estimating about ten in the downtown area alone—perfect for soothing those post-skiing muscles.
The Black Tie Experience
Christopher’s journey from Black Tie customer to owner exemplifies his dedication to exceptional service. Christopher and his brother were Black Tie customers for 13 years before running the Black Tie in Breckenridge. “We were amazed at the level of service. It is a huge joy to be able to consistently ‘wow’ our customers the same way two decades after we first discovered Black Tie. We’re always looking for ways to make the customer experience exceptional.”
His business philosophy prioritizes “Customers first. Then staff, then neighbors. Profits come last,” demonstrating his commitment to both customer experience and employee retention. This approach has earned the shop consistent 5-star Google reviews and created memorable moments for visitors experiencing Black Tie’s personalized service.
Christopher’s rental equipment philosophy ensures quality gear for all customers: “I buy all the gear. We don’t carry anything I’m not excited to ski on myself.” And the service is like nothing else you’ll find. “We get down on our knees to help each customer get their boots on, get everything all dialed-in. We want every skier or boarder to have the best equipment for them.” This attention to detail means visitors can trust they’re getting well-maintained equipment that performs optimally on Breckenridge’s varied terrain.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Breckenridge or returning for another season, Christopher’s insights provide valuable guidance for making the most of this world-class ski destination. From historical attractions to technical skiing tips, this local expert’s advice will help ensure your Breckenridge experience is unforgettable for all the right reasons.
And remember Christopher’s hope for the future of Breckenridge’s après-ski scene: “I hope one day there is an indoor ping pong bar!” Perhaps by your next visit, this wish will have become reality.