Breckenridge attracts more than 1.6 million skiers each year by polishing its offerings with upgrades and added amenities. Even seasoned visitors will find new reasons to stay for a weekend this winter and explore the town.

The new Peak 7 base area represents the first time the mountain has opened a new base area since 1971. Connected to the town and the ski area through the BreckConnect gondola, it will be home to luxury accommodations, a new ski school, new restaurants, and added ticket sales centers. If there is fresh snow, go straight for the T-bar and then head to the Imperial Express Lift (the highest lift in North America). Once at the top, ski along the ridge to your right for hike-to conditions without the hike as you drop into Peak 7 Bowl or Art’s Bowl for fresh tracks.

Known as the Historic District, downtown Breckenridge is filled with many dining options situated among its streets. Hearthstone Restaurant is located in a restored Victorian home that overlooks the mountain and is known for its wild game, fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. A little piece of the Alps can be found at Swiss Haven Restaurant (970-453-6967). Of course, the menu has a variety of authentic cheese fondues (as well as chocolate fondue), but also offers other Swiss dishes like grilled veal bratwurst. The Blue River Bistro offers a cocktail list of more than 50 martinis and live blues and jazz weekly. Breckenridge Brewery has been a local gathering spot with handcrafted beers such as Scotty’s London Brown and Avalanche Ale.

This season marks the opening of Crystal Peak, 45 ski-in/ski-out residences within steps of the BreckConnect gondola. Amenities include a central lounge with a fireplace, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an outdoor plaza with hot tubs. Beaver Run Resort sits at the base of Peak 9 with essential luxuries such as a heated indoor/outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, complimentary ski storage and an in-town shuttle. ResortQuest Breckenridge is an online vacation rental booking service that allows you to search for accommodations by budget, size, location and amenities. Each week, the website posts several special packages and great deals.

Starting in January, the town of Breckenridge kicks off a year-long celebration for its 150th anniversary. Mark your calendars for the Breck150 Retro Ski Weekend on April 4, 2009. The event features a fashion show of ski apparel through the decades and spring skiing in retro garb, and is part of Breckenridge’s annual Spring Massive celebration that includes live concerts, comedy nights, on-mountain competitions and the Massive Brewfest.

Reasons to Shop in Breckenridge:

• Discover a perfect pairing of wine, cheese and chocolates at Ridge Street Wine.

• Play with unique toys such as wooden pull-along alligators and electric racing car tracks at Peek-A-Boo Toys (970-453-4910) even if you’re an adult.

• Explore racks of exclusive women’s outdoor wear, from heavy parkas to fashionable moon boots at Prima Donna (970-547-5113).

• Find antiques like wooden skis and handmade snowshoes for your mountain home at Vintage Snow.

BRECKENRIDGE EXPERIENCES

Most Difficult—Adrenaline-Filled Adventure

Snowkiting

This sport involves attaching a small kite (via a harness) to yourself, strapping into your skis or snowboard and then letting the wind pull you along the frozen landscape. Colorado Kite Force offers lessons ($75 per hour) on Dillon Reservoir and provides all the essential gear.

Intermediate—Memorable with Mild Activity

Guided Night Snowshoe Hikes

Wander into the magical setting of the natural wetlands that surround Breckenridge for a hike lit-up by the glow of the moon. The Breckenridge Nordic Center runs two-hour snowshoe tours ($25) at night that are led by expert guides who provide detailed insight.

Easy—Relax and Enjoy the Scenery

Snow Sculpture Championships

Each year, teams descend on Breckenridge to hand carve 20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful works of art. This year is the 19th anniversary and the event is scheduled for 1/20 to 1/25. See www.townofbreckenridge.com for more details.