Lodging

The resort offers a wide assortment of housing options, everything from fabulous private luxury homes to large hotels to dorm rooms. Many are within steps of a lift or right on the slopes for true ski-in/ski-out lodging. Those in town sit close to where the free bus stops. Early December, January and April-May are the most affordable times. Seasonal specials and last-minute deals can be found on the resort's website.

Breckenridge Central Reservations (877-593-5260) handles much of the resort's lodging, but numerous property management companies can help you find the best property and price for your needs as well. A few are ResortQuest (800-627-3766), Ski Country Resorts & Sports (800-633-8388), and Great Western Lodging (888-333-4535).

Four wonderful, upscale condo lodges are within steps of lifts and/or bus stops. They are Grand Timber Lodge (877-453-4440; $$$$), Valdoro Mountain Lodge (800-436-6780; 453-4880; $$$$), Mountain Thunder Lodge (800-800-7829; $$$$), a Vail Resorts property, and The Hyatt at Main Street Station (800-869-9172; 453-4000; $$$$). Main Street Station, with its open plaza, shops and restaurants, closes the gap between the town and the ski area in one of the best locations on the south end of town.

The Village at Breckenridge (888-346-5754; 453-2000; $$$–$$$$; above right) wraps the Peak 9 base area and sits just below the Quicksilver Super chair. The units are spacious and nicely appointed. Amenities include a health club, heated parking and restaurants. Dog-friendly rooms are available.

Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center (800-525-2253; 453-6000; $$$–$$$$; below left) is a slopeside complex on Peak 9 with restaurants, outdoor hot tubs, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, an indoor miniature golf course and a great game room for kids. As part of a $3.5 million renovation, it opened its first full-service spa in 2007. The Spa at Beaver Run offers a wide variety of treatments, including ones for children, teens and pregnant women.

The Great Divide Lodge (888-346-5754; 453-4500; $$$$) recently remodeled each guestroom, the entire lobby and pool/hot tub area. But they didn't touch one of its best assets—its location, just across the road from the slopes.

The River Mountain Lodge (888-627-3766; 453-4711; $$–$$$$; below right) is a group of studio to four-bedroom suites in the heart of town, a block from Main Street and steps from the free ski bus stop. This is one of the town's most reasonable accommodations.

The Lodge and Spa at Breckenridge (800-736-1607; 453-9300; $$$–$$$$) perches on a cliff at 10,200 feet with a magnificent view of the Breckenridge mountain range. This intimate log inn houses a full-service spa and very good restaurant. They provide a free shuttle to the ski area and are on the bus route.

Distinctive inns have found an instant audience with guests who appreciate the genteel side of Breckenridge. Three such places—specifically built as B&B accommodations—are within walking distance of town, on the ski bus route, wheelchair accessible and enforce no-smoking/no-pets policies.

Hunt Placer Inn (800-472-1430; 453-7573; $$–$$$$) is a B&B off Ski Hill Rd. near Peak 8 named for the gold mining claim on the property. The decor in its eight elegant rooms (all with balconies, three with fireplaces) evokes various times and places in history.

Little Mountain Lodge (800-468-7707; 453-1969; $$$–$$$$) is anything but little. This white-washed log home has an intimate staying-at-a-friend's-home feeling. The innkeepers add nice touches, such as placing a silver tray of coffee and tea at each guestroom door (there are 10) a half-hour before breakfast.

Allaire Timbers Inn (800-624-4904 outside Colorado; 453-7530; $$$–$$$$), a contemporary log inn on the south end, has great views and hospitable hosts. Each of the 10 guestrooms—all named after Colorado mountain passes—have private decks, and two suites come with their own hot tubs and fireplaces for a touch of Rocky Mountain romance.

Several 19th-century homes in town have been converted into charming B&Bs, some of which are: Abbett Placer Inn (S. French St., 888-794-7750; 453-6489; $–$$); Barn on the River (800-795-2975; 453-2975; $$–$$$); Ridge Street Inn (800-452-4680; 453-4680; $$); and Fireside Inn (N. French St., 453-6456; $–$$). The Fireside Inn is also a hostel with gender-segregated dorm rooms for $30–$38 per night, with two sets of bunk beds per room and shared baths.

If you like peace and quiet after a hard day of skiing, you'll love the B&Bs secluded in the pine and aspen forests away from town (you'll need a vehicle). Muggins Gulch Inn (800-275-8304; 453-7414; $$–$$$$) is a post-and-beam home on 161 acres 8 miles from town. Many guests come just for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and playing in the snow around the property. Elegant English-country style defines Colorado Pines Inn (453-3960; $$–$$$), whose Australian-born owner believes "a good mattress and good food are essential" for a bed and breakfast and adds extraordinary hospitality to the mix. One of three guestrooms caters to Fido with its own outside entrance. High Country Lodge (800-497-0097; 453-9843; $$–$$$) is a rustic inn 5 miles from town at 10,000 feet with amazing views of the Continental Divide. With 12 rooms, it specializes in family reunions and groups.

One of Colorado's finest RV resorts is on Tiger Run Road. The five-star Tiger Run RV Resort (800-895-9594) has a beautiful clubhouse with indoor pool and hot tub.

Scores of hotels, inns, motels and B&Bs can be found in Summit County. Many of these lodging options make access to the other Summit County resorts easier and almost all offer a savings over accommodation at the resort itself.

Lodging Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less