Whether you’re hitting freshly groomed runs, jumping off a cornices into fresh powder, or throwing some big air on the jumps, you can bet your bottom dollar you will be hooting and hollering with fun. If planning on skiing this winter in Breckenridge or anywhere Summit County there are definitely a few tricks that can help you get the most out of your ski-cation.
When planning a ski vacation, the phrase early bird gets the worm has never been more appropriate. For best deals on rental equipment and tickets your best bet is to purchase well in advance, not only for best pricing, but availability as well. Ideally the best time to hit the slopes, no matter the time of year, is mid-week. With limited lift lines mid-week is your best bet to go skiing. However, sometimes lift lines just cannot be avoided, though with proper planning they can be minimized. If you get to the mountain early enough you can hit all the popular areas, such as Peak 6 on Breckenridge, before they get too crowded. Speaking of Peak 6, last year Breckenridge acquired Peak 6 and it has become one of the more popular areas of the mountain. Knowing which sections of the mountains get the most crowded and are the most popular are extremely helpful when trying to avoid crowds. For instance, when skiing Keystone’s the Outback and North Peak people typically do not head back there right away, even though that is where some of the best skiing is.
If you head to these more popular places, such as the Outback or Peak 6, early you are sure to get some great turns!
Additionally, another great thing to keep in mind is lunch breaks. Sooner or later, especially with all that snow, you are going to need a bit of a break to warm up and grab lunch. If you can plan a break before or after the big lunch rush at noon, you can beat the crowds and get back to the slopes faster! Another big concern when on your ski-cation is parking! Well if you didn’t opt for a mountain shuttle you may find yourself with a car, which can be difficult especially with minimal parking. 
If you’re driving to and from the various ski resorts you will have to find parking. Fortunately, the majority of the mountains in Summit County have free parking. If skiing Arapahoe Basin the place to park is “the beach.” The infamous “beach,” at A-Basin is truly ski in-ski out parking, but to secure your spot you have to hit the hill early!
Whether you are coming up to Summit County for the holidays or just a little vacation, the motto for a successful tip is “sooner rather than later.” Hit the slopes early for the best runs and to beat the crowds, book your lodging and purchase your lift tickets beforehand for lowest prices, and hit the road early to secure the best parking spots!