Where to buy: Breck, Copper or Keystone? (Arvada, Vail: ski resort, spring break)

[sjst1000]

Hi All!

We are still interested in buying a mountain property for our family of four to enjoy (and possibly rent out if need be), and I'm looking for input: which of these areas would get your vote, and why?

We're probably looking for a condo, as close to ski in/ski out as we can afford. The aspects that are important to us are:

- family-friendly atmosphere
- a mountain that provides good conditions and a good ski school
- an area that offers year-round interest for the kids (maybe a pool in the complex, bike trails, etc.)
- an area that will be a good investment, and will rent easily if we need it to
- also, the least painful drive from Arvada possible, given the other parameters

We tend to go to Keystone for ski vacations, and I gravitate toward that resort out of familiarity. However, I've read some less-than-complimentary comments about Keystone (skiing conditions, overly crowded, etc.) while researching on this forum, so I thought I'd ask for feedback.

Thanks so much in advance for any advice!

[Neditate]

We bought at Copper a few years ago because that's where we ski and it's still affordable. Our condo is a short walk from the Super Bee lift. I think it offers everything you are looking for. Breckenridge real estate is too expensive and although we love the town, we don't like to ski there (too crowded and don't like the layout of the mtn). I can't comment on Keystone because I haven't skied there in many years. You know more about it than me

[sjst1000]

Thank you for the feedback! Do you have kids? If so, what do they seem to enjoy about the area? Also, are there certain condos that are more desirable than others?
Thanks again!!!

[Fuzz]

I'd say Breck, mainly because there's a proper town with year-round activities. Keystone and Copper are both pretty dead in the summer in comparison. Whether it's restaurants, shops, outdoor festivals, biking, hiking, Breck wins.

However, as Neditate pointed, Breck is also the most expensive.

Skiing-wise: they're all good, if you know where to go.

Keystone can be boring/crowded if you stick to the cut trails; if you're willing to hike the bowls, you can find good stuff. The advantage is you're really close to A-Basin if you want variety (just hop on the 10-minute free shuttle bus).

Breck can be hard/confusing to navigate, but has some great terrain at the top (Whales Tail into Y-Chutes being one of my favorites). Downside is that it can get incredibly windy and the upper lifts can be shut down (it's also known as Breckenfridge).

Copper has some good areas too, but the groomers can get seriously crowded (as much as at Keystone). And for the most part, I've found Copper's off-piste to be a bit on the short-side (not talking bumps).

YMMV.

[sunsprit]

I'm with Fuzz on this one ... Breck wins by a landslide.

There's simply more to do year 'round there then the other places.

[Neditate]

Originally Posted by sjst1000

Thank you for the feedback! Do you have kids? If so, what do they seem to enjoy about the area? Also, are there certain condos that are more desirable than others?
Thanks again!!!

We don't have kids, but we've taken our nephews when they visit us in the summer. Copper is quiet in the summer months but there's plenty of stuff to do. There is a go-kart track, mini-golf, climbing wall, one of those trampoline bungee things, a lake where you can rent bumper boats and paddle boats. The kids like to ride the lift up and hike down the mountain, and ride mountain bikes down. There's a recreation center that has a pool. There is also horseback riding. We like the fact that Frisco is only a 7 minute drive or a free shuttle ride away for more dining options. Seems like almost every weekend there is some sort of festival happening there. Last weekend we went to a free concert right on Main Street.

I haven't been there during ski season with any of the kids yet. We'll be taking our 10 year old nephew next spring break to snowboard. He just learned this year at Eldora and he's ready to step up.

If you go to the Copper Mountain website you can see the layout of the resort: Copper Mountain Ski Resort Village Maps
Center Village is where the "action" is (restaurants, bars, shops, etc). The American Flyer and American Eagle lifts are there. I'd say that the condos located at/near Center Village are more "desirable" and also more expensive; Mill Club, Copper One, Tucker Mountain, Taylor's Crossing.

[sumgai187]

I like Keystone. Of the three, it's probably my favorite place in summer. It just seems quaint and quieter during the summer, yet they still have a lot of activities (Blues & Brews, Wine festival, etc.) The fact that it's close and not right on I-70 is also nice. Can't really explain it, but I prefer it more to Breckenridge in Summer. Obviously, you guys must like it a lot too if you vacation there often.

As for Winter, I do the Colorado Pass so I don't get to Copper much anymore and can't comment. I switch back and forth to which I prefer in Breckenridge vs. Keystone. That new lift at Breckenridge opens up some great terrain like Fuzz mentioned. That whale's tale area is fantastic. So these days I think I prefer Breckenridge, but maybe just barely. I always seem to find tree areas etc. at Keystone that I haven't skied before. If you hike or search around, Keystone seems to offer some great hidden areas. I always hear Keystone gets less snow than everyone else though. In my opinion, they are both crowded. One advantage that Keystone has for you guys is that night skiing. You could leave Arvada after work on Friday and still get some turns in that night. Or leave late on a Saturday morning and still get a full day in... sleep in and get a full day in Sunday... Granted, night skiing can be really frigid, but it's fantastic in Spring when they push the clocks forward and there is still a lot of daylight. Overall, I'd lean towards Keystone. Drive over to Breckenridge and Vail when you need your fix of those. It'll be interesting to see how these three resorts try to expand terrain over the next few years.

[sjst1000]

Thank you all so much for your input and ideas! Of the four of us, three are beginning/intermediate skiers, and my husband is a little more advanced, but stays on trails. The last couple of times we skied Keystone, I found that there were lots of icy areas, and as a beginner I found that there were quite a few kids on skis/boards whizzing by close enough to scare the pants off of me. But maybe it's that way everywhere?

[FoRuMRideR420]

i noticed keystone having icy areas too but that was at night everytime i went there.....all are good places and mountains but i stick with loveland because i <3 loveland haha

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by sjst1000

Of the four of us, three are beginning/intermediate skiers, and my husband is a little more advanced, but stays on trails.

Given your levels, I'd recommend Breck.

Sounds like you'll be staying mostly on the groomed, and Keystone's groomers can get dangerously crowded and icy. Keystone is great if you like trees, bumps, or some exploration/hiking, but I'm thinking you're probably not there yet?

Copper's blues (especially off Center Village) also get really crowded and icy. Another thing about Copper is that the mountain is naturally divided so that most of the greens are on one side, the blues are together, and the blacks are together (for the most part) -- so if you have varying abilities, it can be tricky skiing together because your desired terrains will be at different places on the mountain.

Breck spreads out the crowds (on the trails) better IMHO. If you stay off the major green/blue runs on Peak 9, you can find a lot of room usually.