Breckenridge/Vail Late January
 

I first decided on Breck but I just can't shake the urge to take a peek at Vail.
Going with about 20 peeps. From beginners to guys that'll go down anything. I'm leaning Breck, but wondering if there is anyone who says we must do Vail.

Crowds are crowds, we understand we'll have to deal with it. We'll gravitate towards the areas with less crowds. I've done searches and searches but still can't decide.

We are doing Loveland first.

Fuck Breck go to Vail.

I've seen you say that quite a bit. I know you've said you stick around because of the park. But is it that bad? :laugh:

If so, I wonder how the nightlife and cabin rental will be.

Vail will be a lot less crowded than Breck. The only spot on the mountain itself that sees crowds is Mid Vail. Which is central point mid mountain. The rest of it is a breeze. Vail village though super touristy, has it's charms.

Both places have plenty to do at night. Especially if drinking is your thing...

Last year we stayed in Breck--awesome little town. The second day we were there, we drove to Vail, and proceeded to spend the remaining 4 days at Vail.

Breck is fun, but Vail is insane. HUGE. You could spend a season or 5 there and not see everything.

Definitely go with Vail. The size of the mountain, variety of terrain, and overall WOW factor all blow away what Breck has to offer, IMHO.

I will say that Vail is huge. It's large, but variety of terrain isn't so much it's strong point. The saying is "same 'ol blue Vail" and it's pretty true. It's not a very steep mountain. Fun? Yes. A huge variety of terrain? Not really. Breck has much steeper and more challenging lines than Vail does. At least in bounds.

Maybe variety is an over enthusiastic response. I'll give you that.

Just huge, large, open expanses. There are some steeps if you are looking for them as well. Blue Sky is tree heaven. I can just say this--I had a lot more fun at Vail than at Breck. We rode the front and back of the main peak at Breck on a very windy day (see: Breckenfridge), and it was not fun.

Vail seemed to be a little more protected--could have just been that we got nicer weather though.

Vail is better than Breck on super cold windy days. No doubt. Overall all though Breck has a greater variety of terrain than Vail. Even though it's smaller.

We go wk 4 in January every year and stay at Beaver Creek but normally spend a day or 2 at Vail depending on conditions. Don't let crowds be a factor for you because during the week the crowds are not bad compared to other times of the year. You can actually find some good lodging deals during this time frame as well.

Sounds like a good tour! I say check-out all 3. Be sure to focus your time on the back-side at Vail. Baby's got back, for sure!!! Also, at Breck, if you get a softer day, hike the peak out the top of Imperial, Traverse, and hit the Chutes for some silly fun terrain. Or Go over Whale's Tale....I think I need to return to Breck for a day or two....Sorry, BA!