Skiing Breckenridge: Rick & Levi Tell All

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Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s best known ski towns—but as any local will tell you, it’s far more than the crowds, the gondola, and the iconic mining-era Main Street. In this episode of Where to Ski, host John Morgan sits down with longtime Breckenridge's legend Rick Asher, owner of Pup’s Glide Shop, and his son Levi, Rick is a transplant who just loves this place, loves to ski and saw it grow. Levi, his son, is a lifelong Breckenridge skier born and raised on the mountain who loves to ski when he's not judging freestyle events all over the world. Their combined 60+ years of experience reveal what Breckenridge really skis like—where to go, what to avoid, and how to unlock the best terrain on the mountain.

Rick Ascher

A Real Mountain Under the Hype

Founded in 1859 and launched as a ski resort in 1961, Breckenridge spans five peaks, 2,358 acres, and rises to 12,800 feet, offering some of the highest lift-served skiing in North America. That altitude delivers Breck’s legendary light, dry Colorado snow, but it also brings wind, weather, and fast-changing conditions that only insiders truly understand. Rick and Levi say Breckenridge has terrain for everyone: beginners, intermediates, experts, and big-mountain skiers willing to hike for the goods. But knowing where to start your day matters.

Beginner & Intermediate Terrain: Where to Find Your Flow

According to Levi, Peak 9 is home to the best beginner terrain—wide-open, sun-filled runs perfect for new skiers or early-morning warmups. Intermediates can explore nearly the entire resort, but locals swear by:

• Peak 7’s Independence Chair for long, consistent blue cruisers

• Peak 9’s Mercury & Beaver Run Chairs

• Peak 10 for high-speed groomers like Cimarron and Centennial

For lunch with a view, Rick recommends Pioneer Crossing, Overlook Restaurant, and Ten Mile Station.

Expert Terrain: Bowls, Hikes & Powder Stashes

Breckenridge’s advanced skiing is what converts skeptics. The Horseshoe Bowl, Imperial Bowl, and the high-alpine above Peak 8 offer wide-open steeps, chalky wind-buff, and lines accessible via the iconic T-Bar and Imperial Chair—when they open. Wind and avalanche control often delay opening until late morning, so many locals head early to:

Levi’s perfect morning? “Four or five untouched runs before the T-Bar opens.”

Town of Breckenridge

Dining and APRES!

Breckenridge has some great options here. You can start at the Tbar and then head to town. You will have to listen to the episode to get all the details..

Why Breckenridge Stays Special

From world-class wind-buff to historic watering holes like The Gold Pan, Breckenridge blends authentic mountain-town charm with huge, varied terrain. With the insight of Rick and Levi from Pup’s Glide Shop, visitors can ski smarter, explore deeper, and experience the Breckenridge locals love. And while you are there, get your skis tuned at Pups.