Breckenridge

Intermediates could start off with Breckenridge's Peak 9, which offers open cruising all the way from the 11,460-foot (3,725 m) top, right down to the bottom. After a few runs up there you can move on to other slopes—there are plenty to choose from—and the new intermediate runs and glades on Peak 7. Two favorites for the permanent intermediate are both off Peaks 8 and 9. Peak 8 terrain varies from intermediate to advanced, but if you stick to the open, swoopy Four O’Clock—the longest run—you can have some great downhill skiing and not get too stressed. Also check out Spruce, and Frosty’s, and Dukes, all of which runs are groomed nightly and have a slightly steeper pitch.

From Peak 9, a favorite way down is via the Lehman run, which offers plenty of space and some deep moguls. Peak 9 also has Volunteer, American, and Peerless, while Peak 10 challenges intermediates with Doublejack, Centennial, and Crystal, which are groomed and designated “blue/black.” A good day’s skiing in Breckenridge might include a warm-up on Peak 9 with Cashier, Bonanza, or Country Boy, or on Peak 8 with Springmeier or Four O’Clock, gradually easing into the more difficult "blue/black" runs.