Guide to Intermediate Skiing in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an awesome place for intermediate skiers to find the perfect blend of challenge and comfort. If you've been skiing for some years now but still aren't totally sure of yourself on steeper and more difficult runs, you're probably looking for just the right combination of intensity and ease. You are not yet ready to go overboard but you want to challenge your abilities a bit farther with each run that you make. As an intermediate skier, consider some of the following areas and tips for a splendid day of skiing in Breckenridge:

• Peaks 7 and 8 offer exhilarating areas for intermediate skiing. Northstar and Claimjumper are two runs that are amazingly moderate while providing more privacy than some of the other runs on Peak 8. You can find several intermediate trails right next door at Peak 7 that offer top-notch skiing zones. The bottom of Peak 7 features the Independence Super Chair which serves as the focal area of the peak.

• Peak 9 is the favorite of moderate skiers in Breckenridge. Smooth trails make for fantastic ballroom skiing here, especially on runs such as Columbia and Sundown. Peak 9 Restaurant is a great place to break and catch your breath but it will do you good to avoid the nearby Bonanza run as it is usually crowded with beginner skiers who are not only practicing but spend a lot of time scooting their way down the trail. If you're looking for a bit more challenging trail, you have to check out the more bumpy yet mild terrain on Peerless and Volunteer on Peak 9.

• Peak 10 offers three blue runs and a much more technical terrain. Those looking for a tougher trail can try Crystal, Centennial and Doublejack. Peak 10's Falcon Super Chair and expert terrain are less crowded so you’ll have shorter wait times plus you’ll be provided with a more intense challenge.

• Preparation is important. A lot of people consider themselves intermediate skiers because they are either relatively new to the sport or have taken a reprieve from it for a while. This usually means that moderate-level skiers are comfortable on the mountain but can be a bit rusty at times. In any case, it's good for intermediate skiers to be prepared before hitting the slopes hard on the very first day. Before ski season, spend a month or two training for the sport by engaging in cardio and aerobic exercises while also devoting time to strength training, stretching and flexibility exercises.

• Keep an eye on the action. While you're on the slopes, monitor your activity level by taking frequent breaks and increasing your difficulty level gradually. Although you might feel ready to move into a more difficult trail, a day of skiing can take a toll on your body. Be sensitive to your physical reaction to the sport by not pushing it too hard. You might find yourself on a run that's too difficult at the end of the day when you're losing steam and that’s not something you would want. You have a lot of time to improve your skill so you might want to save a harder run for another day.

If you’re a loyal fan of skiing, Breckenridge is the perfect mountain town to improve your craft. A fascinating and unintimidating place to practice for beginners, expert skiers love the challenge and variety offered here. Meanwhile, in between those two groups, intermediate skiers find themselves mastering areas and moving ahead to endless new terrain that lies before them in Breckenridge. The Ten Mile Range offers boundless options for great intermediate skiing amidst spectacular surroundings.