Breckenridge

executive summary by Darmansjah

Colorado has some of the USA’s best skiing, and historic town that have lots to do off the slopes. For a lived-in town feel, try Breckenridge, a survivor of the 19^th-century gold rush 80 miles west of Denver. The skiers with you can split time on fantastic mountains, with Keystone and the high-up Arapahoe Basin also nearby. For non-skiers there are shops, spas, indie films at the Speakesy Theatre, art classes, outdoor ice-skating tours and the just-opened Gold Runner roller coaster through forested tracks by the slopes. You can then all enjoy happy hour and meals of elk at the Victorian antique-filled Hearthstone Restaurant (heartstonerestaurant.biz).  The Fireside inn b&b (from US$66; firesideinn.com) is a good budget option with a hot tub and easy access to downtown, or stay through the weekend to take advantage of ‘Sunday Sleepover’ rates at One Ski Hill Place (from US$79; rockresorts.com).