Best for You? Breck, Keystone or A-Basin?

Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin are ski and snowboard resorts in Colorado that are right next to each other, about two hours away from Denver International Airport. Which one makes the most sense for you? These are some factors to consider:
1) Mountain Statistics. Breckenridge has the largest vertical drop, and Keystone as the largest skiable acreage. A-Basin is smaller on all fronts, but seems to have predominantly intermediate and expert. But note: some of Keystone's terrain is only accessible if you hike or take a snow cat. If that's not your thing, then Breckenridge may offer you more terrain despite its lower skiable acreage.
2) Parking. A-Basin has predominantly free parking right at the base of the mountain. Keystone has a mix, with pay parking closest to the gondola and free parking either close by or further away. The resort parking lots at Breckenridge are paid.
3) Lessons. We found that Breckenridge offered the best deal for lessons. The rates and availability may vary depending on the time of year, but in January, Breckenridge had the best options.
4) Lunch Options. Breckenridge seemed to have the largest number of options at the base and on the mountain. However, in our random sampling of cheeseburgers, it was the worst. Keystone has numerous lunch options as well, and had a similar, but better cheeseburger. Both Breckenridge and Keystone are Epic Pass resorts, so we were wondering whether Epic is using the same food supplier for both resorts since they are so close together. A-Basin had the least amount of on-mountain lunch options, but the burger and value was far superior to Breckenridge and Keystone.
5) Chairlift Lines. Our experience at Breckenridge was marred by the fact that it was a long weekend. So the lines were probably not representative of the average day at the resort. They were sometimes very long, but generally okay. The lines at Keystone and A-Basin were either minimal or non-existent. But we visited those resorts during the middle of the week in January, when it tends to be less crowded.

[@billybob8228]

This is the most accurate review of these resorts maybe ever.

[@kalen1702]

Keystone has the longest green run in the area, but there’s really only like 3 green runs in the whole place. If you like groomed blues, keystone is really really fun with lots of options

[@paddybeaz]

I'm about to base my trip off a mountain burger.

[@josiahsimmons9866]

Columbine is one of my favorite runs. it's a lot steeper than it looks here, and the speed you can take into the ridge at 12:41 is crazy. One time I didn't check my speed and accidentally was booted to the stratosphere 😂I think I got at least 3 feet of air. And I stuck the landing!! Such a fun one.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Yes! The steepness totally doesn't translate on the camera. But definitely a fun fast run!

[@Rooneytunes01]

We spent last week at Keystone. What a blast! Amazing conditions for early April. Will definitely take a cat up above the trees next time!

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

Of the three, Breck is better for novice/beginners - in particular, Base 9 is excellent for beginners - not only do you have a few bunny slopes with carpet lifts, but also the learning hill with a platter lift, then you can ride up to pretty mellow greens off QuickSilver (6-pack), there is also decent progression at Breck - so easy greens, to mid-greens, to hard greens, then easy blues - of course, you need to ask a local about which slopes to take in which order. My main issue with Breck beyond just the soul-crushing crowds is that most greens are mid-mountain and below - so not the best views. However, for those beginners coming from out of town - I would recommend Beaver Creek instead. It has one of the only "green bowls" I'm aware of (McCoy Park). Overall, a much better beginner experience than Keystone or Breck. Cinch from near the top provides some truly excellent views and it isn't nearly as hard as Schoolmarm (although about as long). Keystone is an intermediate mountain. Even their greens are all hard (except for the short starter greens). Schoolmarm is hard for novice skiers - especially those coming from other parts of the country - trying to ski 3.5 miles at high elevation is no joke. A-Basin is really for more experienced skiers.

[@creekboi7]

Both River Run and Mountain House East are free parking at Keystone. I go every week, haven't paid once. Also, food wise at Keystone, the Smokehouse BBQ is great.

[@ChronicSurfer]

I parked in a $5 lot at Breck, took a free bus for 5-min, then a gondola ride. Ended up boarding back down to the bus stop on a super easy run and didn’t have to take the gondola back. Jumped on the bus that always runs for 5-min and was back at my car. Very, very easy!

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

Ski-back trail is pretty nice as long as your legs aren't jello by then.

[@Rafcius]

Great comparison. Just got back from Breck, had a chance to visit Keystone for one day too. Awesome resorts!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Yes, and so cool that they are so close together. It makes it so easy to visit one or the other for a change.

[@lastmason5491]

Great job of explaining each area. Glad you at least got one decent burger to eat. Thanks for a fine video.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks so much!

[@zakingle1420]

Great video and breakdown of all these ski areas! I’ve skied all these except Keystone. Thanks for the video, love the channel!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks! Hope you try Keystone at some point - it's definitely a different feel than the others.

[@hexd7383]

Breck Free Parking: There's all-day free parking at the "Airport Lot" in Breckenridge, but you need to take a bus (also free) from the lot. The bus will drop you off on Peak 7, 8 and 9 bases. I agree, parking is a big pain in Breck if you don't know where the locals park. Keystone Free Parking: Lot D, takes you DIRECTLY TO PERU EXPRESS and you can hit up Montezuma and access to all sides of the mountain.

[@averagejojofan8649]

Gondola parking is free too

[@billquinn556]

Thanks. We went to Keystone for the first time this year and we loved it, but based on your review, we'll go to ABasin next year.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Awesome! I hope you like it. If I only had one day to spend at any of the 3, ABasin would definitely be it.

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

Breck's been doing a fair amount as far as improving their lift infrastructure. Last year, they added the Freedom SuperChair to Peak 7 as a reliever lift, this year they upgraded Rip's Ride on Peak 8, and next year Lift 5 will follow it.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

More reason to go back!

[@dweaver6838]

Great job with the breakdown of how they compare. Great video! Much appreciated! I would have liked you to include Copper Mtn.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks! I was thinking the same thing. That would've made it more complete, but we just didn't have the time to go to Copper too.

[@lacrosse4higher]

Im doin one day at breck and four at keystone. Just the way it worked out this year. My first time out west so I’m looking forward to it

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Awesome. Hope it went well. The snow has been great out west this year!

[@bluebirdski]

Making a review of A-Basin. Good to know they're winning in the burger department. I fell in love with Copper, but need to make it to Keystone and Breck'.

[@josiahsimmons9866]

One of the things you didn't mention about Keystone's parking is that some of the free lots are for carpooling only, which is really amazing when you come with a group.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks for the add-on tip!

[@mikebatl1]

Keystone is absolutely the best resort in Colorado. Period.

[@averagejojofan8649]

As someone who has skied all of them, Breckenridge by far has the best bumps, keystone has the best cruisers, and a basin is the most extreme but it can get pretty icy

[@SkiBoyNY.]

That sounds about right to me!

[@lastmason5491]

Agree!

[@lisayist]

Surprisingly, A Basin has really good food. They even have a juice bar ans espresso bar in the lodge

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Totally agree. It was the best of the three resorts and you'd think it wouldn't be since the others are more commercial.

[@bluebirdski]

Good job! I'm messing around making ski videos this year. I'm impressed with your narration. I've had people tell me A basin is where I should go. You helped show why that is. Thanks!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks! Yes, if I had to choose one of A Basin, Keystone or Breck, I'd definitely return to A Basin. Hope you have fun there!

[@bluebirdski]

@@SkiBoyNY. best burger too!

[@wrinkle66]

The River Run parking is lot is free and is close to the Keystone village and lifts. On the weekend you need to get there by 8:00am otherwise it will most likely be full.

[@michaelruiz6735]

Thank You for your time and information is really helpful great videos

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks so much!

[@emmaklein10]

There is a great burger place at the base of keystone. My absolute favorite burger of all time!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

What's the name? Will have to try it next time. We only had two days there, so not enough time to try everything.

[@goodridevibes]

Will be at keystone in a couple weeks, but it has big shoes to fill to beat Breck… we absolutely loved Breck!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Will be cool to hear what you think. We thought Breck was better in some ways and Keystone was better in other ways. The question is whether you can find chicken as good at Keystone!

[@goodridevibes]

@@SkiBoyNY. will try my guy! 🐔

[@roddyrich2335]

I’ve been to both once a think breck was better but keystone was great to learn bc schoolmarm is like 3.5 mikes of green

[@goodridevibes]

@@roddyrich2335 stoked to ride it

[@josiahsimmons9866]

@@roddyrich2335 Oh yeah, totally, 3.5 miles completely crawling with people. Sheesh, that thing seriously can be more dangerous than A-Basin's East Wall!

[@russellhawkins8341]

Great video seriously...learned a lot.

[@dirkrichards6022]

Should have also looked at Loveland it's just over the mountain.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

That would've been a great addition for sure. As well as adding Copper. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time since it was a short vacation.

[@MrJoeSixpac]

This is a great review. Appreciate how you consider the runs, Grub infrastructure parking.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks so much!

[@jimbobsluggins]

Yes go to breck. It’s super sick. Especially if you’re rich and suck at skiing. The town is like Disney world, nobody lives there except the workers and tourists and shit skiers. It’s super dope if you want to spend $10,000 rocking HH gear head to toe on a 50 degree bluebird day. Absolute fucking vibe.

[@scubasquadsteve]

There's no longer any paid parking in River Run at Keystone. Both Hunki Dori and Gold Bug are currently being developed into residences.

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks for the update!

[@shawnhorton2000]

Not true

[@scubasquadsteve]

@@shawnhorton2000 lol what’s not true? Care to elaborate?

[@shawnhorton2000]

@@scubasquadsteve just went there and it’s free

[@scubasquadsteve]

​@@shawnhorton2000 Right. This in reference to the PAID lots that used to be closer to the gondola which were mentioned in the video. They're gone.

[@jacobbrassard4570]

A basin has the worst overall snow out of these resorts as its often icy. However, it got the best terrain and the best vibes. On powder day it's hard to beat. It really is a skiers mountain.

[@psarks1601]

Keystone, not even really close. Palli is fantastic, but I get bored after 3 days in A Basin, never bored with the huge variety of Keystone terrain. Breck is fine, Horseshoe Bowl is great, and lots of bars. But my god, what a sh..show.

[@susieasado6675]

Great video! How would you say these compare with Copper?

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Great question. It would've been great to include Copper in this comparison, but I'd been there the prior year, so we didn't return. I prefer A Basin to Copper, but probably prefer Copper to the others. Breck seems like the most publicized and therefore the busiest, and from what I remember, I liked the advanced slope options better at Copper than Breck and Keystone.

[@susieasado6675]

@@SkiBoyNY. Thank you for the info. Love that you are a hotdog skier and go to all these cool places yet not afraid to inject a little humor into your videos.

[@mbtravel7294]

I thought we only have ice on the east coast 😂

[@SkiBoyNY.]

I've actually seen some bad ice in Washington and Europe!

[@vajona2495]

1st world problems are rough

[@jessies16]

NO

[@creekboi7]

YES

[@msawyer110]

Great edit

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks!

[@willnichols5516]

Great vid! What camera do you use to get these shots? Thanks so much for the info!

[@SkiBoyNY.]

Thanks! The actions footage was all with the Insta360 One X2 and their invisible selfie stick. Then many of the non action shots were simply with my smartphone.