I am heading out to CO for 3 days of skiing in March. The last day I'm skiing Loveland since it's on the way to the airport. But still deciding on the first 2 days. I can get $59 lift tickets for Copper, Breck is considerably higher.

My question ... is it worth spending the additional money for Breck tickets, or will I be satisfied skiing Copper? I'm an intermediate skier who likes steep groomed slopes. I've skied CO before (A-Basin and Loveland). My wife says I'm being cheap and should just spend the extra money - not knowing when you will get out there again.

you'll be fine at copper, several long groomed blue and black. you may even like it better. the only really steep groomed at breck is peak 10 and it takes a while to get there from the gondi access lot. t-bar slopes might also be groomed. you'll have more fun if you get off the groomed. breck is best for the combination of town and slope, and it sounds like that is not important to you.

I agree with your wife. Usually, variations in lift ticket pricing are peanuts for one person when you compare to the cost of airfare and the hassle of traveling. And of course, you should prioritize terrain and snow conditions more than anything else (whatever your preference are). I'd say keep soliciting advice and then take conditions into account once you're actually on the ground in CO.

I personally would ski Copper over Breck even if they were the same price.

Copper is less crowded and is a very nice mountain, with plenty of terrain for all abilities. Overall, I think Copper has the best terrain in Summit County. A plus or minus on Copper: most of the green, blue and black terrain are segregated into different sections. This is good for separating ability levels, but it makes it tougher for a mixed group to ride the lift up together and ski different runs down the hill.

Edit: a pack of intermediates could easily ski together at Copper. The Super Bee lift serves some excellent long, steep groomers.

Also, remember that March in CO == Spring Break Crowds.

Beaver Creek is probably the best for avoiding the crowds (and has fantastic terrain and excellent groomers), but it is $$. But frankly, just about all of CO is $$. And even $$$$$ (Vail, Aspen, Breck, etc.)

Every area in CO will have terrain that is well above your ability, so I wouldn't even worry about what mountain has the best advanced terrain.

I agree with JohnL, Copper over Breck for terrain that is easier to get to. You'll be happy ski either but if having a real western town at the foot of the mountain is important then Break is it.

One more possible advantage of Copper over Breck. Parking lots are a lot more accessible to the lifts (though IIRC, a bit of a walk.) Breck == satellite parking to shuttle buses (or Gondi lift from town.)

The town of Breckenridge is removed from the base of the lifts, but it has the most apres ski. Don't discount Frisco for apres.

It may come down to where you are staying (shortest drive to the lifts.) Use Da Google Maps.

For further info, www.epicski.com (Many of us post here and there. And pay money to both as Supporters.)

Your questions will be answered by Summit County residents and workers.

For WV, VA, MD, PA and NC questions, this site is much, much better. Each site has it's sweet spot.

Edit: just sent a new donation to DCSki. I think a once a year donation should be the norm for Supporter Designation. But Scott is more lenient than that.

Breck can get very crowded. I agree that Copper is a better choice and the Beav is a fantastic but expensive place to ski. They groom the Birds of Prey downhill race course on Friday nignt, so get there early on Saturday for some high speed, challenging skiing.
For intermediate runs, there are some excellent uncrowdwd,impecably groomed blue cruisers serviced by the Arrowhead Express lift. I stayed in the Arrowhead village and would finish my ski day on these cruisers.