Lake Tahoe or Breckenridge for summer teens?

[elaine]

which do you recommend for summer activities, scenery, ambience for family with older teens? What are best places via rci?

 

[BennyBoy00]

I've never been to Breckenridge, but my family really enjoyed Lake Tahoe. We stayed at the Olympic Village Inn on the north side by Squaw Valley, and we really liked the resort and the surrounding area. The rooms were small though.

 

[Gophesjo]

Tahoe only if you're a gambler. IMHO, Breckenridge and Summit County have far more to offer. All the typical summer outdoor activities plus amazing arts events, concerts, festivals, etc. Day trips to Denver, C Springs, Vail, Aspen or Glenwood Springs.

 

[WalnutBaron]

I've been to both and I don't think you can lose either way. Both have tons of activities. Since you're bringing teenagers, you likely won't be spending time in the casinos at Tahoe, so take advantage of boating, hiking, tram rides at Heavenly Valley or Squaw Valley, and local concerts and entertainment at the resort hotels and casinos. At Breck, all of these activities are also available.

One consideration, if you're sensitive to it: Elevation at Tahoe is 6200 feet. At Breck: 9800 feet. Some people have a tough time adjusting to the extreme altitude at Breck, at least for a couple of days until they acclimate. Altitude sickness is no fun. If you're sensitive, go with Tahoe.

 

[elaine]

when I was young and crazy, I used to get off a flight from the East Coast to Denver and ski for the afternoon/night. The next day, I'd be skiing and get so tired that I would have to just lie down in the snow. I assumed it was that I wasn't used to skiing for that long, as East coast runs tend to be much shorter. Never considered altitude sickness! Thankfully, no issues for me--but I did break my leg at Keystone--different story!
If we do B, we'll likely fly into Las V and go to Zion, North Rim, Monument Valley for a week and then head to B, which should get us adjusted. But thanks for heads up! Elaine

 

[PigsDad]

when I was young and crazy, I used to get off a flight from the East Coast to Denver and ski for the afternoon/night. The next day, I'd be skiing and get so tired that I would have to just lie down in the snow. I assumed it was that I wasn't used to skiing for that long, as East coast runs tend to be much shorter. Never considered altitude sickness! Thankfully, no issues for me--but I did break my leg at Keystone--different story!

While fatigue is a lessor symptom of altitude sickness, it doesn't sound like you had the classic symptoms. Skiing these big runs at elevation can certainly be exhausting! (but so much fun...)

If we do B, we'll likely fly into Las V and go to Zion, North Rim, Monument Valley for a week and then head to B, which should get us adjusted. But thanks for heads up! Elaine

That would be quite a road trip from Las Vegas! There is some nice landscape / scenery through that area (and also plenty of boring parts).

Kurt

 

[JerseyDeb]

Traveled to Tahoe a few years ago with our sons who were around 19 and 24 at the time. We all had a blast. Rented bikes, did some hiking, toured the lake. There are some gorgeous state park beaches around the lake. Can't wait to go back because there is so much more to do. We flew into SF, toured that and drove out to Tahoe. Long drive but absolutely beautiful. Stopped at a few wineries on the way back. If you fly into SF or Oakland you could perhaps catch a Giants or A's game. Planned a Giants game this Spring on a Napa trip and my son was thrilled!

Traveled to Breck in July with hubby for a family wedding. Loved it but the altitude did make a huge difference. Just walking uphill was difficult and you are talking to someone who takes spin class 3 times a week! We started in RMNP for a few days before heading to Breck and we did try to slowly acclimate to the altitude. But still, I had horrendous headaches the first few days and woke up almost every day with a bloody nose and dying of thirst. One guest at the wedding had full on nausea and altitude sickness.

Both are high (altitude) and dry (climate) so best advice is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate for either. Start before you go and drink more than you think you need. And use sunscreen and moisturizer!

One plus, the week I got back I went to spin class and kicked a**!! Now I understand why athletes train in altitude. Unfortunately the benefits only lasted a short time.

I am sure you and your family will enjoy either.

 

[dagger1]

We go to Breck every July (from Houston-sea level), travel with ages infants, toddlers, 5-7 year olds and teenagers, as well as 30’s thru 70’s. We have never experienced the altitude sickness that some do, but some do. Breck offers hiking, boating (Lake Dillon), white water rafting, basically all the amenities that the Colorado resort towns offer. Day trips to Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Vail, Leadville, Grand Lake, Estes Park, and Denver (maybe to take in a Rockies afternoon game). We can also drive it, we would have to fly to get to Tahoe. Both places are great for families.

 

[loosefeet]

Tahoe has loads of biking/hiking trails. And then there's all the lake activities-one could rent a boat, go paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. My teen sons LOVE Tahoe. We avoid the casinos, that is only the South Shore scene. Only been to Breckenridge in the winter, can imagine summer is beautiful.

 

[dougp26364]

We’ve been to both numerous times. We own in Breckenridge only because it’s within driving distance, thus we’ve been there more often.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about this and, honestly, I can’t think of a reason that would make one better than the other. Both have good choices for restaurants. Both have lake activities close by (Breckenridge has Lake Dillon). Both have great side trips a short driving distance away. The biggest differences might be airports with Denver having more flight options than Reno. Then there’s the altitude. Breckenridge sits at 9,000 ft while Lake Tahoe sits around 6,500 ft. We’ve enjoyed staying at the Ridge while visiting Tahoe and I believe it’s at 7,200 ft sitting atop Kingsburry grade. For some the altitude of Breckenridge is no big deal. For others they struggle with symptoms of altitude sickness. Even though we go to Breck every year it still takes us a day or so to acclimate.

 

[elaine]

thanks for all the replies! I think we might try Lake Tahoe, Yoesmite via SF--although going back to Banff is now in the mix. thanks, again. elaine