Frequently Asked Questions
The questions BMC gets asked most about Winter Yardfest — the Party Pass, the free beginner ski and snowboard lessons, what to wear, and getting to Breckenridge.
Winter Yardfest basics
What is Winter Yardfest?
Winter Yardfest is the annual ski and snowboard season kickoff celebration hosted by BIPOC Mountain Collective (BMC) and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Xi Pi Chapter.
It’s a weekend built around community, the outdoors, and getting ready for the upcoming winter season. The weekend features live performances, ski and snowboard lessons, a youth scholarship summit, parties, and more!
Is Winter Yardfest 21+?
The evening parties are 21+.
The daytime programming, including the Youth Scholarship Summit, is open to its designated participants.
Anyone attending the December 12 daytime Scholarship Summit must arrive using school transportation or be accompanied by someone 21 or older.
Your Party Pass
What’s included with my Winter Yardfest Party Pass?
Your Party Pass gives you access to Winter Yardfest activities, including:
- BMC Tailgate
- Live performances and concerts
- Evening parties
- Youth Scholarship Summit activities
- A 1-day beginner ski or snowboard lesson package when lesson spots are available
Your Party Pass does not automatically guarantee a lesson. Free lesson spots are limited and are available only while supplies last.
What’s NOT included?
Your Winter Yardfest Party Pass does not include:
- Hotel accommodations
- Flights
- Transportation to Breckenridge
- Lift tickets outside of your lesson package
- Ski or snowboard equipment outside of your lesson package
The exception: If you have registered for a free beginner lesson, your lesson package includes the equipment and lift access needed for your scheduled lesson day.
Free ski and snowboard lessons
Do I have to buy a Party Pass to get a ski or snowboard lesson?
No.
The free ski and snowboard lessons are separate from the Party Pass.
BMC provides a limited number of free beginner lesson packages for people interested in learning to ski or snowboard and becoming more active outdoors.
You do not have to purchase a Party Pass to sign up for a lesson.
Important: Lesson spots are limited. Once all available lesson spots have been claimed, the lesson option will be removed from the registration form.
If I buy a Party Pass, do I get a free lesson package?
If the lesson option is available when you register, yes — if you’re a beginner.
Free beginner ski and snowboard lesson packages are available on a limited basis.
When you register, you’ll see an option to select a ski or snowboard lesson if spots are still available.
If you see the lesson option on the registration form, lesson spots are still available. If you do not see the lesson option, all available lessons have already been claimed.
Don’t wait to register — the free lessons may be gone if you wait.
Are the free lessons limited? How will I know if free lessons are still available?
Yes! There are a limited number of free beginner ski and snowboard lesson packages available.
It’s simple:
Lesson option showing on the registration form = lessons are available.
Lesson option gone from the registration form = all free lessons have been claimed.
We will remove the lesson selection from the registration form once all available lesson spots are gone.
If you want a lesson, don’t wait to register.
Where do I sign up for the free lessons?
You sign up during the Winter Yardfest registration process.
When you register, look for the ski or snowboard lesson option.
If the lesson option is available, you can select it and receive a free beginner lesson package.
If the lesson option is not available, all free lesson spots have already been claimed.
Lesson spots are limited, so register early if you want to learn to ski or snowboard!
What if I’ve never skied or snowboarded before?
That’s exactly who we’re looking for!
Winter Yardfest is designed to help people who are new to winter sports get comfortable on the mountain.
Our free lessons are for beginners with little to no skiing or snowboarding experience. You’ll receive instruction from professional instructors and, as part of the lesson package, have the equipment and lift access needed for your lesson day.
Come ready to learn, have fun, and don’t worry about being a beginner!
Lodging and travel
Where is the hotel?
Winter Yardfest takes place at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center in Breckenridge, Colorado.
The resort is located directly on the mountain, giving you convenient ski-in/ski-out access. You can ski directly back to the resort at the end of the day.
How do I get from the airport to Breckenridge?
You don’t need to rent a car. There are several airport shuttle and private transportation services that provide transportation between Denver International Airport and Breckenridge.
We recommend arranging your transportation in advance, especially during a busy winter weekend.
Do I need to rent a car?
No — and we recommend that you don’t.
Breckenridge is very walkable, and there are shuttle and transportation services available to get you around town and to the resort.
Parking in Breckenridge can also be expensive, with parking potentially costing $30 or more per day depending on the location.
Save the money on the rental car and use local transportation instead!
What if I want to drive to Breckenridge?
You can drive, but make sure your vehicle complies with Colorado’s Traction Law requirements before heading into the mountains.
Winter weather can change quickly, and vehicles traveling through mountain corridors may be required to have appropriate tires, traction devices, or four-wheel/all-wheel drive depending on conditions.
Important: Don’t assume your rental car from the airport automatically meets Colorado’s traction requirements. Check your vehicle and tire specifications before leaving.
On the mountain and around town
What should I wear for skiing or snowboarding?
Dress in three layers!
Base layer: The layer closest to your skin should be made from a moisture-wicking material. Think Under Armour or similar athletic base layers. Avoid cotton as your base layer.
Middle layer: This layer keeps you warm. A fleece, hoodie, or insulated layer works well.
Outer layer: Your outer layer should be waterproof and windproof to protect you from snow, wind, and cold temperatures.
Also bring:
- Warm or wool socks
- Gloves or mittens
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Warm hat or beanie
What if I don’t want to ski or snowboard?
That’s completely fine!
You don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy Winter Yardfest. Come for the music, parties, tailgate, scholarship programming, community, and mountain-town experience.
There are also plenty of activities around Breckenridge for non-skiers.
Is there anything else to do in Breckenridge?
Absolutely!
Even if you’re not skiing or snowboarding every day, there is plenty to do in and around Breckenridge, including:
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Shopping
- Fine dining
- Après-ski
- Scenic mountain activities
- Nearby hot springs
Winter Yardfest is about more than skiing — come enjoy the mountains, the community, and everything Breckenridge has to offer!
What happens if the weather is bad?
Winter weather is part of the mountain experience, and conditions can change quickly.
Event activities may be adjusted when necessary for safety and mountain conditions. If you’re driving, check current road and traction requirements before traveling and be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Still have a question?
Anything this page doesn't answer, email us — or come find the crew on Heylo.