Are you looking for the ultimate winter vacation spot? Look no further than Breckenridge, Colorado. Located in the Rocky Mountains, this charming mountain town offers everything you need for a memorable winter getaway.Home to a world class ski resort and rustic downtown, there is so much to do for people of all ages. See my complete travel guide for everything you need to know to plan a trip to Breckenridge.
GETTING TO BRECKENRIDGE
The easiest way to get to Breckenridge is flying into Denver. If you plan on skiing/boarding, I always recommend flying Southwest as your skis and boots will fly free! Once you arrive, the mountain town is about a 2 hour drive from the airport.
Pro Tip: Definitely plan to give yourself plenty of time if you are returning on a Sunday as traffic is very heavy returning to Denver and will be even worse if it is snowing.
Renting A Car - Your best bet is to rent a car from the airport and head up to the mountains. A 4x4 is highly recommended in the winter as the highways can get very slippery and even be closed during the many winter snow storms. Car prices are VERY expensive in the winter. Booking early is a must!
Pro Tip: Take an uber into denver and rent a car from a local/neighborhood rental location to save money
Epic Mountain Express Shuttle - Reserve a seat on the Epic Shuttle if you are staying in town and don’t need a car for the week. The shuttles are nice and are wifi enabled.
Ski & Snowboarding
One of the main attractions in Breckenridge is the world-class skiing and snowboarding. The Breckenridge Ski Resort boasts over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. With a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, everyone in your group will be able to enjoy this amazing mountain.
The mountain stretches across 5 peaks with tons of terrain to ski and explore. The mountain resort continues to upgrade itself yearly with the opening of the 5th peak, Peak 6, in 2013. The mountain, owned by super conglomerate Vail Resorts, continues to invest in itself by enhancing the infrastructure and adding new facilities, lodges, and chair lifts.
With a great range of trails from beginner to expert, there are tons of places to ski for all levels of riders.
Pro Tip: Save money and get an Epic pass in the summer. An unlimited annual pass can be purchased ahead of time for almost the same price as if you were buying 3 day tickets. Plus, the passes can be used at many other Vail owned resorts in Colorado, Utah, California, and so many more.
The Downtown
Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only winter activities on offer in Breckenridge. The town also has a bustling downtown area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You can visit one of the many art galleries, go indoor ice skating at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, or outdoor ice skating, or take a leisurely stroll through the historic Main Street district.Breckenridge boasts one of the bigger towns for a ski resort. The town is very walkable with Main Street being the focal point of the town. There are free shuttles that will take you around town and right up to the mountain. You can even ski or ride the free gondola directly into town from the mountain.
Food Recommendations:
Breakfast: Get up early and head to Daylight Donuts for coffee and pastries before hitting the slopes.
Apres Ski: Head over to Blue River Bistro or Breckenridge Brewery for some great happy hour drinks and snacks after a day on the slopes.
Dinner: Make reservations at Briar Rose or Salt Creek for a great steak dinner or head to The Blue Fish Breckenridge for some sushi.
Kids: Keep the little ones entertained at Downstairs at Eric’s for some pizza and arcade games.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is easily one of my favorite winter activities. If you in Colorado for an extended ski trip, I always recommend going snowmobiling on weekends when the ski resorts are more crowded. Save the skiing for mid week when the lift lines are nearly nonexistent.
You can find guided snowmobile tours for 1,2, and 4+ hour options at Good Times Adventures (about 20 minutes outside of Breckenridge). The tours are fun and will bring you to some scenic spots like the continental divide.
If you are looking for a more thrilling experience, head out for an unguided snowmobile experience at Vail Pass (about an hour drive away from Breckenridge). 4 Hours is plenty of riding with 2-3 hours being more than enough.
Dog Sledding
Good Time Adventures has an amazing dog sledding experience. Meet and play with the huskies before you head out on the tour. Then you will head out on the trail for an exhilarating ride through the mountains. It is even more fun during a snowstorm. Be sure to book this early to lock in the time you want as this is always a popular activity.
Snowshoeing
If you aren’t a skier or looking for something different, head out on to the mountain with snow shoes. There are many great trails along the base of the mountain. Many shops and/or resorts will offer rental equipment.
Ice Castles
Located in Dillon, CO just 20 minutes from Downtown Breckenridge is this amazing man made outdoor ice castle experience. This spot is great both at day or night. I recommend coming around sunset and then enjoying the dark sky as the ice is lit up.
Snow Tubing
Head over towards the town of Frisco and go snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park. Head up the mountain on a magic carpet and slide down solo or in groups on the multiple different snow tubing trails. Fun for all ages.
Frisco
The small town of Frisco is about 20 minutes away from downtown Breckenrdige. A much smaller little area but has some great dining options and is also home to some bigger supermarkets and shopping like Walmart and Whole Foods.
Spas & Wellness
If you're looking for a more relaxing vacation, Breckenridge also has a number of spas and wellness centers where you can pamper yourself with massages, facials, and other treatments. Check out the spa at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 for a spa literally on the mountain!
Keystone Ski Resort
If you got your Epic Pass, spend a day over at neighboring Keystone Ski Resort for some new trails and adventures. This is also one of the few resorts that has Night Skiing!
Beaver Creek & Vail
If you rented a car and are in Breckenridge for a longer trip, definitely head over with your Epic Pass and go to the luxurious Beaver Creek or neighboring Vail Resorts. Beaver Creek is a luxurious and posh ski resort with world class trails. Vail is the biggest ski resort and offers some of the best ski conditions with its famous Back Bowls. Both resorts also offer fun activities as well like tubing and ice skating, dining, shopping, etc.
Places To Stay
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
Grand Lodge on Peak 7
Luxury Rentals on Ski Hill Road
AirBNB/ VRBO - many great homes reside on and near the mountain or downtown. Be sure to book early as the best and luxury homes will be occupied and rented early on.
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