Looking for a way to experience your favorite winter activities and also get a fix of culture and history? Then Breckenridge in the winter is calling your name. From skiing and snowboarding to exploring the vibrant downtown district, the variety of winter things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado, is endless. Here at Alpine Edge, we’ve created a four-day itinerary designed to balance adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing, advising you on the ultimate must-do activities in Breckenridge during your winter vacation.
Start your vacation planning today and view all of Alpine Edge’s properties!
In This Blog
- Day 1: Exploring Breckenridge
- Day 2: Hit the Slopes!
- Day 3: Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
- Day 4: Gondola Rides, Sledding, and Stargazing
- Book Your Winter Vacation Today
Morning
Rise and shine! Wake up in your Alpine Edge Vacation Rental and brew a fresh cup of coffee or tea in our fully equipped kitchen. Your Breckenridge winter adventure officially begins. Feel like getting your day started in town? Head out to one of the many coffee or breakfast joints, such as Cool River Coffee House or Clint’s Bakery. Both of these spots are a great way to start your morning off right.
Mid-Morning and Afternoon
Now it’s time to take a walk around downtown and Main Street. Lined with charming boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, this area embodies Breckenridge’s unique blend of Old West heritage and modern mountain culture.
After your jaunt around town, enjoy lunch at Downstairs at Eric’s, a lively, family-friendly restaurant known for its pizzas, burgers, wings, and more. Their family-friendly fare and 27 arcade games make dining at Eric’s one of the most popular Breckenridge family activities in the winter!
After lunch, stop in at the free Breckenridge Welcome Center Museum to learn more about the rich history of the area. Interactive displays and exhibits illuminate the past. From the stories of indigenous peoples, to miners, to the advent of the ski and snowboarding industry, you can find it all at this museum.
Evening
For dinner, indulge in fine cuisine at Hearthstone Restaurant, housed in a historic Victorian home, or enjoy delicious Thai food at Bangkok Happy Bowl. Afterwards, return to your Alpine Edge Vacation Rental for a cozy evening inside. Play board games or watch a favorite movie as you get ready to go to bed and prepare for another big day.
Day 2: Hit the Slopes!
Morning
It’s time to hit the slopes at the Breckenridge Ski Resort! You can grab a coffee and breakfast once you’re there at the Maggie Waffle Shop or Unravel Coffee. Spanning five peaks and offering terrain for all ability levels, the resort is a world-class destination. From gentle beginner runs to the advanced and expert trails, skiing and snowboarding here are a true must-do in Breckenridge winter experience.
Families will appreciate the children’s lessons program, which provides professional ski and snowboard lessons for children ages 3 and up. This excellent program allows kids to learn proper technique and fall in love with the sport, making it one of the best Breckenridge family activities in the winter.
Pro tip: If you need to rent your ski or snowboarding equipment we recommend companies like Black Tie Ski Rental and Breckenridge Ski & Sport.
Afternoon
Break for lunch at one of eleven on-mountain restaurants. Then spend the rest of the afternoon cruising down runs you haven’t tried yet! With over 187 trails, there is plenty to explore.
Evening
As you bid farewell to the slopes, get après-ski drinks at T-Bar. Or you can try the Gold Pan Saloon on Main Street, which was established in 1879! For dinner, enjoy upscale seasonal cuisine at Aurum Food & Wine or classic Italian comfort at Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria. Once you return to your vacation rental, it’s the perfect time to climb into a hot tub to relax sore muscles.
Day 3: Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Morning
Begin your day with a donut from Daylight Donuts or a croissant and coffee from The Crown. Then head out for a guided snowshoe tour through quiet alpine forests. If you’re looking to snowshoe near Breckenridge, the Breckenridge Nordic Center offers pristine winter landscapes and equipment rentals. Snowshoeing is one of the most beautiful things to do in Breckenridge in the winter besides skiing.
Afternoon
After roaming a Coloradoan winter wonderland, it’s time to enjoy a tasty lunch at the Nordic Center’s Lodge. Once you’ve gotten a good meal, you can mix it up and try a cross country skiing lesson! In this winter sport, you can glide across the snow on a flat terrain. It’s a peaceful activity that requires less adrenaline than downhill skiing.
Evening
After a day snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, you will have no doubt worked up an appetite. This is the perfect time to sit down at The Carlin for refined dining in a speakeasy, or The Canteen for a classic tap house and tavern vibe. By the time you head back to your vacation rental, you’ll be ready for a wonderful night’s sleep.
Day 4: Gondola Rides, Sledding, and Stargazing
Morning
Start your final day with a scenic ride aboard the free BreckConnect Gondola, soaring above town for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. This is a breathtaking thing to do in Breckenridge during the winter.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Crepes À La Cart or Blue River Bistro before wandering around town for last-minute souvenirs. Then you can spend the rest of your afternoon sledding at Carter Park. Simply borrow a sled from the free “sled shed” and you’re off! Or, you can go ice skating at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. Both of these are beloved Breckenridge family activities and winter attractions.
Evening
Time for dinner! For your final night in Breckenridge, treat yourself to the best steak in town at Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon. After your meal, bundle up, grab a hot chocolate or tea, and find a spot to watch the magnificent night sky. Breckenridge is a Dark Sky certified community, making it part of an elite group of destinations where you can experience the splendor of the stars with very little light pollution. It makes for an awe-inspiring evening activity.
Pro tip: many of our vacation rentals have outdoor patios, perfect for stargazing.
Book Your Winter Vacation Today
Featured Property: Aspen Glade Chalet
With legendary skiing, snowshoeing, Nordic trails, sledding, ice skating, and cozy evenings in your vacation rental, the variety of winter activities in Breckenridge is unmatched. With an Alpine Edge Vacation Rental, you have a home base for all your favorite mountain adventures. Many of our homes include hot tubs, mountain views, and ski-in-ski-out access, making sure you have the best of the best while you’re on vacation. If you’re looking for a magical way to experience the winter, then book your stay with Alpine Edge, today!