Après Ski Breckenridge: 12 Things to Do After the Slopes

Breckenridge, Colorado, receives an average of 353 inches of snowfall each year, making it a premier destination for skiing, snow sports, and other winter activities. After a thrilling day on the slopes, it is time to enjoy some après-ski, Breckenridge style. In case you are unfamiliar with the term “après-ski,” it is a French term that means “after ski” and refers to all the fun to be had after you have hung up your skis or snowboard for the day.

In this blog post, we explore twelve of our favorite ways to indulge in après-ski. Take some notes so you can start building the perfect itinerary for wintertime fun. From off-slope snow activities to relaxing in the hot tub, we have plenty of ways for you to rest, relax, indulge, and continue the good times.

1. Hot Tubs

What better way to relax your tired muscles than a long soak in a hot tub after skiing or snowboarding? Many of our luxury vacation rentals feature hot tubs, perfect for melting away stress, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and preparing for another day on the slopes.

Turn on the jets and step into the inviting warmth of steaming hot water.

Take a moment to view our vacation rentals with a hot tub and other luxurious amenities.

2. Local Restaurants

After a full day of adventure, you’re bound to work up an appetite! Before hunger strikes, get familiar with some of the best restaurants in Breckenridge to add to your vacation itinerary. From classic pizza joints and hearty breakfasts to upscale dining with mountain flair, Breckenridge has something to satisfy every craving. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite spot. And don’t forget about our incredible coffee shops!

3. Tubing

The fun in the snow doesn’t have to stop after you take off the skis. Tubing is the perfect Breckenridge entertainment for people who want to relive their childhood days of flying down a hill on a sled. (We should also note that sledding is available in Breckenridge and is very popular as well.) There are several sledding hills available near Breckenridge vacation rentals, offering varying levels of difficulty.

4. Wine Tasting, Distilleries, and Breweries

If you’d prefer to find somewhere cozy with a warming drink, don’t worry – Breckenridge has plenty of options available. Beyond your favorite Breckenridge bars, the city has wineries, distilleries, and breweries, many of which offer tours and tastings. You can taste wines at the Continental Divide Winery (and even make your own wine blend), tour the Breckenridge Distillery, or visit the Breckenridge Brewery.

What is your favorite beverage after a day of Colorado wintertime fun?

5. The Bar Scene

Wondering where to unwind after a full day on the slopes? Breckenridge has no shortage of great spots to kick back and relax. Here are a few favorites where you can enjoy a well-earned drink after hitting the mountain. Après-ski calls for a delicious adult beverage at one of the best bars in Breckenridge.

T-Bar on Peak 8 and Base Nine Bar on Peak 9 let you keep the après-ski fun going right on the mountain—perfect for toasting your day with a great view.

For a taste of local history, head to the Gold Pan Saloon on Main Street. One of the oldest bars in the Rockies, it offers a unique glimpse into Breckenridge’s gold rush past, paired with a lively and welcoming vibe.

6. Cultural Attractions

Although the area is known for its skiing opportunities, Breckenridge offers some top-notch cultural attractions. The Breckenridge Arts District has galleries, performance spaces, and workshops for you to enjoy. You can learn about ceramics, woodworking, candle making, painting, and more, as well as browse local artwork. Click here to learn more about the Breckenridge arts scene.

7. Fireside Sitting

Number seven on our best après-ski of Breckenridge list is simply sitting by a fire. During the winter months, it is easy to find a roaring fire. Whether it’s a cozy fireplace in your luxury vacation rental or a fire pit at a local pub, there are a plethora of opportunities to warm your hands and your spirit. Snuggle up with a glass of wine or a mug of hot chocolate and savor the mesmerizing crackle of flames.

Sitting in front of a fire is a wonderful way to spend the evening with your family roasting marshmallows or with your special someone.

8. Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is one of those activities most of us grow up hearing about and think only people who live in Alaska get to do. But did you know you can go dog sledding in Breckenridge? You can take an hour-long husky safari that winds through the Swan River Valley, and you can even hang out with the dogs before your tour begins.

9. Snowcat Tours

If you’d prefer a tour with a little less fur involved, you can opt to take a snowcat tour of Breckenridge. These vehicles have all-glass cabins that allow for unrivaled views of the woodlands while still keeping you toasty warm. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the area’s history and enjoy hot chocolate at a historic cabin along the way.

10. Snow Sculpture Competitions

If you’re the artistic sort, you may want to try your hand at snow sculpture while you’re in Breckenridge lodging. And if you want to learn from the best in this field, there’s no place better to do it. Breckenridge is home to the annual International Snow Sculpture Championship, during which teams of sculptors from all over the world transform twenty-ton blocks of snow into breathtaking sculptures.

Have you ever seen snow or ice sculptures?

11. Ghost Tours

Breckenridge also has a spooky side for those of you who wish Halloween never had to end. The Ghostly Tales tour will take you around to all of Breckenridge’s haunted buildings as guides tell you ghost stories from the area. You can even do some ghost hunting yourself, complete with all the proper tools and equipment for the job!

12. Gold Mine Tours

In addition to being one of the premier ski locations in the world, Breckenridge is also home to historic gold mines. You can tour some of these mines, one of which is the only real open mine in the region. You can slide the ore chute, pan for gold, and even meet the burros used to haul equipment in and out of the mines.

Discover More Things to Do in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an amazing place to plan a winter vacation, even if some members of your family aren’t comfortable on skis. You can, of course, try your hand at downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice fishing, dog sledding, and more. You can also tour mines, distilleries, wineries, galleries, and miles of gorgeous alpine wilderness.

If you’d like to discover more things to do in Breckenridge, check out the rest of our site at Alpine Edge. We offer condo rentals, ski lodging, cabins, and more for a superb Breckenridge vacation experience. Search our vacation rentals by feature and start planning your perfect Colorado vacation.