Things To do

When it comes to taking a trip to Breckenridge, you need to know when to go. This guide covers the best time to visit Breckenridge.

As the weather warms up and pandemic restrictions continue to lift, you may be daydreaming about your next family vacation. Breckenridge, Colorado, is a dream vacation spot for many families, and it’s easy to see why. From top-notch skiing and gorgeous mountain views to stunning fall foliage and mild summers, Breckenridge has it all.

If you’re planning your next vacation, you might wonder when is the best time to visit Breckenridge. Read on to learn more about this gorgeous area and discover the perfect time to plan your trip.

Breckenridge Seasons

When you’re planning your trip to Breckenridge, the first thing you need to know is what the seasons in this area look like. Breckenridge sits at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, so the fall and winter tend to be longer, and the spring and summer tend to be more brief. Knowing what to expect each month will help you plan your activities and figure out the best time for your trip.

During the spring and fall months, Breckenridge tends to have temperatures in the fifties and sixties up to the seventies and eighties. Summer days are usually in the seventies and eighties, although the nights can get down to the low fifties. The winter months, on the other hand, tend to plunge into the teens, although temperatures can reach the thirties on warmer days.

Winter Activities

Of course, one of the main reasons people visit Breckenridge is because of the amazing skiing there. Breckenridge boasts five peaks and nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The area gets an average of over 300 inches of snow each year, meaning you can count on deep powder and pristine slopes.

If skiing isn’t your speed, you might prefer to take a snowshoe tour from the Breckenridge Nordic Center. You might also enjoy partying at the Ullr Fest, held every December in Breckenridge. The festival honors the Norse god of winter with parades, shotski events, and bonfires.

Spring Activities

Thanks to Breckenridge’s high elevation, the skiing fun doesn’t have to stop after the spring equinox. In fact, for many years, skiing continues right up into the end of May before the snow starts melting. If you plan to ski during your spring visit to Breckenridge, be sure to check the ski resort pages to make sure the slopes are still open.

Springtime also brings a variety of other activities to Breckenridge. You can tour the mine, going down to a depth of 1,000 feet and even panning for gold, or you can take tours of the local distilleries. Spring is a popular time to visit Breckenridge since prices tend to be the cheapest during this season.

Summer Activities

Many people like visiting Breckenridge in the summer, when the kids are out of school and the mountains are in full bloom. Temperatures rarely rise above 80 even in the depths of summer in Breckenridge, and the clear blue mountain skies are hard to resist. Baskets of flowers line the streets of downtown Breckenridge, and you’ll fall in love with the idyllic beauty of the region in summer.

Summer visitors to Breckenridge enjoy spending their days in nature, mountain biking, and fly fishing. You can see some of the local wildlife in their natural habitat or relax in a hot tub under the starry night sky. And it will come as no surprise that hiking is a lifestyle in Breckenridge, which has miles upon miles of trails at all skill levels.

Fall Activities

Breckenridge can be gorgeous in fall, although it is a bit more unpredictable. During the fall months, pop-up storms can make hiking dangerous, and it’s important to take appropriate safety precautions and check the radar. But the gorgeous fall colors of the area make the hiking more than worth it as the weather turns crisp.

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in Breckenridge on a leaf-peeping tour. Many people like to plan their Breckenridge visit in September and October, before the weather really turns cold and the crowds come out in force. You’ll love the crisp nights and stunning colors the mountains have to offer in the fall.

Overall Best Time to Visit Breckenridge

Although Breckenridge is always beautiful, we think the overall best time to visit Breckenridge is in the spring. Depending on the weather and how early you go, you can still catch some late-season skiing on the famous slopes. But you can avoid the frigid weather that many visitors have to deal with in the depths of the winter months.

Truth be told, however, the best time to visit Breckenridge will depend on what you want to do there. If your interest is in hiking and seeing wildlife, the summer and fall months will be best for you. If snow-covered slopes call your name, plan your trip to Breckenridge between October and April.

Start Planning Your Breckenridge Visit

Breckenridge, Colorado, is a gorgeous area with some of the best outdoor activities in the country. In the colder months, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better skiing anywhere in the country. During the summer and early fall, you’ll love the hiking opportunities and gorgeous weather the area offers.

If you’d like to discover the best time to visit Breckenridge, check out the rest of our site at Alpine Edge. We offer vacation rentals at some of Breckenridge’s best luxury homes. Browse our luxury rental listings and start planning your next vacation the right way.

The Wonders of Fall in Breckenridge

Are you ready to discover what wonders await you during fall in Breckenridge? Click here to learn just a few examples of what you could discover.

Sometimes, what you really need is a vacation. When work has been busy, and your nights and weekends have been filled with life’s responsibilities, you can feel incredibly stressed, feeling like you never have any time off.

Fortunately, you can take a vacation, enjoying fall in Breckenridge. It’s magical to spend time in a mountain ski town, even in the time between the shoulder season and the official beginning of ski season.

In this article, we’ll review what to do in Breckenridge in the fall. Finally, you can enjoy your well-deserved vacation by participating in some of the fall activities in Breckenridge. Read on to learn more.

Great Dining Discounts

In Breckenridge in the fall, many restaurants and taverns offer great discounts. And there are plenty to choose from, considering that this town has over 75 bars and restaurants. One of the best ways to save money is with the Breckenridge Dining Passport.

This dining passport, available through the many local restaurants that are collaborating with the Breckenridge Restaurant Association can get you special happy hour prices, a free appetizer with a meal, and two-for-one entrees.

The cost of this passport is only $10, which means you can quickly get your money back (and more) with all your savings!

When using the pass, make sure you check the fine print and which restaurants are open so you can use it most efficiently.

Fall Foliage Viewing

If you’re a nature lover who can’t help but be moved by the beauty of leaves changing color in the autumn season, then one of the best activities you can do during this time is to see the fall foliage in Breckenridge. This area has been called “the first to fall.”

What does this refer to? In Breckenridge, the aspens (which include the Boxelders and Rocky Mountain Maple) change their colors earlier than in other areas in the U.S. They turn a beautiful, golden shade early on.

This is because of the high altitude where you find these trees in Breckenridge.

Other trees will have colors such as green and orange, so you’ll see a great variety of colors set against the high peaks and the bright blue sky as you complete scenic drives in this area.

So if you want to enjoy the changing of the leaves as early as September, this is one of the best things to do during the fall in Breckenridge.

The best places for fall foliage viewing scenic drives in this area include the French Gulch Pass and the Boreas Pass.

Fall Biking and Hiking

If you love exploring nature by bike or by foot, then fall activities in Breckenridge that might interest you include fall biking and hiking. This area has over sixty trails that are interconnected, many of which are accessible from the downtown area of the town.

Some great trails for both cyclists and hikers include the Hermit Placer Trail and the Sawmill Trail.

As for biking trails, some easier ones include the Lower Flume Trails and the River Trail. If you want a biking trail that’s more challenging, consider going along the Breckenridge “B” Line and the Colorado Trail.

Are you a history lover? Then you should definitely see if you can go on a guided hike available through the Breckenridge History Alliance.

Because you’ll be visiting Breckenridge during the fall shoulder season, the crowds won’t be as large. This means your adventures out in the wild will feel more like adventures than ever.

Fall Festivals

In Breckenridge in the fall, there are many fall festivals you can enjoy. In September, there’s the Breckenridge Wine Classic. In this festival, winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers will invite you to enjoy wine while dining in the beautiful autumnal environment of Breckenridge.

Another September fall festival is The Breck Film. You can enjoy outdoor viewings, parties, and film screenings.

Many of these screenings occur in theaters in town and have afterparties, so you can use one of these evenings as a reason to feel cultured and glamorous while enjoying everything else the town has to offer during the fall.

Additionally, the Brecktoberfest occurs in September. This event, which is hosted at the Riverwalk Center and lawn, celebrates German beer as well as culture.

Are you more of a local beer lover? No need to worry! In addition to German beers, there will be many fall-themed ones available that come from Colorado as well as the Rockies.

Note that this is a ticketed event, so you’ll have to reserve in advance.

At the same time as this festival, the Fall Family Fair will be going on for free. This is a great option if you’ve got kids!

Finally, in October, there’s the Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival. You can enjoy drinks distilled by the best distilleries in Colorado. You can start off this festival at the first event, The Still on the Hill Grand Tasting.

Want to Learn More About Fall in Breckenridge?

Now that you’ve learned about the wonders of the fall in Breckenridge, you might want to learn more. Maybe you want to find out about specific trails that would interest you or you’d like to learn more about the best bars and restaurants to visit.

Whatever information you need, we can help. At Alpine Edge, we’re experts when it comes to enjoying Breckenridge.

We also provide vacation rentals during the fall shoulder season. So if you’re looking for a place to stay, you should stay with us. To book your vacation rental with us, contact us now.

Reasons to Spend All Your Winter Family Vacations in Breckenridge, CO

Between skiing and the ice castles, it’s clear to see that Breckenridge is the place for fun winter family vacations. Here’s a list of everything you can do.

Choosing a place for your family trips is never easy, especially with people wanting to go to different places all over the world. Have you ever considered spending your winter family vacations in Breckenridge, CO?

If not, then you should! With the skiing and ice castles, you will feel like you’re in a winter wonderland every time you step out of your cabin, resort, or hotel.

Yet, there is so much more to do besides skiing in Breckenridge.

Be sure to keep reading for our guide on seven reasons you need to spend all your winter family vacation in Breckenridge, CO.

1. Visit the Ice Castles

If you’re planning your Colorado winter vacation, then stopping at the ice castles in Breckenridge is something you have to do. You might feel as if you’ve stepped right into Disney’s movie Froze during your visit.

The ice castles are man-made and take thousands of hours to produce.

You can visit the ice castles during the day and night time for a magnificent visit. Yet, when you visit during the night, you will see a beautiful light show. LED lights illuminate your path and create the most magical views.

Make sure that you buy your tickets online before arriving. Doing this will ensure that you can see the magical and memorable castles during your visit.

2. Take a Class at Ski School

Are you nervous about taking a winter family vacation to Breckenridge because you aren’t the best skier or haven’t skied at all? You don’t have to worry!

There is a ski school class offered for children as young as three years old. You can even find some for adults.

Children will love going to ski school to learn how to ski down more prominent slopes so that they can impress their friends and you. Plus, there are different options to fit your budget and your child’s needs for their classes.

Whether they want to take one on one classes, group classes, or small group classes, then they can. You can even find a ski class for the whole family!

3. Hit the Kids Adventure Zones

Another reason to make Breckenridge one of your winter vacation spots is that your children are going to love the Kids Adventure Zones. There are tons of different spots that your children can explore throughout Breckenridge that they’re going to love.

These zones are different ski slopes that your children can ski down. Each of them has different themes, which makes them even more fun.

For example, one of the zones you can ski down is called the Haunted Forest. It is a beginner ski and snowboard zone. You’ll see a haunted graveyard, giant spiders, and even dragons.

4. Watch Santa Race

Breckenridge is the best place for winter vacations, especially around Christmas because you can watch Santa race down Main Street. We don’t mean only one Santa, but rather hundreds of Santas participate in the Race of the Santas.

Many people are in the race for fun. They dress up as Santa and either run, walk or jog down Main Steet.

Yet, most of the Santas want Ullr helmets or other big prize packs for the people who finish at the top. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume, and most people do. It is a day and sight that you won’t forget.

5. Have BreckFast

One of the best things about traveling to Breckenridge is that there are tons of delicious places to eat. If you’re looking for a great breakfast place, then BreckFast is the place to go. Cleverly named after the town, you will also find some fantastic food.

Some of the best dishes are their giant breakfast burrito, also known as the Main Street, or their chicken and waffles, which they call the Golden Nugget. The best part is that most of their ingredients are sourced from local places, so you know that you’re eating fresh and tasty food.

6. Look Through the Shops

Another great thing about Breckenridge is all the unique shops. While some kids might not find this the most enjoyable aspect of the town, mom sure will!

Downtown Breckenridge has looks of stores that you will want to explore. Whether it is an antique shop, local bookstore, or even a gift shop, you can find it in Breckenridge.

Something the kids will like to look through is the toy store. Peek a Boo Toys is a favorite for many kids as they have lots of interesting toys. Yet, the best part is the big indoor play area that many kids take advantage of on extra cold or snowy days.

You can also find delicious bakeries so that you can buy some yummy treats to take home with you.

7. Go on a Gold Mine Tour

Breckenridge is filled with astonishing and fun things to do, and something else you should consider is the Gold Mine Tour.

You might be wondering what a Gold Mine Tour entails? Well, you’ll be joining forces with a local expert that can teach you all about the history of Breckenridge.

You’ll learn about how Breckenridge was once a mining camp, Victorian town, hippie haven, and has turned into the tourist destination it is today.

Something else that might interest you is taking a hike to learn the story of hydraulic mining. You’ll see exactly how gold was extracted from hills by using high powered water hoses.

Winter Family Vacations in Breckenridge

Clearly, skiing is one of the number one reasons to take your winter family vacations in Breckenridge, CO. Yet, you can find that there is so much to do in the mountain town at the bottom of the slopes.

Breckenridge is an awesome vacation spot for the entire family. You can find someone to do for everyone.

Are you looking to book your family vacation and stay in Breckenridge? We have lots of phenomenal rental properties that will feel like a home away from home. Make sure to check out all our available rental properties and choose the best one to fit your travel needs.

The Top 7 Mountain Bike Trails Near Breckenridge Colorado

Brekenridge Colorado is an incredible for mountain bike trails. Their meadows and ski resort are absolutely perfect for any mountain biking enthusiast.

Colorado is known for its breathtaking beauty and adrenaline-packed outdoor activities.

One of the most underrated activities in Colorado is mountain biking. With the scenery and terrain that Breckenridge has to offer, it’s one of the best places to enjoy the sport.

Are you looking for some of the best mountain bike trails in Breckenridge, Colorado? Read on to find out about some of our favorites for you to try around the town.

1. Spruce Creek Road

Spruce Creek Road is a great beginner trail to get started out on.

Being 5 miles, it’s easy to complete in a short time. It also connects to other trails, so you can take a detour if you want to.

With great scenery and an easy ride, this is one of the more relaxing trails to check out in Breckenridge.

2. Carter Park Trail

The Carter Park Trail is a 3.5-mile-long loop that will keep you on your toes. The trail zig-zags, which switches things up compared to other trails in the area.

It’s beginner-friendly and dog friendly. You can bring your furry friend along, as long as they’re on a leash.

At only 500 meters of elevation, it doesn’t have any big challenges, but it offers some great scenery and a calm ride.

3. Boreas Pass

Boreas Pass is one of the best and longest beginner trails in Breckenridge. It provides challenges due to its elevation of 11,000 feet. If you’ve aced the previous beginner trails, this one should be next on your list.

Part of the trail is paved, but most of it is dirt. You can by-pass the paved area and head out to the backcountry. If you’re a beginner looking for a challenge, this is the trail for you.

4. Peaks Trail

For the experienced rider, Peaks Trail offers many hills. The elevation is 10,500 feet, so prepare yourself for a bit of a challenge.

It’s among some of the more popular trails, so you’re likely to meet a few hikers. With so much variety, it’s one of the best locations for mountain biking.

5. Burro Trail

This trail is 7.9 miles of beautiful scenery and steep hills. At 800 feet in elevation, it’s not a difficult ride. The steepness of some inclines makes it a great place for a workout.

It’s another popular trail, so you’ll meet many people both biking and hiking.

6. Gold Run Road

Looking for a great day trip of mountain biking through a historic area? Gold Run Road might be the right trail for you.

The trail is well-connected with a few others in the area and provides a bit of a challenge. One of the most unique parts of it is the historic mine that you can see while biking.

It’s a great way to exercise and learn a little about history as well!

7. Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail is the longest on this list at 486 miles long. The trail extends all across the state, but a part of it lies in Breckenridge. This means that it’s easy to venture out past the town limits to see other areas closeby.

On the Breckenridge section of the trail, you’ll experience many climbs. Once you reach Georgia Pass, it turns into one of the best downhill mountain biking locations that you’ll find.

Want to Hit the Mountain Bike Trails in Breckenridge, Colorado?

Breckenridge has so much to offer to mountain bikers who are looking for a challenge. No matter your skillset, there are many mountain bike trails in the area for you to try.

Are you looking for a vacation rental near the bike trails in Breckenridge? Have a look at our listings here at Alpine Edge Property Management to find the one that’s right for you!