Things To do

Breckenridge, Colorado, sits at an elevation of 9,603 feet at the base of the mountain and rises up to a peak of 12,998 feet. It gets about 300 days of sunshine, 353 inches of snow, and more than three million visitors each year. If you’re planning on being one of those three million this year, you may be wondering what there is to do in this alpine wonderland.

Breckenridge is famous for its skiing (more than half the visitors each year go to ski), but there’s lots to do beyond just hitting the slopes! Read on to learn more about things to do in Breckenridge that the whole family will love.

1. Skiing

Of course, one of the most popular things to do in Breckenridge is to ski. Breckenridge has five peaks that boast more than 180 skiable trails and the tallest chair lift on the continent. With almost 3,000 acres of skiing terrain and four different terrain parks, the only question you’ll have is where you want to go that day.

2. Snowshoeing

If you want a slower way to enjoy the natural beauty of Breckenridge, snowshoeing might be the activity for you. You can take a guided tour on snowshoes or explore on your own with a self-guided tour. You can choose from several different trails that offer a blend of fascinating history, stunning views, and different elevation options.

3. Tubing

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 a few different sledding hills available near Breckenridge vacation rentals, some of which offer various levels of difficulty.

4. Wine Tasting, Distilleries, and Craft Beer

If you’d prefer to find somewhere cozy with a warming drink, don’t worry – Breckenridge has plenty of options available. 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.

5. Ice Fishing

If you enjoy spending weekends with a fishing pole in hand, you won’t want to miss the ice fishing opportunities in Breckenridge. Lake Dillon boasts an elevation of 9,000 feet and a population including rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, Arctic char, kokanee salmon, and more. You can take a guided tour of the lake and rent a warming hut, tackle, bait, gear, and heaters.

6. Cultural Attractions

Although the area is known for their 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 browsing local artworks.

7. Cross-Country Skiing

When most of us think about skiing in Breckenridge, our minds go to downhill skiing, but that’s not your only option. Cross-country skiing can be a more relaxing way to enjoy the scenery and explore the trails around the city. There are two Nordic ski centers where you can start a guided tour or explore on your own.

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 six miles 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 background of the area 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 sixteen teams of sculptors from all over the world transform twenty-ton blocks of snow into breathtaking 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 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 vacation to Colorado.

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.