The Complete Guide to Choosing a Vacation Rental in Breckenridge, CO
Nestled on the southern end of the Tenmile Range, Breckenridge offers just about every type of outdoor recreation in every season. Tons of snow make it an ideal location for winter skiing, while hikers love to come to tackle the popular fourteener Quandary Peak.
Whatever your plans, choosing a vacation rental to provide a good home base is the first step to a great stay. The town and surrounding Summit County offer lots of options that can get you close to the action or put you closer to nature.
The right place for you depends a bit on what you plan to do while you’re here and the kind of trip you want to have. Let’s look at the key things you need to keep in mind when booking your stay.
Choose Your Location
The town sits in a valley, so it’s an uphill climb as you go east and west from the center strip along Main Street. If you’re planning to walk into town a lot, know that what looks like a short walk could involve a climb every time you head home.
Given the many activities in Breckenridge, you might make your rental choice based on your trip plan. In the winter, you might want a place near a ski lift to cut down on the time it takes to hit the slope. Properties listed as ski-in/ski-out mean you can ski right up to your door, although you’ll still want lift access to get up the mountain.
In the summer, the best location might be north of town, so you’re close to the golf course or near the river if you plan to do some fishing. The paved rec path for walkers, runners, and road bikers runs through the center of town and north to Frisco with easy access from most locations. Mountain bike and hiking paths run all over the mountains as well.
If you’re bringing your dog with you, you might consider looking at locations on the east side of town, which put you near Carter Park and the spacious dog park there.
If you want to be right in town, you’ll find a few options along Main Street with far more along South Park/Highway 9 that loops around the west side of town. All put you close to the action, food, and shopping to be found up and down Main Street.
Most locations will be near a stop for the free bus, an important consideration if you plan to shuttle up and not have a vehicle while you’re visiting.
Confirm the Amenities
Consider the kind of vacation you want so you can ensure the rental has everything you’ll need during your stay. The vacation rental amenities offered can make your stay far more convenient and relaxing.
For a short stay, you might not care too much about whether there’s an in-unit washer and dryer. But for a longer stay, that might matter. Having access at all is important as there’s only one laundromat in town.
Having a place to store all your ski or bike gear is also important since it gets messy and takes up space. You don’t want to be keeping it in your living room the entire trip!
If you plan to eat out most of the time, you might not need much of a kitchen for your stay. But if you do and have plans to cook certain things, double-check that it’s equipped with what you need. That might mean a handy grill for burgers or plenty of cookie sheets if you like to bake.
You’ll find hot tubs aplenty across town since it’s a great way to ease aching muscles after a day on the slopes. A few complexes offer access to a pool as well, a great option in the summer when the sun comes out.
If you plan to bring your dog, that will limit your rental options as many of the townhouse and condo complexes only allow pets for unit owners. You’ll have better luck with a house, although don’t expect to find a fenced yard for Fido.
Don’t forget to ask about parking. Most locations offer space for one vehicle, which might be in a lot or could be in a parking garage under the building. Townhouses and houses are more likely to have a garage and space for more cars.
Consider the Type of Property
Breck offers a lot of options in property types, making it easy for you to find what you need for the size of your group and planned activities.
When comparing vacation rental costs, you might find a large house to be a better option for a large group. They tend to be what you find up the peaks, north toward the golf course and south toward Blue River. You’ll also find more luxury options since there’s more space to build out of town.
Condos and townhouses are plenty closer to town, particularly on the southern end and along the west edge. You’ll find some luxury options here, but most are practical choices set up to fit as many people as possible. They’re a great choice if location is more important than luxury, and you can find many right along a ski run.
Resorts, lodges, and hotels offer more traditional options, and several have their own ski lifts right outside the door. They tend to have restaurants on the property along with other amenities you expect at a hotel.
Check the Property Management
Resorts, lodges, and hotels will have professional management with front desks where you check-in. With other rentals, you might deal with the owner, or you could deal with a property management company.
With the latter, it can be easier to reach someone to ask questions or if there’s a problem. These companies are right in town, so they can visit ahead of time to ensure everything is set up for you. They also tend to manage a lot of properties and can get you into the right place for your family if your first choice is already booked.
Get Help Choosing a Vacation Rental in Breck
From summer hiking to winter skiing, Breckenridge offers year-round fun for the entire family. Choosing a vacation rental should involve careful consideration of the location that best suits your planned activities and needed amenities. You have options from homes on the tops of the peaks to condos right in the center of town.
Planning a vacation in Breckenridge? At Alpine Edge, we have you covered with vacation rental options from luxury homes to ski-in condos.
