Just a short drive from Denver International Airport, Breckenridge, Colorado, is an ideal and easily accessible Rocky Mountain ski vacation option. The high alpine terrain you’ll discover in Breckenridge’s mountains is extremely diverse, making it a great spot for all members of your crew, from newbies to die-hard powder adventurers. Breckenridge’s charming historic downtown is the cherry on top, with restaurants, shopping, and craft breweries around every turn. Check out the best of “Breck” below …
Breckenridge Skiing & Snowboarding
Breckenridge Ski Resort is home to 2,908 acres of classic Rocky Mountain ski terrain, encompassing four terrain parks, two half-pipes and 187 trails.
- Located just steps from downtown, Peak 9 is the best place for newcomers young, old and in-between. There are spots specifically designed for families, alongside intermediate terrain for those looking to progress to the next level of snow sports mastery.
- On the other end of the spectrum, Peak 10 is a wonderland for the advanced skier or snowboarder, with steep groomers and a wealth of natural terrain, including challenging bumps and moguls, as well as several massive rock outcroppings.
- Peak 8 brings it all together — it’s known as the heart of Breckenridge’s snowy offerings. Ride the highest chairlift in North America and enjoy terrain that’s suitable for all experience levels, with easy (but super-fun) groomers and high-alpine bowls. There’s something for everyone on Peak 8.
Off-Slope Activities & Experiences
Breckenridge’s charming historic downtown is the launchpad for all kinds of excitement, offered all winterlong.
- Rocky Mountain Underground: For all your snow gear needs, from skis and snowboards to fat tire bikes and apparel, Rocky Mountain Underground has you covered. Even better, it offers local beer and food.
- Breckenridge Arts District: The creative side of Breckenridge is on full display in the historic downtown’s Arts District. Here, you’ll find galleries, artist’s studios, public art and workshops, each one a welcoming and fun spot. Don’t be afraid to explore!
- International Snow Sculpture Championships: Breckenridge hosts an array of cool events all winterlong — but if you have to choose one, make it the International Snow Sculpture Championships (Jan. 22-Jan. 31, 2024). It’s a weekend full of the most incredible snow-based artworks you’ll ever see.
- Historic Mine & Ghost Tours: Before it was a Colorado ski vacation destination, Breckenridge was a mining town. And visitors can get a glimpse of those bygone Rocky Mountain days by taking a tour at the Lomax Placer Mine — you can even try your hand at panning for gold! And if you’ve got a taste for all things spooky, there are several ghost tours offered, too, with chilling tales of the supernatural.
Where To Eat In Breckenridge
Where to fuel up and chill out! These are a few of the best Breckenridge restaurants.
- Daylight Donuts: Get your day started right at this iconic breakfast spot, which has been serving hungry skiers for more than 60 years. The donuts are made fresh daily, offering every variety under the sun, and there is an extensive menu of other morning items, too.
- Crepes a la Carte: An ideal Breckenridge lunch option, Crepes a la Carte lets you build your own sweet or savory crepe, or choose from a wide selection of local favorites. The Parisian comes highly recommended, with brie, Dijon and smoked ham. Magnifique!
- Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant: This spot isn’t just one of the Colorado’s finest craft distilleries — it’s also one of Breckenridge’s finest restaurants. The menu is modern Rocky Mountain cuisine, with an emphasis on local produce and meat. Don’t miss the happy hour (3-5pm), with handcrafted cocktails and discounted small plates.
- Empire Burger: If your day on the slopes has put you in the mood for a burger, make a beeline to Empire, where they’ve raised the cheeseburger to an art form. Nothing too fancy, just perfectly prepared ground beef, fresh condiments and a wide selection of craft beer. What more do you need?
Where To Stay in Breckenridge
- Grand Timber Lodge: Relaxed mountain luxury is the name of the game here, with ski-in/ski-out mountain access, a location close to downtown, and spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that are equipped with full kitchens, private decks, fireplaces and more.
- Grand Lodge on Peak 7: Your stay at this Breckenridge resort will be perfect, thanks to the on-site Sevens restaurant and the alluring Soothe Spa, not to mention private movie theaters and a family fun center. With units ranging from studios to four-bedrooms, you’ve got plenty of options for all types of ski vacations, too.
- Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge: The Marriott brand’s commitment to quality is readily apparent at the picturesque Mountain Valley Lodge. Offering both studios and villas, it’s located at the bottom of Chairlift #9, making your powder-filled days always just steps away.
Start planning your Breckenridge ski vacation with RedWeek now.
