December through March are peak months, with January and February offering fewer crowds and ideal conditions. It’s the perfect time to explore Main Street, enjoy cozy dining spots, or visit the Breckenridge Nordic Center for cross-country skiing.
Let’s see what the local tourist office website Gobreck.com says about Top Winter Activities.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Breckenridge features five distinct peaks, offering a diverse mix of groomed runs, terrain parks, glades, and bowls. With nearly 2,900 acres of rideable terrain, the resort caters to all skill levels and ages.
Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing: The town is home to two Nordic centers—Gold Run Nordic Center and Breckenridge Nordic Center—boasting more than 30 miles of perfectly groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Both centers offer daily trail access, lessons, and equipment rentals. Beyond the Nordic centers, Breckenridge’s extensive trail system provides countless miles for exploration on Nordic skis, touring skis, or snowshoes.
Sledding: A favorite for kids—and kids at heart—sledding in Breckenridge is simple, exhilarating fun. You’ll need to walk uphill to earn your run, but the scenic views and fast rides down make it worthwhile. Sleds can be purchased at local grocery stores.
Dog Sledding: For an unforgettable experience, mush your own team of Siberian Huskies through the Rocky Mountains. These guided tours cover approximately six miles along the winding trails of the Swan River Valley.
Snowmobiling: Guided snowmobile tours offer a thrilling way to explore miles of backcountry trails while learning about Breckenridge’s mining history and local wildlife. Options range from family-friendly rides to full-throttle adventures with operators such as Good Times Adventures.
Get Up There: Ride the Breckenridge Gondola for free from the station on Watson Avenue. After four stops, you’ll arrive at the base of Peak 8, emerging directly into the Breckenridge Fun Park.
Here, visitors can enjoy restaurants in the plaza and purchase tickets for a variety of family-friendly attractions. A waiver of liability is required for participation.
The Colorado SuperChair may look intimidating, but as one attendant reassuringly noted, “It’s pretty safe.” And it is. Simply sit back, lower the restraint bar, and enjoy the ride. The chairs move steadily and securely. If heights make you uneasy, resist the urge to look down—look up instead, embrace the open sky, and enjoy the horizon.
The Town
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge has just over 5,000 residents, yet it attracts thousands of visitors on any given day.
Originally settled as a gold-mining camp in 1859, the town retains a strong sense of history, especially along Main Street. The historic and commercial district showcases a rich mix of architectural styles—from preserved mining-era structures and colorful Victorian homes to modern developments reflecting the tourism boom that followed the rise of skiing in the 1960s.
A stroll down Main Street reveals everything from upscale restaurants and lively bars to gift shops and grocery stores.
Founded in 1879, The Gold Pan Saloon remains open today on the corner of Ski Hill Road. It’s a beloved gathering place where locals and visitors enjoy hearty food, drinks, live music, and storytelling.
Just one block away is The Carlin, a luxury inn offering refined accommodation and two restaurants. In its lower level, The Tavern Underground is known for standout dishes such as the Dynamite Shrimp, served with nam jim aioli, sesame seeds, green onion, and cabbage.
Another excellent dining option is Blue River Bistro, also on Main Street, featuring an eclectic American menu that ranges from grilled calamari to fall-apart tender bison short ribs.
Arts lovers should visit the Riverwalk Center, a modern 750-seat performance hall hosting local and touring musicians, theater productions, and special events. Don’t miss the nearby Arts District, where artists work and teach workshops. Many studios are located near Washington Avenue and South Ridge Street, close to the Breckenridge Theater, which presents engaging performances including musicals.
Public transportation in Breckenridge is free, and the complimentary trolley makes it easy to get around Main Street and surrounding areas.
Today, Breckenridge is a highly sought-after destination for second homes. While the cost of living is above the national average, prices remain comparable to other popular mountain and resort destinations.
Five Minutes Away
Just a five-minute drive from town, the Breckenridge Distillery is a must-visit. One of the most impressive distilleries I’ve encountered in my years as a travel writer, it combines a retail shop, on-site tours, tastings, a bar, and a restaurant all in one location.
Recognized as one of the top craft distilleries in the U.S., it offers everything from blended bourbon whiskies to gin, vodka, and spiced rum. Particularly noteworthy is the creative cocktail program, crafted by Liquid Chef Billie Kiethley.
How to Get There
Breckenridge is accessible by car or by flying into Denver International Airport and arranging ground transportation. The drive takes about two hours and offers scenic views of mountain elevations and colorful towns along the way. Several charter services operate between Denver and Breckenridge, including Epic Mountain Express, Summit Express, and Peak 1 Express.
Where to Stay
Breckenridge offers a wide range of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. For travelers seeking extra space or kitchen amenities, Mountain Thunder Lodge is an excellent choice. This striking retreat is set in a wooded area near Main Street and the Gondola station, combining convenience with a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
