Set 9,600 feet below the Rocky Mountains’ Ten Mile Range, Breckenridge is an idyllic ski town with five peaks for skiers of all abilities. The former queen of the Summit County mining towns, it’s also home to streets lined with weathered saloons and colorful Victorian homes from its boomtown days.
Breck—as regulars call it—may be best known for its almost 3,000 acres of lift-served terrain, but it has much to love beyond skiing, from an award-winning craft beer and distillery scene to a thriving arts district. And there are plenty of non-skiing outdoor activities, so you can still soak up the 300 days of annual sunshine even if you’re not hitting the slopes.
As you plan your next trip to Breckenridge, here’s everything you need to know, including the best restaurants, bars, and places to stay. Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, remember that the amenities and services of many hotels are always subject to change—make sure to check local COVID restrictions and contact businesses directly for operating hours before visiting.
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Getting to and around Breckenridge
Located along the I-70 corridor, Breckenridge is more accessible than ever thanks to United’s new Landline luxury bus service, which runs from Denver International Airport to Breck’s Main Street. Once your plane lands in Denver, all you have to do is make an in-terminal transfer to your shuttle—United will even load your bags on board.
The trip from downtown Denver to Breckenridge is roughly 90 minutes, pending traffic. You could make the drive yourself, but once in Breckenridge you don’t really need a car. The town is situated right at the base of the mountain and there’s a free, easy-to-use hybrid bus system. If you do decide to rent a car, four-wheel drive is strongly encouraged (you don’t want to be that person on the snowy ascent to Eisenhower Tunnel).
What to do in Breckenridge
During the winter months, Breckenridge Ski Resort brings most people to town. A Vail Resorts property, the ski area spans five peaks of the Ten Mile Range and features 187 trails, from easy-going greens and meandering blues to challenging bowl runs that wind above the treeline. Advanced skiers and riders can also look forward to the highest lift-served terrain in the country at 12,998 feet, accessed via Peak 8’s Imperial Express SuperChair. From the top of the lift, you can hike to the summit for fresh powder and 360-degree views of the Ten Mile Range, the Gore Range, nearby Lake Dillon, and a few neighboring ski resorts. For beginners or those looking to find their ski legs first, both private and group lessons are available for kids and adults.
This year, Breck will debut the new Freedom SuperChair on Peak 7, which will greatly alleviate congestion on the north side of the mountain. Catch a ride to the top then grab one of the coveted Adirondack chairs at Pioneer Crossing for a hot toddy at 11,400 feet (the chalet does impose a two-drink maximum).
If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, there are still myriad ways to enjoy the outdoors in Breckenridge. Over the last year, the Gold Run Nordic Center doubled their fat bike fleet and expanded their extensive network of groomed trails for biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking (there are even off-leash trails for those visiting with dogs). You could also book a private snowcat tour through the wooded mountainside, ending with hot chocolate and s’mores in a former miner’s cabin, or head to Carter Park for free sledding just blocks from Main Street. Country Boy Mine is worth the 10-minute trip from town for "extreme" sledding, as they call it, on a course that winds down the mountain.
For a day in town, browse the shops on Main Street, get an oxygen boost at a local coffee shop, or visit the Breckenridge Arts District, a cluster of galleries and theaters housed in historic buildings. Travelers can take classes in metalsmithing, ceramics, and glassblowing, to name a few, or catch a movie at Breck’s Eclipse Theater.
Though Breckenridge is most popular in the winter, the summer and fall seasons are a real treat for travelers, with blooming lupines, golden Aspens, mild temperatures, and a wide array of activities. Play a round of golf at Breck’s 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course or hire a fly-fishing guide via Breckenridge Outfitters to help you navigate the bends and pools of the Colorado River. Road and mountain bikers will love exploring the more than 200 miles of trails around town, while hikers will want to check out Summit Nature Hikes, a local non-profit that leads free guided nature treks.
Where to eat and drink in Breckenridge
One of Colorado’s first breweries, Breckenridge Brewery has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. Grab a seat on the patio after a bluebird day on the mountain and sample exclusive beers only offered on tap at this location. If you prefer whisky, head just outside town to Breckenridge Distillery, where the award-winning spirits are made with Rocky Mountain snow melt. Stop in for a flight and then stay for dinner at the on-site restaurant, a modern steakhouse with dishes like juniper-spiced venison and a juicy filet crusted in lava salt. Reservations are highly recommended.
Situated right on Main Street in an 1889 Victorian, Rootstalk is the first solo venture from local chef Matt Vawter and features elevated takes on comfort food, like pot pie with braised rabbit and celery root velouté. Another standout restaurant is Aurum, where you can sip cocktails at the stunning bar or book a heated yurt decked out in furs and Pendleton blankets. Dine on steak tartare with horseradish Hollandaise and homemade Parker House rolls, then wash it all down with one of the best espresso martinis in town. For something more casual, try new additions like Tin Plate Pizza (for wood-fired pies topped with roasted pineapple, pancetta, and pickled jalapeños) and Dynamite Cookies (for freshly baked treats served in an old miner’s cabin).
If it’s a rowdy aprés scene you seek, head to RMU, a ski shop by day and bar by night. The entire place is dog friendly and the front deck is the best perch for people watching on Main Street. Broken Compass Brewing recently opened a new taproom in town where you can try award-winning beers like the Coconut Porter, while Carboy Winery at Gold Pan Saloon serves surprisingly good wines on tap, like the inky red teroldego.
Where to stay in Breckenridge
A new kind of boutique hotel tailored to outdoor enthusiasts, the dog-friendly Gravity Haus Breckenridge draws out-of-towners with a wide variety of guest rooms (from bunk rooms to two-bedroom suites), a Japanese-inspired onsen, private ski lockers, and an in-house team to help you explore outside. Positioned at the end of Main Street, it’s just a quick walk from Peak 9’s Quicksilver SuperChair. Start your day here with breakfast at on-site Cabin Juice or Unravel Coffee, then book a private snow cabana for aprés ski.
For a true ski-in, ski-out stay, turn to One Ski Hill Place, a luxury Rockresort property. The hotel has plush rooms right at the base of Peak 8, family-friendly amenities like an in-house bowling alley, and one of the only full-service spas in town. A more casual option is LOGE, Breckenridge’s newest motel. A great choice for solo travelers, the property has communal hang-out spaces and offers gear rentals and tune-ups.
Breckenridge also has some of the best house rental options of all the Colorado ski towns. There are numerous places available through Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental companies, so you’ll have your pick of a charming Victorian in town, a ski-in/ski-out condo on the mountain, or a luxe stay at a private home on Shock Hill.