A first-time guide to Breckenridge

26.11.2024 - 19:19 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 26, 2024 • 7 min read

Although it’s best known as a ski town, Breckenridge, Colorado, is alluring year-round.  For starters, the scenery alone makes it worth a visit, with a stunning mountain setting and a Main Street lined with colorful Victorian buildings. But Breck, as locals call it, is more than just a pretty face. The historic gold mining town is home to a thriving arts community, an exciting culinary scene and unlimited recreational opportunities – both on and off the slopes. 

If you’re planning to visit for the first time, here’s what you need to know.

Skiers should go to Breckenridge in winter to experience epic powder. The resort offers 3000 skiable acres and caters to both beginners and pros – including Colorado's highest lift and slope. Even if you don’t ski, the Rocky Mountain scenery is breathtaking, and there’s a seriously cool après scene. From sipping drinks at old-timey thirst parlors to pampering yourself at a local spa, you won’t lack activities off the slopes. Winter is considered peak season in Breckenridge, so be prepared for longer wait times for ski lifts and restaurants, as well as higher prices at local hotels, especially on weekends. 

Summers are beautiful in Breckenridge. High temperatures usually range from the high 60s to low 70s – perfect for hiking, biking, dining al fresco along the riverwalk and taking in a free summer concert. On the mountain, Epic Discovery offers fun activities like adrenaline-pounding mountain coasters, alpine slides, mini golf, mountain biking and scenic chair lift rides. 

Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons. This is when you’ll get the most bang for your buck in Breckenridge since lodging rates are lower. The ski season in Breckenridge usually lasts until mid to late May, so you can still strap on your snowshoes or skis in spring – a highly underrated time of year to hit the slopes. In fall, the colors are glorious, and the local hiking and mountain biking trails are especially rewarding.  

The amount of time you should spend in Breckenridge depends upon your intended activities. If you simply want to soak in some spectacular views and enjoy a couple of meals in nice restaurants, two nights might be fine (although, chances are you’ll wish you’d stayed longer). 

To truly immerse yourself in Breck’s culture and activities, four or five days is ideal. This allows two or three days for recreational activities like skiing or hiking, plus another day or two for distillery tours, art classes, spa treatments or enjoying the museums and shops downtown.

Most visitors fly into Denver, a 90-minute drive if you rent a vehicle. Or better yet, take a shuttle like the Epic Mountain Express since you don’t need a car in Breckenridge – pass holders get a decent