10 Best Things to do in Breckenridge – the Ultimate Mountain Bucket List (+ Tons of Free Attractions!)
Blessed with more snow than any other town in Colorado, Breckenridge is on every skier’s bucket list. But it’s not just the snow bunnies and powder hounds that flock to Breck. With over 300 days of sunshine, this former gold rush town turned resort destination is an idyllic mountain getaway with something for everyone from world-class shredding to the largest historic district in the state.
The list of things to do in Breckenridge is seemingly endless. Whether you come in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, add these attractions to your Breckenridge bucket list.
Bike and Brew
With fat tires specifically designed to maneuver in the snow, earn your turns, and ease yourself into life at altitude biking to one of Breckenridge’s most popular local breweries, Broken Compass. Following the Blue River Rec Path, this family-friendly tour is available year-round by Ridden and includes brewery tours and tasters.
Visit the Distillery
The world’s highest distillery (and not just in the Colorado way), Breckenridge Distillery is the place to sip and swirl some of the best spirits in the world. Follow the process from distillation to bottling and taste locally made vodkas, gin, spiced rum, and their award-winning bourbons and bitters. Everyone gets two free samples, which you can upgrade to higher-end flights and specialty blends. They even offer a free shuttle from town, so you don’t have to imbibe and drive!
Find the Troll
A 15-foot wooden sculpture, this whimsical art installation was made entirely out of recycled materials and, as trolls do, resides in the forest. There’s no parking nearby, so you’ll either have to walk or bike or take the free downtown trolley to the appropriately named Trollstigen Trailhead. It’s a fun Instagram photo (especially if you’re anti-Internet trolls, cough cough).
Sleigh the Day
Voted America’s #1 sleigh ride, Two Below Zero offers horse-drawn carriage rides to a Western-style chuckwagon dinner under the stars. A riveting Wild West performance, on-site country crooners sets the tone for the evening as you fill your belly next to a roaring fire. Themed shows can be cheesy, but they do a great job appealing to guests of all ages while paying homage to Colorado’s historic cowboy culture. In summer months, their backcountry cookouts and wagon rides are equally entertaining, so no matter when you visit, you’re in for a unique treat.
Have a Starlit Snowcat Experience
If you’re unfamiliar with Snowcats, they’re essentially enclosed monster trucks designed to plow through snow that can take you to remote mountainous destinations previously inaccessible on foot or with a standard vehicle. Run by Breckenridge’s Nordic Center, you’ll ride to a secluded glass cabin to enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa as you watch as the Alpenglow lights up the inky sky.
Go Dogsledding Year-Round
The Good Times Kennel is home to 150+ sled dogs. In the winter, guests can take turns mushing and riding in the sleigh while being pulled by a team of beautiful huskies ready to run. In summer, the pack will pull you around the yard on a scooter or cart. And yes, the best part is playing with the puppies after.
Hit the Slopes
With five peaks, four terrain parks, nearly 3,000 skiable acres, and the tallest chairlift in North America, Breckenridge is a beast of a mountain and more like five mountains in one. If you’re new to shredding, it’s natural to feel intimidated, but if you want to give skiing a try, there’s no better place to take a lesson or ride the gondola to see how it feels. Take in the expansive landscape and million-dollar views (it’s completely free!).
Play in the Snow
Breckenridge is also home to two Nordic centers, which boast more than 30 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, meaning you can still enjoy some alpine fun and take in the landscape without pummeling downhill. (Spoiler: Snowshoeing is essentially just hiking in winter). If you’d rather get some speed, there’s also Stephen C. West Ice Arena for skating fun and tubing at Frisco Adventure Park.
Splash Around
When the weather’s warmer and you’re looking to cool off, Blue River and Maggie Pond provide watery adventures like fly fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking (there’s even a manmade kayak park in town!). Local tour operators can take you whitewater rafting for the day, or you can put a boat out on Lake Dillion.
Get an Adrenaline Rush
In the warmer months, the ski runs are converted into mountain biking trails with other on-mountain activities like alpine slides and ziplines to keep the blood pumping. Or, go for a hot air balloon, or rent an off-roading vehicle to see the Rocky Mountains from the land and sky.
Book a Hotel in Breckenridge Now
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!