The Ultimate Breckenridge Itinerary: Winter Fun for the Whole Family
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of family Spring Break ski vacations to Colorado, and one of my favorite Colorado towns is Breckenridge, Colorado. This family-friendly vacation spot is close to Denver, has plenty of things to do besides skiing, and is friendly on a budget. My Breckenridge itinerary has everything you need to plan your next getaway and inspire your adventure in one of Colorado’s premier winter destinations.
Breckenridge is a picturesque, family-friendly ski town in Summit County, Colorado, United States that has been welcoming visitors since the 1960s.
A visit to this mountain town is perfect for the whole family since there are plenty of activities for a family vacation. The mostly direct route from Denver International Airport makes it one of the easiest resort towns to visit.
Located in one of Colorado’s most popular mountain ranges, Breckenridge has everything you could want for a snowy weekend getaway or a full week-long winter vacation, including a bustling Main Street, a multiple mountain ski resort, museums, family-friendly hikes, and so much more.
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Breckenridge Basics
Breckenridge is a year-round destination.
A Breckenridge summer offers a mild climate to enjoy outdoor events and abundant summer activities, including festivals, water rafting, hiking, and biking.
Breckenridge is most known as a ski town, so it’s no surprise that you’ll want to hit the slopes. The ski season lasts from late November through April. Most years you can expect snow in Breckenridge at Thanksgiving.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other activities to do when visiting Breckenridge in the late fall or early winter. You can ice skate, go sledding, shop, and enjoy an endless number of other mountain activities.
The travel tips below will help you plan the best mountain vacation.
How Do I Get to Breckenridge?
Breckenridge is located about eighty miles west of Denver.
The best way to reach Breckenridge is by flying into Denver International Airport. Since many flights depart daily from all major airports in the United States, Skyscanner.com makes it easy to find cheap flights.
Skyscanner scans the web for flight options and gives you immediate results for flights available for the cities and days you choose. If you’re not locked into dates, it can search flights by month for the best deals.
My family and I have used Skyscanner to book last-minute trips from Texas to Colorado to enjoy Breckenridge’s winter activities at Thanksgiving. The cost is typically less than $200 for a round trip.
Once you fly into Denver, you will need a way to get to the mountains. You have several options.
Breckenridge Airport Shuttle
If you are uncomfortable driving in the snow, a shared or private shuttle service is perfect. Pre-arrange your shuttle before you arrive at the Denver International Airport, especially when visiting during the holidays.
You can rent a car if you feel safe driving on I-70 when snowy or icy conditions may exist.
You must ensure your rental company knows you will drive into the mountains. Colorado has private vehicle traction and chain laws that you must abide by or face steep monetary penalties. Make sure your car is adequately prepared.
An alternative to rental car companies is a relatively new company called Turo.
Think of Turo as VRBO for cars.
For our family of seven, a week-long rental of a Cadillac Escalade through Turo was a fraction of the cost of a shuttle or rental car.
Breckenridge businesses, restaurants, and activities are accessible by a free shuttle service, so you will likely only use your rental car to get to Breckenridge from Denver.
If you drive your car in Breckenridge, expect to pay for parking, as there are few places in town to park for free.
However, skiers and snowboarders in your group can ski within minutes using the free bus in Breckenridge, and non-skiers can easily access all the other fun town activities.
Where Should I Stay in Breckenridge?
Where to stay? That’s the question you’ll ask yourself as soon as you start planning your trip to Breckenridge.
Breckenridge has plenty of options if you’re looking for a large mountain rental home or a hotel with all the amenities.
Here are some of my favorite hotels:
- Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge at Breckenridge
- Village at Breckenridge Resort
- Grand Lodge on Peak 7
- One Ski Hill, A Rock Resort
I suggest also looking at mountain condos or home rentals for comfort and plenty of space for the whole family. The prices are reasonable, and there are many to choose from based on your family size.
You should look for lodging that offers ski-in, ski-out access, or one that is on a shuttle route. Rental homes with large kitchens to cook for a Thanksgiving holiday are pretty easy to find.
Fortunately, you have two great options for booking condos and houses in Breckenridge.
Many privately owned homes are available for rent through VRBO. You will find small condos for a couple’s getaway and massive homes for a multi-generational trip.
The 6,000 square foot home with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a hot tub, a fire pit, a game room, an enormous kitchen, and views for miles cost around $2900 for the week of Thanksgiving.
That is highly affordable for a week-long rental, especially if three families split the cost.
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Breckenridge Packing List
Packing smart will help you have a smooth vacation and help your family eliminate unnecessary spending in Breckenridge.
You won’t want to forget many things, like sunscreen, chapstick, and gloves. The cost of these small items can add up when you pay resort prices.
Use this complete family snow trip packing list to include everything you need for a fun trip.
Breckenridge Food Guide
Breckenridge offers many dining options, including several restaurants along Main Street. Your family will undoubtedly want to try them as you explore the town.
If you visit during Thanksgiving, several restaurants remain open with limited hours, but you should make a reservation in advance. The Blue Stag Saloon, Hearthstone, and Blue River Bistro all offer holiday menus.
You must try the giant pizza slices at Breckenridge Ale House or the massive hamburgers at Empire Burger for lunch or dinner.
Other great choices for food and fun in Breckenridge include the unique floating restaurant, Ollie’s Pub & Grub, and the kid-friendly arcade/restaurant Downstairs at Eric’s.
Don’t miss the scrumptious desserts around town, like the cookies from Mountaintop Cookies or the baked goods and pies from La Francaise.
Once you catch a hint of the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods, you will realize why there is often a line outside these quaint shops.
Stir-Pan Creamery is another stop you must make for afternoon treats.
The unique rolled ice cream is created on super cold stones while you watch.
You can choose your flavors or pick from ones already created.
While you are in town, pick up groceries, or better yet, have groceries delivered to your lodging.
When you have a large family, it’s a good idea to keep drinks, snacks, and a few easy-to-prepare meals in the house or condo kitchen.
Instacart delivers in Breckenridge from City Market, the local grocery store. City Market is a Kroger-owned grocery store, so the prices are reasonable.
City Market also sells ready-to-cook options in the deli, so you can still have a feast if you are spending Christmas or Thanksgiving in Breckenridge.
Check out this ski trip grocery shopping list with ideas for snacks and simple meals to get you started.
Breckenridge Itinerary – Day One
What do you do now that you have chosen a place to stay, arranged your transportation to Breckenridge, and have your packing list for a mountain vacation? Lucky for you, there are tons of family-friendly things to do in Breckenridge.
Get Acclimated to the Breckenridge Altitude
Keep the first day of your Breckenridge itinerary simple.
Spend your first day getting to know Breckenridge. Visit the town, rent skis if you plan to ski during the week, and acclimate to the altitude.
Breckenridge is at an altitude of 9,600 feet. This high altitude is not something you want to mess with. Give yourself and your family a day to acclimate to the change in altitude.
Drink plenty of water the days leading to your arrival, which does help. You can also use Acli-mate. It’s an altitude sickness hydration powder you mix with water. We used it, and despite being from Texas, none of us had altitude sickness in Colorado.
Explore Downtown Breckenridge’s Main Street
Breckenridge’s Main Street is a great place to start your trip.
There are many ways to enjoy this quaint town: shop, eat and drink. It’s also a fun place for the kids to explore.
Besides the fun shops that line the town’s main thoroughfare, several art installations and photo ops are throughout.
Rent your Ski/Snowboard Equipment
You can save the most money if you rent your equipment and book your lift tickets in advance.
In my experience, Black Tie Ski Rentals is the best place to rent skis for a family on a ski trip.
With this company, you answer a few basic questions online about height, weight, shoe size, and ski ability.
Then, your ski concierge will deliver your ski gear for free to your house, condo, or hotel room.
They will personally fit your family with all their gear.
Their rental prices are comparable to renting equipment in town, but the time and sanity you save are totally worth it.
Breckenridge Itinerary – Day Two
Begin your second day in Breckenridge with a hearty breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast spots in Breckenridge.
Breckenridge may be a small mountain town, but there is no shortage of delicious places to eat.
Breckenridge Ski Area
Ride on the BreckConnect Gondola
After breakfast, head over to the BreckConnet gondola. Unlike other Colorado resorts, the gondola is free to ride in Breckenridge.
The gondola makes three stops: Shock Hill, Peak 7, and Peak 8.
In a short ten-minute ride, you can transport your entire family from Main Street, Breckenridge, to the base of the ski mountains.
It is easy to hop on the gondola. Follow the paved path to the entrance.
Enter the queue, wait for the attendant to call you over, and then walk into the open gondola cart.
At the end of the gondola ride, simply step out onto the platform when the doors open.
Even if you don’t plan to ski, add a ride on the gondola up to Peak 8 to your Breckenridge itinerary.
At the top of the gondola, you can watch the skiers and snowboarders, have lunch or drinks, or enjoy being on the mountain.
Breckenridge Mountain Adventures
Breckenridge is home to five world-class ski mountains, including Peak 7 at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Opening day depends on the weather, but the mountains are typically open by Thanksgiving.
If you’re looking for a day of skiing or snowboarding, the best time to go is in the morning. The slopes are less crowded, and you will have more time to enjoy a day there.
The Breckenridge Ski School offers lessons for children as young as three years old, including ski school clinics on snowboarding.
Book your lessons and buy your lift tickets well in advance to ensure availability for the days you want to ski.
Ask about the Epic Mountain Rewards program that gives discounts on food, lessons, and rentals.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, you have so many options to enjoy snow and winter fun in Breckenridge.
Downhill skiing is just one option of many to have a fun day in the snow.
Breckenridge Nordic Center
Take the Free Ski and Ride shuttle from downtown to the 2000-acre Breckenridge Nordic Center for a mountain adventure on snowshoes.
Even if you have never skied a day in your life, you can take a Snowshoe Adventure Tour.
The fabulous employees at the Breckenridge Nordic Center can get you fitted with everything you need for your favorite winter outdoor activities, like a one-hour tour through the Cucumber Gulch Preserve.
A snowshoe tour is a great way to learn about Breckenridge and is suitable for the entire family.
Add a Sleigh Ride to Your Breckenridge Itinerary
Rather than strapping on snowshoes or skis, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The thirty-minute ride will take you up the mountain for amazing views of the town below.
You will enjoy the same views as the skiers without all the work and with a warm drink in hand.
Photo credit: Breckenridge Stables, Facebook
Go Sledding
Sledding is one of our family’s favorite things to do in the winter.
As a great alternative to skiing, sledding is a fun and affordable family activity to add to your Breckenridge itinerary.
Many house and condo rentals have sleds available for use, but you can also buy sleds from the local grocer in Breckenridge for around $15.
The house we rented had plenty of space in the backyard to go sledding, but don’t worry if you don’t have that space.
Breckenridge has two free places to go sledding in town – Runway Sledding Hill and Carter Park.
Runway Sledding Hill, near Airport Road, is within walking distance from the free bus stop. Walk up the sledding hill and slide down for a day of family fun.
Carter Park is only four blocks from Main Street. The hill is expansive and perfect for sledding.
Sled rentals are unavailable at either location; however, they have “Sled Sheds” where other guests leave their sleds for others to borrow for free. There aren’t always sleds left, but it may be worth checking before you buy one in town.
The sledding hills are a popular family activity, so you may want to go earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.
Breckenridge Itinerary – Day Three
Again, begin day three in Breckenridge by enjoying breakfast at one of the many great Breckenridge breakfast spots in town.
As a bonus, walking through town on clear, brisk mornings is a beautiful way to begin your day.
Visit Nearby Towns
When you’re in Breckenridge, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the neighboring towns of Frisco and Keystone.
If your family loves tubing like mine, experience the thrilling adventure at Keystone’s Tubing Hill, which features an automated lift that will bring you up to the top.
Although it’s not free, it is a lot of fun!
You can also participate in the Frisco 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and enjoy the attractions at the Frisco Adventure Park.
Country Boy Mine
If the kids in your family are older, you may want to book a session of Extreme Sledding at Country Boy Mine. In this adventurous session, you will arrive at the top of the mountain in either a snowcat or a monster truck sleigh.
You will take sweeping turns as you sled through the historic mine property.
In addition to sledding, your family can also enjoy authentic gold mine tours and gold panning.
Country Boy Mine – 542 French Gulch Rd, Breckenridge
Go Ice Skating in Breckenridge
Once at the Stephen C West Ice Arena, check out Breckenridge’s ice skating rink facilities. The arena offers both an indoor and outdoor arena.
You can go ice skating and rent ice skates for less than $20 per person, making this a very affordable family activity.
When you leave, stay in the area and take a short walk to the Breckenridge troll.
Take a Hike to the Breckenridge Troll
Hiking is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors.
There are so many trails around town, but one you must add to your Breckenridge itinerary is a hike to see Breckenridge’s favorite troll, Isak Heartstone.
The giant Breckenridge troll is located near the Stephen C. West ice rink. Park in the large parking lot and walk to the southeast corner entrance.
Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist focused on creating art through recycled materials, designed this giant 15-foot wooden sculpture.
Dambo has several other trolls throughout the United States, including one along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
From the parking lot, follow the signs to the Trollstigen Trail.
You will find this magnificent art piece just a short distance through beautiful tall pine trees.
The trail is nice and flat and clearly marked.
Be careful in the winter, though. The trails are not winterized and can ice over. We saw several people slipping and sliding.
Be on the Lookout for Breckenridge Wildlife
The great outdoors is full of surprises, and Breckenridge is no exception.
Breckenridge is a fantastic place to see wildlife. Especially moose!
The moose have been spotted in the area since the late 1800s, and they’re still around today. You can find them in the Rockies, which surround Breckenridge on three sides.
If you like to spot wildlife in your travels, Breckenridge is an excellent destination for you.
Breckenridge Itinerary – Day Four
Other Things to Do For Your Breckenridge Itinerary
The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the town and its surrounding area.
Stop into the Breckenridge Welcome Center along Main Street to learn more about Breckenridge through exhibits and a free virtual reality experience.
To learn more about Breckenridge, there are free museums and history tours, like the Walk Through History tour, that you can join at the Welcome Center.
The ninety-minute tour takes you along six blocks as you learn about many of Breckenridge’s historic buildings.
When your tour ends, catch the free shuttle or drive to the Stephen C West Ice Arena and the High Line Railroad Park.
The mining and railroad-themed playground is a fun place for families.
Breckenridge Colorado Snowmobile Rentals
Spend your last day in Breckenridge, seeing the best of Colorado. Breckenridge is an excellent destination for snowmobiling and offers many different family options.
Renting a snowmobile is not cheap, but enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains is worth it.
Families can take a two-hour snowmobile tour, which is offered three times daily.
Après Ski in Breckenridge
A Breckenridge itinerary would not be complete without après ski activities.
In Breckenridge, Colorado, you’ll have no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking to get your drink on or taste some of the best wines and beers around, Breck is the place to be.
Breckenridge Distillery and the Continental Divide Winery are just two options for après ski in Breckenridge.
The Breckenridge Distillery has been distilling spirits since 2008. It is the World’s Highest Distillery, located in the heart of downtown, and offers tastings and tours.
The tour covers the history of distilling in Colorado and explains how they make their whiskey and spirits today.
The Continental Divide Winery offers wine-tasting experiences, so if you’re looking for a place to head after skiing for some wine-tasting, this option is worth checking out.
Another apres-ski spot you won’t want to miss is Breckenridge Brewery, a Colorado brewery founded in 1990. It is known for its rich and flavorful beers, notably its flagship, Avalanche Ale.
Located on South Main Street in Breckenridge, you will find over 40 different types of beer at any given time. Join the Breckenridge Brewery for Happy Hour every day from 3 – 6 PM.
If you want something more laid-back, head over to Broken Compass Brewing Company. Here, you can try beers like the Nitro Cold Brew Stout or the Sweet Spot IPA.
To combine your love of the outdoors with an alcoholic experience, try the Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour. It takes a four-mile mountain biking trip through snowy terrain and ends with stops at Breck Distillery and Broken Compass.
Plan your Breckenridge Itinerary Today!
Breckenridge is a great place to spend time with your family because it’s fun and safe, and no two days are ever the same. You can go skiing or snowboarding one day and snowshoeing, hiking, or ice skating the next.
Don’t miss the winter activities that make Breckenridge extra special during the colder months. In December, Breckenridge hosts Ullr Fest, a weeklong celebration honoring the Norse god of snow, Ullr. Festivities include a parade, bonfire, and Viking games.
Breckenridge is also home to the International Snow Sculpture Championships in January, where teams from around the world create intricate sculptures from massive blocks of snow and ice. The kids will love seeing their favorite animals and objects come to life in the snow.
With world-class skiing, annual festivals highlighting Breckenridge’s fun and quirky spirit, and natural beauty around every corner, you’ll find a winter getaway full of adventure and lifelong memories for the whole family.
I hope you will use these Breckenridge itinerary winter trip ideas to enjoy this Colorado resort town, as it really is perfect for all ages!
With its picturesque mountain views, incredible skiing options, and many family-friendly Breckenridge activities, this Colorado mountain town is the perfect spot for your next family getaway.
