5 Reasons You Should Visit Breckenridge This Winter
Wintertime Fun in Breckenridge
For people who can’t get enough of the mountains, Breckenridge, Colorado is a one-of-a-kind destination. This quaint and scenic mountain town has something for every personality, whether you’re a fan of boarding down the slopes or you just want to take in the views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Though there are a million reasons why you should visit Breck, we’ve narrowed it down to our favorite five to give you some inspiration next time you’re planning a winter vacation to Colorado.
#1: Winter Activities For the Whole Family
There’s plenty of options for winter sports in Breckenridge. At many ski resorts, you’ll have only one peak to plan your trip around, but Breckenridge Ski Resort boasts a total of five mountains with three base areas that cover all levels of terrain.
If you’re not a fan of skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other winter activities to plan your next Breckenridge trip around, such as fat biking, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. For those that enjoy the slower pace of cross country skiing, there’s also the Breckenridge Nordic Center, which offers miles of groomed cross country trails to glide along.
#2: Wintertime Festivals
Breckenridge comes alive during the wintertime. When the peaks are covered in snow and riders are sailing down the slopes, the best time of the year is just about to unfold: festival season.
Each December, one of the most anticipated events of the season is Ullr Fest, named for the Viking god of snow. Locals and visitors of every age group come together to praise Ullr in the hopes of a powder-filled season ahead, with tons of activities to keep patrons entertained, including a Main Street parade filled with funky floats and a Shotski sponsored by Breckenridge Distillery that aims to break world records each year.
If a wild party isn’t quite your speed, be sure to check out the International Snow Sculpture Championships, held at the tail-end of January. This event brings in snow sculptors from around the world to show off their skills, with each team making extraordinary works of art from 25-ton snow blocks with only hand tools at their disposal. For five days, these teams work hard on their creations, leading to a gorgeous (albeit temporary) art gallery of sculptures at the end of the week spread out across downtown Breckenridge.
#3: Arts and Culture
Although Breckenridge is known for its ski slopes, this mountain town has an artsy vibe that even the most novice of art aficionados will appreciate.
Start off your artistic journey with a visit to the Breckenridge Arts District, where you’ll find studios, galleries, and spaces for artistic performances alongside historical landmarks and public art for all to enjoy. Check out the Quandry Antique’s Cabin for a variety of workshops for the kids, or visit the Hot Shop for insight into metalworking and glass blowing techniques.
If you prefer to find art while you’re out and about on the trails, plan a visit to Isak Heartstone’s new home on the Trollstigen Trail, located near Steven C. West Ice Arena. Created by Danish artist Thomas Jambo, this giant troll was made using recycled wood gathered by local volunteers. Isak has become something of a landmark in Breckenridge, sometimes receiving over 3,000 visitors a day, and thus had to be relocated to his current spot to ensure he would be around to delight Breck visitors and locals for years to come.
Thankfully, his new home is only a 15-minute stroll from downtown Breckenridge, making it easy to visit this unique landmark.
#4: Scenic Views to Die For
The Rocky Mountains are a beautiful range, no matter where along I-70 you’ve planned out your next vacation, but if you’re looking for views that will blow your mind, nowhere is better than Breckenridge.
One of the most popular spots for year-round scenic drives is the Boreas Pass, a 22-mile road that stretches from Como to Breck, which will take you about an hour to complete. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and hike, such as Bakers Tank Trailhead, which is located a little over three miles from downtown Breck. Another spot with incredible views located not too far from town is French Gulch, which is chock-full of interpretive signs to educate visitors on the mining history of the area.
#5: History At Your Fingertips
History is alive and well in Breckenridge, and those who are interested in the mining days of the past will find tons of ways to educate themselves on the historical significance of the town. Start your historical education at the free Breckenridge Welcome Center History Museum, where visitors can learn about the gold mining and railroad industry that first brought Breck to life back in the 1800s. The Barney Ford Museum is also a great one to visit while you’re in town, located within a restored Victorian home that belonged to one of the most prominent businessmen in Colorado back in the 19th century.
Train lovers will also enjoy the Highline Railroad Park and Playground, which features Engine No. 9, an old-timey locomotive that rode the Breckenridge railroads back in the 1800s, as well as replicas of a boxcar and caboose. There’s even a playground for the kids at this wonderful park to help both children and adults step back into the history of the town.
Find More Reasons to Visit Breckenridge
Breckenridge really does have it all, even if you’re not a fan of skiing the slopes. While planning your next visit to this quaint mountain town, be sure to check out some of the wintertime activities available, like the festivals and art displays we’ve mentioned above. To make your time in Breck even more special, be sure to check out our writeup on the best places to eat along with some of our favorite day trips to the surrounding areas.