Top 10 Things to Do in Breckenridge in Winter

Breckenridge hosts more than one and a half million visitors each year…and it’s not hard to see why! Snow enthusiasts from around the world can agree that this incredible winter haven is one of the best destinations for quality snow activities and adventures. Known for its incredible outdoor lifestyle through every season, Breckenridge showcases the best of what Colorado has to offer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are many other exciting things to do in Breckenridge in winter that will satisfy any skill level, age, or taste.

Here are some of the top activities you can take advantage of during your trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, for a perfect winter getaway.

Try a New Sport - Fat Biking

Fat biking is a new sport taking Breckenridge by storm. Biking was not an ideal winter sport until fat-tire bikes were introduced in the last century — the namesake’s unique design makes it versatile on all surfaces, including sand and snow, and something that can be enjoyed in all seasons. Try out this new, exciting outdoor trend as you discover Breck (what the locals fondly call Breckenridge) and tear up some Breckenridge trails.

There are numerous Breckenridge trails and tours you can enjoy that provide beautiful views of Breckenridge — including one that takes you through the popular brewery, Breckenridge Distillery! Fat bikes can be rented along with all of the equipment needed for a fun fat biking adventure at the Gold Run Nordic Center. The center also offers equipment, lessons, and tours for many other winter activities!

Slide Through a Winter Wonderland

Although most of Breckenridge prohibits sledding, you can take the family to Carter Park — located right next to the Breckenridge Elementary School on High Street. The park also has tables for resting and eating, heated restrooms, and even a heated communal area. The best part is that it’s free! You’ll have to take your own sled since it’s a public spot and there will be many others sharing the slope with you — but this makes it the perfect opportunity to get to know the locals!

If you don’t have a sled in tow and prefer a less crowded spot, you can try some exceptional Breckenridge tubing at Keystone Resort Tubing, Frisco Nordic Center, Frisco Adventure Park, or Copper Mountain Resort. These tubing parks provide tubes and have exciting courses the entire family can enjoy!

Another alternative would be dog sledding! This exciting, one-of-a-kind experience can be enjoyed by the whole family.  Breckenridge’s dog sledding tours are known to be some of the best in Colorado, you can be assured that you and your furry companions are in good hands.  The family can take turns mushing the beautiful set of Siberian Huskies or enjoy the breathtaking scenery of a winter wonderland on the unique excursion. This is one of the most unique things to do in Breckenridge in winter that you can tell all your friends about!

Shave the Ice

Here’s an indoor activity the family can try — ice skating at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena.  Open 7 days a week, you can try ice skating, hockey, or even curling! Take a look at their schedule ahead of time for options, especially if you would love to get your dance on at Disco Nights!

If you prefer outdoor skating, you will love Keystone Lake — it’s the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice skating rink in North America!  Enjoy five acres of skating fun and don’t forget to stop by the charming little shops and restaurants that line the lake mid- or post-skating for a snack or to pick up some souvenirs!

Nordic Hiking

Not only is snowshoeing fun, its origins also date back 5,000 years and had been an important mode of mobility for Scandinavians. Between the Gold Run Nordic Center and Breckenridge Nordic Center, there are over 30 miles of nicely groomed trails perfect for exploring the gorgeous snow-laden backcountry. You can choose from guided, educational snowshoeing tours, or go on your own snowshoeing adventure on marked paths. With seemingly endless Breckenridge trails, hikers of all skill levels and ages will surely enjoy snowshoeing treks. Quick tip — snowshoeing tours from the two Nordic centers come with a trail pass so you can continue on a solo adventure after your guided tour or lesson.

Dashing Through the Snow

Not all snow adventures require exerting oneself.  If you want to try something a little more relaxing, go on a horse-drawn Breckenridge sleigh ride! Let the sound of merry bells on the horses’ harness and hooves crunching fresh snow get you into a festive mood as you enjoy a satisfying cup of hot cocoa. Breckenridge offers many sleigh ride options that include fun tours where you have the option to add dinner, a show, and other exciting activities. Sleigh rides can also be the perfect atmosphere for a romantic rendezvous to cozy up with your sweetheart for an afternoon stroll or a beautiful evening underneath the stars.

Maybe you don’t want to relax just yet and have a need for speed — try snowmobiling in Breckenridge! With miles of beautiful scenery to see and explore, getting on a snowmobile will allow you to discover more ground as you get your adrenaline going. Guided snowmobile tours are available for those who want to be accompanied, and rentals for those who prefer to have their own exciting adventure.

Going Sky High

How can you miss witnessing the incredible Breckenridge landscape from above? An attraction in itself, the BreckConnect gondola rides are free and provide you with mind-blowing views of this winter paradise.  The gondola can be taken from downtown up to Peak 8 of the famous 10-Mile Range. From your view atop, be on the lookout — you might just spot moose and other wildlife — as well as some awesome spots you might want to visit or other activities you’d like to try!

The BreckConnect gondolas are spacious enough to hold eight people, including equipment, so don’t be afraid to get comfortable as you sight-see! Majestic views of the incredible town make this one of the most memorable things to do in Breckenridge in winter! And while we’re talking about free transportation, don’t forget to take advantage of the free trolley along Main Street to get around downtown.

Good Ol' Colorado Brews

How about trying some local brews from the craft beer hub of America? With over 400 well-known breweries, Colorado has quite the reputation for serving up some quality brews! Fun fact: With an altitude of 9,600 feet, the Breckenridge Distillery is the “highest distillery” in the world. This unique distillery offers a wide range of spirits including scotch, whiskey, bourbon and so much more — they even use a local plant called genepi, as well as natural, mineral rich, spring water that comes down from the mountains to develop their products.  With free tastings and a complimentary educational tour at the main distillery (along with more samples), this is a must for beer lovers!

We can’t forget to mention the nationally-known Breckenridge Brewery, which is a great spot for “après ski” — post-ski activities such as indulging in some good eats and drinks with friends after shredding some powder. Come in and find out why this small brewery has made its name nationally known! Don’t miss their best menu items — we recommend ordering the sampler plate! In addition to the two breweries, there are other Breckenridge breweries to enjoy tasty, quality spirits.

If you find yourself visiting during the summer, don’t miss the annual Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival, which usually features over 30 different breweries, concerts, and other fun activities!

Indoor Fun

Want to get off the Breckenridge trails for a moment? After all of your exciting winter excursions, take some time to relax and unwind in a hot tub or even a nice sauna at the Breckenridge Recreation Center.  This is also a great spot for the kids to try out some fun indoor activities such as rock climbing, rope swings, and water slides! There is a lazy river perfect for when you just want to zone out and float on.  For those who don’t want to stop moving, the center also offers a variety of classes including yoga, cycling, and even strength training.

Spooky Tours

There’s more to Breckenridge than snow — there’s also fascinating (and eerie) history! For those who enjoy spooky stories and adventures, Breckenridge is full of creepy stories about disappearances, the Breckenridge Navy, and families who once resided in the ski town that will give you the chills. One of Breckenridge Heritage Alliance’s tours will take you to Breckenridge’s first cemetery where you will learn about the town’s early settlers and their association with strange or frightening occurrences — before you visit their former stomping grounds!

For those who are less interested in the paranormal, other optional tours include exploring the robust mining history of Breckenridge, appreciating the Victorian architecture of some of Breckenridge’s oldest structures and learning about their former inhabitants, as well as several museums that would keep a history buff captivated.

Celebrate Like a Viking

Here’s one of the most outrageous things to do in Breckenridge in winter. Celebrated over five days, once a year, the annual Ullr Fest attracts over 12,000 hooligans to take part in many Scandinavian-themed activities. The main event is the Ullr Parade on Main Street — complete with crazy floats while participants don faux fur costumes and horned-viking headgear. Other fun events include a talent show, the Ullr Ice Plunge, a huge bonfire, and the family-friendly Wild and Scenic Film festival!

One of the most bizarre festivities of the Ullr Fest is a massive ski shot where a crowd of festival attendees line up side-by-side to take shots mounted on skis on Main Street — one that has earned the annual Breckenridge Ullr Fest the holder of the unofficial title of the world’s longest community ski shot. The Ullr Fest is much like the Scandinavian version of Oktoberfest. If you’re looking to mingle with the locals, this is a unique experience that will make you feel like a Scandinavian in modern times.

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You’re going to need the ideal home base to come back to after a day of these great things to do in Breckenridge in winter! How about a brand new resort that boasts the perfect cross between the traditional rustic look and contemporary flare? The Ranahan is a beautiful addition to our properties with amenities that make it convenient to have a stress-free winter getaway — including a complimentary shuttle to downtown Breckenridge. The resort is just 15 minutes away from the Breckenridge Ski Resort and all of these exciting activities. Book a stay at our new resort today and be one of the first to experience The Ranahan!