Winter Activities in Breckenridge
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Voted this year as the best skiing and snowboarding mountain in Summit County in the Summit Daily News Best Ofs, Breckenridge Ski Resort continues to expand its on- and off-mountain offerings.
Opening this year at Breckenridge Ski Resort is One Ski Hill Place, A Rock Resort, which provides a full day's experience from breakfast to après ski to a night's stay. The venerable Bergenhoff will be retired in favor of a new T-Bar après-ski bar and larger cafeteria, Ski Hill Grill.
Also new this year is a 22-foot halfpipe opening Dec. 16-19 for the Dew Tour before allowing public access. The new Gold Runner Mountain Coaster, debuting with the 2010-11 season, also provides on-mountain fun in winter and in the summer season.
Two years ago, Breckenridge installed the BreckConnect, Breckenridge's eight-passenger gondola, making this perfect mountain town a little more perfect. The gondola sets the stage for the future development of Peaks 7 and 8, taking skiers, riders, and visitors from town to the Peak 7 and 8 base areas.
Breckenridge also recently introduced SnowWhite – 150 acres of above-treeline expert terrain accessed by the relatively new Imperial Express SuperChair, the highest chairlift in North America, reaching 12,840 feet.
In addition to the high-alpine terrain, award-winning grooming across acres of rolling intermediate terrain, and a great beginner area, Breckenridge is home to the top parks and pipes in North America. With five terrain parks and four halfpipes to choose from, Breckenridge appeals to both the budding freestyle skier/rider and the seasoned expert. Breckenridge's renowned Freeway Terrain Park and Pipe returns for yet another season, once again attracting the worlds' best free-riders and top events.
The resort's 2,358 acres of skiable terrain towers over an authentic 151-year-old Victorian town with endless shopping, dining, and nightlife. From quaint coffee shops to bustling breweries, it's easy to find the perfect place to enjoy a meal and the mountain lifestyle. Unlike many ski resorts that quiet down at night, Breckenridge lights up when the sun sets. From December to the end of April, Breckenridge is packed with events, including the Hartford Disabled Sports Ski Spectacular, Dew Tour, and Ullr Fest. The season wraps up with the Spring Massive Festival — a fusion of sport, music, family fun, lodging specials, and legendary spring conditions.
Mountain Facts
BASE ELEVATION: 9,600 feet
SUMMIT ELEVATION: 12,998 feet
VERTICAL DROP: 3,398 feet
SKIABLE ACRES: 2,358
LONGEST RUN: 3.5 miles
TERRAIN: 14% beginner; 31% intermediate; 19% advanced; 36% expert
NUMBER OF LIFTS: 29
NUMBER OF TRAILS: 147
AVERAGE SNOWFALL: 300 inches
MAIN CONTACT: 1-800-789-SNOW
SKI SCHOOL: 1-888-LRN-2SKI
DAYCARE: 1-800-789-SNOW
Parking
Free parking is available at the Airport Road Lot with a free shuttle to the gondola. All paid lots are free after 2 p.m. (Town of Breckenridge Lots are free after 3 p.m.).
Monday through Friday, it's $5 per day to park at the Gondola South Lot, Gondola North Lot, and Gold Rush Lot. Friday through Sunday and on holidays, it's $10. Slopeside parking is available at Beaver Run Lot on Peak 9 and costs $15 and $20 on holidays. The Carpool and Save program is in place at Breckenridge, where vehicles with four or more people receive a $5 discount on parking at the Gondola South Lot, Gondola North Lot, Gold Rush Lot, and Beaver Run Lot. Handicapped parking is available at Beaver Run Turnaround, Beaver Run Lot, and the Peak 8 Mid Lot.
Things to do in the winter besides downhill skiing:
Visit one of our two Nordic Centers for beginner to advanced groomed trails and experience “the other skiing.” Lessons and rentals are available at both centers.
2. Dog Sledding
Experience rushing through the snowy woods on a sled pulled by a team of magnificent sled dogs. The entire family can experience this unique winter activity.
3. Historical Tours and Museum Visits
Spend time in the Barney Ford and other historical buildings on a guided tour with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. The Alliance offers tours with reservations in the winter.
4. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ranked as #18 of 50 things to do in your lifetime by the NBC Today Show, take to the sky in a hot air balloon and discover the magic of the mountains from a spectacular viewpoint. Balloon rides are available in the winter and summer.
5. Climb to the top of Quandry Peak
And brag that you've bagged a 14er.
6. Fly Fishing
Fishing in the winter? You bet! We fish year-round in the Rockies – the winter weather just adds an exciting element to the sport. Guided trips are available.
7. Ice Skating
Glide gracefully on Maggie Pond at the Village at Breckenridge, or enjoy two Breckenridge Ice Rinks, a year-round indoor and a seasonal outdoor.
8. Mine Tours
Experience a guided adventure over 1,000 feet below, in a century-old, authentic gold mine. The Country Boy Mine conducts tours underground in the winter. Reservations required.
9. Shopping
Shop to your heart's delight on Historic Main Street Breckenridge with over 200 boutiques, galleries, and clothing and gear stores.
10. Dinner Sleigh Rides
Ride into the pines and enjoy dinner cooked on a camp stove while one of the area's talented musicians entertains you.
11. Sledding at Carter Park
Sledding back home will never be the same after a ride down the hill in Carter Park.
12. Snowmobiling
Take one of these machines on a guided trip to ghost towns and mining sites or zip along the trails while experiencing the wonders of winter.