Conveniently located near Denver, Breckenridge, CO is one of the most enticing ski resort communities known to the Rockies. Once founded as a gold mining town, this hotspot now delivers a welcoming combination of historical charm, breathtaking nature, and modern attractions. And with 300 days of sunshine, a wide array of winter sports, renowned elevations, and thriving local entertainment, it’s no wonder why this town brings in over 3 million visitors a year.
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s plenty to put on your itinerary—but winter offers an especially high amount of options. To help you figure out what things to do in Breckenridge in the winter, here’s a list of some of the most popular seasonal attractions that are perfect for creating great memories, having fun, and spending time with the family.
Snowboarding
Breckenridge Ski Resort remains one of the most popular spots for snowboarding in the area due to the varied terrain it offers.
Expert boarders head to Peak 8 at the resort for the high-intensity challenge of Imperial Bowl, as well as plenty of spots for freestyling—such as the 22-foot Superpipe.
Intermediate or beginner snowboarders enjoy the gentler slopes of Peak 9’s Bonanza trail and the wider runs found on Peak 7.
Whatever your skill level, Avalanche Sports is a top spot for snowboard rentals in Breckenridge, CO. Locally owned and operated, these experts will set you up with the quality gear for your needs—all for a competitive price.
Skiing
If you’re seeking a difficult tree-lined run at Breckenridge, look no further than The Burn at Peak 10. Experts craving advanced extreme terrain will find rewarding chutes and bowls down Six Senses at Peak 6.
Check out Monte Cristo at Peak 7 or Gold King at Peak 9 for intermediate cruising and many opportunities for technical turns.
New to skiing? Lower Peak 9 offers great runs for beginners, while Rip's Ride at Peak 8 has wide areas for learning and practice.
Before you hit the trails, be sure to visit Avalanche Sports for the best ski rentals in Breckenridge, CO. Their team of experienced enthusiasts will match you to the right skis for your needs and make sure they fit properly so you can cruise with confidence.
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding isn’t just a sport in Alaska. In Breckenridge, it’s a top attraction for those looking for an invigorating way to journey through wintry landscapes. Companies like Good Times Adventures and Alpine Adventures offer highly-rated dog sledding tours that are perfect for families.
Ice Skating
The Stephen C. West Ice Arena offers an NHL-size indoor skating rink that provides plenty of space for both experienced and beginner ice skaters alike. With affordable rates, pro shop, stadium seating, and a concession stand, this covered skating rink is fun for the whole family—and a great way to enjoy the chill away from the outdoor elements.
Sleigh Rides
Looking for a gentler, cozier way to experience the Rocky Mountain scenery? Take a leisurely ride on a horse-drawn sleigh! Golden Horseshoe offers a variety of sleigh ride packages—including private romantic, dinner theater, and hot cocoa experiences. Breckenridge Stables at the base of the Breckenridge Ski Resort is another great option that offers a delightful dinner buffet and live entertainment.
Sled With the Family
Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, the thrill of sledding down fresh powder never gets old. And there's no shortage of hills to sled down in Breckenridge. Don't have a sled? No problem. City Market and Breckenridge Market are convenient spots to buy your own. Or you can borrow a spare when you visit the "sled shed" at the Runway sledding hill on Airport Road.
Eat and Shop Historic Main Street
Take a break from the slopes and soak up the charm of historic Main Street—a thoroughfare that is jam-packed with dining and shopping options for every taste. As a central part of town, Main Street hosts a variety of entertaining activities and things to do in Breckenridge in the winter—such as ceramics classes, live music, axe throwing, and wine tasting. During the holiday season, you may even catch the tantalizing display of holiday lights!
Year-Round Horseback Riding
Experience the Rocky Mountains just as the pioneers did over a century ago—on horseback! While some stables aren’t open during the winter months, there are a few spots around the area that offer guided horseback riding tours—such as American Safari Ranch, an authentic mountain ranch just about 29 miles outside of Breckenridge.
Snowshoeing
Float across the snowy terrain with a pair of snowshoes and poles. Those new to the activity may enjoy experimenting with snowshoes at one of Breckenridge’s two Nordic Centers. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore nearly 30 miles worth of snowshoeing trails between the two spots. You may even spot some historic mining sites along the way!
Snowmobiling
Traveling the Rockies on top of a snowmobile is one of the most popular and adrenaline-pumping Breckenridge activities. Local businesses, such as Breckenridge Snowmobiling Tours & Rentals, make it easy to join a guided tour or rent equipment for a self-guided trek that will give you a once-in-a-lifetime way to zip above the forested areas and spin around in one of many freshly-powdered bowls.
Fat Biking
Breckenridge offers hundreds of miles of rails for fat biking—a type of biking that relies on oversized tires to cruise on the snow. While you can always rent a fat bike and ride at your leisure, there are several local biking tours to consider—such as the brewery and distillery tours offered by Ridden Breckenridge.
Scenic Snowcat Tours
Stay warm and don’t miss any of the sights while taking a ride in a heated snowcat. Local snowcat tours allow families to relax in comfort while riding up trails. The Breckenridge Nordic Center offers one popular tour that brings visitors up to mining sites where they’ll warm up around hot cocoa and s’mores while learning about local history.
Historic, Mine & Ghost Tours
Discover another side of Breckenridge on one of many historic tours that can take you through mining sites, graveyards, and museums from pioneering days. For a little extra spooky sensation, consider the Ghostly Tales or Strange But True tours from Breckenridge Tours—which are sure to unveil unexplainable events from the mountain town’s past.
Gold Runner Alpine Coaster
The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster offers another exhilarating way to fly down the mountains with 2,500 feet of roller coaster track that sets you high above the ground. Part of the Breckenridge Ski Resort, this alpine coaster is located at the base of Peak 8.
Visit Local Art Galleries
There’s no doubt the Rocky Mountains are a wealth of inspiration for artists—many of which put their pieces on display in local galleries found throughout Breckenridge. When you’re looking to treat your eyes, The Breckenridge Gallery features paintings, graphic art, photography, and sculptures from Colorado Artists. Other popular spots include the Raitman and Portfolio Galleries, all of which are located near Main Street.
Zipline Through the Trees
Even during the winter, you can soar like a bird over forested mountain sides while taking a zipline down one of many slopes offered by Breckenridge Zip Line Tours. Their six zip lines cover over 2000 acres and offer captivating views of historic mines, canyons, and more.
Enjoy Local Brews at the World’s Highest Distillery
Positioned at 9600 feet, Breckenridge Distillery is recognized as the world’s highest distillery, where you can try the official vodka and whisky of the Denver Broncos. It’s believed that the high altitude and refined water quality give the whisky a five-star taste. Book a tour and tasting to learn more about their process and discover why it was named Whisky Magazine’s Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2021.
Watch the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships
From January 20th to 29th, you can witness mind-blowing works of art at Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championship—one of the most unique things to do in Breckenridge in the winter. At this world-renowned snow sculpting competition, teams from around the globe hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into towering creations. Best of all, it’s a free event for the general public—all you have to do is sign up for a timed entry slot to see it all in person.
Embrace the magic of Breckenridge in winter by diving into a world of exhilarating skiing, snowboarding, and other seasonal activities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Breckenridge will surely impress with its perfect slopes and breathtaking views, as well as the town's rich history and vibrant local scene. Book your adventure now and discover why Breckenridge, CO is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts!