There are so many family-friendly reasons to visit Breckenridge, Colorado — from powdery snow for skiing, sledding and snowboarding to wandering the eclectic downtown chock full of candy, book and toy shops the children will cherish.
This magical Rocky Mountain town is brimming with interesting characters, gold miner history and entertaining events. Your family is sure to find the invigorating mountain scenery and exhilarating outdoor activities a breath of fresh winter air.
What to do in Breckenridge, Colorado
The International Snow Sculpture Championships take place in Breckenridge Jan. 22-31, 2024. The world’s best teams compete to hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into imaginative works of art. The first five days you can witness the teams at work. Then the following week, view the icy works as you wander the outdoor sculpture gallery.
Breckenridge averages more than 300 inches of snow each year! Get out in it at Breckenridge Ski Resort, which boasts five peaks and three base areas for almost 3,000 acres of trails and terrain fit for beginner skiers and snowboarders to those ready to tackle the steepest chutes. Breck offers world-class skiing and bountiful lesson options to help your crew feel comfortable.
Other snowy outdoor adventures include extreme sledding at Country Boy Mine, an adrenaline-filled slide down over a half-mile track of twists and turns. A sleigh or snowcat takes you to the top, where you pop on a helmet and speed down the track. Vintage trucks on snow tracks also provide monster truck sleigh tours. Plus, you can take an underground tour of the historic gold mine, pan for gold and snowshoe.
If you’re up for a challenge, try fat tire biking. Like mountain biking in the slippery snow, fat tire biking could be a good fit for avid riders or adventurists. I took a private fat tire bike lesson at The Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Center and it was quite the humbling experience. The elevation made my heart pound and I toppled over a few times in the fluffy snow. But if your family is up for something new, fat tire biking might be worth a try.
A heated snowcat tour is a super-cool but much more low-key way to explore the mountains. At the Breckenridge Nordic Center, board a state-of-the-art Prinoth Snowcat, built in Italy with an all-glass cabin. It will safely climb up the trails past forests and wildlife to beautiful views from above. Stop at a destination hut for s’mores and hot chocolate and pinch yourselves that you’re surrounded by such breathtaking beauty.
Winter hiking, ice skating, snowmobiling, horse-drawn carriage or dog sled rides are other great ways to get outside. You can also dive into outdoor heated swimming pools or indulge in retail therapy along Main Street.
Peek-a-Boo Toys sells adorable stuffed animals and Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory offers all the sugary concoctions sure to spread smiles over little one’s faces.
Where to stay in Breckenridge, Colorado
Families visiting Breckenridge can choose from fabulous mountain home rentals, ski lodge hotels and convenient condos.
Stay steps from Main Street in The Residence at Aurum Breckenridge, a cozy condo above Aurum Food & Wine restaurant. The one-bedroom abode includes a sleeper sofa for the kids and the most charming mountain views. Watch the snow fall from your modern space amid downtown amenities, while you also have access to a kitchen, washer and dryer.
Or book a luxury home rental with Moving Mountains for a stay you’re sure to never forget. Choose from 70 beautiful properties in Breckenridge for you, your family and friends to spread out in and feel like royalty. Many have private hot tubs, are pet-friendly and include ski season shuttle service. Enjoy ski-in and ski-out privileges from numerous breathtaking homes with sweeping views of the mountains. Cook and dine around large tables together, then retreat to your own bedrooms with private bathrooms and soak-in tubs. I stayed in the incredible, three-story Epic Retreat and I couldn’t more highly recommend this luxurious home with room for up to 16 people. Talk about a truly magnificent mountain escape.
Where to eat in Breckenridge, Colorado
The Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery.” Not only is the whiskey and bourbon top-notch, but the restaurant serves contemporary steakhouse dinners. Visit during Happy Hour from 2-5 p.m. for discounts. Tours, tastings and flights are fun ways to imbibe. For the ultimate adults-only experience, book a Whiskey Blending Lab, where you can personalize your own custom bourbon blend.
Blue River Bistro provides a casual yet swanky setting for savory bites like Shrimp + Sausage Penne in roasted red pepper pesto cream sauce. Located on the Riverwalk, Radicato serves Mountain Italian food. Start with the beet salad, then pass dishes of pasta, Brussels sprouts and whole Branzino. The Butterscotch Bundito is a beautiful way to top off a satisfying meal.
When you want a hearty breakfast at your door in minutes, order BreckFast via DoorDash. The breakfast burritos are so big it might take you two days to finish them.
If you’ve booked a private home, invest in a dinner party or prepared meals catered by High Country Kitchen. Sal is a private chef who will do all the cooking so you can have a relaxing dinner party, including decadent hand-cut pastas and savory vegetables. The Noshing Platter is a charcuterie delivery service that will bring you beautiful boards, boxes or grazing tables packed with meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives and spreads.
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