What to Do in Breckenridge, Besides Ski
Breckenridge Ski Resort has always been known as one of the most popular ski vacation destinations in the United States and it makes sense. This resort has a little something for everyone’s skiing ability. From smooth, easy groomers, to open steep faces. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it at Breckenridge.
Now that you have the skiing figured out, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do for the rest of your trip. Both the ski resort and the town offer an abundance of other activities for you to enjoy while off the mountain. Here’s a list of some of our favorite things to do when we visit Breckenridge, besides ski.
Gold Runner Coaster
The Gold Runner Coaster is a two person coaster that descends down 2,500 feet of Peak 8 at Breckenridge. With the ability to manage your own speed you can take this as fast, or as slow, as you’d like while catching glimpses of the ski town below. Located at the bottom of Peak 8, the easiest way to access the coaster is by taking the Gondola up from Park Avenue.
Scenic Gondola Rides
Speaking of gondola rides. Not only is it one of the best ways to access the resort from the town, but it’s also got one of the best views of the entire area, and it’s free. The gondola stretches 7,592 feet long with over 391 feet of vertical ride and is about a 13 minute ride from the bottom of Park Avenue to the Peak 8. The views include a fantastic panoramic of the Ten Mile Range where most of Breckenridge’s terrain lays, and passes over the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve that’s home to animals like moose, fox, and bald eagles.
Sledding
No ski town is complete without a few sledding hills and Breckenridge is no different, providing two free sledding hills right in town. The first one is the new Runway Sledding Hill on Fraction Drive, located right near the free parking lot on Airport Road. The hill is regularly groomed and while sleds are not provided you can always find one at the sled shed right near the bottom of the hill, just make sure to return it afterwards. The second is Carter Park which is a bit steeper than Runway and tends to get busier so make sure to plan accordingly before you show up.
If you’re trying to get a little extreme with things you can head on over to the Extreme Sledding at Country Boy Mine. This nearly 1 km downhill track makes it the longest sledding track in the county and is served by sleigh or snowcat to get to the top.
Gold Mine Tour
While you’re at Country Boy Mine it’s worth checking out one of their Gold Mine Tours as well. You’ll be able to travel 1000 ft into one of Summit County’s real goldmines and check out their new gold and silver ore strike. You’ll also learn about the history of these gold mines and the people that used to come to this town looking to strike gold.
Guided Tours
Speaking of tours, with Breckenridge being one of the most historic towns in all of Colorado they’ve got quite a bit more history than just it’s gold mines. Take a walking tour of the Historic District in downtown Breckenridge for a glimpse into the history of this town which has been nationally recognized.
If you’re looking for something a bit spookier, then you have to check out one of the ghost tours that have been taking place in town since 2010.
Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour
If you’re looking for a different kind of tour then booking a reservation for the Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour may be for you. Not only will you be getting a scenic ride while hearing about the history of Breckenridge but you’ll get to stop for drinks along the way. The first stop along the way is at Broken Compass Brewery, the best craft brewery in town. You’ll also be provided a free taster if you come with the tour.
The second stop is at Breckenridge Distillery, an award winning distillery that you’ll be able to tour when arriving. You’ll be able to witness the process from distillation to bottling while also getting two tasting rounds where you can taste for yourself what puts this distillery ahead of the competition.
Snow Cat Tours
If walking or biking isn’t your thing but you still want to check out some of Breckenridge’s scenic trails then do it from the comfort of a heated snowcat. Take a tour through forested trails that brings you up to a historic mining cabin where you can warm yourself up even more with hot cocoa, s/mores and stories of Breckenridge’s mining families.
Shopping on Historic Main Street
If all of this sounds a bit too action packed for you, and all you can think about is trying to relax during your time off the slopes then browsing through the shops on Main Street might be a little more your pace. With over 200 unique boutiques and shops in town, you’ll be able to find whatever it is you’re looking for. Main Street gets even better once the sun goes down with Holiday lights lining the streets all winter long.
Thinking of planning a ski vacation to Breckenridge this upcoming season? Make a reservation through Ski Butlers for all your ski equipment needs. Want to hear what other people are saying about us? Check out some reviews. We can’t wait to see you on the slopes!
