Discover why Breckenridge, Colorado is one of the best ski towns in America

Breckenridge, Colorado, captivates visitors as one of the best ski towns in the United States. Nestled in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, this picturesque town is mostly known for its incredible skiing, but it is also a fun ski town with incredible restaurants, unique shops, and plenty of activities for everyone. With something for outdoor lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike, Breckenridge is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.

Diverse Ski Terrain

I have been skiing, "Breck" since I was a little girl and I have seen not only the town grow, but the mountain has expanded over the years too, most recently adding their 5th peak, peak 6 opened in 2013.

Breckenridge is a premier ski destination thanks to its impressive terrain. With over 2,900 acres of skiable area, the mountain caters to skiers and snowboarders of every skill level. Beginners can safely navigate the gentle green runs, while seasoned adventurers can challenge themselves on the demanding black diamond trails or enjoy the unparalleled views and thrills of the bowls.

Five distinct peaks make up the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Peak 10 is renowned for its expert runs, offering a thrilling challenge for experienced skiers. One of the newer peaks, Peak 7 is particularly popular among families and intermediate skiers. I love Peak 7 for it's rolling hills and wide open blue runs but some of my favorite slopes are on Peak 8 and the top of peak 9. Every ski day here presents opportunities to ride down beautiful slopes while surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Need to rest your legs? There are many options to warm up and take a break on the mountain.

Stop in Sevens at the Base of Peak 7 for a more upscale casual dining experience with both indoor and heated outdoor seating.

Looking for a lively lunch spot or après ski? Stop in TBar at the base of Peak 8 and enjoy American classics and Tex Mex favorites while sipping on your favorite beverage. They have several TVs, so this is one of our favorite places to watch football while taking a break from skiing. It's also located next to Ski Hill Grill which is a huge cafeteria style restaurant if you want something quick and easy. This area is probably one of our favorite spots to stop, but it is often very crowded and it can be difficult to find a seat in the bar or on the patio.

Vista Haus located at the top of Peak 8 offers panoramic views with basic food you'd expect on the mountain, it gets quite crowded.

The Maggie Kitchen and Tap has been around for as long as I can remember, it is a lively spot at the base of Peak 9 that serves breakfast, lunch and après, and if you want a sweet treat before you hit the slopes, try The Maggie Waffle Shop located inside the Maggie Restaurant.

Check out the Overlook at the top of Peak 9 for an Asian inspired menu and picturesque views at 11,274 feet.

Another option is Pioneer Crossing at the top of Peak 7, they serve SW inspired cuisine.

At the top of Peak 9 you will find Tenmile Station, which has the largest on-mountain patio and serves breakfast and lunch and has an outdoor BBQ.

Family-Friendly Activities

Breckenridge goes beyond skiing to embrace family-friendly activities in every season. Winter offers exciting options like snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, slay rides and more.

Families can visit the Breckenridge Ice Rink, situated in the town’s center or find one of the local hills ideal for sledding. For a bit of adventure, snowmobiling tours explore breathtaking backcountry trails, allowing families to connect with nature in a unique way.

The emphasis on families at Breckenridge is apparent in its facilities. With one of the best ski schools I have encountered and family-oriented dining options, the town guarantees a fun experience for all family members. My daughters were taught how to ski at the Breckenridge ski school and thoroughly enjoyed both the group and private lessons.

Fun and Funky Ski Town

The always busy and fun atmosphere of Breckenridge adds to its charm. The historic Main Street is an inviting hub filled with unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. After a day of skiing, guests can unwind at a variety of restaurants and breweries offering something for everyone. And one of the best parts of skiing in Breckenridge is the fact the connection from the slopes to the town is basically seamless making it easy to ski right into your Après Ski! For instance, you can ski from the highest chairlift in America, Imperial Express and take the 4 O'clock run down 3.5 miles right to the center of town! Plus, if you still have it in you after a day of skiing the town stays alive well into the night with bars and live music.

There are what seem like endless restaurants and bars to choose from and they are all usually pretty busy but accommodating.

We always like to start our vacation with a filling pasta dinner at Michael's Italian, loading up on carbs at this quaint little location right off Main Street is a tradition for our family the night before our first ski day. Nothing fancy, but the authentic Italian menu is always delicious and the service is great. It stays busy, so you may have to wait. They are located at Jefferson Ave. and main St and they open daily at 5 pm.

Another one of our favorite places to dine is at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. It is a quick walk from the base of Peak 9 and offers a lively bar and family friendly atmosphere. Mic Casa gets very busy and often has a long wait. We love their happy hour for après ski which is from 3-5 pm, you cannot beat free chips and salsa and great deals on food and drinks, try the street tacos, you get 2 for $8, we loved the Baja shrimp and chicken tinga tacos!

Local favorites include the original Breckenridge Brewery, that has been known for its craft beers paired with delicious pub grub since 1990. Looking for for an upscale dining experience? Hearthstone offers a delightful farm-to-table menu that highlights local ingredients, making every meal a special occasion.

Or try Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon for an upscale fine dining experience. We celebrated New Years Eve dinner at Briar Rose and we were so impressed with the service and the food!

You won't miss this place because you will spot the line down the street waiting for the best crepes ever. The award-winning creperie opened in 2000. They have everything from sweet crepes such as the Smore's or Banana Foster to savory crepes such as the Philly cheesesteak, Croque Monsieur or chicken pesto to name a few. They also serve breakfast crepes. Crepes a la cart has become an iconic location that you won't want to miss.

Events and Festivals

Breckenridge’s appeal also lies in its events and festivals throughout the year. In the winter, the exciting Ullr Fest celebrates the Norse god of snow in the hopes of a powder-filled ski season. This popular festival features a lively Main Street parade (which you can register to be part of), live music, and a winter bonfire, drawing locals and visitors together for a legendary epic party! This year in 2024, you can join the Breckenridge Distillery and Mountain Rotary in their quest to beat Park City's current record of 1385 people doing the Shotski.

Another highlight is the International Snow Sculpture Championships, where master sculptors from around the world come together to create awe-inspiring snow art. Over the years, these sculptures have ranged from imaginative creatures to intricate designs, captivating all who visit. They are truly quite amazing creations!

Beyond winter festivities, Breckenridge hosts a range of events, including art festivals and live music in the summer, ensuring that there is always something happening in town.

Access to Outdoor Adventures

While skiing may be the highlight, the natural beauty surrounding Breckenridge opens doors to numerous outdoor adventures year-round. In the warmer months, hikers can choose from various trails leading to breathtaking vistas, wildflower-filled meadows, and serene alpine lakes.

Mountain biking enthusiasts flock to Breckenridge for its world-class trails, which attract riders from all over. Additionally, summer offers exciting horseback riding, thrilling whitewater rafting, and peaceful fishing experiences, allowing visitors to connect deeply with nature.

This wide array of outdoor adventures makes Breckenridge a destination suited for every season.

Where to stay?

There are numerous accommodation choices available in and around Breckenridge. For those seeking a ski in-out experience, there are plenty of excellent locations that cater to this preference, given the mountain's overall ski-in/out nature. We like the Beaver Run Resort due to its ideal location and wide range of accommodations, including standard hotel rooms, suites with living areas and kitchens, and spacious four-bedroom condos for bigger groups. The resort has so much to offer from multiple pools and hot tubs and a full service spa to several dining options and meeting/event spaces. Plus they are located right at the base of peak 9 so you have easy access to both the mountain and the town. We most recently enjoyed our one bedroom suite with a full kitchen, living area with a fire place and our balcony overlooked the slopes right under the Beaver Run super chair so we had spectacular views and easy access to the lift.

Other Peaks offer some newer more upscale options like the Grand Lodge on Peak 7

or the Grand Colorado on Peak 8

There are several vacation rental homes available from luxurious to charming, you will surely find what you are looking for in Breck!

Getting There

There are multiple ways to get to Breckenridge, Colorado by plane, car or shuttle. If you fly to Denver, you can rent a car and take I-70 west and head up towards Frisco. I highly recommend you get a 4wd vehicle because as you get closer to Breckenridge the pass can get dicey. There are also several shuttle services from Denver International airport to Summit County. Summit Express, Peak 1 Express and Epic Mountain express all offer shared and private shuttles.

My favorite way to get to Breckenridge is to fly straight into Eagle County Regional Airport, we are lucky that American Airlines offers a direct flight from Dallas to Eagle Mountain. The airport is small, but nice and the drive is a bit shorter than from Denver. You can also take a shuttle from Eagle Mountain airport to Breckenridge.

Check out the Winter Trail Map

Get your lift tickets and get ready to Ski Breck!

Breckenridge is an Epic Pass mountain. If you plan to ski multiple days or more than once during the season, it is a great way to experience unlimited access to several mountains plus you will enjoy some great discounts on food, lodging, lessons, rentals and more

You can also choose day or multi day passes.

Get your Gear

There are several ski rental companies to choose from, but my favorite is always Black Tie Ski Rental. I use them everywhere they service when I ski because they have the best gear, they deliver your equipment to you and if you have any issues on the mountain they will meet you and take care of whatever you need. I have done some price comparing and they are comparable to most places but the service they offer is worth any extra money you might spend.

Love Breck

So what are you waiting for? Plan your next ski vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado, it is truly one of the best ski towns in America! Its diverse ski terrain welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all levels, while families can enjoy a variety of fun activities beyond skiing.

The vibrant historic town is filled with unique shops and diverse dining options so every visitor can enjoy adventure and relaxation. With year-round events and access to a so many outdoor adventures, Breckenridge remains a top destination for all and hold its place as a beloved gem among ski towns in America.