Breckenridge, Colorado Offers Unparalleled Access to Adventures On and Off the Slopes

Breckenridge is Colorado’s iconic winter destination where crisp mountain air and snow-capped peaks inspire adventure at every turn. Within just a couple of miles of historic Main Street, visitors can quickly access quiet alpine landscapes on cross-country skis, a vast winter wonderland via dog sled or horse-drawn sleigh and high alpine peaks and terrain for backcountry winter sports. Spirited festivities come to life each winter with hundreds of racing Santas, a record-breaking Shotski®, and awe-inspiring snow sculptures. This season also welcomes a collection of elevated dining experiences that promise to end any day of exploration with satisfying tastes, and sweet dreams are sure to be had with the highly anticipated debut of the Hotel Alpenrock.

Signature Events Shine Throughout the Season:

Celebrate winter like a local, reveling in the snowfall and all the joys that cold weather brings.

• The Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas (December 7, 2024): Hundreds of runners racing down Main Street dressed in Santa suits is not a sight to be missed. Festivities abound throughout town including the Handmade Holiday Market in the Breck Create Arts District, a performance of the Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets by the Alpine Dance Academy and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.

• Ullr Fest (December 12-14, 2024): For a bountiful year of snowfall, Ullr, the Norse god of Snow must be praised! Breckenridge will attempt to reclaim the title of World’s Longest Shotsk® as the kickoff to an evening of revelry, including the Ullr Parade, the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen, and the Ullr Bonfire with the Red Bull monster truck blasting rowdy music for snow-dancing. The NEW Ullr Eve History Tour walks guests through the 62-year history of the Kingdom of Breckenridge’s most unique event.

• International Snow Sculpture Championships (January 20-29, 2024): Frozen wonders appear in Breckenridge like magic each January, as twelve teams from around the world create works of art from the snow. Across 94 hours of sculpting, these artists will work day and night to delight spectators with massive ephemeral sculptures and seek first prize in this international competition.

• Music, Performances, and Visual Arts All Winter: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Riverwalk Center where four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett will perform. In March, the beloved Ukrainian tradition of Pysanky Easter egg decorating will once again be offered in the Arts District. Throughout the season, tap into theatrical performances at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, and enjoy arts classes with Breck Create. NEW this winter, the Precious Plastics program will offer workshops to create large-format projects such as benches and side tables using colorful, sturdy, upcycled plastic beams.

B Like Breckenridge Tip - Keep warm on your winter wonderland walks with a reusable mug. All local coffee shops will happily fill your personal mug with a warm drink to enjoy while viewing the snow sculptures or watching the Ullr parade. Add a reusable mug to your travel essentials list, as single-use coffee cups are the #1 waste item during winter events.

Feel Worlds Away, Stay Steps Away from Main Street:

If an upscale mountainside stay piques your curiosity, the NEW Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge™, Curio Collection by Hilton™ is set to debut this winter. The 205-room hotel brings modern elegance and alpine charm beside the base of Peak 9, steps from the slopes and historic downtown, with two distinct dining experiences, gear valet, concierge and more. For foodies, don’t miss the “restaurant-with-rooms,” the Carlin, located in the heart of downtown. Adventure with friends new and old at Gravity Haus, a community-oriented hotel that recently joined the Top 10 Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Hotels in the World: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, and whose membership program offers group experiences like hut trips, dining excursions and sunrise skinning. Stray further from the beaten path and take a winter excursion to Sisters or Francie’s Cabins, where saunas and woodstoves await you in these modern backcountry huts. Tucked away in wooded retreats are cozy, independently owned options like the Breckenridge Boutique Hotel, the Bivvi Hostel and the Tiger Run RV Resort & Cabins–all with the amenities winter travelers love like hot tubs and fireplaces. Head above the town to seek out sweeping mountain views at the Lodge at Breckenridge.

B Like Breckenridge Tip - Recommended, reserved, and ready. Whether the concierge or the bartender, frontline employees in Breckenridge are some of the best sources of recommendations around town. So, find out the insider tips and make your reservations in advance for a seamless night on the town.

Flavorful Experiences Reach New Heights:

Breckenridge’s dining scene is elevated above the rest, not just because of the high altitudes in this mountain town. With a 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mountain Region, chef Matt Vawter continues to lead the way with exceptional cuisine at  Rootstalk and Radicato. With its NEW Chef’s Counter seven-course tasting experience, Rootstalk offers an intimate and personal dinner worth traveling for. The NEW Hotel Alpenrock will offer two distinct dining experiences: Edwin, an innovative restaurant and bar serving reimagined alpine cuisine, as well as Canary, a clandestine speakeasy poised to become a premier after-dark destination. For perfectly paired dining, don’t miss special dinners at the Carlin and its Tavern Underground, which invites local craft libations and guest chefs for unique dining experiences. The NEW Prospector Gastropub has quickly become known for its cozy atmosphere and extensive cocktail list. Meanwhile, Beaver Run Resort has welcomed Reginald Nebab as its NEW Executive Chef, bringing diverse culinary expertise to this slopeside resort including the Coppertop Bar, Spencer’s Steaks and Spirits, and Peak 9 Pizza. Carboy Winery’s tasting room in the Gold Pan Saloon is debuting its NEW sparkling CO.SECCO wine and introducing a NEW cider brewed in the historic hidden halls of the town’s oldest saloon. Danielle’s Delights is the NEW go-to spot for savory waffles, pancake puffs and beloved baked goods. NEW Three Daughters Pizza offers classic New York-style pizza slices to-go, perfect for a casual bite after a day of winter activities. To take a taste of Breckenridge home, visit the NEW Christopher Elbow Chocolates, where artisanal treats meet local inspiration. Fly fishing brought this renowned chocolatier to Breckenridge, and now visitors can enjoy his beautifully designed Fly Fishing Salted Caramel Collection or the Breckenridge Distillery Whiskey Collection of small-batch caramels handcrafted to express the unique characteristics of four locally distilled whiskeys.

B Like Breckenridge Tip - Seasonal flavors are the most sustainable. In Breckenridge, our restaurateurs know that the best dishes highlight Colorado-grown, in-season ingredients, which have the best flavor and the least environmental impact.

Unparalleled Access to Alpine Adventures:

Beyond Main Street are thousands of acres of forest lands, valleys and peaks where outdoor recreationists can find quiet solitude or roaring mountain air to awaken their senses. Nordic skiing, the original silent snow sport, is offered at the Gold Run or the Breckenridge Nordic Centers. Alpine mountaineering, winter peak ascents, ski-touring and special women-specific adventures, are all offered by Colorado Adventure Guides, which provides an educational, safe, and exciting entry into the world of backcountry winter sports. Visitors can also experience Good Times Adventures dog sledding, Golden Horseshoe sleigh rides or Breckenridge Outfitters winter fly fishing. Ridden will once again offer Fat Bike Tours along the snowy Blue River Recreation Path to the local Distillery and Brewery.

B Like Breckenridge Tip - Go with a guide. Alpine environments are drastically different in the winter than in the summer, and it is recommended that visitors use local guide services to get out and back safely, whether snow-shoeing, ski-touring or winter hiking in the backcountry.

Sustainability On and Off the Slopes:

NEW this winter, ski free of single-use plastics at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Following the Town of Breckenridge's ban on single-use plastic water bottles in July, the ski area took the initiative to eliminate the majority of single-use plastic on-mountain. Drinks are available in aluminum cans or refillable cups and mugs, while food is offered with traditional plates and silverware. The resort’s mountain dining team is onsite to sort through waste, recyclables and compost for every diner. NEW to the town’s sustainability efforts is the E-Delivery Program, piloting this winter. This initiative reduces large vehicle miles and idling time by routing delivery trucks to a single hub, where goods are transferred to electric vehicles for final deliveries to local businesses. The program aims to cut congestion and emissions and improve air quality while ensuring seamless deliveries for Breckenridge’s shops and restaurants. Additionally, the Town of Breckenridge just received a grant to implement seven NEW electric buses on its routes over the next four years, which will bring its fleet up to 75% electric. To easily navigate the town and its trails without a car, the NEW B Like Breckenridge App is like a Welcome Center in your pocket, offering tips for exploring responsibly and finding exactly what every traveler needs.

B Like Breckenridge Tip - Boots. Buses. Bikes. BreckConnect. Get to and from the trails, on and off the slopes, and around downtown without a car using Breckenridge’s robust bus system, free gondola, fat bikes or the snowboots on your feet.

Shop Sustainable, Shop Local:

Breckenridge’s Main Street continues to be a hub for unique, locally-owned businesses focused on sustainability and craftsmanship. For those with an eye for sustainable fashion, the NEW House of Lois vintage boutique offers high-end vintage clothing and fine jewelry, celebrating the elegance of the past. Run by local entrepreneur Nicole Shepherd, this shop and other vintage boutiques like Vintage Sweet & Chic and Mary B Go Round bring timeless styles to Breckenridge while promoting eco-friendly fashion choices. NEW on Main Street is Wilder Collective, a globally conscious boutique sourcing from small businesses and makers around the world. These choices as well as upscale and ethical clothiers like Folcland and Mountain Goat Clothing Co are redefining mountain style.

 B Like Breckenridge Tip - Shop local. Whether it’s a quirky vintage ski onesie or an upcycled outfit, sustainable fashion in Breckenridge keeps garments out of the landfill.

Thrive on Five Peaks:

Skiers and riders can’t resist the big mountain views, high alpine terrain and North America’s highest chairlift at Breckenridge Ski Resort. With three NEW lift upgrades in the past three years, the mountain resort is keeping its visitors moving across all five peaks smoothly and quickly. Pair adventurous days with effortlessly cool après by skiing right off the mountain into town or riding the free BreckConnect gondola. Get the latest and greatest gear slopeside at the base of Peaks 7, 8 and 9 this year with the NEW My Epic Gear program, exclusively offered at Breckenridge and select ski resorts on the Epic Pass. With on-snow valet service and more than 60 of the newest and most popular ski and snowboard models, members can access personalized expert recommendations to be ready for powder days, perfect groomers and everything in between.

B Like Breckenridge Tip - High altitude hydration. Skiing and riding at nearly 13,000 ft of elevation requires extra hydration. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle or packable water bladder to keep on hand all day. Since the Town’s ban on single-use plastic water bottles, it’s imperative that skiers and riders BYOB (bring your own bottle or bladder!) on the mountain.