If you’re looking for a skiing experience at one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the United States, check out Breckenridge. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains an hour or two drive from Denver, this former gold mining town has transformed into a favourite ski resort. You have a wide range of Breckenridge cabin rentals to choose from including cosy log cabins to luxurious mansions. Everything you need for a perfect weekend of skiing is in this town.
How to Get to Breckenridge:
Domestic and international tourists will arrive at Denver International Airport. Breckenridge is approximately 100 miles west of the airport, and you can get there by either renting your own car or using the shuttle bus. The first option gives you more flexibility to explore the region, whereas those who aren’t confident driving in the snow should choose the second. Expect the journey to take about two hours to get from the airport to Breckenridge.
Saturday Morning:
Wake up early, get your skiing equipment and head up to Breckenridge Mountain. The summit reaches a total height of almost 4000 metres (over 13,000 feet) and is the main attraction in the town. Ski lifts take skiers to the top of the mountains where they can then ride the pistes back down. The slopes range in abilities from beginner to intermediate, and some hills stretch up to 5 kilometres (3 miles).
Since you’re only in Breckenridge for the weekend, a top tip is to get your skiing equipment and lift passes on Friday evening. This will help you maximise your time on the slopes rather than running around trying to get everything organised the next morning.
Saturday Afternoon:
After spending the morning skiing, come back and explore Breckenridge Town. A town that’s older than 100 years stands at the foot of the mountains, and the Main Street is lined with old buildings. You can find several cafes, bars and restaurants in the town with a beautiful, cosy interior to help you warm up after a morning on the slopes.
A great way to explore the old town and soak up some of the history is to join a walking tour. Guides will show you around Breckenridge and tell you stories to give you an insight into life during the gold mining boom. This is a great way to see the attractions and get a better understanding of the town in a short amount of time.
Saturday Evening:
What’s a better way to spend the evening after a morning of skiing and an afternoon of sightseeing than hitting the shops? Believe it or not, Breckenridge has quite an active shopping scene with various outlets, boutiques and a small mall. Most of the clothing and products are, inevitably, based around skiing and winter activities. However, you can find some beautiful winter wear and souvenirs here too.
After an hour or two of getting some retail therapy, it’s now time to hit the restaurants and bars. Several options are available along Main Street serving anything from American snacks to French cuisine. The bars will be bursting in the evening with people who have been skiing and want to share their stories.
Sunday Morning:
If you’re a fan of skiing, you may want to hit the slopes again for a few hours. Alternatively, join some of the other activities such as snowshoeing along the trails, sleighing or dog sledging.
Many tourists tend to choose to go sledging. Just imagine sitting in a sledge and being pulled along the white wonderland by a pack dogs. Anyone can take part in this experience, and it’s very popular with families. You can find tours that last from as little as a few hours up to overnight expeditions into the wilderness. If you’re looking for a unique experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, dog sledging is the perfect activity for you. However, plan ahead and contact the company beforehand to arrange your experience and to avoid disappointment on the day. Children over the age of four can ride the sledges with their parents making it a great family activity and an alternative to skiing.
Sunday Afternoon:
When you’re visiting an old gold mining town, it doesn’t make sense to miss out on learning about its former glory days. Tours can take tourists around the main sites and teach them about the gold rush in the region. Some go into the old mines, and others let you actually pan for the gold using traditional methods. This makes a great way to spend a few hours to get an educational experience and learn more about what inspired Breckenridge.
Just be aware that tours are typically only available during the summer months and a lot of walking is required. There are a few tour groups to choose from, and it makes sense to check them all out and read their itinerary before making your decision.
Sunday Evening:
After an action-packed weekend of skiing, panning for gold and having a unique experience being pulled along the snow by a pack of dogs, it’s time for you to start thinking about returning back home. If you have the time, you may be able to sneak a quick drink at the Breckenridge Brewery or get that final cup of hot chocolate while sitting around the cosy fire of your favourite café. Tourists can either take the shuttle bus or drive back to Denver and return home with beautiful memories of this incredible ski resort.
This is a snow adventurers paradise. Skiing and sledging and that landscape. Perfect for that long weekend. Glad you shared how to get there. Cheers
Breckenridge sounds like a really magical skiing town. I love the fact that apart from the skiing part the town itself is charming and has much to offer. The fact that it is more than a 100 years old ensures a rich heritage with many a hidden treasure to explore.
Love the pic you have shared of the Breckenridge resort. I had never heard of this place actually. How I wish you had shared more pictures from your trip.
Looks like a perfect resort town! Lots to do, amazing powder, and incredible views. I must check it out this year!
the first thing my mind screamed looking at your picture was – Oh my God, I want to be here 🙂 I had not heard of breckenridge before. But thanks to your guide, I will definitely go here, and that also in the winters 🙂
I liked how your itinerary is meticulously divided over the days! 🙂 Had heard of the Rocky Mountains but never about Breckenridge! The picture you painted is extremely inviting. I’d love to know more about the gold mining on a walking tour! And who on earth would say no to hot chocolate on a winter day!?
I’ve only been to this part of the world in the summer but we were very aware that it transforms during winter into super popular resorts for skiers! Breckenridge looks particularly lovely, with the pretty town and shops to visit as well as the skiing itself.
This looks very nice. I like the idea of gold panning. Thanks for sharing and I will surely give it a try.
John