Breckenridge chair lift with people crossing a snowy pine forest under a blue skyBreckenridge chair lift with people crossing a snowy pine forest under a blue sky

A complete guide to Breckenridge

Everything you need for your Breckenridge ski holiday
7th January, 2025
5 min read time

Breckenridge, affectionately known as "Breck," is a world-class ski resort nestled in the Colorado Rockies. With its charming historic town, expansive ski terrain, and vibrant après-ski scene, Breckenridge seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern mountain adventure.

This guide will cover everything you need to plan your perfect Breckenridge ski holiday—from its location and ski area to dining, nightlife, and off-slope activities.

Let’s dive in!

Breckenridge, Colorado

  1. Where is Breckenridge?
  2. Breckenridge the resort
  3. Breckenridge ski area
  4. Skiing in Breckenridge
  5. Breckenridge ski season dates
  6. Breckenridge snow history
  7. Restaurants in Breckenridge
  8. Things to do in Breckenridge
  9. Breckenridge après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Breckenridge town map
  11. Practical information

Where is Breckenridge?

Breckenridge is located just 1 hour and 35 minutes west of Denver, Colorado, along the I-70 corridor.

For a detailed view of Breckenridge's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): 116 km / 72 miles

Transfer time

  • Eagle County Regional Airport: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Breckenridge the resort

  • Resort elevation: 2,926 m (9,600 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: Approx. 5,000

Breckenridge is a vibrant blend of history and modernity. Originally established during the Gold Rush in the 1800s, it retains its Victorian charm while catering to visitors with ski-in/ski-out accommodations, boutique shops, and a lively town centre. Its Main Street is a hub of activity, with over 200 shops and restaurants, candy-coloured architecture, and plenty of mountain-town charm.

                                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Stunning mountain vistasHigh wind exposure in some areas
Extremely family-friendlyCan get pretty crowded
Excellent beginner terrainGenerally expensive
Easy to get thereHigh-altitude climate can be challenging to acclimatise to
Vibrant après-skin/a

Here is how Breckenridge looks like

Preview of Breckenridge ski resort showcasing two skiers

Watch Breckenridge on YouTube .

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Breckenridge ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3,963 m (12,998 ft)
  • Skiable terrain: 1,177 hectares (2,908 acres)
  • Pistes: 187
  • Vertical drop: 1,036 m (3,398 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 35

Breckenridge’s ski area is spread across five distinct peaks, each offering unique terrain:

  • Peak 6: High-alpine bowls with breathtaking views, ideal for intermediates and advanced skiers.
  • Peak 7: Smooth, tree-lined blue runs perfect for cruising.
  • Peak 8: The central hub with a mix of greens, blues, advanced terrain, and world-class terrain parks.
  • Peak 9: Wide beginner slopes with seamless connections to the town.
  • Peak 10: Steeper terrain for advanced skiers seeking moguls and thrills.

Skiing in Breckenridge

Beginners

The nursery slopes at Peak 9 are perfect for first-timers. Once confident, skiers can graduate to gentle greens on Peak 8 for more scenic descents.

Intermediates

Peak 7 offers blue runs with stunning views and smooth descents, while Peak 6 adds a high-altitude adventure with long, rolling trails.

Advanced

Peaks 8, 9, and 10 feature steep mogul fields, black diamonds, and legendary snow bowls. The Lake Chutes on Peak 8 and Whale’s Tail offer unparalleled thrills.

Off-piste

For powder enthusiasts, Breckenridge’s high-altitude terrain delivers adrenaline-pumping challenges. The Imperial Bowl and Peak 8’s upper slopes are a must for open-bowl skiing.

Snowboarding

Breckenridge’s four terrain parks cater to all skill levels, with features ranging from beginner-friendly jumps to advanced rails and half-pipes.

Breckenridge ski season dates

The ski season in Breckenridge for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 8th and run until May 30th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Breckenridge next winter, be sure to explore our Breckenridge deals for the best ski offers available.

Breckenridge snow history

Breckenridge offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 14 cm (5.51 inches) and 15 cm (5.90 inches) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 21 cm ( 8.26 inches) and occurs more frequently, averaging 3.9 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the third week of April, traditionally the snowiest week in Breckenridge, with an impressive 32 cm (12.59 inches) of snow over 4.3 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 23 cm (9.05 inches) of snow over 3.9 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December14 cm (5.51 in)3.1 days
January15 cm (5.90 in)3.3 days
February21 cm (8.26 in)3.9 days
March22 cm (8.66 in)3.6 days
April23 cm (9.05 in)3.9 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Breckenridge

Breckenridge’s culinary scene offers something for everyone, with over 120 dining options ranging from casual to fine dining. Highlights include:

  • Hearthstone: A sophisticated spot for locally sourced meat and seafood, housed in a charming Victorian home.
  • Mi Casa: Vibrant Mexican dishes paired with the perfect margaritas.
  • Northside Pizza: A casual favourite for pizza, wings, and sweet treats.
  • Ski Hill Grill: At the base of Peak 8, enjoy global cuisine with stunning mountain views.

Things to do in Breckenridge

  • Snowshoeing
  • Nordic skiing
  • Sledding
  • Dog sledding
  • Snowmobiling
  • Fat biking
  • Sleigh rides
  • Scenic snow cat tours
  • Historic & heritage tours

Breckenridge après-ski and nightlife

Breckenridge’s après-ski scene is lively, with venues offering happy hours, live music, and vibrant atmospheres.

Top spots

  • Gold Pan Saloon: A historic cowboy bar with rustic charm and games
  • T-Bar: A bustling spot at the base of Peak 8 with outdoor seating and rotating drink specials.
  • Breckenridge Brewery: Enjoy craft beers at the resort’s iconic brewery.
  • Burke & Riley’s Irish Pub: Celtic tunes, Guinness, and mountain views

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Breckenridge town map

Breckenridge town map

Download Breckenridge town map here

Practical information

  • Tourism office: welcomecenter@gobreck.com
  • Phone: +1 (970) 453-2913
  • Address: 111 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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