Breckenridge in Pop Culture

By Rebecca Metras / / March 4, 2023

There’s no denying it – Breckenridge has made its mark on Popular culture. Starting in the 20th Century, the little Rocky Mountain town began to make appearances in film, sports, and other prevalent activities. Breckenridge continues to leave a mark as a charming place that encompasses mountain culture and draws in visitors from across the world.

Movies and Television

  1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): The sledding scene was filmed at the Breckenridge Ski Area on Peak 8. After “Clark” rides down the hill on his silicone sprayed saucer, he is seen dodging traffic on the road. That section of road is in Frisco on Summit Boulevard. He eventually ends up in the Toys For Tots bin in front of the Wal-Mart in Frisco.
  2. Glee: In season 3, episode 14 of the musical comedy-drama television series, Glee, the show’s characters visit Breckenridge for a ski trip.
  3. Dumb and Dumber (1994): The 1994 comedy classic, Dumb and Dumber, features a scene in which Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) take a wrong turn and end up in Breckenridge.
  4. South Park: Breckenridge is referenced in several episodes of the long-running animated comedy, South Park, which is set in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. In one episode, a couple is headed to Breckenridge for an important interview.
  5. The Amazing Race: Breckenridge has been featured on several episodes of the popular reality show, The Amazing Race, which has had contestants race through the town’s streets and participate in various challenges.

Celebrity Sightings

  1. The Kardashian Family: The entire Kardashian family vacationed in Breckenridge in 2008 with their film crew. They were seen several times at Downstairs at Eric’s and skiing at the resort.
  2. Lauren Elizabeth: The Youtuber posted on TikTok looking for recommendations on boutiques to buy a warm hat in town.
  3. Waka Flocka Flame: The rapper has played several shows at the Riverwalk Center and has been spotted around town at restaurants such as The Canteen Tap House and Tavern.
  4. Rob Gronkowski: The football player has posted videos and pictures of himself on the slopes in Breckenridge.

Professional Athletes

  1. Arielle Gold (1996-present) is an Olympic bronce medalist snowboarder that resided in Breckenridge for the winter season each year as she grew up. She won a bronze medal in the superpipe at the 2013 Winter X Games and another bronze metal in the women’s halfpipe event at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
  2. Jeff Cravath (1903-1953) was an American football player and coach that was born in Breckenridge. He was the head football coach for the University of Denver for 3 years, University of San Fransisco for 1 year and the University of Southern California for 7 years.
  3. Heather McPhie (1984-present) is an American freestyle moguls skier that competed for the US Olympic Team in 2010. In 2004, when McPhie decided to get serious about her mogul skiing, she moved to Breckenridge to train in a full-time program.
  4. Pete Swenson (1967-present) is a ski mountaineer and competition director of the United States Ski Mountaineering Association.

You don’t have to be a celebrity to vacation like one. Stay slope side in Breckenridge and enjoy luxury living. Check out some available lodging options here.