November 28, 2022 / in Breckenridge Activities / by Lauren Parker
There are many things to do in Breckenridge other than skiing and snowboarding (although those are our top things to enjoy this season)! Winter is here, and all the fun snowy activities come with a new season! It’s time to break out of your old gear and enjoy that beautiful snow. Here are our favorite winter activities.
Cody: Moonlight Ski
Disclaimer: my favorite thing to do in winter is to go snowboarding, but I wanted to share a fun activity that is a spin-off of board sports because, let’s be honest, who’s favorite winter activity isn’t snowboarding?
When a full moon hangs over Summit County, it is a great time to bust out the touring setup (Split Board) and go for a skin. The light of the moon bounces off the snow and illuminates the side or backcountry in the most spectacular fashion – sometimes, it is so bright you don’t even need a headlamp. Of course, if you plan on an activity like this, make sure you have the right equipment and training to venture into the elements. Packing a hot beverage in a thermos is encouraged.
Some resorts in Summit County, like Arapahoe Basin or Breckenridge, will even host “Skin & Dins’ ” where you can skin on resort-managed terrain up to an on-mountain restaurant for a prepared meal!
If adventures into the night aren’t your type of thing, rent some cross-country skis, pack a picnic lunch and venture out into safe, low-angle terrain during the daylight!
Laurel: Snowshoeing
There’s no need to be a skier or snowboarder when you visit Breckenridge! One of my favorite ways to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter is by taking a snowshoe hike. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent equipment and enjoy scenic trails at the Breckenridge Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center. Many popular trails in summer become snow-covered paths you can enjoy in the winter. My favorite tracks include Boreas Pass Road, Mayflower Gulch, and Sallie Barber Road. Happy trails!
Lauren: Staying Warm
Although this is my first official winter as a local, I’ve been visiting Breckenridge my entire life. Aside from skiing, my favorite thing to do in winter is cozy up by the fireplace. I grew up in the south, and the winter hits hard here in Breck! I love having people over, cooking a big meal, and staying warm. There are plenty of excellent places around town to do this as well. My favorite warming dens are Amazing Grace, Blue Stag Saloon, and Robbie’s Tavern. These restaurants offer warm fireplaces and delicious food!
Monica: Making Holiday Traditions
My favorite winter season activity has always been skiing and skinning in mellow backcountry terrain. While I still plan to get out there this season, I know this year will be different. As a new mom of twin girls, I am excited to create new holiday traditions with my family. We’ve decided on three holiday traditions; one from my husband’s family, one from mine, and one that we are starting this year as a family of four. On Christmas morning, Mike’s family always has French Toast Fondue. It’s like classic French toast but fried. Topped with Mike’s mom’s homemade buttermilk syrup, it’s the perfect sugar rush to start our Christmas morning. I grew up in Chicago, and our Polish family would pass around opłatki (thin rectangular wafers). Each person has their own wafer, and everyone breaks a piece off. As you exchange pieces of your opłatek, you share warm wishes for each other. Our final and new tradition is going to be matching family pajamas. We can’t wait for a cozy and warm winter season with our girls.
Iris: A Cozy Sip & Stroll
I love taking in all of the beautiful Christmas lights of Breckenridge in the snow. Winter time becomes something magical and nostalgic as we stroll through the Riverwalk Center and peruse along Breckenridge Main Street with a nice toasty beverage from one of the many local coffee shops. My personal favorites are The Crown or Mom’s Baking Company! Another great winter activity is to take the free gondola up to peak 7 or 8. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from above!
Emmily: Dogsledding
As you can guess, most of us moved here to ski and board the iconic Colorado Rocky Mountains, myself included. Hands down, those are the best winter activities to partake in. Whether I’m cruising down freshly groomed corduroy or slashing powder off-piste in the backcountry, there’s nothing better than making turns under a blue-bird sky with your best pals. Finish the day with a little après ski, some laughs about that yard sale you had earlier, and a bite to eat at Fatty’s.
With that said, there are plenty of activities to enjoy other than skiing! If you want to give your toes a break, I’d recommend dogsledding at Good Times Adventures. Just 10 minutes from downtown Breckenridge, you’re completely immersed in the Swan River Valley and away from the crowds. My mother and I had an absolute blast during her visit! We loved seeing the huskies yip and howl with excitement as they were tethered to the sled. Our guide did a great job making us feel safe and knowledgeable as we mushed and rode in the dog sled. This unique and interactive experience is one I’ll never forget!
Need More Suggestions?
Check out more fun activities to do in Breckenridge here!
