With 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, and 235 lifts Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels from beginner to expert. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for a breakdown of beginner to expert hike-to terrain so you can get the most out of your days on the mountain.
When you’re at nearly 10,000 feet in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, wine may not be exactly what comes to mind. In this small mountain town, you’ll be surprised to find a wide selection of wines sourced from the western slope of Colorado and all the way across the world. Wine aficionados, rejoice! We took ourselves on a wine tasting tour of Breckenridge so you can follow along and choose your perfect pour.
Carboy Winery was the first stop on our wine tour of Breckenridge. Located in the historic Gold Pan Saloon, Carboy features an inviting tasting room with classic tin-plated ceilings and wine barrel walls.
Beneath Carboy, you’ll find a Barrel Room where tanks of wine are connected to the taps in the tasting room upstairs. While most of the wine is produced at their Littleton location, Carboy in Breckenridge does produce ciders on site!
Choose from wine flights, full pours or even their Cold Vines Wine Seltzer and pair it all with specialty made charcuterie boards and shareable snacks.
What we tried:
We opted for the featured wine flight to sample a variety of wines all out of Grand Valley, Colorado.
Blan.Co White Blend
Rosè of Tempranillo
Cabernet Franc
Bonus tip: Ask your server about the Barrel Room downstairs, you may be able to score an exclusive tour! Alternatively, you can schedule a private tour with a wine specialist ahead of your visit and be treated to a tasting of five select Carboy wines.
Tucked in a charming alley off Main Street, Ridge Street Wine is a cozy gathering place that provides wines from around the globe. Open for over 20 years, this locally owned establishment hand-selects the wines they serve and sell.
Stop next door at Breckenridge Cheese & Chocolate, owned by the same purveyors, to buy a bottle, a farm cheese or small batch chocolates.
What we tried:
Commuter Cuvee Pinot Noir
Allen Scott Sauvignon Blanc
Bonus tip: On Wednesday nights enjoy a wine and cheese pairing or start your weekend with a flight of three half glasses of wine on Friday nights.
The last stop on our wine tour of Breckenridge had to be Continental Divide Winery. This winery holds the title of the world’s highest altitude winery with all their wines being produced at 10,361 feet in Fairplay, Colorado. Making wine at such an altitude results in a slower and gentler fermentation process creating truly unique flavor profiles.
This warm and inviting tasting room is within walking distance of the Quicksilver Chairlift on Peak 9 so you can go from the slopes to après ski in no time.
What we tried:
We had to try the Special Limited Release Flight featuring wines made from grapes in both Colorado and California.
Blanc de Blancs (Methode Champenoise)
Riverside Cabernet Sauvignon (Grand Valley, Colorado)
Colorado Storm (Cabernet Sauvignon/Petite Sirah/Cab Franc)
Dillinger’s Ridge Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonus tip: The Cheese Shop is located right across from Continental Divide Winery. When you’re ready to head home, purchase a cheese box to pair with your new favorite wine.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there is no shortage of romance to be found in Breckenridge. This cozy mountain town has stunning views and historic buildings that truly make you feel the love. We’re sharing our top six most romantic restaurants in Breckenridge so you and your sweetheart can enjoy a romantic evening on the town.
Outdoor Patio at Hearthstone
If you’re looking for an intimate setting, Hearthstone offers rich Victorian-era décor and one of the best views in Breckenridge. This historic restaurant is located in a 125-year-old building with stunning views of Breckenridge Ski Resort–at night, spot the lights from the snowcats grooming the ski runs on the mountain. Choose from wild, elevated dishes like Blackberry Elk and Alaskan Black Cod.
Rootstalk
This sophisticated restaurant provides a seasonally curated menu made with care and consideration. Share a cheese and charcuterie board or, if you can’t choose from their mouth-watering options, try a five or seven-course tasting menu with a wine pairing.
Briar Rose is a classic chophouse that gives you a timeless and elegant dining experience. Aged beef and fresh wild game plates are a nod to the western heritage that can still be seen in Breckenridge. Take a step back in time and enjoy a candlelit dinner in this historic saloon.
Mimo Fancy Tapas
For a lively and romantic experience, head to Mimo Fancy Tapas. This unique restaurant, located below Breck’s Main Street, will have you feeling like you’re dining in speakeasy lounge. This fun and vibrant Spanish-style tapas and unique cocktails make for a fun date night atmosphere. Be adventurous and sip the Ticket to the American Dream, made with bourbon, onion syrup, cheddar cheese cream, barbeque sauce and topped with popcorn–trust us, it’s worth a try!
Alpenglobes at Ember
Ember oozes romantic vibes with their dimly lit atmosphere and creative dishes. Your taste buds will be surprised with bites like lamb cheek tacos and quail with chorizo stuffing. Bonus for an extra intimate evening–book one of the outdoor Alpenglobes in the winter for a snow globe dining experience.
An adventure-packed day in the mountains can’t start without breakfast. For the true aficionados of brunch and breakfast fare, we’ve rounded up the best brunch spots in Breckenridge. Whether you’re an early bird hitting the slopes or a late riser that loves a noon brunch, Breck has it all! Coffee and corned beef or a bloody and benedict are sure to satisfy your morning cravings.
Red Chilaqules at Blue River Bistro
Blue River Bistro is best known for their 2-for-1 martini happy hour, but this gem is also a great brunch pick on weekends. If you’re here for a weekend trip you’re in luck–you’ll find a brunch menu along with some of the signature drinks served during happy hour.
What To Order: We love the Red Chilaquiles and a Spicy Maria for a south of the border experience.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Hangover Burrito at Columbine Cafe
Ask any local and they’ll say Columbine Café is their favorite spot for brunch. Columbine is not in an obvious spot–tucked between buildings off Main Street–but once you find it, you’ll want to keep going back. This no-nonsense haunt has breakfast dishes hearty enough to fuel you for the entire day.
What To Order: The Hangover Burrito is made for those with a big appetite or hangover like the name suggests. This breakfast staple is stuffed with house smoked chunky corn beef hash and smothered with pork green chili.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily
Brunch at BoLD
If you’re looking for a true brunch spot that serves up Beermosas and DIY mimosas, BoLD is your spot. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is nestled at the south end of Breckenridge just steps from the Quicksilver Chairlift and endless shopping options.
What To Order: For a spicy breakfast, try the Moroccan Baked Eggs. The perfect blend of sweet and savory does exist with the Chicken and Waffles Benedict with a bourbon cayenne maple hollandaise.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
This family-run restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere that welcomes you in and gives you a warm hug. Blue Moose offers a slew of morning cocktails and home cooked breakfast options. As a bonus they have a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your furry friend on a warm day!
What To Order: We love a classic breakfast here. Opt for the Two Biscuits & Sausage Gravy served with home fries or grits paired with a cup of organic coffee from Breck Coffee Roasters.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily
Photo Courtesy of Cabin Juice & Gravity Haus
Do not leave this brunch spot off your list. Cabin Juice is an elevated eatery that utilizes ingredients from small, local farms around Colorado. They offer a chic, cabin atmosphere with savory and healthy brunch options.
What To Order: Satisfy your sweet tooth and order the Brioche French Toast, served with lemon yogurt, whipped butter and Vermont maple syrup. They also feature a biscuit board–need we say more?
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Local’s Tip: Check out the Breck Deals page for discounted lodging in Breckenridge!
When you think of spring break, you might picture a tropical beach and not the snowy slopes of the Rockies. It may come as a surprise, but spring in Breckenridge brings an extended ski season, longer days and warmer weather. With an average of 300 days of sunshine annually you won’t want to miss spring break in Breckenridge! Our Breck spring break vacation planning guide has everything you need plus locals’ tips so you can plan the ultimate sun-filled vacation.
Have no fear, the snow is here! Breckenridge Ski Resort offers an extended ski season through Memorial Day (weather permitting), so there is plenty of opportunity to earn your turns if you are coming in March or beyond. With highs in the upper thirties in March, you can enjoy days of warm skiing and soft snow.
Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and layers! Warmer days mean you’ll work up a sweat on the slopes, so be sure to wear moisture-wicking base layers under your gear. And while we love working on our goggle tan, fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation, which makes sunscreen an essential for your packing list.
Sledding at Carter Park
In addition to skiing, there is an abundance of off-mountain activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re seeking adventure, try a snowshoe hike or a cross-country ski jaunt. Between the Gold Run Nodic Center and Breckenridge Nordic Center, there are over 30 miles of trails to explore. Grab a sled and hit one of the free sledding hills in Breckenridge or enjoy ice skating right at the base area of Peak 8.
If you’d like to spend some time inside, opt for an escape room or even axe throwing right on Main Street. For even more ideas to fill your day, head to our picks for the top winter activities in Breckenridge.
Robbie’s Tavern
After a day well spent, there is nothing better than an après ski cocktail on a sun-soaked patio. Ski right down to Robbie’s Tavern at the base of Peak 8 and sip slopeside at an outdoor fire pit. If you’re on Main Street, check out the dog-friendly outdoor patios at the Canteen Taphouse and Kenosha.
Après options abound in Breckenridge but lucky for you, we’ve tried them all! Pick one of the best après ski cocktails in town and beat the crowds by grabbing a drink before all the skiers come down from the mountain.
BreckConnect Gondola
Laurel: Get the most relaxation out of your trip by avoiding unnecessary traffic.
Spring break can be a busy time in Breck! Avoid the traffic and take advantage of the free transportation options around town. The Breck Free Ride bus system runs throughout town day, the Breck Connect Gondola is also a free and quick way to get to the base of the mountain or many of the resorts around town typically have a free shuttle!
Tianna: Savor the views and get the most out of a night on the town.
Find outdoor seating with great views such as the base of Peak 8, since the weather is warm enough to sit outside now. If you’re planning a night on the town, bar hop to these spots: Gold Pan Saloon, Broken Compass Brewing, Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, Brooklyn’s Tavern and Billiards, and Breckenridge Ale House.
Sammy: Explore downtown Breckenridge during the day.
Make sure you take time to explore all the gems that downtown Breckenridge has to offer. There are over 200 stores on Main Street so you can find everything from clothing boutiques to children’s toy stores. Don’t forget to caffeinate for your shopping spree by stopping by one of the best coffee shops in Breck!
Cody: Catch some extra Z’s and take advantage of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s high elevation.
The ski resort, which can’t be missed upon your drive into town or any glance west from nearly anywhere in Breck, is situated around 10,000′ feet above sea level. You can visit in March for a chance at spring powder or later in April and May for less crowds and warm, slushy laps. My tip for spring break? Sleep in! Head to the mountain a little later than usual and allow the snow to soften up, and as an added bonus, you won’t have to wear as many layers as temperatures reach comfortable levels. If you’re one for late nights at the Gold Pan Saloon or Motherloaded Tavern, spring break might be for you because even at the crack of noon, the snow will still be there and it’ll still be great!
Dreaming of a winter vacation? Make sure you don’t miss out on the 50 best things to do in Breckenridge this winter!
