Glide down tubing hills, race across mountain trails, meet sled dogs, and enjoy cozy après-ski evenings. Here's your ultimate guide to the top winter activities in this charming alpine town.
Thinking about skipping your Florida getaway this year and heading to a mountain retreat for a change in scenery, vibe, and rhythm? Great choice! If we're talking about a winter break, there's nothing more magical than being surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks and having endless opportunities for fun in the snow.
Here's an idea: in the heart of the Rocky Mountains lies Breckenridge, a Colorado winter paradise known for its world-class skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of activities beyond the slopes, like snow tubing, sledding, and festive holiday celebrations, to name a few.
Here's a little something to get you started:
- Snow Tubing & Sledding: Big hills, family parks, and snowmobile combos for mountain-day fun.
- Ice Skating: Glide under the stars or indoors with views of the Tenmile Range.
- Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Peaceful mountain trails with scenic routes.
- Dog Sledding: Meet the huskies and race through snowy forests for an unforgettable adventure.
- Winter Fat Biking: Ride through snow-covered trails for a fresh take on mountain fun.
- Winter Photography: Capture Breckenridge's snow-dusted streets, mountain views, and wildlife.
- Winter Events: Celebrate the season with holiday lights, local markets, and world-class snow sports.
- Indoor Fun & Local Culture: Warm up with escape rooms, museums, and après-ski cocktails.
At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.
As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!
In this blog post, I'll highlight some of the best winter activities in and around Breckenridge so you can make the most of your time in this snowy paradise.
Ready? Let's dive right in!
1. Snow Tubing & Sledding
From massive tubing hills to cozy local parks where families gather for a classic snow day.
Local Tip: Weekdays are quieter at most tubing hills, so you can enjoy more runs and fewer crowds. Warm up afterward with hot chocolate from one of Breckenridge's cozy cafés.
Highlights
- Frisco Adventure Park: A local favorite featuring multiple tubing lanes with varying steepness, chutes, and bumps for all thrill levels. The rope tow takes you right back up.
- Keystone Resort Tubing Hill: The largest tubing hill in Colorado, offering multiple lanes, a conveyor lift, and the chance to go tubing after dark under the stars.
- Carter Park in Breckenridge: A free, family-friendly sledding hill located near downtown. Bring your own sled, warm up in the covered pavilion, and enjoy the cozy fireplace and heated restrooms.
- Snowmobile & Tubing Combo: Breckenridge Snowmobile Tours offers a one-of-a-kind package with both snowmobiling and tubing on a private 1,050-foot hill, great for adventure seekers.
2. Ice Skating
Skate indoors at a professional arena or head outdoors to glide beneath a sky full of stars.
In my opinion, there's something timeless about lacing up a pair of skates in Breckenridge. The air feels crisp, the mountains glow in the background, and the sound of blades carving across the ice sets the mood for pure winter fun. You can skate indoors at a professional arena or head outdoors to glide beneath a sky full of stars. It's one of those simple joys that turns an ordinary winter day into something special.
Local Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to catch the sunset reflecting off the ice, then stay for an evening skate under twinkling lights.
Highlights
- Stephen C. West Ice Arena: A top-notch indoor facility offering public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and hockey leagues. Skate rentals are available on-site, and there's also a pro shop for gear and warm snacks to refuel.
- Outdoor Ice Rink at the Breckenridge Recreation Center: A scenic open-air rink where you can skate beneath the stars with a view of the Tenmile Range. Perfect for families and couples alike.
- Maggie Pond (Seasonal Skating): When conditions allow, Maggie Pond in downtown Breckenridge transforms into a charming natural ice rink, steps from shops, cafés, and restaurants.
3. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Experience the mountains at a slower, more peaceful pace.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing let you experience the mountains at a slower, more peaceful pace. Instead of racing down the slopes, you'll glide or trek through snow-covered forests, open meadows, and scenic alpine trails. It's a great way to soak in the quiet beauty of the Rockies while getting a full-body workout. Breckenridge has top-notch centers with miles of groomed paths, expert instructors, and easy gear rentals that make it simple to get started.
Local Tip: Morning outings mean freshly groomed trails and soft snow, plus, you might catch the alpenglow lighting up the peaks.
Highlights
- Breckenridge Nordic Center: Over 30 kilometers of groomed and scenic trails for all levels, plus rentals, lessons, and guided tours. The cozy lodge has a fireplace and café, ideal for warming up afterward.
- Gold Run Nordic Center: Located near the Breckenridge Golf Club, this spot features 27 kilometers of groomed trails, fat bike rentals, and beautiful mountain views stretching across the Tenmile Range.
- Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC): Offers guided backcountry tours for a deeper wilderness experience through the White River National Forest, ideal for adventurers seeking quieter trails.
- Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve: A local favorite for snowshoeing, where you can spot moose, foxes, and snowshoe hares in a peaceful alpine setting.
4. Dog Sledding
Explore mountain trails led by a team of adorable huskies.
What about a dose of snow adventure and plenty of cuteness? There's nothing more captivating than gliding across glittering mountain trails led by a team of huskies. But it's not just about the ride; it's also about bonding with the dogs, soaking up the alpine scenery, and feeling the wild, wintry spirit of the Rockies.
Highlights
- Ride Through the Rockies: Race through snow-covered forests and open meadows surrounded by panoramic mountain views.
- Good Times Adventures: One of the most popular outfitters in Breckenridge, offering guided tours that blend excitement with education about sledding traditions and dog care.
- Meet the Huskies: Spend time with the sled dogs before and after the ride. They love the attention almost as much as the adventure.
- Learn to Mush: Some tours let guests take the reins for part of the route under the guide's supervision—a true bucket-list moment.
5. Winter Fat Biking
Trade skis for oversized tires and snowy trails.
Fat biking adds a twist to your winter adventure, letting you trade skis for oversized tires and snowy trails. These specially designed bikes roll easily over packed snow, turning scenic routes into a fun workout with incredible mountain views. It's a favorite among locals for exploring trails that feel fresh and quiet in the winter months. Grab a fat bike, bundle up, and set off for a ride that's equal parts adventure and pure Colorado magic.
Highlights
- Gold Run Nordic Center: Groomed, well-marked trails made for fat biking with mountain views and open meadows.
- Wellington Trail: A great route for both beginners and regular riders, offering a mix of forest paths and gentle climbs.
- Local Rentals: Shops like Ridden rent high-quality fat bikes and offer tips for the best trails and snow conditions.
- Scenic Views: Expect crisp air, quiet forests, and stunning views of the Tenmile Range along the way.
6. Winter Photography
Dream setting for anyone with a camera in hand.
Breckenridge turns into a real-life snow globe in winter. Every corner looks like it's begging to be photographed. From frosted pines to colorful Victorian buildings dusted with snow, it's a dream setting for anyone with a camera in hand. You can wander Main Street for cozy, postcard-worthy shots, or head into the wilderness for sweeping views of peaks and frozen waterfalls. The light here is crisp and dramatic, making even simple snapshots feel magical.
Local Tip: Bring a microfiber cloth and extra batteries. Cold weather drains camera power fast, but the views make it worth it.
Highlights
- Main Street Magic: Photograph Breckenridge's historic downtown as it glows under layers of snow and twinkling lights.
- Mountain Landscapes: Venture into the backcountry for wide-open views of the Tenmile Range, icy waterfalls, and alpine forests.
- Golden Hour Glow: The morning and late afternoon light creates stunning contrasts, perfect for capturing snow sparkle and mountain silhouettes.
- Guided Photography Tours: Local experts lead small groups to secret scenic spots and share insider tips on composition and lighting.
- Winter Wildlife: Keep your lens ready for moose, foxes, and other wildlife that often roam near the trails in quieter hours.
7. Enjoy Winter Events
Lights, music, and the scent of hot cocoa drift down Breck's Main Street.
During the holidays, Breck sparkles with lights, music fills the air, and the scent of hot cocoa drifts down Main Street. The season kicks off in early December with traditions that bring locals and visitors together, from tree lightings and festive markets to world-class winter sports. It's that perfect blend of small-town charm and big-mountain energy that makes celebrating the holidays here so special.
Highlights
- Lighting of Breckenridge: Main Street glows with thousands of lights during this much-loved December event. Expect carolers, live music, Santa's grand arrival, and plenty of holiday cheer.
- Holiday Market: Browse handmade gifts, local crafts, and winter treats at the Breckenridge Holiday Market, set against the cozy backdrop of the Arts District.
- Dew Tour: One of the most exciting events of the season, featuring elite snowboarders and skiers competing in halfpipe and slopestyle challenges, alongside concerts and pop-up food stalls.
- Festive Extras: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown, sip mulled wine at local taverns, and enjoy après-ski by a fire pit while snowflakes fall all around.
8. Get Cozy with Indoor Fun and Local Culture
Test your puzzle-solving skills in escape rooms, dive into the local art scene, or sip a cocktail by the fire.
Need a break from the cold? Breckenridge offers plenty of warmth indoors. You can test your puzzle-solving skills in escape rooms, dive into the local art scene, or sip a cocktail by the fire after a long day on the slopes. Between galleries, museums, and après-ski lounges, there's never a dull winter afternoon here.
Highlights
- Escape Rooms: Try Mountain Time Escape Rooms or Escape Room Breckenridge for themed challenges that put your teamwork and creativity to the test.
- Breckenridge Recreation Center: Swim laps, climb, or hit the courts in this 88,000-square-foot facility complete with pools, fitness classes, and a rock-climbing wall.
- Arts & Culture: Visit the Breckenridge Arts District, where historic cabins now house studios, workshops, and exhibitions. Don't miss the Barney Ford House Museum and Breckenridge Welcome Center for a glimpse into local history.
- Après-Ski Hotspots: Relax after a day in the snow at The T-Bar at One Ski Hill Place for craft beers and small bites, or savor fine wines and mountain views at Traverse Restaurant & Bar.
Experience the Best of Breckenridge
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.