Winter Activities at Breckenridge: What to Do When You’re Not Skiing
Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most famous ski resorts, but winter fun isn’t limited to the 3,000 acres of terrain or the tallest lift chair in the USA. Visiting “Breck” during the ski season also means enjoying activities on the mountain and on Main Street.
When you plan a Breckenridge ski trip, you’ll want to save some time for exploring when you’re not on the slopes—which you can do on your own or on a guided tour. From cozying up with cocktails to trekking through the Ten Mile Range, these are some of our favorite Breckenridge winter activities when we’re not skiing.
On-Mountain Winter Activities (No Skis Required)
While skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular reasons to visit, there are plenty of non-ski activities at Breckenridge in the winter, as well. These are a few activities that are sure to appeal to families and friends seeking extra winter thrills.
Free Gondola Ride
Discover and enjoy a ride on the BreckConnect Gondola—no fee or lift ticket required. The gondola carries you to the base of Peak 7 and Peak 8 on a scenic ride over a snowy mountain backdrop.
Best for
- Visitors who want to check out alternative ski resort experiences
Time
- 10-15 minutes (plus wait times on busy days)
Age Requirements
- Suitable for all ages
Alpine Roller Coaster
The GoldRunner Coaster is a fun way to see Breckenridge Ski Resort. The 2,500-foot track sends riders zipping through the incredible Rocky Mountain terrain, even during the winter months. The attraction is open on weekends and is located at the base of Peak 8.
Best for
- Families looking for a non-skiing adventure
Time
- 2 minutes from top to bottom
Age and Height Requirements
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old and 54 inches tall, and passengers must meet the minimum height requirement of 38 inches
Photo Credit: Vail Resorts - Breckenridge
Fat Bikes
Another popular winter activity is to rent fat bikes, which are like traditional bikes but with larger tires designed for snowy terrain. There are several scenic mountain trails located away from the resort itself that give you a chance to get out in nature and get some exercise, even if you don’t ski. The Gold Run Nordic Center provides access to groomed trails for all skill levels. Kids 12 and under are free, making it a fun and affordable thing to do with the whole family.
Best for
- Fitness enthusiasts who want another form of outdoor exercise in the winter
Time
- 1-3 hours
Age Requirements
- All ages (riders should know how to ride a bike)
Snowshoe Hike
Breckenridge sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, which are as stunning to see in winter as in summer. Snowshoeing through the Colorado wilderness is a great way to connect with nature and even see wildlife in its natural habitat. Breckenridge Nordic Center's extensive trail network offers self-guided snowshoeing. You can also opt for a guided tour. Guided snowshoe expeditions are best for beginners or groups with different skill levels. One popular half-day tour on the Salt Lick Trail offers hikers the chance to learn the basics and explore the area with an experienced guide.
Best for
- Seeing wildlife and having a relaxing day outdoors
Time
- Half day
Age Requirements
- 12+
In-Town Winter Activities in Breckenridge
Photo Credit: Jeff Scroggins | Vail Resorts - Breckenridge
Art Galleries
Historic Main Street is lined with businesses, many of which offer fun non-skiing activities during the winter. To explore local culture—and possibly find a souvenir—visit one of the many art galleries downtown. A popular stop is the family-run Raitman Art Galleries. Raitman Art Galleries has two locations in Breckenridge: the North Gallery Space is its original location and has been open since 2007. The 2,500-square-foot gallery features artwork from dozens of artists and hosts events by local artists. The second, the South Gallery Space, began operation in 2017 and boasts 2,400 square feet of prime art viewing space.
Getting there: From the BreckConnect Gondola station, the Raitman Art Galleries North Gallery Space is about a 5-minute walk, and the South Gallery Space is about 10 minutes away. If you’re staying at any Town Center accommodations, chances are it will be an easy walk to either location.
History Tour
Learn more about the role that Breckenridge played in the Gold Rush with Walk Through History Tours. These guided tours offer a fun winter activity for all generations and will give you something to talk about when you visit the local businesses that still line the historic Main Street.
This 90-minute walking tour costs $20 USD for adults and pairs you with an expert guide who can share stories about the rich history and the people who have called this mountain town home for hundreds of years.
Getting there
- Accessible via the gondola or shuttle
Ice Skating
Visit the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, just outside the ski resort village, which has both indoor and outdoor ice skating.
You can rent skates, and they offer complimentary helmets. You can even rent hockey equipment if your group is up for a scrimmage! It’s one of our favorite Breckenridge winter activities for families.
Getting there
- From the Breckenridge Station, you can take a free trolley ride to the skate rink
Après and Recovery / Wellness Activities
Fireside Happy Hour
Nothing completes a day on the slopes like gathering with your group—or a few new friends—around the fire for cocktails or hot chocolate. Luckily, there are a few great spots to enjoy a drink outside while staying warm around a fire. Here are a few great places for a cozy happy hour:
Blue Stag Saloon
Warm up around the stone firepit out on the patio of this Main Street staple. You can make a night of it by trying some authentic Western-inspired cuisine. Menu highlights include elk stroganoff, rattlesnake sausages, and bison chili.
Elev8 Rooftop
This rooftop bar at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 is a fun place to end your day, sharing stories of your best turns (or unlucky wipeouts) on the nearby ski runs.
The Gold Pan Saloon
Going strong since 1879, this neighborhood watering hole has helped locals stay warm during the chillier winter months. Now a lively place for après-ski, you can enjoy live music, draft beer and wine, and an antique wood stove that keeps patrons comfortable during the coldest months.
Live Music
Breckenridge isn’t just a great ski town. The long stretch of pubs, restaurants, and craft breweries on Main Street makes it a great place to enjoy live music, too. From country rock to traditional Irish tunes, our travel consultants can help you find music, no matter your taste.
Spa Treatments
Taking care of yourself before and after a day on the slopes can make your trip much more enjoyable. Both experienced skiers and families taking their first ski trip will value the abundance of spa options available.
There are choices for most budgets, and our travel consultants can help you find one that works for you. Spa visits are especially enjoyable when the weather is too stormy to ski or you need to call it quits early due to sore muscles.
When you book lodging in Breckenridge, ask about our favorite places so you can spend cold nights on self-care without having to put your boots back on.
Where You Stay Matters: Winter Breckenridge Trip
If you’re planning your first ski trip to Breckenridge Ski Resort, you should figure out how much time you want to spend and what you’d like to see. Even the most dedicated skiers have some downtime and can explore different winter experiences when they’re not on the slopes.
Knowing what you plan to do and what you can’t miss out on can help narrow down a home base that makes the most sense for your itinerary.
Once you’ve figured out specific activities, you can decide where you want to stay. Consider whether you want to ski in and out of your accommodation, or if you’d rather be located on Main Street, where you can walk around the art galleries, shops, and restaurants. With plenty to do for families, couples, and solo adventurers, choosing the right location can really make your trip go more smoothly.
Tyra condos are located slopeside to the Four O'Clock Ski Run at Breckenridge Resort.
It’s also a good idea to consider which amenities can help save you time and money. Staying in a central location or having everything you need on site can make your trip more relaxing after skiing or exploring the area. Some amenities you can find when lodging in Breckenridge:
Free parking, airport transfers, shuttles
Hot tubs and swimming pools
Fireplaces
Kitchens
Recreation spaces
Entertainment centers
Ski lockers
Access to group tours and exclusive deals
At The Lodging Company, our travel consultants specialize in planning the best ski and non-ski vacations in North America. We can help you find a vacation rental that fits your itinerary and doesn’t overlook even the smallest details.
Conclusion
Breckenridge offers a lot of fun things to do year-round, beyond skiing and snowboarding, but winter is one of our favorites. Working with a vacation planner at The Lodging Company will help you choose a vacation rental that best suits your trip.
Our travel consultants connect with ski resorts and local tour guides and can help arrange transportation and choose the best activities for your winter vacation in Breckenridge.
About Deric Brown
Deric Brown is a writer who has traveled domestically and internationally, writing about his journeys along the way. A storyteller at heart, he’s always looking at both the small details and the big picture. Whether snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains or hiking the Marin Headlands near his San Francisco home, he loves experiencing the beauty of California and beyond and writing about each solo adventure and family trip.