How to Visit Breckenridge, Colorado

When I first arrived in Breckenridge, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My first week that I visited, my exploration was minimal… I could really only tell you about the ski mountain, like which runs are worth hitting, and which ones should be avoided, but on my future visits, I finally explored the town.

Even so, that first trip to Breckenridge made an immediate impression on me. I was awe-struck, and little did I know that 4 years later, I would be spending a whole winter there and seriously questioning if I should move.

The town sits high in the Rockies, over 9,800ft, and although the altitude can be tough, the experience has been second to none when it comes to a ski trip… and don’t even get me started on the charming town.

I’m so excited to share with you how to enjoy your time at Breckenridge Ski Resort.

If you’re planning a trip there, and haven’t read it yet, check out my what to know before visiting Colorado post for first-timer details from altitude to driving advice that’ll help make your trip way smoother.

Getting to Breckenridge

Unfortunately, you don’t land in Colorado and throw on your skis to get off the plane… but getting to this mountain town is part of the adventure. 

The most important thing to keep in mind when traveling here is the altitude. Altitude sickness is fairly common, and usually happens when you go above 8,000 ft. For every 1,000 feet you go over that 8,000 feet threshold, the less likely you will adapt quickly.

I learned the hard way that Colorado’s elevation doesn’t mess around… and then I learned it again… and one more time for good measure. Take my advice, if you’re visiting from out of state especially sea level, take your time adjusting. Spend your first night in Denver before heading into the mountains, and drink way more water than you think you need.

I stayed at Hampton Inn- Downtown Denver which was a nice and affordable spot. Parking can get pricey, though, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to rent a car. Staying at the lower elevation in Denver can really help your body adjust to the altitude, so try to plan for a quick visit.

After spending the night in Denver and exploring the area in the morning, I booked an Uber to Breckenridge (mostly because I didn’t know transfers were a much better, easier option). If you want to avoid my mistake, this is the transfer service I should’ve booked to save (instead of my $200 Uber).

Finding a place to stay

If you want to make this trip as affordable as you can, then you might want to stay a bit outside of Breckenridge like I did. From personal experience, I stayed at The Block in Silverthorne (previously called “The Pad”) which is a mix of a hotel and a hostel. 

For a place like this, you’re going to want to have a car since it’s a ways away from most resorts… but central enough to visit them all. I would recommend using DiscoverCars for the best rates from the Denver airport.

While it isn’t quite Europe-affordable, it’s great compared to other prices in the area. The Block is social and very clean, they have their own happy hour at the bar, daily events, and an outdoor hot tub. You can reach most of the mountains in the area, like Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, or Beaver Creek in similar amounts of time from this hostel.

Personally, I would opt for the Bivvi which is a hostel in Breckenridge. They have a great community there, a hottub, and breakfast! It’s close enough to the mountain that you don’t need to figure out or wait for transportation to get there if you don’t want to rent a car.

This choice also coincides with the fact that Breckenridge is my favorite ski mountain in the country, so this hostel would be the most convenient for me since I’ll be going there a lot. The prices are a bit steeper than The Pad, but still quite similar, and nicer room styles.

There are some incredible condos in that area if you’re with a group, or have a more manageable budget. I stayed at one that was a 5 minute drive from the ski resort gondola, which was very convenient. It had a great view of the mountain and a place for parking, which was perfect.

If you have a car you can avoid this expense, just keep in mind that Colorado in the winter can get very dangerous with snow on the road. Make sure that your car has snow tires with good tread on them before you hit snow over here.

One of my friends had an SUV with summer tires, and he ended up sliding and rolling off the road, down a snow bank, so it’s really important to be careful and come equipped to handle the snow.

If you’re looking for more detailed recommendations, I have a full guide on where to stay in Breckenridge, which breaks down my favorite spots for all budgets and every kind of traveler.

Life on the mountain

Now onto the mountain, the part I know best. We stayed about 5 minutes away from the Breckenridge Gondola, and parking costs between $20-40 per day or it’s free in the airport lot. 

If you’re deciding between Ubering or driving, keep in mind that buying a locker at the resort costs at least $15/day, so sometimes parking closer and leaving stuff in your car is a better plan.

In terms of lift tickets, whether you’re skiing all season or just for 3-4 days, you should still buy an Epic Pass. Otherwise day passes cost more than $200 daily. If you plan on skiing more than 4 days or visit other mountains, the Epic Pass is definitely worth it.

I had an Epic Pass and loved it. I could skip the ticket line, and just right in, plus the app shows wait time at lifts. This pass also gives you 20% off food and beverages (non-alcoholic), and 20% off some lodging, rentals, and lessons.

If you have your own skis, you can get them tuned for 50% off on the mountain, and then pick them up right by the lifts. The last perk are the ski with a friend passes which give them a percentage off their tickets.

Now, about the skiing. Breckenridge has some of the best terrain I’ve experienced on ski mountains. A lot of people complain about the crowds, but I’ve found that once you get away from the base lifts, the lift lines are never too bad. 

Breckenridge has 5 different peaks, most of which have trail options for beginners up to experts. If you’re looking for moguls, then you’ve come to the right place. There are runs for every skill level, plus tons of tree glades that are still on-piste.

For expert skiers, the most memorable trail was Whale’s Tail. It’s at the top of the Imperial Express Lift, which is the highest lift in North America. You have to hike another hundred feet from the top of the lift, but it’s well worth it, in spite of the low oxygen levels.

It’s not considered extreme terrain (like the Lake Chutes, just beyond it), but it’s absolutely beautiful, and definitely still for experienced skiers only. If you can handle the hike and the ski-level, then you need to do this run. Don’t worry if not, there are plenty of incredibly stunning runs lower on the peaks too.

Exploring off the slopes

There is more to Breckenridge than skiing (though it’s easy to forget if you aren’t staying in town), so make sure you save some time for that… especially après ski. The Historical Downtown, Main Street in particular, can be really magical when it’s snowing, and it’s beautiful to walk through with all the lights at night.

There are lots of shops, bars, and restaurants here… if you want a souvenir, you will find a million options, but even just window shopping is really fun.

For souvenirs, I visited Mountain Vibe, Colorado Concept, Mountain Style, and Simply Breck. They were all very cute and had tons of options, most of which felt very unique.

If you want to learn a bit about the local history, head over to the Breckenridge Welcome Center. They have a free museum there super interesting history provided about the ski mountain and town. It was surprisingly empty, and it’s right in the middle of downtown, so it’s super accessible and a can’t miss in my opinion.

Of course, I can’t forget to mention après ski. There are lots of great happy hour deals in town, but my top two are Rita’s Agave Bar and Sancho’s Tacos & Tequilas… you might notice a theme here, there is some great tequila in town.

Another top spot to eat in the area is Cheba Hut, which was a sandwich shop that made my mouth water, but keep in mind it’s a bit outside of town.

Final thoughts

Breckenridge is so much more than just a place to ski, it’s a whole experience. When I first visited, I didn’t expect to fall head over ski boots for this town, but I’m so happy I did.

Whether you are visiting for skiing, the historic downtown, or just check out how it feels to breathe at high-altitude, Breckenridge is always worth the visit.

Before you plan your trip, read what to know before visiting Colorado if you want some tips on how to adjust faster and make the most of your time here. Once you’ve learned a bit more, I also have details on how to pack for a ski trip to Colorado, so you’re ready for anything that the Rockies can throw at you.

Do you have any questions about visiting Breckenridge? Comment them below or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps.