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Breckenridge, Colorado, is well known for its world-class skiing, but there is a whole lot more to this mountain town than meets the eye. You don’t need to ski to enjoy a winter trip to Breckenridge.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with some friends, you can enjoy your winter visit beyond spending your day on the slopes.
From local shops to local eats to scenic attractions and tons of other outdoor adventures, there is plenty to do during your visit. I put together this guide to help those non-skiers or folks who just want a day off the slopes to explore. Here’s the best way to make the most out of a winter visit to Breckenridge.
What to know before you go
This little ski town is an amazing place to visit, but it’s pretty easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget some important components. From elevation to weather to transportation, you need to keep in mind all of these factors to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
The elevation can get to even the best of us, so it’s super important to plan ahead for it. That’s why I always recommend spending at least a day in Denver before heading over to Breckenridge. Once you get there, spending at least a day off the slopes will help you adjust to the altitude a bit quicker.
Crowds are another factor to keep in mind. Weekends, holidays, and most powder days end up being much busier than other times. This can affect tons, from the traffic on the highway to dining reservations and parking too.
Breckenridge offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets, styles, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the woods, a luxury resort, or an affordable hostel, you’ll find options to fit your needs.
If you’re wondering which places are best, and what areas to stay in, then look no further! I put together a whole guide on where to stay in Breckenridge so you can get the perfect accommodation to fit your needs.
Eat your heart out in Breck
Breckenridge has a pretty strong food scene, despite the fact that it’s a mountain town. The entire downtown is made up of options suitable for any size party. It’s super easy to build your day around good meals if you’re not skiing.
Kenosha Steakhouse is a personal favorite, since they have a huge variety of options and they’re located right in the middle of main street. Plus, in the basement, you’ll find Rita’s, which is the best place to find tequila in town and offers daily specials, tacos, and weekly trivia.
If you want something a bit more upscale, Aurum is a personal favorite for dinner. Their farm to table meals are incredible and they have some really great wine selections too. Plus, they have a fantastic happy hour, so I’d highly recommend planning your visit around that.
Drinking and nightlife in Breckenridge
It would be tough to visit Breckenridge and not partake at least a little bit in their nightlife culture. There are tons of great spots to grab cocktails, beer, or wine in town.
My personal favorite spot to grab drinks at is the Absinthe Bar, which is located right down town underneath Swiss Haven and has the best bartenders in town. They even have a dart board, and the atmosphere is really nice.
I personally really love Carboy winery, especially since it’s located right next to Goldpan Saloon. They have an incredible wine selection, and they even offer flights!
For more craft cocktail options, El Perro Negro is a new spot in town, but the owners have been in the business for quite a long time. I would highly recommend stopping in here for some of the best personalized cocktails in town.
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Finally, if you’re looking for some beer instead, my two favorite spots are High Side Brewing and Broken Compass Brewing. They both offer locally brewed beers and they have a really great selection. Plus trivia is available sometimes too!
Fun and unique things to do in Breckenridge
Even if you never step foot on a ski slope, there’s no shortage of things to do in Breckenridge. Skiing may be a big draw for visitors to Breckenridge in the winter, but it certainly isn’t the only activity that you can do.
These are my favorite non-skiing things to do in the winter, from someone who has spent tons of time living in Breckenridge, Colorado.
First off, if you’re headed to Breckenridge, you need to visit the Breckenridge Troll, also known as Isak Heartstone. This super short hike (more of a walk), leads to a huge wooden sculpture, the troll.
It’s a super easy walk that is manageable for most people, and feels like a cute little adventure.
For an experience that you will never forget, the Breckenridge Dark Sky Star Tour is a great way to spend your night. Breckenridge has some of the clearest skies, even with the light pollution. On super clear nights, the stargazing is incredible… plus it’s a nice contrast to the bustling ski town atmosphere.
Now if you are looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush, then you need to make sure you hop on a snowmobile. The best way to do that is with this guided snowmobile tour in Leadvillewhich is only about 45 minutes away. The scenery is insane, and the tours are accessible for all levels, even if you’ve never sat on a snowmobile before.
If you want something a bit less hardcore, there is tubing nearby in Frisco which is fun for everyone of all ages. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or just want something that is more playful without too much pressure.
One of the most fun activities is a Fat Bike Distillery tour which combines a bit of light riding with some local spirits. It’s a super laid back, fun way to be social while exploring the snowy trails before warming up with a nice drink.
A bit of an underrated gem for a non-skiing activity is visiting the Breckenridge Recreation Center. A day pass is the perfect way to get access to hot tubs, saunas, climbing walls, and tons of other fitness facilities.
Finally, one of the simplest pleasures of Breckenridge is strolling down Main Street. Between the historic buildings and the local shops and galleries, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon without making any plans at all.
Best winter hikes to do
If you enjoy being active, then hikes are probably your next best bet for fun activities. Even when everything is covered in snow, with the right layers, you can enjoy some incredible trails without sticks strapped to your feet.
Make sure you have the right clothes to keep you warm, and especially important to have a good pair of Yaktraks. Check out my full article for how to pack for a winter trip to Colorado.
The best trails if you’re looking for something easy and low commitment are Sawmill Reservoir and Burro Trail. Both are short, and pretty close to town, which make them perfect for a little winter walk without too much elevation gain. It’s perfect especially if you’re traveling with kids.
For something a bit more scenic and out in nature, the Spruce Creek Trail is a great option. The bottom part of the trail is amazing during winter, with snow-covered trees. More experienced hikers can keep going onwards towards Mohawk Lakes, but even getting through that lower section is a pretty rewarding winter hike.
Finally, for a longer, but relatively flat option, the Peaks Trail is perfect. It connects Breckenridge with Frisco, and it has huge, open forest views with relatively easy terrain.
Plus it’s easy to turn back whenever, so it’s great for all fitness levels.
No matter where you hike, just make sure that you have proper traction since they can definitely be icy in the winter!
Final thoughts
Breckenridge is a great ski town… but it’s so much more than that. From gorgeous hikes to cute shops to snowmobiling, this area offers unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Breck at your own pace.
If you’re visiting Breckenridge, Colorado, you don’t need to know how to ski to enjoy your trip. While I always recommend trying out the slopes, skiing isn’t for everyone… but Breckenridge is!
Have any questions about planning a trip to Breckenridge as a non-skier? Comment them below or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatperhaps.
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