Fun Things to Do in Breckenridge (Besides Skiing!)

As someone who doesn’t ski, I’m well-versed in finding alternatives to defying gravity on the slopes. In a place known for its epic ski scene, like Breckenridge, Colorado, you may think it’d be tougher.

It’s not. There is so much to do in the Summit County mountain town on both winter ski trips and summertime escapes that have nothing to do with facing your fears of the pizza wedge.

I’ve tried to learn, people. It’s just not happening.

Breckenridge has it all, and it’s cute as heck. If you don’t want to ski, no one can force you, because you’ll be over there doing something unrelated that’s just as fun.

Things to Do in Breckenridge in the Winter

The ski season in Breckenridge runs from early November through mid-April. If you’re accompanying someone interested in some of the best skiing in the United States, they’ll likely start at the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

The place boasts five peaks, four terrain parks, and the tallest chairlift on the continent.

If you’re into snowboarding, you’ll be in good company here. The resort was the first in the state to allow snowboarders to join skiers on the slopes and hosted the World Snowboarding Championships in 1986.

Now let’s get on to what you actually came here for: things to do in Breckenridge in winter besides skiing.

Ride the free gondola. 

You can ride the gondola in Breckenridge without skiing. It’s free and open to all, making this one of the best free things to do while you’re here.

The skiers in your group shouldn’t be the only ones treated to views from the top of the mountain. Ride the free BreckConnect gondola all the way up just as I did for overpriced drinks and food but stellar views. 

You can’t put a price on these views. The BreckConnect takes up to eight passengers at a time.

The Breckenridge gondola ride is 13 minutes long. You’ll travel over 7,500 feet, so if heights aren’t your jam, you should maybe focus on having fun at the base of the mountain, instead.

Go snow tubing.

My favorite snow activities in Breckenridge have nothing to do with the ski slopes. It’s all about the snow tubing, baby. You don’t need to be planning family-friendly activities to have yourself some juvenile fun in Breckenridge.

No, seriously. I don’t have children and don’t plan on having children. I DO plan on adding snow tubing to any ski trips I plan in the future.

Sadly, the Breckenridge Ski Resort doesn’t offer tubing, so our favorite spot is Adventure Point Tubing at Keystone Resort. You don’t get the Magic Carpet like at Woolly’s Tube Park on Mammoth Mountain, but you still do very little work to get to the top and back.

Note: If you’re unclear on what the heck a Magic Carpet is, it’s a conveyor belt you ride while inside your tube to make the trip that much more enjoyable.

Try snowshoeing at the Breckenridge Nordic Center.

Prefer less elevation? Cross-country skiing is predictably big in Breckenridge, and the Breckenridge Nordic Center is the best place to make that happen. 

It’s also the best place to try shoeshoeing if you’re interested. The center boasts over 2,000 acres of trails.

Have any of you ever been snowshoeing, by the way? It is surprisingly hard, particularly if you go into the activity all, “This is going to be a BREEZE.”

Marvel at snow sculptures.

Watch carving week displays at the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships. This one usually happens around the end of January into the first week of February.

Get a CBD massage.

While I’m not sure the upcharge on the CBD salve healed me more efficiently than the massage itself, I am easily influenced by advertising that promises tension relief.

The Blue Sage Spa was my pick for a “Mountain High Massage.” You can get a regular massage for less cash, too.

You don’t need to get the muscles all sore on the slopes to deserve a CBD massage, by the way. In fact, it’s a great diversion while everyone is skiing. 

Sip on beers at the local breweries.

Breckenridge is a fun town no matter when you visit. It’s perfect for the active explorer who loves both winter and summer activities, but it’s also a great trip if you’re not all that athletic. The town’s craft brewery scene is evidence of that.

Breckenridge Brewery is a great option for groups. They have a variety of shareable apps if you’re interested in a nosh and a delicious bacon beer cheese soup if you need something to warm you up.

Come during happy hour from 3-6pm daily for a few dollars off any pours.

Planning a Breckenridge bar crawl after a day on the slopes? As long as it’s after, I support that. Here are a few more options:

• Broken Compass Brewing: We loved this dog-friendly option. They have a limited brunch-style menu, but the stouts are worth the trip alone. If you love ginger flavors, don’t miss out on their ginger pale ale.
• The Canteen Tap House and Tavern: This is another dog-friendly option for those traveling with their furry friends. Expect a full food menu of pub food, flatbreads, and shared plates.
• Motherloaded Tavern: Come down during happy hour from 3-6pm daily for cheaper cocktails, beer, wine, and shots. Their infusions are all made in-house, so add something a little fun and fruity to your libations.

Suck on oxygen at an oxygen bar.

Altitude is no joke. If you’re having a particularly rough go of it and don’t have time to acclimate, hit up an oxygen bar upon arrival in Breckenridge. You can suck on some oxygen while you’re getting a CBD salve massage or head over to The O2 Lounge. 

The lounge offers sessions of 15, 30, or 45 minutes, depending on your struggle level. You can choose from a variety of aromatherapy fragrances while you’re doing your thing, too. 

Wander Main Street.

Breckenridge is a very walkable town, especially if you’re here to explore Main Street and downtown Breckenridge.

Historic Main Street in Breckenridge is poppin’ no matter when you visit, but it’s not just here for your last-minute holiday shopping. This is the heart of the Breckenridge Historic District. 

If you’re here for the historical intrigue, you can take a tour with Breckenridge History. Formerly known as the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, they’re your go-to source for all things Breck.

You don’t even need to keep things family-friendly if you don’t want to. They offer a Bawdy Breckenridge Tour that goes into a seedier side of the town’s history. Learn about Breck’s old red-light district and its most famous murders, for starters. 

If you’re not used to driving in snowy conditions, you can take an airport shuttle to Breckenridge. You may not even need a car once you’re there depending on your plans.

Fun fact: There is a free shuttle in Breckenridge known as the Free Ride. There are several colored routes for you to choose from, so check out the maps and scheduling info online before you decide whether you really need a car during your trip.

Walk the trail alongside Main Street.

If brisk walks are more your thing over boutique shopping, this could be the alternative you seek. The Blue River Recreation Path, an out-and-back trail around the 2.5-mile range, runs parallel to Main Street.

It’s flat and easy, but you’ll need to share the trail with speedy bikers. This is a popular bike path if the weather allows for it.

Taste all the best things at Breckenridge Cheese & Chocolate.

Breckenridge Cheese & Chocolate operates with Ridge Street Wine to give you all of the things you need on winter adventures in Breckenridge.

I’m talking about cheese, chocolate, and wine. What else is there??

Their shop is right off Main Street and everything they offer is curated for the season. Stop by whether you want to warm up from the day’s activities or just want an excuse for some sweet and savory treats. 

Visit Breckenridge Distillery, the world’s highest distillery.

When Breckenridge Distillery calls itself the world’s highest distillery, believe them. It sits at 9,600 feet, higher than any other distillery in the world.

That means the distillers work under quirky conditions — and understand the physics of booze at altitude — to bring you award-winning sips of blended bourbon whiskey.

Fun fact: If whiskey isn’t your thing, they produce gin and vodka, too.

Come for a complimentary tasting of two different spirits or book a tour to see how the magic really happens.

The on-site restaurant was a little fancy for our purposes, but that doesn’t mean I’d turn away some pork belly buns if we happened upon this place again.

Warm up with the best eats.

Breckenridge has an eclectic food scene that you’ll definitely want to get to know no matter when you’re here. Here are three of my favorites that serve the purpose of warming up those bellies:

• Pho Real: This fast-casual Vietnamese spot serves up yummy vermicelli noodle bowls, Bahn mi sandwiches, and pork buns, but I promised warm bellies. Order a bowl of steamy pho and I promise that’ll do the trick.
• Crêpes à la Cart: Expect long lines at the original cart no matter when you visit. If you love a sweet or savory crêpe, you’ll find these are certainly worth it. You can try their brick-and-mortar location in the Ridge Street alleyway, too.
• Soupz On: It doesn’t get much better than a hot bowl of soup on a snowy day. Menus change daily, but they tend to go beyond the traditional. If you’re lucky, they’ll be serving up Annie’s Reuben. Yes, it’s a soup form of a Reuben sandwich.

Wine some more at Continental Divide Winery.

You’ve been to the highest-altitude distillery, so you may as well follow that up with a tasting at the highest-altitude winery.

Continental Divide Winery offers tasting experiences at a variety of price points. As I’m a fan of reds, I went for the Colorado Red Wine Tasting Experience.

It felt a little pricey for Colorado, but the tastings were generous. You can also just order by the glass.

The winery has a satellite location in Fairplay, too, our adopted home for a month one summer. The Breckenridge site feels more luxe if those are the vibes you’re after.

READ MORE: Love quirky mountain towns? Fairplay is one of the best.

Don’t forget about dessert.

Breckenridge is high-altitude everything, so why not round out a day/weekend of indulgences with some high-altitude sweets?

The Mountain Top Cookie Shop serves up generously sized cookies and cookie sandwiches with a variety of cavity-inducing toppings and fillings. If you’re traveling with anyone who has a sweet tooth, they won’t be disappointed.

Watch your pup frolic at Carter Park Dog Park.

When you’re traveling with a high-energy dog as we often are, a dusting of snow won’t matter. Take your dog to the Carter Park Dog Park for a full acre of fenced-in zoomies.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, the dog park is part of the larger Carter Park. There are all kinds of green spaces for you to enjoy in less inclement weather.

Stay somewhere very cozy.

Our summertime trips to Breckenridge were day trips from nearby Fairplay, but when we’re visiting in the winter months, we want the coziest accommodations. That means hot tubs and fireplaces and all kinds of nooks to escape to when you need a nap.

Just keep in mind that accommodations get expensive in Breckenridge during the winter months. If you’re planning a ski trip, getting a good group together will allow you to share the cost.

Sadly, our own ski weekend accommodations are no longer available on the usual booking sites. Here are a few alternatives for Breckenridge vacation rentals:

Things to Do in Breckenridge in the Summer

When I say “summer,” I really mean anytime there’s not a huge accumulation of snow on the ground. Breckenridge offers a longer ski season than most.

These are warm-weather activities best experienced when the temps aren’t below freezing and you aren’t focused on keeping yourself from slipping and sliding on the ice.

I’ve already told you all about Main Street, but if you’re hiking, it’s quite a bit more enjoyable in the summer months. You won’t need snowshoes, for starters. You know my feelings about those.

See the views from Hoosier Pass.

I’ll get into more Breckenridge hikes in a minute, but I have to start with an option for both hiking and a scenic viewpoint. Hoosier Pass refers to a Colorado mountain pass that sits over 11,500 feet above sea level between Park and Summit counties.

It’s usually kept open outside of big winter storms. I wouldn’t recommend driving the road in really bad weather.

Hikers will want to tick off the hike that starts along the pass. The Hoosier Pass Loop is 2.8 miles that are much less challenging and more moderate if you do it counterclockwise.

Enjoys views of wildflowers throughout, as it’s seriously lovely all the way up.

Hike one of the best moderate trails in Breckenridge.

Breckenridge is spoiled with choice when it comes to hiking trails. We were able to tick off quite a few during our stay in nearby Fairplay, but we also had some excellent hiking weather. 

The weather in the mountains can get pretty wild, especially if you’re climbing up quite a bit of elevation.

Make sure you check recent conditions on-site like AllTrails and weather forecasts before you head out, even if it’s what you think is the dead of summer.

Note: I’m well aware there are hardcore hikers out there who don’t mind snow on trails and probably own snowshoes just for that purpose. That isn’t me, but if you love a good cold-weather hike, make sure you head out there prepared.

Now that you’re ready, here are our top hikes in and around Breckenridge:

• B&B to Reiling Dredge to Minnie Mine (2.9 miles): This moderate hike with some elevation takes you to old mines and great views of distant ski resorts. Download the AllTrails app for this one. There were a few times we got turned around.
• Black Powder Pass Summit (3.4 miles): Access this one at the Section House on Boreas Pass Road. The hike is great but challenging, so bring sticks for the steep sections at the end for the way up and down. 
• Gold Run Gulch Loop (2.7 miles): The first half is along the road, but the second half is a more enjoyable walk in the woods. Some of the trail was closed on our visit, so you may need to hike parallel if the same happens to you.

Take a trip to Blue Lakes.

A trip here is worth it even if you don’t hike, but there are multiple trails you can do upon arrival at this oasis in Ridgway. We ended up going just over three miles to the dam and the trickling waterfall, spotting a small herd of mountain goats at the viewpoint.

You’ll need to drive down an unpaved road for about two miles to get here, but as you can see, it’s worth the bumps.

Challenge yourself to a tougher Breckenridge trail.

Fairplay really was a great base for hikes in and outside of Breckenridge. Here are a few more Breckenridge hikes that require a bit more pre-planning due to a higher level of difficulty or longer length:

• Burro Trail (5.9 miles): You’ll climb under 1,000 feet of elevation gain on this one, but its length makes it a more moderate trail. Trekking poles are recommended to help you on the way down, as things do get rocky.
• Mayflower Lake and Lower Mohawk Lake (6.3 miles): This challenging trail just 15 minutes south of town is for anyone who loves a good water feature, as you’ll get lakes and waterfalls along the way. Climb over 1,500 feet on this one.
• McCullough Gulch Trail (6.4 miles): This challenging hike is a stunner. You’ll climb over 1,600 feet of elevation gain on this one if you’re able to snag a reservation. Expect icy spots unless you’re truly there in peak summer.

Summit a 14er (or a 13er).

This one deserves its own shoutout. We only got as far as a 13er during our month in Colorado, and I definitely have some regrets about that.

The thing is, I found even that super challenging, and that was after about three weeks of acclimating and mountain hiking.

If you love a good challenge, especially one that means you can one-up me, this one is for you. The most accessible 14er from Breckenridge is Quandary Peak in the White River National Forest.

It’s 6.6 miles, which doesn’t sound too bad until you realize you have over 3,300 feet of elevation gain waiting for you along the way. Expect aggressive mountain goats, whipping winds, and thin air.

This isn’t a beginner’s trail. If you’re interested, this one operates on a reservation system just like the McCullough Gulch Trail. Shuttles to the trailhead are also reservation-only.

Meet Isak Heartstone.

We met some of these wooden trolls from sculptor Thomas Dambo on a trip to Kentucky, so we had to check out this one, too. Isak Heartstone sits at the end of an easy walk in the woods known as the Trollstigen Trail.

There was only one photo shoot in front of us, so we were able to get in and out of there pretty quickly. Find him near the Stephen C. West Ice Arena at 189 Boreas Pass Road. That’s an indoor facility for ice skating and other ice sports like hockey and curling. 

Have you ever been curling, by the way? It’s super hard! 

Golf at Breckenridge Golf Club.

You can hit a bucket of balls at Breckenridge Golf Club for pretty cheap or drop some coin for the pleasure of playing nine holes at the golf course. There are three Jack Nicklaus Signature courses here, the Bear, the Beaver, and the Elk.

They’re all at over 9,300 feet of elevation, so play with that mind.

No, I don’t play golf, but it’s one of Brian’s most favorite things in the world after pizza. I’m probably up there on his list, too.

READ MORE: Are you in Colorado for its golf scene over ski towns? Don’t miss RainDance National.

Cruise the Boreas Pass Scenic Drive. 

There are a number of hikes for you to explore on a drive along the Boreas Pass, but it’s still enjoyable without all of that if you’re not able or interested in hiking trails.

Visit the Section House, a house built in 1882 for railway workers and their families. You’ll see Ken’s Cabin while you’re there, which dates back to the 1860s.

If you have more time, visit the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum, dedicated to the lumber industry in the state. You’ll get to check out a vintage sawmill while you’re there.

High Line Railroad Park, an outdoor collection of historic locomotives, sits at the end of the road. If you’re already visiting Isak, the wooden troll, it’s an easy add-on for that.

The road is super bumpy if you get down the road away from downtown Breckenridge, so hit the bathroom before you get started. 

Indulge in the sweets at Daylight Donuts.

I only mention this one under the summertime activities because I highly recommend you get to this small shop early. They have limited hours and it can be hard to get out of bed early when there’s a bunch of snow on the ground.

That all said, visit Daylight Donuts whenever you’re able. This place has been around for 65 years, and their blueberry cake donut is a real winner. I’m a connoisseur of blueberry cake donuts, so I know.

Visit the Barney Ford House Museum.

The historic Barney Ford Victorian house was the former home of Barney Ford, a former enslaved person turned entrepreneur and prominent Colorado businessman. Tours are all free and self-guided, but you’ll meet a docent inside to answer questions.

Seriously, talk to the docent. You’ll hear an interesting history of a man who beat the odds to become quite successful in a town that wasn’t always as welcome as it should have been.

Enjoy the best Breckenridge patios.

Summers in Breckenridge mean you can take advantage of patios at the best eateries in town. Our pick was Kenosha Breck thanks to their large outdoor area for dogs of varying levels of behavior.

Can we all agree that dogs, no matter their size, shouldn’t be allowed to sit on top of tables? I love dogs, especially our own, but we eat off of these tables.

In any case, we shared a super smoky steakburger on our visit there that seemed to make what we were witnessing a little bit better.

Take in the views at Outer Range Brewing Co.

This scenic brewery is a 15-minute drive from Breckenridge in nearby Frisco, but it was such a good time, I had to include it as one of the best things to do near Breckenridge.

The beers are great, but it’s also home to Bird Craft.

That’s a Thai fried chicken shop that serves up chicken (duh) and other yummy items like poke tots and pork belly fried rice.

We ate it all. We drank all the beer. We had an excellent time at Outer Range Brewing Co. so we highly recommend you do the same.

Also, this is the place that introduced us to a character known as “Wheelie Nelson.” I’ll never forget him or them.

More Unique Things to Do in Breckenridge

I can brag about four different visits to Breckenridge, but I’d still go back to experience more of the Colorado town.

Here are a few more ideas off my winter list:

• Get some sloppy kisses on a dog sledding tour with Good Times.
• Take horse-drawn sleigh rides at Gold Run Nordic Center courtesy of their partnership with Breckenridge Stables.
• Go on a snowcat adventure through the Breckenridge Nordic Center, hot cocoa included.
• Take a fat tire bike ride to distilleries and breweries in town. (I’m not being offensive here. Fat bikes just have thicker tires to better navigate snow.)
• Explore the indoor artistic offerings from the Breckenridge Arts District.
• Zoom down the trails on a snowmobiling tour. 
• Catch seasonal shows at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre.
• Gather for the Race of the Santas in full Santa garb to kick off the official Lighting of Breckenridge.
• Celebrate Viking culture at Ullr Fest in honor of the Norse god of snow.

Here are a few more on my Breckenridge summer list:

• Plan a trip during the Breckenridge Wine Classic for over 500 different wine, beer, and spirit samples.
• Tour Country Boy Mine to pan for real gold, go on a treasure hunt, and take a mine tour 1,0000 feet below the surface.
• Compare that with the Lomax Placer Mine.
• Visit Epic Discovery for the Gold Rinner Alpine Coaster, rock walls, and mountain biking.
• Mountain bike on Vail Pass Path.
• Go rafting on the Blue River.
• Take a ghost tour with Ghostly Tales, complete with ghost-hunting equipment.
• Dive into taxidermy at the Edwin Carter Discovery Center.
• Experience film premieres and movie talks at the Breck Film Festival, one of the longest-running film fests in the country.

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

I already shared a few of my favorite accommodations for cozy stays in Breckenridge.

If you’d like a hotel while you’re here, just keep in mind that you’ll pay a pretty penny for travel during ski season in Breckenridge. That’s especially true if you’re not booking with much notice.

Here are some highly-rated stays for you to peruse if you’re in need of a Breckenridge hotel:

Breckenridge is always worth a visit.

Breckenridge is still worth the trip even if you don’t ski. In the winter, it comes alive with outdoor winter sports that don’t have to include hitting the slopes.

In the summertime, hiking takes over almost as aggressively as the town’s outdoor dining and drinking scene.

It’s one of my favorite Colorado towns, and we’ve traveled this state pretty well. I’m sure we’ll be back to explore more of what to do in Breckenridge, and I won’t ski then, either.

Traveling elsewhere in Colorado? Start with these guides:

• A Guide to the Best of Colorado Springs
• A Guide to Whimsical Fort Collins, CO
• Top Hikes at Impressive Garden of the Gods
• See the Fossils of Florissant Fossil Beds
• Is a Trip to Royal Gorge Worth the Hassle?