Photos: Top Winter Activities in Breckenridge

Winters in Breckenridge offer a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you are looking to try a new sport or focus on your favorite, Breckenridge is the perfect location to enjoy all that winter has to offer. Get inspired by these jaw-dropping photos, and start adding our favorite winter activities in Breckenridge to your “must do” list this season.

You can help us preserve and protect what we love by following the Leave No Trace Principles during your visit.

Top Winter Activities in Breckenridge:

1. Alpine Skiing

Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities in Breckenridge. Enjoy 5 peaks and 187 trails.

It’s no debate that skiing is one of the top winter activities in Breckenridge, and for good reason. Breckenridge Ski Resort offers world class terrain right in our backyard, and provides the perfect playground for skiers of all abilities to undergo a blissful experience up on the mountain.

2. Snowboarding

Nothing equates to the feeling of surfing on snow.

There are five peaks to explore in Breckenridge filled with a variety of groomers, parks, glades and bowls. Explore each peak and discover 2,908 acres of ride-able terrain, perfect for every skill and age level. Rent skis or a board at one of the many rental shops around town and explore for yourself, or opt for a lesson which can help even the most advanced riders improve their skills.

3. Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is the fastest way to explore the backcountry.

The backcountry of Breckenridge can be explored in more than one way! Snowmobiling is one of the most popular ways to explore Colorado’s amazing scenery without having to put in too much physical effort. Sign-up for a guided snowmobile tour to explore miles of beautiful trails and learn about Breckenridge’s mining history and local wildlife. Tours range from family friendly to full throttle at Good Times Adventures.

4. Dog Sledding

A team of Siberian Huskies will whisk you through the forest for a once in a lifetime experience.

Looking to try something new?  Mush your own team of Siberian Huskies through the Rocky Mountains! This unforgettable experience will take you on a six mile tour along the gorgeous winding trails of the Swan River Valley. Each dog sled trip begins with a friendly guide explaining how to run the sled and how to work with the beautiful Siberian Huskies on your team (don’t worry, you’ll get to cuddle them too). Dog sledding is a thrilling way to explore the Rocky Mountains that is suitable for a variety of ages.

5. Winter Fly Fishing

Breckenridge has four seasons of fly fishing. Take a guided tour to discover one of the few winter activities in Breckenridge that is on the water.

While you may have come up for the skiing, you won’t want to miss winter fly fishing in the mountains! Breckenridge offers 4 seasons of fly fishing, each with their own unique experience. During the winter months, guided trips include equipment use (rod, reel, waders & boots, terminal tackle), transportation and guide service. Your local guide will guide you away from the snow drifts and toward some of the best fishing spots in the area.

6 . Cross-Country Skiing

There are two Nordic centers to choose from plus hundreds of miles of trails.

Breckenridge is home to two nordic centers (Gold Run Nordic Center & Breckenridge Nordic Center) which boast more than 30 miles of perfectly manicured cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Both nordic centers offer daily use of their groomed trails, lessons and rentals. Aside from the nordic centers, Breckenridge’s interconnected trail system offers countless miles of trails to be explored on Nordic skis, touring skis or snowshoes. These same trails can be hiked or biked in the summer, but during the winter months they provide amazing access to the vast winter country. Breckenridge has hikes for every ability level at various distances. Gear can be rented through Breck’s Nordic centers; local shops throughout town can also get you equipped for a day of exploring.

7. Shopping

Explore hundreds of shopping and dining options on Main Street.

Hit the streets of Breckenridge and discover over 200 unique boutiques and shops in town! Window shop and enjoy quaint storefronts featuring bookstores, chic boutiques, jewelry, antiques, housewares & home furnishings to art galleries, sporting goods & clothing. Stroll through twinkling Holiday lights by night lining the streets all winter long after the official Lighting of Breckenridge, December 7, 2019.

8. Dining 

Hearthstone Restaurant provides one of the best dining views in Breckenridge.

Head out for dinner at a casual burger joint or pizzeria, or try something new and unique at one of the restaurants in Breckenridge that bring dining to the next level. The choice is yours! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, and if they operate on a first come, first served basis, plan on getting there early to put your name down and stroll Main Street with a cup of hot cocoa in hand!

9. Fat Bike Tours

Fat biking with friends is one of the best ways to get around Breckenridge in the wintertime.

Biking doesn’t have to stop in the winter! For those looking to keep up with their favorite sport or are just looking for a new and fun way to get around town, Breckenridge’s winter biking options continue to expand. Rent a fat bike to explore the trails or Main Street, or sign-up for a fat bike distillery and brewery tour and head to the World’s highest distillery and one of Breckenridge’s favorite breweries, Broken Compass. Top that off with amazing views and a little leg workout, and you’ve got yourself a perfect winter day in Breckenridge!

10. Scenic Snowcat Tours

Experience Breckenridge’s scenic trails from the comfort of a heated snowcat! The 

11. Sledding

Sledding at the Carter Park Sledding Hill is the perfect free Breckenridge winter activity.

Head to Carter Park to enjoy one of our favorite winter activities in Breckenridge – sledding! Sledding is the perfect activity for kids (and kids at heart).  You’ll have to earn your runs by walking up the hill but you’ll be treated to a beautiful view and an exhilarating ride! Pick-up a sled at one of the in-town grocery stores.

12. Snowshoeing 

Snowshoe and cross-country rentals, lessons and day passes are available at both Breckenridge Nordic centers.

Hiking in the winter is easy- just bust out the snowshoes! Take a guided historic snowshoe trip or head out on your own to one of many scenic trails in and around Breckenridge. If you didn’t bring your snowshoes, don’t worry! Many of the outdoor shops around town have them available for rent for cheap, along with trail maps and other necessities for any adventure you can think of. Here are some easy snowshoeing trails to get you started.

13. Sleigh Rides

Relax and take in the views on a Sleigh Ride with Breck Stables.

There are plenty of ways to dash through the snow, but one of the most nostalgic involves horses and a sleigh. In Breckenridge, you can choose from scenic sleigh rides, dinner sleigh rides and even a sleigh ride that features dinner and a show. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed a great time from this unique Colorado experience.

14. Finish the day with Après 

There are a lot of winter activities in Breckenridge, but Apres is our favorite way to celebrate the day.

One thing that makes those powder days even better is what comes afterward. There’s nothing better than working your quads until they feel like noodles, all to come to a seat on the patio with an ice cold brew and some warm sunshine. Whether you call it après or happy hour, we all just want to tell stories and warm our toes. Check out some of the best Breckenridge après locations– you’ve earned it!

Looking for more winter activities to do in Breckenridge? Learn more about the winter season in Breckenridge, Breckenridge Ski Resort and what to do if you don’t ski or snowboard.