In this blog post we’re sharing the perfect Breckenridge, Colorado winter weekend itinerary. In our three day itinerary we share all the best things to do in Breckenridge in winter, from skiing and snowshoeing to arts, food, and more!

With a historic downtown, a vibrant arts scene, amazing food, and world-renowned skiing, Breckenridge should be at the top of your winter bucket list! Whether you’re looking for high-octane winter adventures or cozy in-town vibes, Breckenridge has something for everyone. Below, we share the perfect ready-made itinerary for winter weekend in Breckenridge. We also share everything you need to know when planning a trip, including where to stay, what to pack, and how to get to Breck.

This trip and blog post were put together in partnership with Visit Colorado, but all recommendations and opinions are our own. You can trust that we only share travel experiences we love, and that we think you’ll love, too! 

The best things to do in Breckenridge in winter

Below we’re sharing the perfect winter weekend itinerary for Breckenridge! Our guide is packed with all the best things to do in Breckenridge in winter. Before diving in we also share everything you need to plan a stress-free winter trip, including what to pack, where to stay, and how to get to Breckenridge, Colorado.

Visiting Breckenridge, Colorado in winter: where to stay, what to pack, and how to get to Breck

Why you should visit Breckenridge, Colorado in winter

Breckenridge, Colorado is a winter-lover’s paradise! This beautiful mountain town offers epic skiing, horse-drawn carriage rides in the snow, snowshoeing, and more. If you’re more of a ‘cozy winter vibes’ type of person you’ll also love the luxurious hotels and spas in town, along with the vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, and abundant award-winning restaurants.  

One of the coolest (literally and figuratively) winter activities in Breckenridge is their annual International Snow Sculpture Championships. Free to attend, this unique event takes place between January and February and brings international teams from around the world out to compete in carving majestic structures out of 12-foot-tall, 25-ton blocks of snow. It’s with a trip to Breck JUST to see the carving in action!  

Do you have to ski to visit Breckenridge in winter?

No, you don’t have to ski to enjoy a winter trip to Breckenridge! In fact, we visited for four days and only ONE day included skiing. From snowshoeing and spas to downtown art and shops, there is tons to do without hitting the slopes or getting a lift ticket. 

How to get to Breckenridge in the winter

If you’re visiting from out of state then the best way to get to Breckenridge in winter is to fly into Denver. From there, I recommend skipping the rental car options and instead going car-free on your trip to Colorado! Why worry about parking and driving in snow? Instead, read below for how to have the perfect car-free vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado! 

To get from Denver to Breckenridge we took the Summit Express Shuttle, which was both comfortable and convenient. The shuttle picked us and our ski gear up from the airport, and transported us directly to our hotel in Breckenridge. Once in town there’s also no need for a car! With lots of great free public transit options, a gondola from town to mountain, and a robust trail network accessible just blocks from Main Street, most activities in Breckenridge are just a short gondola ride, walk, bike, or bus ride away from wherever you are.

Where to stay in Breckenridge

Breckenridge has tons of great hotel options across town. Below are our two recommendations. Both are excellent, and have very different vibes!

• Hotel Alpenrock: Hotel Alpenrock is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. They offer cozy and comfortable lodging in an elegant and elevated setting. Close to the lifts and about a quarter mile from downtown, Alpenrock is perfect for families and couples. They have an on-site restaurant, coffee bar, and hot tub, as well as a gym.
• Gravity Haus Breckenridge: If you’re looking for fun, hip, and youthful vibes then Gravity Haus Breckenridge should be your go-to! Located just steps from the ski resort, Gravity Haus is a unique concept, and this hotel has a range of fantastic amenities, including: a co-working space, on-site hot tubs and sauna, and a world-class gym and exercise classes. Their rooms are simple and comfortable. Gravity Haus is right next to downtown. 

What to pack for a winter trip to Breckenridge

We don’t usually suggest a packing list for destinations, but because Breckenridge can get very cold and snowy, here are a few things we recommend bringing along for a winter trip. Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet elevation, so extra preparation for the cold, wind, and snow is important!

• Microspikes: Wear these on your shoes to prevent slipping on ice and compacted snow.
• Base layers: Merino wool layers under both your adventure clothes and everyday outfits will help you retain body heat.
• Hand and foot warmers: Ignik’s warmers last for up to 10 hours – longer than most on the market. These are our go-to. 
• A balaklava: This face covering protects your head, face, and ears from the cold and helps prevent wind burn, especially on ski days.
• A warm, snowproof jacket: This Stio parka kept me warm in -5 degrees, and we love this Stio snow coat (for men and women).
• Warm mittens: These are the warmest mittens I’ve ever worn in the snow.
• Cozy sweaters: The merino wool sweaters from Royal Robbins are both classy and incredibly warm.
• Sunscreen: At 9,600 feet elevation, the sun is intense. This Skin Protector Balm is my top sunscreen recommendation for cold and windy conditions.
• A sense of adventure! Get out there and have fun in the snow!

How to prepare for the altitude in Breckenridge, Colorado

Located at nearly 10,000 feet, Breckenridge’s elevation and dry air requires extra hydration. Prepare for your trip by drinking extra water ahead of time, and carrying a reusable water bottle with you at all times.We spend a lot of time in the mountains around 7,000-8,000 feet, but I usually experience some altitude symptoms when I head above 9,000 feet. Below are a few tips that work for me for surviving at high elevations, even if you’re not used to them:

• Drink a lot of water
• Go easy on the alcohol and nourish your body well, especially the first day!
• Get a lot of sleep before your trip 
• Consider taking advil or tylenol to help with headaches
• Spend a day acclimating in Denver, or plan a chill first day in town

If you’re concerned, consult with your doctor about additional recommendations to be prepared. There are medications you can get to help you adjust.

The perfect winter weekend itinerary for Breckenridge, Colorado (how to spend 3 days in Breck)

Below you’ll find the perfect 3 day winter weekend itinerary for Breckenridge, Colorado! Our itinerary includes all the best things to do in Breckenridge, and the best part is that you don’t need a car! Skip the stressful winter driving and enjoy the perfect winter weekend in Colorado.

Day 1 in Breckenridge: Snowshoeing in Frisco, Breckenridge snowcat tour, and an elegant dinner

Breakfast at Threefold Bakery

Start off your trip by visiting Threefold Bakery, one of Breckenridge’s newest breakfast spots. Started by a James Beard Award-winning chef, you’ll find incredible pastries, fresh bread, and delicious coffee at Threefold. The pastries sell fast (and seating goes quickly, too!), so arrive early for the best selection. Our favorite breakfast treat was their cranberry marzipan scone. 

Take the free bus to Frisco for snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center!

Next, hop on the FREE bus from Breckenridge to Frisco so you can enjoy XC skiing, snowshoeing, and/or tubing at the Frisco Nordic Center and Frisco Adventure Park!

How to take the free bus from Breckenridge to the Frisco Nordic Center

To go from Breckenridge to Frisco, go to Breckenridge Station (164 Watson Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424), which is right next to the Breck Connect gondola. You’ll ride the FREE Frisco-Breckenridge bus 10 stops to the Frisco Community Center. From there, it will be a .5 mile walk to the Frisco Adventure Park. The winter bus schedule can be found here. The ride takes about 30 minutes. 

Snowshoeing or XC Skiing at Frisco Nordic Center

Snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center was one of the highlights of our recent trip to the region! The center offers rentals for both Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, with 30 km of ski trails and 8 km of snowshoeing trails. Trail passes and rentals can be purchased at the center. 

We did about a three mile snowshoeing loop, but there are shorter and longer trail options. Trails are well marked, and take snowshoers through softly rolling terrain and stands of evergreens, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Something I liked about this trail was how relatively flat it was, with was perfect as we adjusted to the altitude! 

Bonus: visit the fun-for-all-ages Frisco tubing hill!

In addition to snowshoeing and XC ski trails, the Frisco Adventure Park has a lot more to offer! We also did a ride down the fun-for-all-ages tubing hill, which is a perfect activity for families. The rides down the hill offer a bit of thrill, and made me feel like a kid again!

Lunch in Frisco, Colorado

After snowshoeing I recommend walking or taking the bus to downtown Frisco, Colorado for lunch. We ate at Back to Texas BBQ, which might just be the best BBQ we’ve ever had! They have a BBQ chickpea wrap that’s vegan and vegetarian friendly, and which I’ll be dreaming of for a long time. Other highlights included their sliced brisket sandwich, slaw, and their generously-spiced and perfectly crispy fried okra. Highly recommend!

After lunch, catch the free bus back to Breckenridge for your next adventure of the day.

Private snowcat tour at Breckenridge Nordic Center

The private snowcat tours at Breckenridge Nordic Center might just be the most unique and memorable winter adventure I’ve ever done! During a 90 minute ride up to eight guests will enjoy stunning views as you ride a snowcat along the nordic center’s trails. Along the way you’ll help groom the trails, and you’ll stop at a historic mining cabin, where you’ll enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores. The snowcat is heated, as is the cabin… but make sure to pack some cozy layers so you can enjoy a ride or two on sleds! You’ll also get to learn about the economy and history of the area from your guide.

The Breckenridge Nordic Center snowcat tours make for a romantic date night, or a fun multi-generational activity. I also think this would be a fun activity for a romantic proposal!

If you’re arriving without a car consider taking the Breckenridge Gondola up and walking down to the lodge, as the hill up from town is quite steep! If you walk from downtown, please note that Google Maps walking directions may try to route you up an active ski hill…  

Enjoy an elevated dinner at Aurum

End your day in Breckenridge with an elevated dinner at Aurum, which offers seasonal New American cuisine in an elevated, elegant space. As a vegetarian, I was blown away by their fried lion’s mane take on ‘chicken and waffles,’ and we loved their cocktails. This meal was one of the best we’ve had in a long time. The portions were generous, the flavors are unique and well-executed, and the service was excellent.

I recommend making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular dining spot in town.

Looking for more adventures in Colorado? Check out our adventure guide to the best things to do in Southwest Colorado, and our two day Leadville, Colorado itinerary.

Day 2 in Breckenridge: Skiing, hot tubs, and artisan pizza

Grab and go breakfast at Semplice Cafe

If you’re looking for a good cup of Joe in Breckenridge, Semplice Cafe is my top recommendation for coffee! The coffee here is FANTASTIC– they offer excellent drips, and I got the best flat white I’ve ever had. They also offer delicious breakfast burritos, bagels, and other grab and go fare that’s perfect fuel for hitting the slopes early!

Hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort

If you ski or snowboard, spending a day hitting the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort is a must! Breckenridge is famous for its stunning and varied terrain, with something for all levels of skiers. We enjoyed cruising along the greens and even did a blue run, proving that you don’t have to be an expert skier to enjoy Colorado’s amazing slopes.

We got our rentals from Breck Sports, and for lunch we enjoyed hot ramen at The Overlook, which is one of the mountain’s many restaurants. The ramen really hit the spot, as the day we skied it was usually cold (10 degrees!).

Relax in the hotel hot tub or at a spa

After a full day on the mountain I recommend heading back to your hotel to relax in the hot tube, unwind, and get ready for dinner. There are also a number of excellent spas in town if you’re looking for all-day relaxation, or a massage after hitting the slopes!

Enjoy artisan pizza and cocktails at Tin Plate

End your second day in Breckenridge at Tin Plate Pizza, which is a fantastic spot for artisan pizza and cocktails. They’ve been voted the best pizza place in town, and I can confirm: their flavors and crispy crust were perfectly on point! Don’t miss their innovative cocktails and house-made desserts.

Day 3 in Breckenridge: Hike, explore the arts scene, and ride the scenic gondola

Breakfast at Cool River Coffeehouse or Amazing Grace

Breckenridge has lots of good breakfast options, but for your last day in town I recommend Cool River Coffeehouse or Amazing Grace. Amazing Grace has a more limited menu of drinks and food that is simple and nourishing (I LOVED their granola!), while Cool River Coffeehouse has a wide range of pastries, breakfast dishes, and an extensive drink menu.

Visit the troll and hike little mountain (conditions permitting) 

No trip to Breck is complete without visiting the town troll, Isak Heartstone! Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, Isak is a large-scale, wooden troll sculpture. These trolls can be found all over the USA and the world, and they’re super fun to visit! 

Isak sits at the base of Little Mountain, which you can hike up. Little Mountain is a lovely 1.2 mile trail that takes you up a small mountain overlooking town. Conditions permitting, it’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in the views of the mountain. Consider bringing microspikes, as it can be icy. You can also find a unique interactive art exhibit here.

Use this link to get 30% off AllTrails Plus ($35.99/year) and AllTrails Peak ($79.99/year), which gives you offline access to trail routes and wayfinding.

Explore downtown Breckenridge 

I recommend spending the rest of your morning exploring downtown Breckenridge. There are a ton of shops and museums (note: many of the town’s museums are closed on Monday), but my favorite part of town was the art scene!

There are lots of ways to enjoy public arts in Breckenridge, largely thanks to the organization Breck Creates. Enjoy a public art tour of town (you’ve already seen the troll!), or attend an art class with Breck Create. They have some especially interesting and educational resources around their Precious Plastics initiative, which is an innovative program turning old plastic sleds into plastic-based art! 

Lunch at Shifty Lifty

Next, head to Shifty Lifty for lunch! This is a newer location in town, and they offer an extensive menu and a full array of cocktails and drinks on tap. We got lunch here, and the salads, mac and cheese, and sandwiches were all truly delicious. The food was simple, well made, and FULL of flavor! I also enjoyed their ginger lime mocktail, which hit the spot and helped me stay hydrated at elevation.

Ride the BreckConnect Gondola

After lunch, head one block over to the BreckConnect Gondola! Although it’s primary used for skiing and snowboarders, this gondola is free to ride and is a fun 25 minute round trip ride with fantastic views of town. There are several stops where you can get off.

Enjoy a seasonal Dinner at Rootstalk

If you have time for another meal in Breckenridge I recommend heading to Rootstalk. This award winning restaurant has a strong focus on local and seasonal foods. The space is elegant and intimate. We thoroughly enjoyed their cocktails, and their Scarpinocc with Robiola & Pecorino, Chestnut, Foraged Chanterelle Mushrooms, and Celeriac Purée was a true highlight.

Final thoughts: best things to do in Breckenridge in winter

I hope you found our guide to the best things to do in Breckenridge in winter helpful in planning your next trip! This Breckenridge, Colorado winter weekend itinerary includes our top places to eat, and favorite activities in and around town. I also love that you can do this entire itinerary without a car! Not having to drive in the snow or finding parking in town was a HUGE help, and definitely made our winter trip to Breckenridge even better!

Looking for more adventures in Colorado? Check out our adventure guide to the best things to do in Southwest Colorado, and our two day Leadville, Colorado itinerary.