In the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Breckenridge is one of the most sought-after winter destinations in the country. Awe-inspiring scenery, hundreds of miles of trails, and a lively downtown surrounded by mountain grandeur.
Breckenridge Ski Resort opens Friday, November 6, 2026 and runs into spring. Here are the ten outdoor activities worth your time this winter, with addresses, phone numbers, and hours.
1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Website: breckenridge.com
Consistently among Colorado's top ski destinations, spanning roughly 2,900 acres across five peaks, Peaks 6 through 10. Terrain for every level, from genuinely gentle beginner areas to the Imperial SuperChair, the highest chairlift in North America, serving above-treeline bowl skiing.
Modern facilities, excellent mountainside restaurants, a proper après scene, and a Victorian mining town at the bottom of it all.
Not sure which pass fits? See our guide to Epic vs. Ikon.
2. White River National Forest
Website: fs.usda.gov/whiteriver
Over 2.3 million acres and the most visited national forest in the country. In winter it becomes a different place entirely: snowshoe routes, backcountry touring, winter wildlife tracking, and a quiet you will not find at the resort.
The gentler options close to town include Boreas Pass Road, which closes to vehicles in winter and becomes an accessible snowshoe route on a railroad grade, and the trails around Peaks 7 and 8.
Before you go into the backcountry: check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast for the Summit County zone. Much of this terrain carries avalanche risk, and conditions change daily.
3. Breckenridge Nordic Center
9 Grandview Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 453-6855
Website: breckenridgenordic.com
Regularly named among the best cross-country skiing in North America. Groomed trails with views over the Tenmile Range and Cucumber Gulch, abundant wildlife, and lessons for anyone who has never clipped into nordic gear.
Beyond skiing, they run guided snowshoe tours, where guides point out animal tracks and beaver dens, and snowcat rides that stop at a cabin for hot cocoa and s'mores before finishing with sledding. Rentals available on site.
Gold Run Nordic Center, 200 Clubhouse Dr, (970) 547-7889, is the other option, with groomed trails, fat biking, sleigh rides, and skijoring lessons where you and your dog learn to ski together.
4. Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve
1599 County Rd 3, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 453-1734
Hours: Monday to Friday 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
188 acres of protected land a short trip from downtown, with rare wetlands that are genuinely unusual at this elevation. Roughly three miles of trails with about 300 feet of elevation gain, plus observation platforms and interpretive signs.
The draw is the wildlife. Moose sightings are common, particularly on early morning outings, along with elk, beavers, deer, and a long list of birds. In winter the wetlands freeze and the whole preserve goes quiet.
Important: portions of the preserve carry seasonal access restrictions to protect wildlife, and some routes are closed at certain times of year. Check with the Town of Breckenridge before you go, and give any moose you see an extremely wide berth.
5. Sawmill Creek Trail in Winter
Trailhead near the Snowflake lift, Breckenridge
One of the best family-friendly routes in town, and it works just as well on snowshoes as it does on foot in summer. Short, shaded, with minimal elevation gain, starting at the Snowflake lift and following a stream up to Sawmill Reservoir.
In winter you get a frozen stream, snow-covered pines, and a genuinely achievable outing with children. Rent snowshoes from either Nordic center and add microspikes if conditions are icy.
6. BreckConnect Gondola
Boards near the North Main Street gondola lot
Website: breckenridge.com
Cost: Free to ride
The gondola connects the town of Breckenridge with Peaks 7 and 8, and it is free. Panoramic views over the Tenmile Range, the resort, and the town below, and in winter it is the easiest way to get to the mountain without driving or parking.
Worth riding even if you do not ski. Go up, have lunch at Peak 8, look at the mountains, come back down.
7. Ice Skating at Maggie Pond
At the base of Peak 9, behind Beaver Run Resort
When Maggie Pond freezes, it becomes one of the most photogenic outdoor skating spots in Colorado, ringed by the village with the ski runs rising directly behind it. Locals and visitors both turn out, and skating here at dusk with the village lights coming on is a genuine Breckenridge moment.
For a more reliable surface and rental skates, the Stephen C. West Ice Arena at 189 Boreas Pass Rd, (970) 547-9974, has an indoor rink plus a covered outdoor sheet. Check their online schedule first, since public skate times vary daily.
8. Ice Fishing on Dillon Reservoir
The winter version of a Colorado fishing trip, and one of the most memorable half-days available in Summit County. You head out onto the frozen reservoir with a guide who drills the holes, supplies the gear, and teaches you the technique, surrounded by the Tenmile Range.
Guests regularly report catching trout steadily, and it works for complete beginners and children. Three well-regarded operators, all based at the Dillon Marina:
- Alpine Fishing Adventures, 151 Marina Dr, Dillon | (303) 885-6292
- Big Ed's Fishing Ventures, 152 Marina Dr, Dillon | (970) 389-1720
- Silver Flask Fishing, 150 Marina Dr, Dillon | (920) 268-9918
Dress considerably warmer than you think you need to. You will be stationary on an exposed lake.
9. Snowmobile Tours
The high-adrenaline option, and accessible to people who have never ridden. Guides handle instruction, equipment, and route, and the terrain around Breckenridge opens up views you cannot reach any other way.
- Breckenridge Snowmobiling Tours & Rentals, 100 N Main St | (866) 998-0696 | Daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Breckenridge Snowmobile & ATV Tours by High Country Tours, 400 North Park Ave, Unit 10-B | (970) 668-1689 | Daily 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They also run snow tubing.
- Good Times Adventure Tours, 6061 Tiger Rd | (970) 453-7604 | Snowmobiling alongside their dog sledding operation.
Bring your own gloves. Most operators supply the suit, boots, and helmet but not gloves.
10. Breckenridge Ghost Tours
302 S Main St, Unit A, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 340-8102
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Website: breckghosttours.com
An unusual and genuinely entertaining way to spend an evening. Expert guides walk you through Breckenridge's Wild West and Gold Rush history alongside the ghost stories attached to its historic buildings.
Winter actually improves it. Dark by 5:00 p.m., snow on the Victorian storefronts, and a town that looks much as it did in 1890. The extended tour with bonus sites gets consistently recommended by people who have done both, and the tours are dog friendly.
Winter Events Worth Planning Around
- Ullr Fest (January). Breckenridge's best party. A quirky festival honoring Ullr, the Norse god of snow, with a parade down Main Street, the Ullr bonfire, ice plunges, and the world's longest shot ski. Viking hats mandatory, or at least strongly encouraged.
- Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas, traditionally the first Saturday of December, which falls on December 5, 2026. A Santa race, including dogs in costume, followed by the Town Tree lighting.
- International Snow Sculpture Championships (January). Teams from around the world carve 25-ton blocks of snow into extraordinary sculptures on the Riverwalk. Free to view and genuinely spectacular at night.
Check our events calendar for confirmed 2026/27 dates.
Save These for Summer
Three Breckenridge classics that only work once the snow melts:
- Whitewater rafting on the Blue, Arkansas, and Colorado Rivers through AVA Rafting & Zipline, Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting, or Performance Tours Rafting. Trips typically run May through September.
- Paddleboarding and kayaking on Maggie Pond, which is beginner-friendly and calm.
- Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch, for 14er summits and alpine lakes. Access roads are gated in winter.
Practical Notes
- Altitude. Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet, higher than most Colorado ski towns. Hydrate starting the day before you travel and take your first day easy.
- Book guided activities ahead. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and sleigh rides all sell out over holiday weeks.
- Use the free transit. The town's free bus and the free gondola cover most of this list without a car.
- Wildlife. Moose are common in Summit County and genuinely dangerous. Keep your distance and keep dogs leashed.
How Can You Make Your Trip to Breckenridge Even Better?
Make the best of your Breckenridge trip by staying in one of our curated collection of homes and condos. Ski Country Resorts' properties are all in great central locations, fully furnished and equipped for a comfortable stay.
Staying with us also gets you:
- Lowest rates online, guaranteed, matched or beaten if you find better
- No service fees when booking direct
- Complimentary on-call VIP shuttle throughout Breckenridge
- 24/7 emergency support
Browse ski-in ski-out rentals, downtown rentals, family-friendly rentals, pet-friendly rentals, rentals with private hot tubs, and large group rentals.
Browse all Breckenridge vacation rentals or check our current specials.
Contact Ski Country Resorts
Phone: 970-423-3080
Toll Free: 800-633-8388
Email: Contact us here
Office: 213 North Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Follow along: Facebook, Instagram
Addresses, phone numbers, and hours verified as of publication and subject to change. Winter trail access, preserve restrictions, and operator schedules vary with conditions. Backcountry travel carries avalanche risk; check CAIC forecasts before heading out. Please call ahead to confirm.