Guidebook Breckenridge, Colorado
Imperial Peak ~ photo by Adam Ginsburg
In the
1800s, prospectors flooded what was to become Breckenridge, Colorado
with the hopes of striking gold (and they found it). Today,
travelers will discover a mountain community rich in both adventure
and history. As one of the nation’s premier year-round resorts,
Breckenridge offers an incredible selection of activities and
signature events.
Summer
offers unforgettable rounds at the Breckenridge Golf Club, the
world’s only 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed municipal golf course.
Beyond the greens, Breckenridge is continually improving
recreational territory with an expanding trail network that connects
downtown with Rocky Mountain wilderness. It’s the perfect playground
for fly fishing, rafting, horseback riding, biking, historical tours
and more.
When
the vibrant gold of fall gives way to snow, Breckenridge offers an
array of winter activities. Breckenridge Ski Resort continues to be
one of the most popular winter destinations for visitors from across
the U.S. and the world. More than 2,300 acres and 152 trails are
covered annually with 300 inches of snow. In addition to the
downhill skiing and snowboarding available across four mountain
peaks, Breckenridge boasts miles of snowshoeing and cross-country
skiing trails.
Made in
Breckenridge: The craft movement follows local history
Driven
by an enduring independent spirit, Breckenridge boasts a vibrant
‘made-in-Breck’ food and beverage scene: more than 70
independently-owned and operated restaurants and bars, one of
Colorado’s (and the nation’s) first microbreweries – the
Breckenridge Brewery – and one of 14 craft distilleries in the
state.
The
Breckenridge Distillery is the world’s highest: a 4,000-sq-ft
facility turning out single-malt whiskey (three year process),
vodka, infusions and bourbon whiskey. What makes the product so
unique? Ice-cold runoff from the high mountain peaks, mineral-rich
soil and lots of patience.
Art at 9,600 feet:
Uncover the unexpected in the Arts District of Breckenridge
In
2004, Breckenridge art loyalists set about creating a comprehensive
arts campus in the heart of town. The original design objectives,
coming to fruition now, encourage a new vibrancy in downtown
Breckenridge. Today, existing creative outlets mix with restored
historic structures to house unique workspaces for artists and
artists-to-be.
Ongoing workshops for all ages, and in various media, are offered at
the Fuqua Livery Stable and Robert Whyte House; the Quandary
Antiques Cabin was recently transformed into a ceramics studio; and
the Tin Shop houses guest artists who open their doors for demos.
Mix it up with events such as the Breckenridge Festival of Film or
Second Saturdays, theater performances at the Backstage and music of
various genres at the Riverwalk Center.
Bike Breck: The
best of town’s two-wheeled adventures
Breckenridge’s easily-accessed trail network leads to well over
1,000 miles of mountain biking across Summit County. Many trails
(which serve as routes for both amateur and professional races) are
preexisting paths and flumes used by miners in search of gold. Road
cyclists can explore the surrounding counties via mountain passes,
bike paths and state highways.
Heck,
hop on a cruiser and join the weekly ride or explore historic
downtown; in-town bike lanes make it a snap for any ability to
saddle up. Prefer to sit back? Tour the shops and restaurants with
Breckenridge Pedicabs. Or, visit for events including Breck Bike
Week and the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
Learning
vacations: Let curiosity fuel the fun
At
Colorado Mountain College, foodies can focus on basic techniques
such as knife skills and bread-making or explore the flavors and
advanced techniques of international chefs. Learn the science of
distilling or microbrewing, taste the results right here in town and
discover how to incorporate the Breck-made libations into recipes.
Lovers
of the outdoors can pursue their favorite activities and give back
to their passions: sign up for a mountain bike skills clinic or take
part in hands-on learning by volunteering to build sustainable
trails. Budding artists can further explore their creativity with
workshops and lectures in painting, music or film. In Breck, it’s
easy to take a vacation to the next level and leave with more than a
rekindled sense of adventure.
Find balance in
Breck: Pamper your body, mind and spirit
The
spa scene in Breckenridge is blossoming – this small mountain town
is home to more than 13 spas and wellness centers – and it goes far
beyond massage: think acupuncture, oriental herbal medicine, yoga,
all-inclusive relaxation packages and treatments to combat the dry
air and intense sun of this high-altitude environment.
Travelers can step back to natural with fresh, healthy food
selections at one of the many independent restaurants in town. And
after a long day of outdoor play, recharge the body and the spirit
with a recovery massage or relaxation treatment.
New at the Base of
8: Luxe lodging and big thrills
A
plush resort located at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place sets
the new standard of luxury in Breckenridge. In addition to lavish
suites and incredible views, travelers can relax with amenities
including a bowling alley, aquatics center and movie lounge.
Just
outside the doors, thrill seekers can race down the slopes (summer
and winter) on the new Gold Runner Coaster, which offers 2,500 feet
of elevated rollercoaster track. Ride as a single or with a family
member in the two-seater cars, which give you the controls to manage
your speed through the hairpin curves and twists. Even better?
Restaurants, shopping and downtown activity outfitters sit a short
gondola ride away from the new offerings.
Arts & Culture
Unleash Creativity with a Learning Vacation – Artists and
artists-to-be can leave Breck better versed in the language of
art. From fine arts and textiles to photography and functional
pottery, workshops span a variety of media. Meet
artists-in-residence, catch a performance by the award-winning
theater company or settle in for the sounds of one of two
resident orchestras.
Break Time – Breckenridge sees an average of 300 days of
sunshine each year. For the other 56, or when your ski and bike
legs get tired, take time to browse the museums in Breck. You’ll
meet Colorado’s original naturalist, an
escaped-slave-turned-prominent-businessman and enough leather
ski gear to make you praise modern equipment.
Family
Family Fun for Under $25 – From the banks of the Blue River to
the summit of scenic trails, Breckenridge’s natural environment
begs to be explored. The best part? Playing outdoors is free.
And in Breckenridge, affordable family fun goes beyond the
outdoors. Visit GoBreck.com for summer and winter activities for
free and under $25. Discover concerts, tours and more.
Reconnect with the Whole Crew –Whether multigenerational groups
choose to split up and explore their passions or stay together
to reconnect, Breck lets kids and parents find common ground.
Gold panning and rec center programs suit families with tiny
travelers and groups with older kids can experience the thrill
of river rafting or give back with volunteer trail building.
Food & Drink
Hooch & Homebrew – Breck’s indie dining spirit spilled over and
into a pint glass with the arrival of the Breckenridge Brewery.
From coveted homebrewed creations in the 1980s, to 30,000
barrels of fresh beer each year today, the Breckenridge Brewery
has come a long way in a short time. That indie tradition
continues today with the recent arrival of the Breckenridge
Distillery.
Educate Your Palate – Foodies inclined to take their taste buds
one step further can sign up for cooking classes with Colorado
Mountain College. From basics such as knife skills to advanced
techniques, classes include one-day and multi-day options.
Follow up with wine, beer or craft spirit tastings.
Outdoor Play
All Aboard for Green Transport – Town’s newest transportation
company, Breckenridge Pedicabs, offers in-town rides and tours
to local landmarks. Equipped with studded snow tires and
ski/snowboard racks in winter, Breckenridge Pedicabs runs
year-round and takes on special events and weddings. Tour the
local distillery, see historical sites or choose a green ride to
town.
Summer Dog Sledding – Snow Caps Sled Dogs trains their pooches
all summer, and travelers can hop on board a summer cart to feel
the power of these magnificent huskies. Visit with the dogs,
tour their home in the mountains and ride along in a cart or on
a high-adventure scooter.
Money Saving Tips from the Head Golf Pro – The Breckenridge Golf
Club – which boasts a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed municipal
course – is cheaper and offers more tee times than most private
facilities. Take advantage of twilight and happy hour rates,
package golf with lodging for added perks and you’ll save some
green this summer.
Nordic Paradise –Breckenridge is home to two Nordic Centers that
together boast over 50 kilometers of groomed classic, skate and
snowshoe trails. Combine that with the hundreds of backcountry
trails blanketed in snow during winter and you’ll quickly
realize that Breck can’t be beat when it comes to Nordic skiing.
Ride to the Divide –The Continental Divide near Breckenridge
reaches heights of over 12,500 and visitors can drive
snowmobiles over the divide that separates all watersheds in the
United States. Stay on groomed trails or plow through powder as
you cruise through the scenic Colorado backcountry.
Breckenridge Facts and Stats
Location & Transportation – Breckenridge
sits two hours west of Denver International Airport and 2.5 hours
northwest of the Colorado Springs Airport. From Denver, visitors
drive 98 miles (159 km) west via I-70, then take exit 203, Highway 9
south nine miles to Breckenridge. From Colorado Springs, visitors
drive 110 miles (178 km) west through South Park and over Hoosier
Pass, or via I-25 to C-470 to I-70. Regularly scheduled shuttles,
limousines and car rentals are available. Call 888.697.7824 to book.
Around Town Transportation – Free public
transport is available in Breckenridge via the Breckenridge Free
Ride and around Summit County via the Summit Stage.
Breckenridge Ski Resort – Breckenridge Ski
Resort spans four peaks with more than 2,300 acres that include five
terrain parks, two half-pipes, eight bowls and the highest chairlift
in North America. The 2010 completion of One Ski Hill Place, a
RockResort, brought a new level of luxury to Breckenridge. Also
recently debuted were the 22-foot halfpipe, the Gold Runner Coaster
and two new dining/bar options.
High Altitude Precautions – The elevation
can affect people in different ways. Visitors should be aware of the
effects of altitude and make sure to always wear sunscreen, drink
plenty of water and limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
If symptoms such as headache, nausea, lethargy or shortness of
breath persist, visitors should seek immediate medical attention.
Breckenridge History
Breckenridge’s rich history is full of gold finds and mining,
exploration and adventure, brothels and saloons, booms and busts.
Founded in 1859 by a small group of prospectors, the town’s Gold
Rush brought settlers in droves seeking their fortunes. Though not
all found gold, each discovered the beauty of the Tenmile Range and
the bounty of the landscape.
Breckenridge was inadvertently left off a U.S. map in the mid-1800s
and became known as “Colorado’s Kingdom” until the mistake was
discovered nearly a half a century later. Today, the community
embraces this unique aspect of its past with Kingdom Days, a
celebration of Breckenridge’s heritage. Those first settlers did
more than erect a bustling town; they put their stamp on town
history. And, as with Breckenridge townsfolk of today, the early
settlers lived lives full of stories worth telling.
-
Father John Lewis Dyer,
an itinerant minister who embraced the mountain life, made his
way to Breckenridge in the 1860s. Father Dyer regularly skied
across the Continental Divide on 12-foot long wooden skis to
deliver the Gospel, sacks of gold and mail to the mining
population. In 1880, he founded a Methodist church that remains
active today.
-
Edwin Carter
came to Colorado in search of gold, but when he saw the
destruction that mining wreaked on wildlife, he embarked on a
career as a naturalist. During his life, Carter assembled more
than 3,000 specimens, many of which were used to launch the
Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Today, some of those
original specimens can be seen at the Carter Museum.
-
In 1879, Ford’s Chophouse
opened – a seemingly small event, unless you consider the owner.
Barney Ford became Breck’s first black businessman when
the Chophouse opened, and he is considered Colorado’s first
great leader of African American heritage. Highlights of Ford’s
life story include his escape from slavery, work with the
Underground Railroad and starting the first adult education
program in the state.
-
On July 23, 1887, the largest
piece of gold ever found in Colorado was discovered in Breck.
Tom Groves walked into town cradling the 13.5-pound,
blanket-wrapped bundle that gained the name “Tom’s Baby.” Three
days later, the nugget was put on a train to Denver and not seen
for 85 years. In 1972, the Colorado History Museum examined gold
specimens that were deposited in a Denver bank in 1926. Tom’s
Baby was found, but over five pounds remain missing.
For
more stories of Breckenridge’s past, visit the Breckenridge Welcome
Center and Museum at 203 S. Main St (877-864-0868). Group and
self-guided historical walking tours are available. The town has one
of the largest historic districts in the state of Colorado, with
more than 200 structures on the National Register of Historic
Places. For in-depth historical information, contact the
Breckenridge Heritage Alliance at 800-980-1859 or visit
www.BreckHeritage.com.
Historical Timeline
1859
Breckinridge founded, gold found along the Blue
River
1861 Spelling changed to Breckenridge after its namesake
becomes a Confederate Brigadier
1870 The Hydraulic Placer Mine is introduced
1879 Father Dyer “The Itinerant Preacher” starts his church
1880 Historic fire department established during a forest fire
that threatened to destroy town
1881 Gold mining boom time
1882 Breckenridge depot constructed, rail service to
Breckenridge over Boreas Pass begins
1887 “Tom’s Baby,” a 13.5-pound piece of gold, discovered near
Breckenridge
1889 Breckenridge population explodes to number in the 1000’s
1898 Pug Ryan and his gang hold up Breckenridge’s elaborate
Denver Hotel
1899 Snow falls in Breckenridge for 79 days straight
1936 “Kingdom of Breckenridge” first included on the official
U.S. map
1942 World War II forces the end of the dredging industry
1960 Breckenridge population 393
1961 Breckenridge Ski Area opens its doors on Peak 8
1963 First “Ullr Dag” festival (now known as Ullr Fest)
celebrated in Breckenridge
1971 Peak 9 opens
1973 Eisenhower Tunnel completed on I-70
1981 The Town’s historic structures are entered as a National
Register Historic District
1985 Peak 10 opens
1990 Breckenridge population 1,285
1993 Riverwalk Center and Peak 10 open
1999 Breckenridge population 1,893
2001 Breckenridge Golf Club opens a new nine to total 27
holes, all Jack Nicklaus-designed
2003 Breckenridge population 3,182
2004 Barney Ford House Museum opens
2005 Imperial Express Superchair opens and becomes the highest
chair lift in North America
2006 BreckConnect Gondola opens
2009 Breckenridge celebrates its 150th anniversary
2011
Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates the start of its 50th
season
Annual Events
Get a
taste of Breckenridge’s unique character with one of many signature
festivals that punctuate the annual calendar. From Viking horns and
snow sculptures in winter to outhouse races and pedal paradise in
summer, Breck events give visitors and locals more than one reason
to celebrate. Visit GoBreck.com or call 877-864-0868 for event
information.
January
Ullr Fest: This annual week-long
celebration of Ullr (pronounced Ooh-ler), the mythical Norse god of
snow, brings the legendary Main Street parade, live entertainment
and bar series, the Ullr Dating Game, a Nordic party, Ullympics and
a family ice skating party to Breckenridge.
Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships:
Teams from around the globe descend on Breckenridge to hand carve
20-ton blocks of snow into beautiful works of art. A winter
favorite, the competition showcases finished pieces achieved after
65 intense hours of work, no power tools allowed.
February
Bacchus Ball and Mardi Gras: Kick off
Mardi Gras with a New Orleans-style masquerade ball, complete with
live music, dancing, hurricanes, Cajun food, masks and the crowning
of the Mardi Gras REX and Queen. Fat Tuesday brings a festive
procession of floats and lots of beads on Main Street.
April
Spring Fever: This multi-week spring
festival closes out the ski and snowboard season in style. Live
music, restaurant specials, a beer festival and activities for all
ages compliment the blue skies, sunshine and top snow conditions of
spring.
June
Breckenridge Festival of Film: Going
strong for over 30 years, the Breckenridge Festival of Film
highlights the art and craft of filmmaking. The four-day fest brings
a unique and varied array of independent films, premieres,
receptions, educational programs, retrospectives and featured
guests.
Kingdom Days: Breckenridge’s annual
heritage celebration offers a robust lineup of activities including
historic mine tours, museum exhibits, gunfights, live music, arts
and crafts, storytelling, historic hikes, children’s activities and
the annual Outhouse Races.
July
Independence Day Weekend Celebration: The
party kicks off with a 10K trail run and the Firecracker 50 bike
race leads out the Main Street parade. After the arts festival, end
the weekend with a performance by the National Repertory Orchestra
and an extraordinary fireworks display.
Breck Bike Week: Discover pedal paradise
in Breckenridge. This week of free activities includes guided group
rides; bike-in movie nights; nutrition, fitness and open space
lectures; bike fits; children’s races; Tour de France viewing
parties; bike demos and more.
August
USA
Pro Cycling Challenge: Breckenridge hosts
the stage five finish of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, a demanding
seven-day road biking race that is expected to attract many of the
top cyclists in the world. The race will roll through Colorado with
a stage finish on the historic streets of downtown Breckenridge.
September
Labor Day Weekend Festivities: Wrap up
summer with a visit to Breckenridge. Enjoy cool temperatures and
free events including the Summit Foundation’s Rubber Duck Race,
Sidewalk Sale Days, the Gathering at the Great Divide Arts Festival,
a wine festival, the Breck Crest Trail Marathon and more.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest: The high
country’s premier Oktoberfest celebration brings Bavarian food,
German brews, lederhosen and Oompah music to Breckenridge’s Main
Street. The prestigious Brewmaster’s Dinner kicks off the
weekend-long party on Friday night.
October
Still on the Hill Craft Distillers Festival:
Colorado distillers gather in Breckenridge for a
grand showcase featuring tastings of handcrafted spirits. Restaurant
specials, a pub crawl and saloon tours compliment the festivities.
The first of its kind in the state, Still on the Hill was born of
Colorado’s growing artisan spirits industry.
December
Victorian Holidays Celebration:
Breckenridge “officially” transforms into a wintry holiday scene
with the Lighting of Breckenridge on the first weekend in December.
Each successive weekend, Santa returns and carolers stroll Main
Street. Come New Year’s, locals and visitors celebrate with
fireworks, kids’ activities and more.
Event
dates and details are subject to change without notice.
Arts and Culture
Breckenridge is home to a growing arts community that fosters
everything from theater and music to visual and functional art.
Unleash creativity with hands-on classes or support the scene by
attending exhibits, performances, fundraising galas and more.
Arts District of
Breckenridge
Located in the heart of Breckenridge, the Arts District is
developing into a pedestrian-friendly arts campus featuring several
resident artist facilities and indoor and outdoor spaces for
workshops and cultural events. The Tin Shop is the first resident
artist facility and features visiting artists from around the world
who have open studio hours and offer special workshops,
demonstrations, lectures and more. Ongoing workshops for all ages
and in a variety of media are offered at the restored Fuqua Livery
Stable, The Quandary Antiques Cabin and the historic Robert Whyte
House.
Art Shows – In summer, Breckenridge’s mountain streets bustle
with several juried festivals.
Arts Alive – The Summit County Arts Council sponsors this
nonprofit co-op art gallery that features different local
artists throughout the year.
Public Art – Breckenridge has a wonderful collection of public
art displayed around town.
Sculpture on the Blue – The Breckenridge Public Art Commission
hosts this rotating outdoor sculpture show each summer.
Galleries – Breckenridge boasts more art galleries per capita
than any other town in Colorado.
From
whimsical and modern to traditional fine art and photography, the
town galleries showcase a wide variety of visual art. A nod to the
First Fridays of the great art cities across the U.S., Breck’s
Second Saturday is a monthly social and cultural event: galleries
open their doors, provide refreshments and host openings with new
artists.
Film and Theater
Backstage Theatre – Year-round,
Breckenridge’s award-winning theater company performs big-name
productions such as “The Full Monty,” “The Nerd” and “The Music
Man.”
Breckenridge Festival of Film – Going
strong for over 30 years, this June festival features celebrity
guests, filmmakers, seminars, parties and more than two dozen
independent films.
Museums
Barney Ford House Museum – Learn the story of this Victorian
home’s original owner, former slave Barney L. Ford. Tours are
available year-round.
Breckenridge Welcome Center – The Center showcases the wonders
of Breckenridge’s past and future. Open seven days a week, it’s
free of charge and includes a spectacular view of the Tenmile
Range – the perfect spot for a family photo.
Edwin Carter Museum – This museum was completely restored and
unveiled in the spring of 2009. Exhibits and hands-on kids’
activities trace the evolution of Carter’s life as a miner,
taxidermist, naturalist and scientist.
Historic Briggle House –As part of the Breckenridge Heritage
Alliance’s walking tour, visitors can come to the Briggle House
and step into the past. See velvet Victorian hair art, brass
chandeliers, salted photographs and other unique pieces of the
time.
Mountain Top Children’s Museum – This fun children’s museum
offers exhibits, camps and workshops year-round for kids of all
ages.
Red, White and Blue Firehouse Museum – Housed in a circa-1877
residence, the Red, White and Blue Firehouse Museum displays an
original human-powered ladder cart, a restored hose cart and
equipment from early fire fighting companies in Breckenridge.
Summit Ski Museum – Town’s newest museum highlights Breckenridge
as the first ski town in Colorado and covers the first 100 years
of skiing in Summit Country, from 1860 to 1960.
Music
Summer Music – The National Repertory
Orchestra and the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra offer some
40 classical and non-classical concerts throughout the summer at the
Riverwalk Center.
Attractions
Breckenridge is a hub of adventure; travelers can kick it up or kick
back any time of year. In-town visitors can stop by the Welcome
Center for information on everything Breckenridge has to offer.
Browse Story Ideas (page 4), Family Fun (page 15) and Vacation
Packages (page 16) to get a taste of town.
Blue River Kayaking
and Fishing
The
1800-foot Breckenridge Kayak Park is the longest in the state and
includes 15 water features along the Blue River. Just downstream,
the Stair Steps is a series of fish ladders that offers outstanding
fishing within walking distance from downtown. The Blue River
Bikeway and a dirt footpath parallel the river and allow for easy
access.
Breckenridge Freeride
Park
This
entry-level bike park is one of the first five freeride parks in the
nation permitted on public lands. It has become an example to many
municipalities in Colorado and across the country. Features range
from raised ramps and teeter-totters to log rides and jump lines.
Breckenridge Golf
Club
The
world’s only 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed municipal golf course
was rated by Colorado Golfer as the Best Mountain Course in
Colorado. Settled below the stunning Tenmile Range, the courses
offer streams, beaver ponds, native grasses, wetlands, and pine and
aspen groves.
Breckenridge Outdoor
Education Center (BOEC)
The
BOEC was established in 1976 to help people of all abilities develop
their full potential through outdoor experiences. Programs include
Adaptive Ski and Ride in winter, Wilderness Program in summer and
year-round teambuilding with Professional Challenge.
Breckenridge
Recreation Center
The
69,000 square-foot Breckenridge Recreation Center offers a wide
variety of indoor recreation options including free weights, weight
machines, cardio equipment, fitness classes, a racquetball court,
basketball courts, two climbing walls, an aquatics center with a
waterslide, tennis courts, an indoor track and more.
Breckenridge Ski
Resort
Celebrate the 50th anniversary during the 2011/2012 season!
Breckenridge Ski Resort spans four peaks with more than 2,300 acres
that include five terrain parks, two half-pipes, eight bowls and the
highest chairlift in North America. The new One Ski Hill Place, a
RockResort, brings a new level of luxury to town.
Breckenridge Welcome
Center
The
Town of Breckenridge purchased the Welcome Center building in 2004
and during demolition, workers found a historic cabin in the center
of the structure. The cabin has been renovated and features exhibits
on Breckenridge. The center also houses an information center and
public restrooms.
Hiking and Biking
Trails
The
Town of Breckenridge manages an extensive trails system with varying
terrain. Trails pass through scenic areas, lead to historic
landmarks, connect with neighborhoods and provide alternatives to
automobile transportation. Once in town, pick up a trail map at the
Breckenridge Welcome Center.
Nordic Centers
Breckenridge boasts two Nordic centers that together offer over 50
kilometers of groomed classic, skate and snowshoe trails. The
Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center offers a true backcountry feel while
the Gold Run Nordic Center features horse-drawn sleigh rides, an ice
skating pond and full-service restaurant.
Peak 8 Fun Park
The
Peak 8 Breckenridge Fun Park returns with bigger and better
attractions this season. Experience the thrilling dips and turns of
the new Gold Runner Coaster, along with activities for all ages,
including the famous Alpine Slide, mountain biking, scenic chairlift
rides, gem panning, bungee jumping, pony rides, kids’ bounce house,
miniature golf, hiking, 4x4 tours and more.
Riverwalk Center
The
newly-renovated Riverwalk Center houses the National Repertory
Orchestra and the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra in summer.
The facility also provides a home for fun events such as Imagination
Express, a base for town-wide festivities and a stunning location
for weddings and private gatherings.
Stephen C. West Ice
Arena
The
Stephen C. West Ice Arena features an indoor ice arena, an outdoor
ice rink, four team locker rooms, two meeting spaces, a full-service
pro-shop, skate rentals and a concession stand. The indoor arena is
open year-round for hockey, ice skating practice and team training.
Family Fun
When
kids are happy, Mom and Dad can relax and enjoy the ride. Breck’s
diverse offerings suit vacationers of all ages, which means parents
can find fun for the kids, the grandparents and themselves.
Specialty Children’s
Programs and Family Activities
Mountain Top Children’s Museum – Exhibits
include “Rocky Mountain Wildlife,” “Kidstruction Zone” and “Wonder
Lab and Planetarium.” This hands-on learning facility serves up a
perfect afternoon for younger children.
Arts District – The Breckenridge Arts
District offers a variety of workshops that provide creative outlets
for children, teens and adults. Kids can play with clay, teens can
try their hand at tie dyeing and adults can refine skills or work
with a new medium.
Breckenridge’s public Skateboard Park –
Break out a skateboard or in-line skates to hit this
state-of-the-art park, which includes a large bowl. Suited to all
levels and constructed to avoid cross traffic with bowl skaters, the
street course offers features including rails and jumps.
Downstairs at Eric’s arcade – All types of
arcade games provide a fun activity for older kids at a convenient
location on Main Street. While there, the whole family can chow on
classic American cuisine.
Breckenridge Recreation Center – From
toddler programs and teen outings to indoor rock climbing and
specialty sports camps, the year-round offerings welcome locals and
visitors. Parents’ Night Out lets Mom and Dad drop the kids to enjoy
time exploring town alone.
Breckenridge Ski Resort Ski and Ride School
– It’s the perfect place for children – and adults – to make new
friends, improve their skills and gain confidence on the slopes.
Offerings include private family lessons, the Rocky Mountain Park
and Pipe Camp and classes for all abilities.
Stephen C. West Ice Arena – Throughout the
year, hockey classes get kids under six years old on the ice and
having fun. All ages can learn to skate or improve their skills with
public skating hours and lessons.
Lodging and Vacation Packages
Breckenridge Central Reservations is the premier local booking
service and represents 98 percent of the town’s lodging units,
including hotel rooms, condominiums, townhouses, private homes and
bed & breakfasts. Booking services include airfare, activities,
ground transportation, group booking, lift tickets, lodging,
equipment rentals and trip insurance. Choose from an existing
lodging package or create one. Central Reservations works with local
outfitters and suppliers to create custom packages at special rates.
