30 Fun Things To Do In Breckenridge In Winter & Spring (Besides Ski!)

Breckenridge is a favorite among Colorado ski towns thanks to abundant winter activities, nightlife and après, fun festivals, and scenic beauty.

While the town is known for world-class skiing and snowboarding, that’s not all it has to offer during winter.

I’ve lived in the Denver area for most of my life and absolutely love Breckenridge, between my countless visits, I can say I’ve never actually skied here. Yet, I regularly return.

These are some of the best things to do in Breckenridge in winter, besides ski!

Best Things To Do In Breckenridge In Winter

Snowshoeing 

Snowshoeing is a fantastic option for those who love outdoor winter activities, but aren’t avid skiers or snowboarders.  

Breckenridge has snowshoeing routes throughout both nordic centers, Breckenridge Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center, plus routes surrounding town, like the interconnected trail system.

This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the surrounding mountain wilderness.  

Various local companies offer guided snowshoe tours or rentals.

Explore Main Street & The Breckenridge Historic District

The core of Breckenridge is the historic district. This is where you’ll find shops, art galleries, dining, and entertainment tucked into colorful 19th century buildings. All overlooking Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Breckenridge had a very productive mining past, which naturally resulted in a large town. While the industry’s long gone, its impact and Victorian age buildings still remain.

Within these historic buildings you’ll find a mix of boutique shops, souvenir stores, ski and outdoor gear, plus restaurants, bars, and other entertainment.

You could easily spend a whole day exploring this area, snapping countless photos and browsing shops.

The area’s core runs along Main Street, roughly from Watson Avenue through Maggie Pond (Peak 8 through Peak 9). It’s worth wandering around more than just this area though, the town has a lot of hidden gems throughout the historic district.

Warm Up With Hot Chocolate Or Coffee

Looking to warm up with some hot cocoa, coffee, or sweet treats while exploring town? There are tons of options to choose from.

Some favorites are:

• La Francaise
• Daylight Donuts
• Clint’s Bakery & Coffee House
• The Crown
• Robbie’s Tavern
• Semplice Café
• Cool River Coffee House
• Mountain Top Cookie Shop

Gondola Ride: BreckConnect Gondola

One of the best things to do in Breckenridge during winter is ride the BreckConnect Gondola.

And yes, non-skiers can ride, and it’s free. Free gondolas are not the norm in Colorado resort towns, so this definitely something to take advantage of.

A ride on the gondola is a unique experience, providing incredible views of the surrounding area.

The gondola has a few stops, but you’ll want to wait for Peak 8, this is the hub of Breckenridge Mountain.

At the Peak 8 base area, 9,950 feet above sea level, enjoy food, drinks, and all the ski vibes from TBar or Robbie’s Tavern. Plus, views of skiers coming down the mountain.

Just be sure to stay out of the way of skiers and wear proper shoes, you’ll likely be walking in snow.

As far as Breckenridge winter activities go, a gondola ride is always a favorite.

Wondering how to fit this into an itinerary? Check out my Breckenridge Winter Weekend Itinerary.

Ice Skating

Is there anything more charming than an outdoor skate rink in the heart of the Rocky Mountains? 

The Gold Run Nordic Center’s outdoor rink, or Maggie Pond in downtown Breck, are great options if you wish to lace up the skates and spend an afternoon (or evening) on the ice!

Even for those who don’t care to skate, both ice rinks are a great place to grab a hot chocolate and enjoy some people watching.

Prefer to skate inside? Check out Breck’s indoor rink, Stephen C. West Ice Arena.

Go Sledding Or Tubing

Sledding is a perfect winter activity for the whole family.

Carter Park Sledding Hill and Gold Run Nordic Center’s Runaway Sledding Hill are among the best spots. 

No matter where you go, the kids are sure to love this one after fresh snow has fallen.

Want to level up your sledding experience? Hit the tubing hill.

Nearby Keystone Ski Resort, Frisco Adventure Park, and Copper Mountain all have lift-served tubing hills, perfect for both kids and adults.

These hills are groomed and will receive snowmaking services if necessary, so this is especially great if there’s not much snow in town yet.

Sleigh Ride

A sleigh ride is a unique way to see Breckenridge.

There are various scenic sleigh rides which will take you along snowy trails in the White River National Forest. Additionally, there’s dinner sleigh rides, and even dog sledding.

If you want all the sleigh ride vibes but in a temperature controlled setting, opt for a scenic (and heated) snowcat tour instead.

Those looking for a unique winter activity and all the winter wonderland vibes, this is a good option. Check out Two Below Zero for the best rated sleigh ride near Breckenridge.

Visit A Museum

The town of Breckenridge has an interesting history. It’s been shaped by centuries of Native American presence, a productive gold and silver mining run in the 1800’s, and its eventual transition into the ski destination we know it as today.

There’s a handful of small museums around town, each of which cover different aspects of the town’s history.

I recommend visiting at least one if you wish to learn more about the town, and again, since they’re all pretty small, this is something you can easily do in just an hour or two.

These are the top museums in Breckenridge:

• Edwin Carter Museum
• Breckenridge Sawmill Museum
• Breckenridge Welcome Center
• Barney Ford Museum
• Red, White & Blue Fire Museum

International Snow Sculpture Championships

One of the town’s biggest annual events, and one of the coolest in Colorado, in my opinion, is the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

This competition brings together snow-sculpting teams from around the world to hand-carve 25 ton blocks of snow into massive and complex works of art.

The teams work for 5 days in downtown Breckenridge, visitors are allowed to watch as they work, and then the final pieces are on display for about a week.

This event does draw large crowds, especially over the weekend, so select dates require reservations. Find more information at International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Winter Events In Breckenridge 

There’s no shortage of exciting festivals and celebrations during winter in Breckenridge.

Below are a few of the town’s most well-known winter celebrations:

• Lighting Of Breckenridge & Race Of Santas – early December
• Breckenridge Ullr Fest – mid December
• International Snow Sculpture Championships – late January
• Closing Day – varies, usually in April.

Après Ski

Après ski is a classic Breckenridge activity, and don’t worry, you don’t actually have to ski to après.

“Après ski” is a French term which literally means “after ski.” In today’s slang, it means social activities (usually drinks) after skiing, and again, non-skiers can join. In fact, they’re often the ones to kick off après.

My favorite place to grab a drink is right at the base of a mountain. The Maggie (Peak 9), Sevens (Peak 7), and TBar (Peak 8) are the best spots to do that without a ski pass.

This way you can enjoy a drink and all the mountain vibes, without actually strapping up your skis.

And because downtown Breck sits right at the base of Breckenridge Ski Resort, there are tons of additional spots for après throughout town.

Expect happy hour, live music, and more at bars like RMU, Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, The Gold Pan Saloon, and The Blue Stag Saloon in downtown Breck.  

You’ll have no problem finding a good time here.

Fat Biking

Breckenridge has some wonderful mountain biking trails which are popular in the summer months, but did you know you can bike here in winter too?

Fat biking is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires which allow for extra traction and grip, perfect for biking in the snow!

Town trails, and the town’s nordic centers — Breckenridge Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center — have great routes for all skill levels.

If needed, there are various places to rent fat bikes throughout Breck.

There’s also tours available. If you’re up for some libations following your tour, you’ll definitely want to check out this Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour.

Try Some Crepes 

Crepes are kind of a thing in Breckenridge, I’m not 100% sure how it happened or when it started, but nonetheless, here we are.

The two main spots are Crêpes à la Cart and Trolley Crepes.

Crêpes à la Cart is located in downtown Breckenridge, and there’s pretty much always a long line. There’s also Trolley Crepes in Main Street Station by Maggie Pond, the line here fluctuates as skiers come and go throughout the day.

Both offer savory and sweet options for an easy meal while exploring town.

See Isak Heartstone, The Breckenridge Troll

While in Breckenridge you must see the 15 foot troll, Isak Heartstone.

Sitting in the woods about a mile from downtown, made completely of recycled wood, Isak is one of the town’s most beloved residents.

The huge troll was created by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, as a temporary exhibit for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) in 2018. However, Isak received so much love, that it now has a permanent home here.

It’s a short walk along Trollstigen Trail to see Isak, however the trail gets very icy in winter. You will definitely need to bring microsprikes/crampons, as it makes walking on an icy trail much easier. You don’t need any fancy spikes, I have a pair from Amazon that cost around $20 and work great: Microsprikes/ Crampons.

There’s limited parking here, so walk from downtown or catch a ride on the Breck Free Ride to Trollstigen Trailhead (“Ice Rink” stop).

For more details, check out How To Find The Breckenridge Troll (Isak Heartstone).

Gold Mine Tour

As previously mentioned, Breckenridge was once home to a lucrative mining industry.

Today, gold mine tours offer a fun way to learn about the town’s mining past and really dive into the area’s history.

Country Boy Mine is the most popular tour in Breck.

During your tour you’ll make your way 1,000 feet into the mountain, where you’ll witness the original workings of the mine, which have been here since 1887.

More pricing and information can be found at Country Boy Mine or through Viator: Gold Mine Tour With Country Boy Mine.

Join An Art Class

If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity in Breckenridge, consider joining an art class.

There’s a handful of local studios offering a wide variety of classes, such as ceramics, glassblowing, metal embossing, canvas painting, and more.

These classes make for a unique souvenir to bring home, or, are simply a fun way to spend an afternoon inside.

Check out classes at Breck Create or Colorado Brushstrokes. If you want to do a ‘painting and drinking’ type thing, check out Ready Paint Fire! I did a class with them during a Breckenridge bachelorette party and it was really fun.

Breck Create

Breck Create is a really great local resource for those interested in the arts. They put together a variety of events, ranging from educational programs to live music.

On their website you can also find information on upcoming art classes, new public art pieces, and more.

If hoping to experience the arts while in Breckenridge, you’ll definitely want to check out Breck Create.

Breckenridge Recreation Center

The Breckenridge Recreation Center offers winter-friendly activities for both locals and visitors.

You’ll find typical rec center amenities such as a gym, fitness classes, saunas, hot tubs, indoor courts, and indoor track.

But you’ll also find a rock climbing wall, tennis courts, and dance studios, all indoors.

Plus, one of their most popular features, the indoor Aquatic Center with water slide.

Snowmobiling 

Snowmobiling is a very popular winter sport in Colorado.

It’s a really unique way to get out and see the special landscapes this state has to offer. Not to mention, they’re simply fun to ride. 

Check out Breck’s epic vista views and backcountry wilderness by going for a snowmobiling tour. 

For those who want to join a guided tour, Good Times Adventures, Breckenridge Snowmobiling, and High Country Tours are all good options. The latter two also offer rentals for those who’d prefer to go out on their own.

No matter how you ride, the region has miles and miles of trails to explore, this will be an experience you won’t forget!

Visit A Local Brewery

Colorado is well known for its breweries, so grabbing a local craft beer will be on the to-do list of many visitors.

Luckily, Breckenridge has lots of good options, even including one of the top craft breweries in the entire country, Breckenridge Brewery.

At Breckenridge Brewery you’ll find a legit food menu in addition to their lineup of beers, ranging from light pilsners to hoppy IPAs. In fact, I’d say this is more of a restaurant vibe than your typically craft brewery.

In addition to Breckenridge Brewery, there are a few additional breweries, check out Broken Compass Brewery and Highside Brewing, both are very good.

Visit A Distillery Or Winery 

Breck is not limited to only beer, the town also has some great distillery and winery options as well.

Check out Breckenridge Distillery for bourbon and vodka from the world’s highest distillery. They also have a good restaurant on site.

Those up for wine will enjoy the tasting rooms at Carboy Winery Breckenridge or the Continental Divide Winery.

Cross-Country Skiing

Up next is cross-country skiing, also referred to as nordic skiing.

Yes, this is skiing, but it’s very different from downhill, and doesn’t require a resort pass.

There are various places to enjoy nordic skiing here, Breckenridge Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center are among the best spots. Plus, they both offer lessons for those new to the sport.

Additionally, there’s the Breckenridge interconnected trail system, which features over 100 miles of ungroomed routes for various skill levels.

For those who want to join a tour, check out Colorado Adventure Guides.

No matter where you go, cross-country skiing is a great way to experience Breck’s quiet beauty.

Walking Tour Of Breckenridge

If you wish to learn a bit more about Breck’s history, a walking tour is a great way to get to know the town and see the historic sites.

Breckenridge History and Breckenridge Tours have the best options for walking tours in town.

The Historical Walking Tour, Ghostly Tales, and Hike The Golden Horseshoe (mining tour) are favorites.

Backstage Theatre

For live performances, including plays, musicals, concerts, and community events, you’ll want to check out the Backstage Theatre in downtown Breck.

They’ve been putting on live shows for the local community and visitors for nearly 50 years now.

Check out upcoming shows at Backstage Theatre.

Live Music

Looking for more live music?

Check out Breck Create’s lineups at Old Masonic Hall or Riverwalk Center.

Additionally, there’s many restaurant/ bars in town which regularly have live music. These will be in more of an informal setting.

RMU, Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, The Gold Pan Saloon, The Blue Stag Saloon, and Whiskey Star are a few of the many great options.  

Lake Dillon Ice Fishing

Lake Dillon is a huge reservoir near Breckenridge, and during the winter months it’s popular for ice fishing.

Rainbow and brown trout, arctic char, and kokanee salmon are all common catches in Lake Dillion.

Go at it on your own, or join a tour with companies like Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures or Alpine Fishing Adventures.

Please be aware, Colorado has strict fishing regulations, including catch and release rules, set by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. Additionally, a Colorado fishing license is required for those over the age of 16.

Spa Day

With ample outdoor activities in Breck, you’ll definitely be craving some rest and relaxation at some point during your trip. 

Luckily, there’s plenty of excellent spas in the area.

Spend a relaxing afternoon (or full day) pampering yourself with a deep tissue massage, full body wrap, facial, or some quiet sauna time.

There are many great spas to choose from in Breckenridge, a few of the most popular are:

• Harmony Health Massage
• The Spa At Breckenridge
• Infinity Spa
• Alpine Spa & Salon

Hot Springs

Up for soaking in some hot springs? Then consider a day trip from Breckenridge.

There’s a few places you can go, but I think Buena Vista and Salida have the best hot springs near Breck. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, and Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center are the top options in the area.

Each has something great to offer, but the creekside hot springs at Mount Princeton are among my favorite in all of Colorado.

No matter where you go, a mineral soak is the perfect way to unwind and support your body after enjoying outdoor winter sports.

Most hot springs are about 1 – 1.5 hours from Breckenridge, but will absolutely be worth it if you have the time! For more details, check out my guide to the Top Hot Springs Near Breckenridge.

Day Trip From Breckenridge 

Breckenridge is centrally located in Summit County, surrounded by other great mountain towns and ski destinations.

If you have the time, consider day tripping to one of these towns:

• Vail
• Buena Vista
• Salida
• Silverthorne / Dillon / Keystone
• Frisco
• Georgetown
• Leadville
• Glenwood Springs

Towns like Vail and Keystone are known for skiing and will be relatively similar to Breck. Whereas places like Leadville and Buena Vista will show you a different side to Colorado mountain towns.

If it’s snowing or icy, or there’s a storm in the forecast, I don’t recommend doing this. Dangerous road conditions and closures are common here. Check the Colorado Department of Transportation’s COTrip for up-to-date conditions and closures.

As you can see, there’s so many great things to do in Breckenridge in winter! I hope you have the best time and enjoy your winter vacation!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides, or head on over to Go Breck.

More Information For Your Winter Trip To Breckenridge:

• Winter Weekend Itinerary: Breckenridge, CO
• Day Trip Itinerary For Winter In Breckenridge
• How To Find The Breckenridge Troll (Isak Heartstone)
• Best Christmas Things To Do In Breckenridge
• Top Hotels In Breckenridge
• Hot Springs Near Breckenridge
• What To Wear In Colorado In Winter (Mountain Town & Ski Trip Packing Guide)
• All Breckenridge Guides

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• Top Spring Break Destinations In Colorado
• Best Colorado Mountain Towns For First-Time Visitors
• Colorado Travel Guide (how to plan your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides