There is no place more picturesque to spend the winter than Summit County, Colorado. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking year-round, but the snow-covered trees and frozen lakes make it feel even more magical during the coldest months of the year.
For those who love outdoor winter activities, there are plenty of exciting, fun things to do in Summit County. Here are some great ideas for how to make the most of a winter visit.
1. Enjoy a Day (or more) Skiing or Riding at Breckenridge
Those looking to indulge in winter sports while enjoying quality time with friends or family will appreciate the world-class skiing and riding on the slopes at Breckenridge.
Unlike many ski resorts that cover just one mountain, Breck is part of an entire mountain range and comprises Peaks 6 through 10 within the Ten Mile Range. Breck's size means there is terrain for every ability. Beginners will love the easier trails on Peaks 8 and 9, whereas advanced skiers and riders will love Breck's black diamond runs on the upper portion of Peaks 8, 9 and 10. Adventure seekers can even take the highest chairlift in North America dubbed “Imperial Chair” to sample Peak 8's legendary high-alpine terrain.
2. Take a Trip Back in Time on a Historic Breckenridge Tour
Did you know that as well as being the home to awesome skiing and riding, Breckenridge is full of history? Over the past 200 years, Breckenridge has been a gold rush hotspot, an artist enclave and, of course, a top destination for winter adventures.
You can find out all about Breckenridge's fascinating past by taking a fun tour run by Breckenridge History Tours. They offer seven different guided history tours of Breckenridge, including walking, hiking, and snowshoeing tours. Or, if ghost stories are more your thing, why not head out on one of five spooky adventures run by Breckenridge Ghost tours?
3. Go Snowshoeing in the Breckenridge Area
Walking on snow instead of trudging through it is a different experience for everyone. Of course, it all depends on the weather, the snowshoes, and the snow conditions. That said, snowshoeing is a fabulous way to enjoy the winter weather and appreciate beautiful scenery from a different perspective.
Plenty of snowshoeing trails are available around Breckenridge. To start, head out to Breckenridge Nordic Center, which is located on Peak 8. You'll find three beginner trails, snowshoe rentals, plus awesome guided adventure tours. As a bonus, after your snowshoeing adventure, you can enjoy the center’s wooden lodge to warm up with delicious food and drink.
4. Go Cross-Country Skiing in Frisco and Breckenridge
Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while doing something different during the winter months. This low-impact sport is one of the more popular things to do in Summit County. Locations like the Breckenridge Nordic Center offer miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and lessons to teach you all the essential cross-country skiing techniques you need to explore the great outdoors on skis.
5. Mush the Day Away on a Dog Sled
If you love a thrill in the snow, check out one of these Summit County dog sledding tours. Tours are available for one to four people, making for a perfect solo adventure or a memorable outing with friends. During your one-to-two-hour tour, you'll glide along trails in the Breck area and have a chance to interact with your dog team. Some tour operators will even let you take the reins and try your hand at driving a dog sled — with the help of an experienced guide, of course.
You'll find several dog-sledding companies in the community surrounding Breck. Most operate throughout the winter season in both sunshine and snow. Be sure to book a reservation in advance with your chosen tour company. Dog sledding is an increasingly popular activity, and time slots tend to sell out quickly.
6. Check out Dining, Shopping & Public Art in Downtown Breckenridge
Are you traveling with a band of art lovers? Take a break from outdoor play and check out the thriving public art scene in Breckenridge. You can go on a self-guided tour of art pieces by local creators throughout downtown Breckenridge or check out an art installation at BreckCreate. While you're in town, stop to grab a bite to eat and check out local shops. The culinary vibe in Breckenridge is hip, fresh, and fun — many restaurants offer locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, and drinks.
7. Conquer a Rock Wall at the Breckenridge Recreation Center
When you need a break from the slopes, make the 15-minute drive into town to visit the Breckenridge Recreation Center. Renovated in 2018, the Rec Center offers a variety of indoor activities including a pool, sauna, hot tubs, tennis courts, and workout facilities. At the heart of the center is a 1,400 sq. ft. rock-climbing area. You can book a private lesson with an experienced local climber for yourself or a group of friends. Check the climbing wall schedule for current operating hours before you head down the mountain.
Breckenridge is located in the heart of Summit County and offers plenty of fun and excitement for visitors interested in exploring the area. Plan a ski vacation to Breck and enjoy some of the best things to do in Summit County this winter. Book your stay and passes today.
For those who love outdoor winter activities, there are plenty of exciting, fun things to do in Summit County. Here are some great ideas for how to make the most of a winter visit.
1. Enjoy a Day (or more) Skiing or Riding at Breckenridge
Those looking to indulge in winter sports while enjoying quality time with friends or family will appreciate the world-class skiing and riding on the slopes at Breckenridge.
Unlike many ski resorts that cover just one mountain, Breck is part of an entire mountain range and comprises Peaks 6 through 10 within the Ten Mile Range. Breck's size means there is terrain for every ability. Beginners will love the easier trails on Peaks 8 and 9, whereas advanced skiers and riders will love Breck's black diamond runs on the upper portion of Peaks 8, 9 and 10. Adventure seekers can even take the highest chairlift in North America dubbed “Imperial Chair” to sample Peak 8's legendary high-alpine terrain.
2. Take a Trip Back in Time on a Historic Breckenridge Tour
Did you know that as well as being the home to awesome skiing and riding, Breckenridge is full of history? Over the past 200 years, Breckenridge has been a gold rush hotspot, an artist enclave and, of course, a top destination for winter adventures.
You can find out all about Breckenridge's fascinating past by taking a fun tour run by Breckenridge History Tours. They offer seven different guided history tours of Breckenridge, including walking, hiking, and snowshoeing tours. Or, if ghost stories are more your thing, why not head out on one of five spooky adventures run by Breckenridge Ghost tours?
3. Go Snowshoeing in the Breckenridge Area
Walking on snow instead of trudging through it is a different experience for everyone. Of course, it all depends on the weather, the snowshoes, and the snow conditions. That said, snowshoeing is a fabulous way to enjoy the winter weather and appreciate beautiful scenery from a different perspective.
Plenty of snowshoeing trails are available around Breckenridge. To start, head out to Breckenridge Nordic Center, which is located on Peak 8. You'll find three beginner trails, snowshoe rentals, plus awesome guided adventure tours. As a bonus, after your snowshoeing adventure, you can enjoy the center’s wooden lodge to warm up with delicious food and drink.
4. Go Cross-Country Skiing in Frisco and Breckenridge
Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while doing something different during the winter months. This low-impact sport is one of the more popular things to do in Summit County. Locations like the Breckenridge Nordic Center offer miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and lessons to teach you all the essential cross-country skiing techniques you need to explore the great outdoors on skis.
5. Mush the Day Away on a Dog Sled
If you love a thrill in the snow, check out one of these Summit County dog sledding tours. Tours are available for one to four people, making for a perfect solo adventure or a memorable outing with friends. During your one-to-two-hour tour, you'll glide along trails in the Breck area and have a chance to interact with your dog team. Some tour operators will even let you take the reins and try your hand at driving a dog sled — with the help of an experienced guide, of course.
You'll find several dog-sledding companies in the community surrounding Breck. Most operate throughout the winter season in both sunshine and snow. Be sure to book a reservation in advance with your chosen tour company. Dog sledding is an increasingly popular activity, and time slots tend to sell out quickly.
6. Check out Dining, Shopping & Public Art in Downtown Breckenridge
Are you traveling with a band of art lovers? Take a break from outdoor play and check out the thriving public art scene in Breckenridge. You can go on a self-guided tour of art pieces by local creators throughout downtown Breckenridge or check out an art installation at BreckCreate. While you're in town, stop to grab a bite to eat and check out local shops. The culinary vibe in Breckenridge is hip, fresh, and fun — many restaurants offer locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, and drinks.
7. Conquer a Rock Wall at the Breckenridge Recreation Center
When you need a break from the slopes, make the 15-minute drive into town to visit the Breckenridge Recreation Center. Renovated in 2018, the Rec Center offers a variety of indoor activities including a pool, sauna, hot tubs, tennis courts, and workout facilities. At the heart of the center is a 1,400 sq. ft. rock-climbing area. You can book a private lesson with an experienced local climber for yourself or a group of friends. Check the climbing wall schedule for current operating hours before you head down the mountain.
Plan an Exciting Winter Vacation in Summit County
Breckenridge is located in the heart of Summit County and offers plenty of fun and excitement for visitors interested in exploring the area. Plan a ski vacation to Breck and enjoy some of the best things to do in Summit County this winter. Book your stay and passes today.