Top Winter Events in Breckenridge

Top Winter Events in Breckenridge

Lauren Parker / September 29, 2025

If it isn’t the snowy mountains, the charming town, the delicious meals, or the many winter weather activities that are drawing you to Breckenridge, it must be one of these fantastic events. Are you on the fence about what dates to visit our town? Here are a few dates to steer you in the right direction.

Breckenridge Ski Resort Estimated Opening Day

November 7, 2025

We might not be the first mountain to open this season, but we are the most fun! Dust off your gear and celebrate the first day on the slopes for the 2025-2026 ski season. Check out our packing guide for a quick refresher on what to bring to the mountain. Grab your favorite costume or retro outfit, as the mountain will be covered in colorful skiers! We don’t like to take ourselves too seriously around here, and opening day is no exception. Still looking for a place to stay? Our top picks are true slopeside resorts like these!

*Date is subject to change.

The Lighting of Breckenridge and Running of the Santas

December 6, 2025

There is nothing quite as magical as watching thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the charming town of Breckenridge. This is the day we’ve all been waiting for-the day that truly begins the holiday season. Snow is falling, the mountain is covered in skiers, the restaurants are full, and people all over come to see Breckenridge transform into a real-life snow globe. Before the lighting, you’ll get to witness hundreds of Santas racing down Main Street.

Ullr Fest

December 18–20, 2025

At the 62nd annual Ullr fest, we’ll call on Ullr, the Norse god of snow, to ask for a great winter! Take part in or witness the world’s longest shotski “unofficial” world record-breaking attempt, and enjoy a Main Street Parade Thursday. Come back throughout the weekend for comedy night and community ice skating!

International Snow Sculpture Championships

January 24–February 3, 2026

Using only hand tools, sixteen teams from around the globe visit our quaint town of Breckenridge to create intricately carved sculptures in just five days. Watch as teams of four transform 20-foot-tall 25-ton blocks of snow into incredible frozen works of art. After 94 long hours of sculpting, the art pieces will be available for public viewing 24/7 until February 3 at 5 p.m.

(Please check GoBreck website for more detailed schedule).

Stay With Us!

While there are many lodging options to choose from in Breckenridge, the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 offers an experience that can’t be beat. With a location directly on the mountain, you’ll experience the magic of waking up with the sun and stepping out onto a balcony overlooking the entire ski resort. The luxury amenities like ski-in/ski-out access, onsite spa, indoor/outdoor aquatics, fitness facility, dining options, and more at make the Grand Colorado the perfect home base for your next Breckenridge vacation.

Other Winter Activities

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Fall Mountain Biking in Breckenridge

Fall Mountain Biking in Breckenridge

Trails to Ride When the Leaves Turn Gold

Bec Metras / September 26, 2025

When autumn hits Breckenridge, the mountains come alive in shades of gold, amber, and fiery red. Crisp air and colorful trails make fall one of the best times to hop on your bike and explore. Whether you’re looking for a mellow riverside cruise or a lung-burning climb rewarded with sweeping views, Breck has a ride for every level. Below are some of our favorite trails to spin through the season before the snow starts to fall.

Beginner Fall Trails

Boreas Pass Road

17.4 miles | 1,100′ up, 1,651′ down
A Breck classic in the fall. This old railroad grade winds through glowing aspen groves and offers wide-open mountain views. Great for a steady pedal at your own pace.

Blue River Bikeway

9.9 miles | 151′ up, 622′ down
Known to locals as the Breck Rec Path, this paved riverside trail is especially stunning in fall with endless mountain views and golden aspens lining the way.

Beginner/Intermediate Fall Trails

Blue River Trail

3 miles | 320′ up, 189′ down
Follows the Blue River and delivers mellow miles under golden leaves. For some extra miles, hop onto Aspen Ally!

Sallie Barber

2.9 miles | 387′ up, 275′ down
A ride through history—this trail winds past the Sallie Barber Mine, with plenty of leaf-peeping along the way. While you’re in the area, take advantage of Breckenridge’s connected trail system and grab some extra miles on the  B&B trail.

Lower Flume Trail

1.6 miles | 69′ up, 88′ down
Short and flowy, with pops of color around every bend. Don’t miss the photo opportunities – take in gorgeous views of Breckenridge throughout this lovely trail!

Intermediate Fall Trails

Aspen Alley

1.2 miles | 53′ up, 47′ down
The name says it all. This winding singletrack is framed by glowing aspen tunnels, making it one of the most photographed rides in Breck during the fall.

⚠ Pro Tip: Because Aspen Alley is so iconic in autumn, it also gets busy. To experience the trail at its best, ride early in the morning or on a weekday when the leaves are glowing but the crowds are lighter.

Baker’s Tank Loop

6 miles | 687′ up, 687′ down
A lung-burner, but worth every pedal stroke. The tank at the top sits against a backdrop of glowing aspens and crisp mountain air.

Barney Ford

1.6 miles | 18′ up, 361′ down
A short but exciting descent with flowing turns and vibrant fall colors around every corner. This intermediate favorite drops steadily through aspen groves and pine forest, making it a must-ride during peak leaf season.

Planning a fall trip to Breckenridge? Secure your lodging today.

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Top Five Reasons to Visit Breckenridge on a Fall Weekday

Top Five Reasons To Visit Breckenridge on a Fall Weekday

Anna Bowman / September 24, 2025

Let’s be honest. You don’t really need an excuse to visit Breckenridge. But if you’re choosing between a weekend or weekday trip this fall, here are five reasons why weekdays come out on top.

  1. Skip the Jam, Enjoy the Journey – No one wants to start their mountain getaway sitting in traffic on I-70. Weekday drives are smoother, faster, and far more scenic. You’ll spend less time behind the wheel and more time breathing in fresh mountain air. It is about an hour and a half flat to Breck from Denver on a weekday.
  2. Midweek Means More for Less – Looking for that perfect cabin or slopeside stay? Weekdays offer better prices, more availability, and great last-minute options. It’s the smart way to stay in style without paying peak-season rates.
  3. No Lines, Just Good Times – Everything’s easier when the crowds are smaller. You can grab a table at your favorite local restaurant, take advantage of happy hour deals, and go on scenic bike rides without the hassle.
  4. Trails to Yourself – Fall hiking in Breckenridge is stunning, especially with golden aspens lighting up the trails. If you prefer peace and quiet over packed paths, come during the week. You’ll get better views at a more relaxed pace.
  5. Peace, Please – Weekends are lively, but sometimes you just want a little space. On weekdays, Breckenridge slows down in the best way. You can enjoy the charm, scenery, and spa activities without the noise or long lines.

So, why wait for the weekend?

Fall in Breck is beautiful every day, but weekdays give you more of what you came for. Less traffic, local deals, and room to breathe. Take the time off, you won’t regret it.

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First Time Ski Trip to Breckenridge | Best of Breckenridge

First Time Ski Trip Guide to Breckenridge

Updated September 12, 2025 / Laurel Coffman

Planning your first ski trip to Breckenridge? Get ready for the experience of a lifetime! Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a dynamic mix of charming mountain town vibes and world-class skiing. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking to level up your skills, this guide will help you navigate the mountain with confidence and excitement. With nearly 3,000 acres of terrain and 187 trails, figuring out where to start can be a little overwhelming, especially for first-timers. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you, from the best beginner runs to expert-only hike-to terrain.

Breckenridge Ski Resort Basics:

Skiable Terrain: 2,908 Acres

Trails: 187

Lifts: 35

Highest Elevation: 12,998

Average Snowfall: 355 inches

Beginner Terrain: 11%

Intermediate Terrain: 31 %

Advanced Terrain: 24%

Expert Terrain: 34%

Breckenridge Ski Resort Beginner Terrain

The Best Ski Runs for Your Skill Level

If you’re preparing for a winter trip to Breckenridge for the first time, planning out your day of skiing can be a bit daunting! With 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, and 235 lifts Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels from beginner to expert. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for a breakdown of beginner to expert hike-to terrain so you can get the most out of your days on the mountain.

Beginner Trails: Green

While Breckenridge is a world-class ski town, you’ll be surprised to find many beginner trails that are great to learn on. The beginner trails at Breckenridge provide wide and flat runs so you can feel comfortable getting your “ski legs” under you.  

Where: Base of Peak 9

Lift: Quicksilver SuperChair 

Runs: Silverthorne, Lower Lehman & Frontier 

The Quicksilver SuperChair is made to service beginner riders and runs slower than other lifts. From here, the runs you access will be long and wide and at a low angle.  

If you’re not quite ready to get on a chairlift, there is a magic carpet lift and platter lift next to Quicksilver SuperChair for practicing your newfound skills.  

Where: Base of Peak 8

Lift: Rip’s Ride 

Run: Trygve’s 

This is a great learning area to start at as the run is shorter than the trails on Peak 9! There is also a magic carpet located next to Rip’s Ride if you aren’t quite ready for a chairlift.  

If you’re brand new to skiing, we always recommend taking a lesson to help learn the basics! You can sign up for group and private lessons via Breckenridge Ski Resort’s website.

Intermediate Trails: Blue

Intermediate skiers and riders will find a plethora of trails at Breckenridge that will even transition you into above tree line terrain, so you’ll be feeling like an expert in no time! Intermediate runs can be accessed from all base areas, so no matter where you are staying you can find a great trail.  

Where: Base of Peak 9  

Lift: Beaver Run SuperChair 

Runs: Gold King, Sundown, Columbia & Cashier 

Like the beginner trails on Peak 9, the intermediate trails are also wide and long, giving you plenty of space to perfect your turns and skills. From here, you can access the Mercury SuperChair and more intermediate runs without returning to the bottom of the mountain.  

Where: Base of Peak 7 

Lift: Independence SuperChair 

Runs: Claimjumper, Pioneer, Wirepatch, Angel’s Rest & Monte Cristo 

Peak 7 is an intermediate skier’s and rider’s dream as all the runs are intermediate, long and fun! With easy rollers on several runs, this is a great area to explore. From here, you can then take the new Freedom SuperChair so you don’t have to return to the base of the mountain. 

Where: Peak 6 (accessed from the base of Peak 7) 

Lift: Kensho SuperChair 

Runs: Bliss & Elysian Fields 

Peak 6 is the perfect opportunity to experience Breckenridge’s high-alpine terrain without getting on an expert run. From Independence SuperChair, take Zendo Chair to Kensho SuperChair. Here above the trees, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Make sure to look to your left where you can see frozen Lake Dillon and the expanse of mountains in Summit County. 

Advanced Trails: Black

Where: Base of Peak 10 (accessed from the bases of Peak 9) 

Lift: Falcon SuperChair 

Runs: Spitfire, Corsair, The Burn & Cimarron 

The terrain off Falcon SuperChair is exclusively expert terrain. You’ll find steep groomers, moguls and even glades. If you head all the way to looker’s left of the lift, you’ll find a few double black diamond runs as well.  

Where: Base of Peak 8  

Lift: 6-Chair 

Runs: Adios, Snowbirds, No Name & more 

Access 6-Chair by taking the Colorado SuperChair from the base of Peak 8 or the Peak 8 SuperConnect from Peak 9. The many runs off 6-Chair are advanced, but short so you can get in endless laps on a powder day. 

Lift: Horseshoe Bowl T-Bar 

Run: North Bowl 

Horsehoe Bowl T-Bar can be accessed via Peak 8 or Peak 7 and provides a great introduction to expert terrain in the high alpine. Head to the right when you get to the top to access this terrain, or you can access double black diamond runs in Horseshoe Bowl to the left.

Expert Trails: Double Black  

40% of Breckenridge’s terrain is above tree line, which means more expert and hike-to terrain. Please keep in mind this terrain is expert-only and be sure to only ski and ride in terrain where you have control.  

Where: Base of Peak 8 

Lift: Imperial SuperChair 

Runs: Imperial Bowl, Lake Chutes & Horseshoe Bowl 

Imperial SuperChair is the highest chairlift in North America sitting at 12,804 feet above sea level! From the top you have a choice to head left or right to wide open hike-to terrain, if you’re up for the challenge. 

Lift: E-Chair 

Runs: Windows, Purgatory, Devil’s Crotch 

These runs are tight, tree runs that all funnel down to a creek bed. You can access E-Chair via Peak 8 SuperConnect or the Colorado SuperChair. 

Where: Peak 6 

Lift: Kensho SuperChair 

Runs: Six Senses, Serenity Bowl & Beyond Bowl 

This hike-to terrain is well worth the journey! These are wide open runs featuring chutes, cliffs and endless lines.

Looking to Stay Ski-in/Ski-Out? 

Spend more time skiing and less time in line at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 or the Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Both of these full-service resorts offer the luxury of stepping directly onto the slopes and taking a lift up the mountain. With heated indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs plus adults-only grotto with steam room and sauna, you can soothe and refresh your body after a fully day on the mountain.

When to Ski Breckenridge For the Best Conditions

Breckenridge ski resort is typically in operation November thru May. If you’re looking for best the opportunity for powder days, January-March is considered peak season. Fair-weather skiers might find more enjoyable skiing conditions in April or May as the sun starts to heat up in the springtime.

Local Breckenridge Fun and Advice

If you or someone in your travelling party doesn’t want to try out the slopes, don’t fret. Breckenridge has plenty of non-skiing activities. The Best of Breck team is here to help!

FAQ

If you’re wanting deep snow, plan a trip around January, February, or March.

Peak 9 offers many green trails perfect for those new to the sport.

The town of Breckenridge sits at 9,600 ft above sea level. The highest peak of Breckenridge mountain is just under 13,000 feet.

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