It’s Spring Break!
Wondering where to take your spring break vacation this year? If you are looking for a destination with a little bit of everything: adventure, relaxation, delicious food and drinks, and extreme sports alongside arts and culture opportunities, we suggest Breckenridge! This beautiful mountain destination will have you wanting to return in every season, not just spring.
How to Prepare Yourself
Depending on the day, Breckenridge spring weather can give you a taste of both winter and summer, with opportunities to experience Colorado’s varying weather.
Our Spring Tips:
- Pack layers: The weather can be cold, especially at night, with highs between 30 and 50 degrees yet warm on the mountain during the day
- Don’t forget sunscreen: spring in Breckenridge can bring some of the best snow yet also the brightest sunshine, and the high altitude means even more sun through the mountains!
- Plan ahead: from making lodging reservations to booking lift tickets, act quickly to make sure you get the best locations and deals
The town of Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet above sea level, rendering plenty of stunning views and opportunities to shred mountaintop slopes.
For those visiting from out of state or lower elevation, this high altitude should additionally be something to consider and prepare for!
To Prevent Altitude Sickness:
- Stay hydrated
- Fuel yourself properly
- Rest and adventure slowly
- Avoid alcohol
With the high altitude in mind, it is important to monitor how you are feeling, and if you experience any headache, nausea, or fatigue, rest and drink plenty of water, especially if you are planning to head to even higher altitudes.
Outdoor Activities
1. Spring Skiing
The first, and perhaps most obvious, spring activity we recommend is spring skiing! Spring skiing means bluebird days, soft turns, and some of the warmest weather. With its Five Peaks and 187 trails, Breckenridge resort has some of the best skiing opportunities in the country, and beginners and experts alike flock to Breckenridge to send it!
To Know Before You Go:
- Make sure you book your lift tickets in advance, as they are limited and lines can be long.
- All Five Peaks will be open through April 16th—after this date, the lifts for Peaks 6,7, and 8 may be slightly more limited.
- Be sure to check out the lift and terrain status before your trip, as well as updated snow and weather reports.
- Reserve your ski or snowboard rentals online to get the best deals and minimize stress! Breckenridge Ski & Sport has ski and snowboard rentals for all ages, and you can book as soon as you know the dates of your spring break vacation in Breckenridge.
Terrain Parks
In addition to Breckenridge’s regular runs from beginner to advanced, Breck also offers multiple terrain parks!
Come spring skiing, you might feel yourself itching for a new challenge or adventure, and luckily, Breckenridge has three terrain parks for you to choose from to take your skills to the next level!
Breckenridge also has a history of gnarly terrain parks, as it previously hosted the extreme sports circuit, Dew Tour. Read more about how to choose your Breckenridge park, stay safe, and have fun!
2. Dog Sledding
Looking for other outdoor activities to guide your spring vacation? Don’t worry, Breckenridge still has plenty to choose from! Hitch a ride from Huskies on a sled dog adventure with Good Times Adventure through the beautiful Swan River Valley. Over the course of 6 miles of trail, participants get to run the dogs, ride in the sled, and in a sleigh with the guide.
3. Adventures at the Breckenridge Nordic Center
The Breckenridge Nordic Center offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowcat adventures with opportunities for lessons for all ages. Guests can also take advantage of their lodge right on Peak 8 and enjoy food, drinks, and live music around a warm fireplace.
4. Sledding
For kids and adults, Breckenridge has trails specifically for sledding! Visitors can check out the free sledding hills at Carter Park or Runway sledding hill, or try out extreme sledding at Country Boy Mine. Here, risk takers ride a 1km trail of downhill speed track. The city of Breckenridge even offers a free sled shed near Runway Park for sledders to pick up (and return) a sled for use!
5. Fat Tire Biking
In snowy months, visitors can also try out fat-tire biking. This sport involves riding bikes with large tires over snow-packed trails.
Bikes can be hardtails (only front suspension) or full-suspension bikes, but no matter the bike, this activity allows you to get in some heart-pumping exercise and experience Colorado’s snowy beauty.
Watch a video here! In Breckenridge, visitors can participate in a fat biking tour or rent bikes at the Gold Run Nordic Center or check out trails on your own.
6. Every Other Form of Biking!
In warmer weather, trail mountain biking, downhill biking, or biking on town paths are also great adventures to try! On your spring break in Breckenridge, rent hard-tail, full suspension mountain bikes, e-bikes, cruisers, or gravel bikes for the whole family!
Check out a variety of dirt trails and paths in Breckenridge or search TrailForks to find your own. If you are a beginner biker or simply interested in learning more, read about the difference in mountain bike types or our favorite gravel rides near Breckenridge.
7. Hiking
Perhaps the easiest warmer weather activity is spring hiking! Located in the Ten Mile Range, the Breckenridge area boasts tremendous trails and views.
Some of our favorites include:
Be sure to download and check out AllTrails to discover the biggest peaks and hidden trails in the area.
In Town
If you’re looking for a break from the elements or to explore the cultural aspects of Breckenridge, make your way over to Breckenridge’s Main Street and downtown area.
Glimmers of History
Not only does Breckenridge boast a plethora of outdoor opportunities, but the town has a rich history dating back to its mining days.
- Stop in the Welcome Center Museum to learn more about the origins of this mountain town.
- Check out the Barney Ford Museum to learn about Ford’s role in the civil rights movement and his impact on early Breckenridge.
Other local activities we recommend:
- Mining tours and gold panning at the Country Boy Mine
- Ice Skating
- Massage or spa day at Harmony Health Massage or The Spa at Breckenridge
- Visit unique shops such as Peek a Boo and the Candy Factory, or check out a full list of Breckenridge shops
Breckenridge Arts
Breckenridge also has a vibrant arts scene, centralized in the Breckenridge Arts District. Breckenridge Creative Arts, a nonprofit founded in 2014, promotes the ongoing arts and culture scene in Breckenridge through creative opportunities in design, film, visual arts, history, museums, and the culinary arts.
BCA seeks to strengthen and support art in connection with local and mountain community.
During your spring break in Breckenridge:
- Wander around galleries
- Catch a production at The Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
- Take an arts class or workshop
- Or check out even more spring arts events.
Trolling for More Adventure?
We additionally recommend paying a visit to Isak Heartstone or “The Breckenridge Troll”—a 15-foot-tall sculpture made out of recycled materials.
Visitors can find this wooden landmark by artist Thomas Dambo on the Trollstigen Trail near the Stephen C. West Ice Arena.
Breckenridge’s very own troll represents one of 40 worldwide! Check out the troll treasure map to find the others located around the world, including in Belgium, Denmark, or Germany.
Getting Around
1.Breckenridge’s free ride bus
This makes getting around easy, affordable, and environmentally friendly! The bus runs year round and has two attached bike racks for those looking to head directly to the trails.
This bus connects multiple locations within Summit County, including Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Keystone through a free regional bus system.
3. Shuttles through your hotel or condo
Many lodging accommodations offer complimentary shuttle services, so be sure to check if this is an amenity offered by your accommodations!
4. Walking and biking!
The town is additionally very walkable and has many bike lanes that make getting around on your spring break in Breckenridge easy and affordable.
If you are travelling to Breckenridge from Denver or the Front Range, our partner, Peak 1 Express, offers door-to-door shuttle services from Denver International Airport to Summit County! Once in Breckenridge, visitors can take advantage of hourly services for local travel.
Lodging and Camping
Breckenridge hosts many unique lodging opportunities in addition to Airbnb and hotels. Here are a few of our picks:
In downtown Breckenridge, stay at Gravity Haus or easy access to Main Street and skiing. This hotel also boasts a sauna, soaking tubs, and even a super trampoline!
Choose One Ski Hill Place for a luxurious lodging experience at the base of Peak 8. One Ski Hill hosts ski in and out condos just off Breckenridge’s gondola for easy access into the rest of the resort and downtown. This lodging also offers a hot tub, spa, bowling alley, and movie lounge.
3.Camping
If the weather is warm enough or you are brave enough, Breckenridge also offers in the surrounding area with a variety of tent and RV sites and accompanying features.
Tiger Run Resort RV Park is also a luxury campground open year-round with opportunities for road-trippers to park an RV, do laundry, and even soak in a hot tub.
Check out some more of our recommendations for camping in Summit County and experience spring break in Breckenridge from the great outdoors!
Food and Drink
Breckenridge has many options when it comes time to choose a restaurant during your stay! We especially love:
Piante Pizzeria serves delicious pizza options—all plant-based and vegan. The name Piante is even Italian for plants! They also seek to create a more sustainable dining experience, collaborating with local markets, breweries, and wineries to serve dishes with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
According to owner and chef, Jason Goldstein, all that was missing from the Breckenridge food scene was a vegan restaurant, so he and his wife changed that, bringing their culinary expertise from New York City to Breckenridge!
Hearthstone specializes in a fine dine experience, serving naturally raised meats and local Colorado produce. Their lengthy menu also included many gluten free options, as well as a variety of desserts, wines, and happy hour specials.
3. Après
If you’re looking for an elegant bar with plenty of options, we suggest Après serves craft beer, whiskey, and cocktails made mostly from scratch and their own bitters.
They proudly host 28 rotating beers on tap, as well as local craft sodas! This bar is also unique in that they allow you to order food from any Breckenridge location or bring your own to the bar.
4. Cecilia’s Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
Cecilia’s is known for dancing and both its charming bar area, as well as its nightclub that hosts live performers. It has three different bar areas with plenty of space for mingling, intimate conversation, and late-night dancing.
The bar also serves elegant martinis and cocktails and boasts a large happy hour menu!
Still hungry? Check out our earlier blog post for 11 more must try restaurants!
Spring Weather
Spring break weather in Breckenridge can vary drastically throughout your stay or even throughout the day. Here are the top trends for each spring month:
March
- Daily highs average 35 degrees but can reach into the 40s.
- Lots of snowfall
- Longer days after Daylight Saving Time in March’s second week
April
- Average high is almost 45 degrees
- Expect snow but a bit slushier than the winter months
- April in Breckenridge can be one of the highest months of precipitation!
May
- Average high of 50 degrees
- Can be quite rainy.
- Bright and warm sunshine when the sun does shine!
Events
The town hosts a plethora of local events ranging from theatre performances, live music, and historical tours. Check out the calendar to find out what is happening during your spring break in Breckenridge!
Day Trips
There are multiple options for exciting day trips during your spring break in Breckenridge! Check out our recent post on mountain towns in the area worth experiencing. In addition to this list, we recommend Buena Vista, Leadville, and Georgetown.
Buena Vista
Located one hour south of Breckenridge, Buena Vista offers plenty of outdoor opportunities in a reflection of its name—a translation of “good view” from Spanish. The stunning Arkansas River flows through the town, with the Collegiate Peaks framing the area in a remarkable backdrop. In Buena Vista, visitors can:
1.Experience an Outdoor Adventure!
In the later and warmer spring months, visitors can undertake rafting, ziplining, or a via ferrata adventure. Buena Vista’s location on the Arkansas River also provides ample opportunities for fishing and hiking!
2. Relax in the Cottonwood hot spring
This hot spring provides visitors access to geothermal pools and a sauna!
3. Visit St. Elmo
This mining ghost town, located near Buena Vista, was abandoned in the 1950s. The town reached a population of 2000 during its early days, yet local lore says that the entire town boarded the last train, never to look back on its fully constructed buildings or residents’ possessions.
Leadville
Less than one hour from Breckenridge, Leadville, Colorado is the highest city in North America and offers more opportunities to experience nature and Colorado’s remarkable scenery! In the area, we visitors can:
1. Conquer Mt. Elbert
Those looking for a challenge can take on Mt. Elbert—a 14er and the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains. This hike takes you through the San Isabel National Forest with 4,500 feet change in elevation.
2. Adventure Outdoors in all Seasons
In colder weather, Leadville also hosts ice fishing, Nordic skiing, and ice skating
3. Visit the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
Visitors can learn about the mining history of one of the West’s original mining towns!
Georgetown
Drive only 45 minutes to Georgetown, Colorado to experience one of the original silver mining towns in Colorado and the West.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad opens April 8th and takes riders on a scenic tour of the Rocky Mountains on a historic train fueled by recycled waste and corn oil.
Visitors can experience Georgetown’s history as an original silver mining town and tour a mine. The town also hosts the Georgetown Energy Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of hydroelectric power—witnessing it in current use as well as viewing its original parts and machines.
From skiing, to sledding, to exploring local trails and the arts and culture scene, Breckenridge and its surrounding areas have plenty of adventures for a perfect spring break destination. We cannot wait for you to pay a visit to this exciting mountain town and experience the best of Colorado’s outdoor adventure, history, and culture!
Written by Rosa Canales, Marketing Specialist
