Vacationing in Breckenridge, Colorado during the winter is extremely popular due to the seemingly endless list of outdoor activities. Nearly every other day the mountains are visited by a snow storm, covering the slopes with fresh powder for skiers and snowboarders. There is ice skating, snowmobiling, horse drawn sleigh rides, and even dogsledding.
The saying goes, ‘come to Colorado for the winter, but stay for the summer.’ Summertime boasts just as many activities, from wildflower hikes in the Rocky Mountains to whitewater rafting. The challenge is finding entertainment between these seasons. Our spring time is often referred to as mud season. This is when the ski resorts have shut down, the snow is still melting, and trails are not always accessible. Oh yeah, there is also plenty of mud from the runoff. If this is the case, there are still fun activities to be found in and near Breckenridge.
The Speakeasy Movie Theater may only offer one screen room / film at a time, but it has charm, which you can’t find in the large, corporate cinemas. The building was renovated into a small theater only a few years ago, so it has all the modern technology you could want without the crowds, long lines at the concession stand, or sticky theater floor. They even sell wine and beer inhouse!
Lakeside Bowl and Billiards in Dillon is a fun spot year round. The bowling alley has 16 lanes and 8 projectors, plus 3 pool tables, shuffleboard, and an arcade. They host parties, free poker tournaments, and every Tuesday is Locals’ Day, just $18 for an hour of bowling (up to 6 people per lane). Lakeside Bowl has a full bar and serves pizza, hot wings, salads, and wraps.
For another off-season activity option, visit the Summit Rock Gym, located in nearby Silverthorne. The gym is a nonprofit co-op, meaning it is run and cared for by its members. However, nonmembers are invited to join in on the open climbing sessions, held from 6-8 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Once the trails have cleared, there are many fun things to chose from. During the spring and summer, Snowcaps Sled Dogs offers yard, cart, and scooter tours. There are over 100 huskies howling hello when you approach the yard. Often there will also be litters of adorable puppies. The cart tour allows visitors to dog sled without snow. Sitting in a golf cart, you are pulled through the forest by an enthusiastic dog team. The scooter tour is outfitted with large, trail ready tires and a harness system for two of the huskies.
Biking is another spring and summer time favorite in Summit County. The mountains create a challenge for even the most experienced road cyclist but there are also paved biked paths that vary in level of difficulty. Going downhill from Copper to Frisco, the Ten Mile Creek and Path is a breeze. The Lake Dillon Bike Path from the Dillon Amphitheater to Frisco is paved and mostly flat. Although, on the opposite side of the lake is Swan Mountain and that section of the path is an intimidating climb.
If you are just starting to experiment with mountain biking, I would suggest Cucumber Gulch in Breckenridge. You can skip the uphill cycle by taking the gondola, then glide downhill and over the small catwalks with ease. From Breckenridge to Frisco is the Peaks Trail; it is 15.5 miles out and back. There are a few sections of this singletrack where you will have to petal up but the views are well worth the workout.
Summit County offers several exciting locations for the experienced, thrill-seeking mountain biker. Keystone Mountain has its ski slopes transform into a mountain biking park during the spring and summer. You will need protective equipment (ie. full face helmet and padded suit) and a bike with strong suspension for the steep, downhill singletracks and challenging features. For more info, check out the Keystone Bike Park page. The Frisco Adventure Park is also fun, with its pump track, slopestyle course, and dirt jumps. Just be sure to bike within your skill level.
Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting will be hitting the rapids starting April 29th! If you are looking to do some whitewater rafting, or would like more activity suggestions, give us a call at 877.RAFTING (877-723-8464).
