Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range, this Colorado town is best known for its world-class ski resort and Gold Rush history. A former mining town, this charming area features many colorfully painted buildings from the 1880s along its Main Street, housing shops, galleries, and restaurants frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Filled with Victorian-style architecture and dominated by a ski and snowboard culture, this mountain town is home to the famed Breckenridge Ski Resort, which features five peaks of terrain that span nearly 3,000 acres and boasts the highest chairlift by altitude in North America.
The town itself is a laid-back vacation hub, so you’ll find tons of eclectic boutiques and après-ski activity. Grab a cup of cocoa and relax fireside in one of the many cozy cafés or attend one of the many annual festivals that draw residents together. Summer days should not be discounted in Breckenridge—there are many warm-weather gatherings to enjoy here as well.
What to Love
- Lots of history and culture
- Beautiful Victorian-style buildings lining the town’s main strip
- Dominated by a ski and snowboard culture, this town is laid-back and fun
People & Lifestyle
This small 5.3-square mile town is home to a permanent population of only 4,500 residents, but during ski season, Breckenridge’s peak daily population can exceed 39,000. The vibe here is laid-back, but the amenities are very modern. An active nightlife and regular outdoor activity are priorities for residents of this town.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Dining options abound in Breckenridge, and many establishments offer outdoor seating so guests can people-watch and enjoy the mountain scenery. Local favorites include Ember Restaurant, which serves New American fare in a warmly decorated setting; Relish Restaurant, an airy eatery with mountain views and an inspired seasonal American menu that utilizes local game; and Hearthstone Restaurant, a historic home turned luxe eatery.
Things to Do
Breckenridge hosts a wide variety of annual festivals and events.
The Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships, hosted each January, features 16 teams from around the world, each of which hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into enormous, intricate works of art. Artists are only allowed to use hand tools, creativity, and inspiration to bring their ideas to life, and they sculpt for countless hours across five days. The resulting temporary outdoor art gallery draws a crowd to Breckenridge every year.
The Breckenridge Hogfest, a bourbon and bacon festival, offers a variety of pork samples, premium whiskeys, single malt scotches, and barrel-aged spirits, as well as live music and activities.
The largest Oktoberfest street party in the Rocky Mountains takes place in late September. Breckenridge Oktoberfest features more than 30 different genuine German food and beer vendors, Oompah dancers, and traditional polka music.
The Breckenridge Film Festival is considered one of the top 20 American film festivals and has introduced the world to films like Shawshank Redemption, L.A. Confidential, and Kung Fu Panda.
Schools
Breckenridge is home to many excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Breckenridge Elementary, K-5
