Breckenridge in January: Winter Vacation Guide

January in Breckenridge is filled with exciting events, beautiful weather and plenty of outdoor activities to keep the whole crew happy. If you like powder skiing, huge snow sculptures, endless sunshine and all things snow, a trip to Breckenridge in January is your ticket to nirvana this winter.

Breckenridge Weather in January

If it’s not snowing it’s usually sunny. That’s winter in Breckenridge.

Locals and visitors alike seem to love January in Breckenridge. Maybe it’s because the average snowfall for January is 20+ inches, or maybe its the great events after the holidays. By this point in the season, most of the in-bounds terrain is open and the skiing starts to get good–really good.

Of course, with all that snow, it can get chilly in Breckenridge in January. While January is typically the coldest month in the Rocky Mountains at around 29.6 degrees F, there is still plenty of sunshine, perfect for outdoor activities or strolling through historic Main Street. Just be sure to dress in layers and check the weather before you head out.

Things to do in January in Breckenridge

Live your Christmas caroling dreams and dash through the snow in a two-horse open sleigh while taking in draw-dropping views and forested scenery.

While skiing and snowboarding is a must do for many, Breckenridge is also home to boundless opportunities beyond the ski resort. Try snowmobiling, sledding at Carter Park, go on a scenic sleigh ride, embark on a guided dog sledding tour, or take in the views in a heated snowcat.  At this point in the season, you should expect that all winter activities are open.  There’s a lot to choose from and if you have your heart set on a specific activity, be sure to make advanced recommendations.  Explore our top 100 things to do this winter for ideas on how to spend your trip.

See the International Snow Sculpture Championships

This enchanting (and free!) festival brings the world’s best snow sculptures to Breckenridge to carve, chop, chisel, and smooth snow into other-worldly displays of art. Spanning between January 20-29, 2024, The International Snow Sculpture Championships Presented by Toyota are not to be missed!

Hike, Snowshoe or Cross-country Ski

Breckenridge’s hundreds of miles of trails are always open and are perfect for winter hiking or snowshoeing.  Hitting the trails never requires a reservation and can be accessed around your schedule.  Before heading out, be sure to follow know before you go principles, recreate responsibility, and follow leave no trace principles.   If you’re looking to snowshoe or cross-country ski, rentals are available around town and at both Nordic Centers.

Take a Guided Tour

One of the best ways to explore a new destination or try a new activity is with a guided adventure.  From cozy sleigh rides to exhilarating snowmobile tours, there’s a lot to choose from in Breckenridge.  Our biggest advice, make a reservation as availability is limited.

The top guided winter adventures in Breckenridge

• Scenic Snowcat Tour
• Sleigh Ride
• Dogsledding Tour
• Snowmobile Tour
• Guided Fly Fishing Clinics
• Cross-Country or Snowshoe Lessons
• UTV Tours
• Guided Backcountry Tours
• Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour
• Historic Tours
• Mine Tours, Treasure Hunts and Gold Panning

Want more ideas? Check out Winter activities and other Guided Adventures this January in Breckenridge.

Tips for Visiting January in Breckenridge

Don’t ski? Check out Breckenridge’s family-friendly winter activities.

Make sure you plan ahead for anything and everything during weekends and over the MLK weekend holiday. Breckenridge is close enough to Denver and Boulder to ensure that Saturdays and Sundays fill up with weekend warriors coming to hit the slopes. If you’re looking to save a little bit of money or avoid the crowds, try booking on a weekday instead, or extend your trip and save the skiing for Thursdays or Mondays.

Parking & Transportation

Our number one tip? Go carless! It’s easy to get to Breckenridge from Denver International Airport with mountain shuttles like Peak 1 Express, Epic Mountain Express and more. Once you’re here, take advantage of the free bus systems, Breckenridge Free Ride throughout town, Main Street Trolley and Summit Stage linking other towns in Summit County. Most hotels even have free shuttles to and from town. This will save you money and time, as parking fills up quickly in Breckenridge and almost everything in town is pay-to-park. We even have taxis, Uber and Lyft for door-to-door service if needed. If you need your car to get here, we recommend parking your car at the hotel or lodging property and walking, shuttling or busing to and from town.

Weather & Layers

It’s winter in Breckenridge so be prepared to dress in layers and waterproof gear. You’ll also want to bring sunglasses, googles and sunscreen because with 300 days of annual sunshine, you’re bound to catch more than a few rays. Know the forecast and when the next powder day is expected by checking the locals favorite weather forecasts, On the Snow and Open Snow.

Plan Ahead

January is one of the busiest times of the year so some of the most popular activities can sell out. Make reservations as far ahead as possible, especially for any guided tour that has limited space like dog sledding, snowmobiling and guided fly fishing tours.

If you’re going skiing or snowboarding, buy your lift tickets at least 7 days in advance for the biggest savings, pick-up rental gear the night before heading out and book any ski lessons online ahead of time. These tips will save you money and tons of time in the morning so you can get on the hill early.

If you’re looking to eat out, be sure to make dinner reservations well in advance of your trip. If you’re going to a restaurant that doesn’t take reservations, plan on putting your name down early and taking a stroll around town to grab some hot cocoa and take in the holiday lights on Main Street.