It can be confusing to know what you need to plan out before your trip vs what you can wing / find to do while you are here. Make the most of your time in Breckenridge with these expert trip-planning tips and tricks.
Know What to Plan Ahead of Time
Activities
Dogsledding is one of the most popular winter activities in Breckenridge.
When it comes to guided activities like guided fly fishing tours, dogsledding tours, snowmobling tours, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and other popular seasonal activities, it’s crucial to book in advance.
Guided activities book up first. They hold a limited number of spots and tend to fill up quick. Try and be flexible with dates and remember there’s typically more room on a weekday than on busier weekends. Mid-week has the most availability. For weekend and holiday bookings, try and call at least three weeks in advance. The exception is holidays. If you are coming around a holiday weekend book as soon you can to ensure your spot. Worried you waited too long? Don’t worry, just give the business a call. They can easily check bookings, suggest times and give you all the information you need on the activity.
HINT: Remember, many companies’ names sound the same and sometimes visitors show up at the wrong rafting company or bike rental location. Save your online reservation or take a screenshot for easy reference on your smartphone.
If you aren’t a planner, don’t worry. There are also a lot of awe-inspiring activities that don’t require reservations. Hiking, snowshoeing, biking, nordic skiing, skiing never fill up and are easy enough to take part in at a moments notice.
Local's Tip
Gear
If your group is here to ski, book gear rentals and purchase lift tickets online in advance to save money and time spent at counters and ticket windows. Ask about package deals on skis or boards, boots and helmets and inquire about group, student and military discounts on lift tickets. For the biggest savings, you’ll want to purchase your lift tickets 7 days or more in advance.
Hint: Arrange to pick up gear and lift tickets the night before so you can head straight to the slopes in the morning.
Kid and Pet Sitters
Take advantage of pint-sized adventures the whole family will love.
Traveling with children or pets? Breckenridge goes above and beyond to welcome pets and our kid-friendly restaurants and activities make us a top family destination year-round. Dog-sitting and walking services and trusted childcare are easy to source. Just be sure to book them in advance of arriving in Breckenridge.
Resort Sitters, Mountain Sitters, and Care.com are excellent resources. During the summer, the Breckenridge Recreation Center and Mountain Top Children’s Museum offers day camps. Mountain Top Children’s Museum also offers an evening Kid’s Night Out program year-round. If the kids are learning how to ski or snowboard, book your group or private lessons online for the lowest guaranteed price. Care.com and SitterCity.com are also popular ways to find local sitters.
For pet sitters, try Breckenridge Dog House (tip: they book up fast, so call ahead), Rover.com and Care.com for reliable help.
Transportation
For the smoothest travel to and from Denver International Airport, ditch the rental car and book a shuttle. Numerous shuttle companies transport you, your luggage and your gear from DIA to Breckenridge and back. They’re warm, safe and offer water and wifi for your journey. TripAdvisor or a quick Google search will help you find the best company.
Once in Breckenridge, it’s extremely easy to go carless.. Take advantage of the Free Ride town-wide transit system, the Main Street trolley, Lyft and Uber and hotel shuttle services. Find more tips on getting to Breckenridge and getting around once you’re here.
When you Get Here
Dress for the Climate
Breckenridge knows gear. If you are in the market for some new equipment, you’ll find a great selection in town.
Layers are key in the mountains no matter the season, so be sure to wear or carry a fleece, windbreaker or waterproof jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses, a reusable water bottle and maybe even gloves and some extra socks.
Don’t have what you need? Shop here. Breckenridge’s downtown retail district is lined with gear and rental stores. We even have a specialty sock shop, hat shop, multiple sunglass, goggle and helmet shops and all the big brands in skiwear and sun-protecting outerwear.
Plan Your Dining
Find worldly inspired cuisines, fresh take on culinary classics and plenty of craft beer and cocktails made from our local brewers.
Most restaurants in Breckenridge don’t take reservations. The exception? Many of the higher-end establishments now take reservations through OpenTable.com. A handful of Breckenridge restaurants offer special event spaces that can be reserved for large groups and private gatherings.
If the restaurant of your choice doesn’t accept reservations, don’t fret—show up early, put your name on the list and then stroll and shop historic downtown Breckenridge while you wait to be beeped or texted.
There are also numerous grocery and catering service companies here for easy-button stay-in dining.
Local's Tip
Embrace The Spirit
BLike Breckenridge™️ is a movement born of the spirit of our historic mountain town for those who call it home—whether for a weekend or a lifetime—to live by. It is a cause that connects us to each other, that we can all be a part of.