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
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
While skiing and snowboarding is a must do for many, Breckenridge is also home to endless 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 reservations.
Explore our top 100 things to do this winter for ideas on how to spend your trip.
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. If you’re looking to snowshoe or cross-country ski, rentals are available around town and at both Nordic Centers.
- Local’s Tip: Before heading out, be sure to learn and follow leave no trace principles to protect what we all love.
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.
Winter Guided Adventures in Breckenridge
- Scenic Snowcat Tour
- Sleigh Rides
- Dogsledding
- Snowmobiling
- Guided Fly Fishing Tours
- Cross-Country or Snowshoe Lessons and Rentals
- Guided Backcountry Tours
- Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour
- Historic Tours and Family-Friendly Museums
- Mine Tours, Treasure Hunts and Gold Panning
Want more ideas? Check out more winter activities and other snowy adventures for non-skiers this January in Breckenridge.
Indoor Activities for the Whole Family
Sometimes you just need a break from strolling historic Main Street and skiing the slopes. Breckenridge is home to tons of unique and fun activities, and not just outside. These top picks in Breckenridge are sure to leave everyone in your group feeling happy and rejuvenated.
- Local’s Tip: These are great activities for day 1 of your trip to acclimate to our high altitude and decompress from travel!
Relax and Unwind
If you’re looking to relax, book a yoga class, reset with a massage or facial, or unwind from a long day on the hill in one of Breckenridge’s best hot tubs!
BreckCreate
Get artsy and try something new with BreckCreate. Bring the whole family and try throwing your own pottery, making candles, glass blowing and more! Check the schedule for the lineup of activities and classes. Don’t miss their other events like concerts, open studios and shows too!
Escape Rooms
Seek clues, solve unique puzzles, answer questions and work together to try to escape from Escape Room Breckenridge and Mountain Time Escape Rooms. These all-age friendly rooms consist of stories, decorations and technology to immerse you in a fun game for all. You’ll have 60-minutes to complete each of your adventures! This is a great bonding activity for families, friends, date nights, bachelorette, bachelor or birthday parties, co-workers and teammates.
Eclipse Theater
Visit Breckenridge’s only movie theater, the Eclipse Theater (formerly the Speakeasy) to catch a flick year round! The Eclipse offers a variety of blockbuster, indie, classic, foreign, and outdoor films. Don’t forget to stock up on fresh popcorn and snacks, plus the adults can enjoy local beer and wine on tap.
Breckenridge Backstage Theater
The award-winning Backstage Theatre has been around since 1974, and it just keeps getting better and better. It has physically expanded with more seating and a larger lobby in which to mingle with cocktails (yes, they even sell specialty drinks to match various productions) before the show and during intermission. That means the Backstage can produce more complex musicals, comedies and dramas, with stunning sets and larger casts. Spacious, cushy seats allow guests to sit back and enjoy the shows in luxury. Check the schedule for upcoming productions.
Ready Paint Fire
Get creative and cozy up inside Breckenridge’s paint your own art studio! Enjoy fun projects like pottery and canvas painting, candle making, mosaic art, glass fusing and more! Guests can follow tutorials or let their imagination flow. Unwind and relax with a glass of wine or beer, or bring your own snacks to indulge while you craft. Ready Paint Fire is the perfect indoor activity for all ages for those who don’t want to ski or those who need to take a rest!
Breckenridge January Events
Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships
This enchanting (and free!) winter festival brings the world’s best snow sculptors to Breckenridge from around the world. Watch as 25-ton blocks or snow are carved, chopped, chiseled, and smoothed into intricate displays of art. Spanning between Jan 24 – Feb 03, The International Snow Sculpture Championships Presented by Toyota are not to be missed!
Tips for Visiting Breckenridge in January
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 do 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.
Check out our winter packing guide here!
Plan Ahead
January is one of the busiest times of the year and 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.
