group of women enjoying some drinks by the fire
group of women enjoying some drinks by the fire

Breckenridge Winter Activities + Cozy Après Pairings

Design your dream winter day in Breckenridge. And then play out the perfect evening soaking up our sweet mountain town ambiance and making memories with your favorite people. Pair a snowy adventure with a corresponding après offering. Get the full balanced Breckenridge winter experience with these playful, experiential itineraries.

 

For the Dog Lover

Winter dog sledding in Breckenridge.

Get your husky fix at Good Times Adventures.

Play: A wintertime must for any animal and nature lover, dog sledding in Breckenridge means a team of smiling Siberian huskies whisking you through pristine forests and fluffy snow-loaded backcountry trails. Arrive early for some quality pup cuddle time and snap selfies with the friendly furry crew.

Après: Cozy up to afternoon pints at pup-focused Broken Compass. The locally born and loved brewery boasts two taprooms and delicious brews that include a rich coconut porter and a juicy hazy IPA. With a slogan like “Drink Beer. Pet Dogs.” you know you’re in the right place for a tail-waggin’ good time. Seek out more dog-friendly Breckenridge spots — we’re full of them!

 

For the Woodsy Wanderer

Snowshoeing in Breckenridge

Explore Breckenridge’s hundreds of miles of trails year-round!

Play: Trek to historic mining ruins, explore deep forests with no one else in sight and cloak yourself in the most serene quiet you’ve ever experienced. Snowshoeing is a beautiful way to travel around Breckenridge. If you like hiking in the summer, you’ll love snowshoeing in the winter. Visit local Nordic centers for groomed trails or explore hundreds of miles of ungroomed mountain paths.

Après: After your snowshoe adventure (a great cardio and full-body workout, by the way!), you’ll need sustenance. Stick with the off-the-beaten-path theme and head to the peaceful low-key loft at Breckenridge Cheese & Chocolate down adorable Ridge Street Alley. Share a cheese plate and savor a decadent chocolate and wine pairing.

 

For the Ski Bunny

Aurum restaurant in Breckenridge

Aurum offers happy hour and dinner in a quaint, cozy setting.

Play: Challenge yourself to ski all five peaks at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Make your way from Peak 6’s high-alpine intermediate snow-loaded bowls all the way over to the steep glades and groomed rippers on Peak 10. Your legs will scream with joy when you check off this local rite of passage bucket-list ski day.

Après: Swap ski boots for furry snow boots and tuck into winter sangria and housemade spiked cider at Aurum or the best of old world Italy at Radicato. You deserve a treat after that epic day on the slopes.

 

For the Art Enthusiast

Breckenridge Art District

Explore the Arts District’s installations, studios, classes and more!

Play: Thanks to a burgeoning arts district and inspired and engaged community leaders, Breckenridge is chock-full of public art, performances and hands-on workshops. Take a self-guided walking tour of Breck’s incredible public art collection and then catch a lively Backstage Theatre performance.

Après: Slide into an intimate booth at Blue River Bistro for live jazz and blues alongside hand-shaken martinis or seek out Ember’s upscale international menu for an artistic culinary display you won’t soon forget.

 

For the Kid at Heart

Sledding in Breckenridge

Breckenridge offers two sledding hills, Carter Park and Runway hill.

Play: There’s nothing like squealing down a snowy hill on a crisp winter day in Breckenridge. Sledding is a timeless (free!) family favorite around here. Grab a saucer or toboggan and head to one of Breckenridge’s free sledding hills.

Après: Keep the giggles and wonder flowing at Mountain Top Explorium where kiddos’ imaginations run wild through hands-on crafts, dress-up and building activities. Afterward, skip across the street for pizza, wings and arcade games at Downstairs at Eric’s.

 

For the Solitude Seeker

Family cross country skiing with dogs in Breckenridge

Take in the views on Boreas Pass in Breckenridge.

Play: Click into some skinny skis and glide across groomed trails at the Gold Run Nordic Center or rent skis and discover one of our favorite away-from-it-all trails for winter solitude.

Après: Duck into the Myla Rose Saloon inside the cozy Lodge by The Blue just south of town in Blue River. Take in incredible mountain views while enjoying stuffed mushrooms, cheese curds and local brews.

By Lisa Blake
The Breckenridge Tourism Office works to enhance and promote the unique character and experience of Breckenridge as a world-renowned destination resort and to represent, serve and perpetuate the common interest and character of its membership and community. Lisa Blake is a regular contributor. The Breckenridge-based freelance writer, editor and mom enjoys researching and sharing stories on health, wellness, dining and the outdoors. Find her work in Breckenridge Magazine, The Purist, 5280.com, and at lisablakecreative.com.
downtown Breckenridge at dusk
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