What to Know When Visiting Breckenridge
Activities
Shutdowns and quarantines have enhanced Americans’ desire to be outside in nature. You should expect to encounter more people than usual while you’re out enjoying nature. Use our trip planning tips to maximize the fun on your trip.
5 Tips For Planning Activities During Your Trip
- Make Reservations Before Your Arrive – Many activities have adjusted or reduced operations due to staffing levels. We highly recommend booking guided activities prior to your arrival.
- Weekdays > Weekends – Peak times (Saturdays, Sundays and holiday weekends) are when town, restaurants, parking lots, hiking trails and activities are going to be busiest. If you have the flexibility, we recommended planning your trip so that the bulk of it falls midweek. That way, you’ll enjoy more space to roam in-town and on the trails.
- Timing is Everything – Become a morning person on your visit to beat the average Joe to the trailhead. An early morning start will give you more space and solitude on the trails.
- Skip The Car – Around here, we say “No car, No Problem!” Breckenridge is easy to get around on foot, and thanks to our wide variety of community transportation options, it’s easy to get to planned activities and hiking trails via bus, trolley or shuttle. Learn more about going carless in Breckenridge.
- Always Follow Leave No Trace principles – Protecting what we love is more important than ever when heading outdoors. Help us make the outdoors a welcoming environment for everyone by following Leave No Trace principles and being respectful of others while out exploring.
Local's Tip
Members of Colorado’s backcountry winter sports community expect to see an increase in backcountry usage this winter. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) encourages all interested in backcountry recreation to check the forecast and take a field based avalanche course before heading into the backcountry. Your decisions can impact your safety and the safety of those around you.
Dining
While restaurants are open to full capacity, many are dealing with significant staffing shortages. This can result in longer than anticipated wait times to be seated at restaurants and slower meal service as kitchen staff attempts to keep up. Until our restaurants can get caught up, you can help us by planning ahead and showing kindness whenever possible.
5 Tips For Dining Out
- Make dining reservations whenever possible – if unavailable, put your name down early and expect a wait.
- Dine a little earlier or later than usual to avoid the busiest times.
- Head to the restaurant knowing you’ll likely experience a wait before getting seated.
- Explore off the beaten path bars and restaurants in Breckenridge.
- Embrace take-out options. Many restaurants are also offering outdoor dining options. Curbside & dining-to-to options are widely available. FREE 10-minute pick-up parking spots have been added around town to make picking up your food/online purchase easy and convenient.
Outdoor Dining Options
Several restaurants offer creative and comfortable winter outdoor dining experiences with cabanas, yurts, and snow globes. Most are heated, but we recommend dressing in winter gear for the most enjoyable experience. Make a reservation or call ahead to confirm availability.
Local's Tip
Events
Many festivals & events have adjusted operations to comply with evolving public health orders. It’ll be important to regularly check our festival and events calendar for updates on what to expect during the winter event season. We’re excited to bring back events and thank you for your patience as we reimagine ways to celebrate together again.
Help Us Celebrate By Using These Resources
- The Festivals & Events Calendar will have the most updated information on upcoming events. All scheduled events are subject to change to comply with state and county public health orders. Guests should check frequently for updates from the event producer.
- Explore art workshops, yoga classes and daily activities by browsing our community calendar.
Local's Tip
Transportation
Getting to and around Breckenridge is easy and convenient, due to plenty of transportation options and our easily walkable town. Breckenridge’s shuttle and transportation systems will help any visitor make the most of their trip. Just remember, Masks are still required on public transportation in Summit County at this time.
4 Ways To Go Carless During Your Trip
- Book an airport shuttle to easily get from DIA to Breckenridge.
- Use the FreeRide map to find community transportation near your lodging to get to town and the slopes.
- Choose guided activities that offer free shuttle service transportation.
- Walk to hiking trails near your lodging by using the GPS feature on AllTrails, Google Maps & COTREX.
FAQs
Answers To The Most Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current COVID-19 restrictions in place in Breckenridge?
On Dec. 29, 2021, Summit County Public Health issued a countywide indoor mask mandate for all individuals in public areas, regardless of vaccination status. The mask mandate applies to all indoor spaces, such as public facilities, businesses, restaurants and other common spaces. Learn more at gobreck.com/trip-ideas/what-to-know.
I’m vaccinated. Do I still have to wear a mask?
Yes, facial coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
Do my kids have to wear a mask?
Summit County is requiring that children ages 2 and older wear masks when indoors.
Are there any exceptions to the mask mandate?
Specific exceptions include: while a person is actively eating or drinking, certain medical conditions, etc. Read the complete announcement at summitcountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=875
Do I have to wear a mask in a restaurant?
Yes, you are expected to wear a mask while in a restaurant, including when you’re walking around, ordering and speaking to your server, and when not actively eating and drinking.
Will masks be provided?
Many Breckenridge businesses are providing disposable face masks free of charge, whenever possible. Additionally, many businesses have reusable face masks for sale.
Do I have to wear a mask while walking around downtown (outdoors)?
No. At this point in time, masks are only required for indoor public spaces.
Do I have to wear a mask on the bus or gondola?
Yes. Face coverings are required on all public transportation options, including the BreckFree Ride, Summit Stage and BreckConnect Gondola.
What will happen if I refuse to wear a mask?
While this may not be the case where you are from, we ask that you PLEASE respect local protocols while in town. All Breckenridge businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask or facial covering.
Why did Summit County issue a mask mandate?
Summit County Public Health reinstated the mask mandate following an Emergency Board of Health meeting. The recent surge in COVID19 cases has rippled through Breckenridge, causing critical staffing shortages for local businesses during the busiest time of year. Masking is one of the most effective ways to protect the workforce and help control the spread in busy, indoor settings. Read the current update at summitcountyco.gov and the current public health order here.
When does the mask mandate expire?
The mandate will expire on Jan. 31, 2022 and will be reevaluated at that time.
Is there anything going on for New Years Eve?
There will be a NYE Torchlight Parade & Glowworm Parade at Breckenridge Ski Resort on Peak 9 on Dec. 31. The Glowworm Parade starts at 5 pm and children with the ability to ski a green run are welcome to participate. Meet at Beaver Run Children’s Ski School to join the parade. The Torchlight Parade starts at 6 pm and will be led by the professionals of the Breck Ski & Snowboard School.
Breckenridge has no official plans for an indoor NYE celebration. We are encouraging all guests and residents to celebrate responsibly by wearing a mask indoors and limiting the size of personal gatherings.
What else can I do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Individuals are encouraged to exercise personal responsibility to help limit the spread of the virus, particularly while testing, vaccination, and hospital resources are being strained by the increase in cases. Individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones by wearing a mask, avoiding gatherings, washing hands, staying home when sick and getting tested.
Where can I get the vaccine/ booster?
Individuals who have not yet received the booster are encouraged to check the Summit County website at summitvaccine.com for information on upcoming clinics. If appointments are not available online in advance, individuals are encouraged to walk-up and see if they can get a same day appointment.
What do I do if I am displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed?
If you recently had close contact with someone who has COVID and you are vaccinated, get tested and wear a face covering. If you are not vaccinated you must quarantine. For a list of Summit County COVID-19 testing locations and more information on what to do if you suspect you have COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 visit https://www.summitcountyco.gov/1324/Testing
In most parts of the country, winter’s cooler temps is an excuse to stay inside. Not here, a fresh blanket of snow provides breathtaking scenery and lights a passion to get outside.
TOP 10 WINTER ACTIVITIES IN BRECKENRIDGE
2. Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing
3. Sledding
4. Dog Sledding
5. Snowmobiling
6. Fat Biking
7. Sleigh Rides
9. Shopping Historic Main Street
All lifts and the gondola are currently closed. The gondola will reopen on November 12 in conjunction with Breckenridge Ski Resort’s winter operations.
With hundreds of miles of trails in the area, it’s easy to find wide-open spaces. Use our guide to find the perfect hiking trail for your group or explore local trails on COTREX or AllTrails. If you’re using these top apps to find a trail, we encourage you to scroll beyond the top 10 list to find less-trafficked options. Don’t forget, you can explore great hikes in proximity to your lodging by using the GPS Hikes Near Me feature for every app!
Breckenridge’s most popular festivals and events are back with changes to comply with state and county public health orders. Here’s the list of upcoming winter events!
Here’s how to find the Breckenridge Troll. The page should answer all your questions.
All lifts and the gondola are currently closed. The gondola will reopen on November 12 in conjunction with Breckenridge Ski Resort’s winter operations.
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