Breckenridge, Colorado
By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com
When you picture a Colorado Rockies ski town, Breckenridge is a perfect example of the quaint village that you’re trying to conjure. In fact, one of the popular Breckenridge attractions is to take a 12-block walking tour of their picturesque, if small, downtown. A historic gold mining town of just over 2,000 people, they have over 250 buildings on the National Historic Register including the 1875 Carter Museum and Barn, thought to be the oldest museum in Colorado.
A view of Breckenridge at dusk. (Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group/Colorado Tourism Office).
But the 1800s buildings are not the main draw to this northwest Colorado town; it’s the skiing. Flanked by four peaks, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers 2,358 skiable acres to enjoy, with excellent conditions and enough variety to challenge even professional skiers.
As a high-alpine environment, Breckenridge Ski Resort receives over 300 inches of snow each year as well as over 1.5 million national and international skiers! Their Imperial Express Superchair, which opened during the 2005-2006 ski season, is the highest lift in North America, reaching a peak elevation of 12,840 feet.
Cross-country skiers, shoeshoers, fly fishers and even rafters will feel right at home in Breckenridge. The formerly gold-rich Blue River makes for a great place to practice water sports, and nearby Lake Dillion is a fun place to boat. For those of you who like to test your nerve, Jeep tours are available to take you to area ghost towns.
Ride the ski lift up to hiking trails in the summer for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. If hiking is not your thing, there’s plenty of cycling and golfing in the area as well. Summit County even has a paved bike trail system that connects with other nearby towns, but keep in mind that just because it’s paved doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy!
All this exercise will make you hungry, and Breckenridge restaurants are there to help. From seafood to Mexican, Italian to American, they will qualm those tummy rumblings and get you ready for your next adventure.
Breckenrige lodging has you covered, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway at a bed-and-breakfast, a luxurious ski trip with friends, or an affordable family trip.
Festivals such as the Ullr Fest, which celebrates the Nordic god of snow, and the annual music festival in the newly renovated Riverwalk Center entertain Breckenridge tourists year-round. Breckenrige is also home to a yearly film festival and 4th of July parade.
Take in the wildflowers of the summer or the powder snow in the winter just once, and we bet you’ll be back!
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No doubt Breckenridge is a great mountain town. There is always something to do and there are the other Summit County towns and ski areas within 20-30 minutes like Frisco, Dillon, Copper Mountain, Keystone. Each place has it’s own charm and style. I would check them all out while you’re there.
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