A historic mining town in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, now a popular ski resort with 187 trails across five peaks. The Main Street preserves Victorian-era buildings from 1859.
Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. You can ski down Peak 8's powder bowls, bike the technical Moonstone Trail, or walk through the Victorian-era Main Street where craft breweries occupy 1880s buildings. The Imperial Express SuperChair takes you to 12,840 feet - North America's highest chairlift - while downtown, artists work in open studios creating ceramics and metalwork.
Getting to Breckenridge
United Airlines operates a Landline luxury bus service directly from Denver International Airport to Main Street. The 90-minute drive from Denver follows I-70 through the mountains. Once in town, the free hybrid bus system connects all major areas, including the ski resort base areas and residential neighborhoods. You won't need a car to explore the town or reach the slopes.
Skiing Across Five Mountain Peaks
Each of Breckenridge Ski Resort's five peaks has its own character across 2,908 acres. Start at Peak 8's base area with the ski school and rental facilities, plus runs for all abilities. Ride up to Peak 6's above-treeline bowls starting at 12,300 feet, or glide down Peak 7's mile-long intermediate runs. Peak 9's QuickSilver SuperChair leads to beginner-friendly green runs, while Peak 10's double-black diamond trails wind through steep glades. The Imperial Express SuperChair takes you to 12,840 feet - the highest chairlift in North America.
Summer Trails and Mountain Activities
Over 100 miles of marked trails cross the mountains. Hike the Spruce Creek Trail for 3 miles past abandoned mining equipment to reach Mohawk Lake at 12,000 feet. Mountain bikers can choose between the smooth berms of B-Line trail or tackle the roots and rocks on Moonstone Trail. In summer, an alpine slide drops 2,500 vertical feet, and a mountain coaster winds through 2,500 feet of track.
Main Street and Downtown Area
Eight blocks of 1880s buildings line Main Street, now home to more than 200 shops. Browse through The Mountain Goat Clothing Co, sample spirits at Breckenridge Distillery, or explore multiple art galleries. In the Breckenridge Arts District, you can watch artists create ceramics and metalwork in their studios. Stop at Blue River Plaza's benches to rest and view public art installations.
Year-Round Events and Festivals
Watch 16 teams transform 20-ton snow blocks into temporary art during January's International Snow Sculpture Championships. Join the three-day Ullr Fest with its Main Street parade, ice plunge pool, and bonfire. Listen to 40+ concerts at the riverside Riverwalk Center during summer's Breckenridge Music Festival. In September, catch independent films at venues including the 1880s Speakeasy Movie Theatre.
Mining History and Museums
The 1859 gold rush brought the first miners to Breckenridge, who extracted one million troy ounces from nearby streams and tunnels. Visit the Edwin Carter Museum in an 1875 log cabin where a miner-turned-naturalist preserved local wildlife specimens. At Country Boy Mine, you can enter an 1880s tunnel, see original equipment, and pan for gold in French Creek using traditional methods.
