It's easy to see why people visit and never leave
Known affectionately to the locals as “Breck”, Breckenridge is a beautiful, two-part beast of a ski town. There’s the historic town and colourful Main Street with a rich gold mining past and a wealth of quaint shops and restaurants, then there’s the ski resort above with five impressive peaks and some of the biggest snowfall statistics in North America.
Here are 7 reasons you need to add Colorado’s much loved and more authentic ski destination to your next ski trip.
1. The annual Ullr Fest. Every year for four days in January, the town of Breckenridge descends upon Main Street to celebrate the Nordic god of snow with the biggest bonfire in town. Add the Ullr Parade and expect to laugh at the street floats with men in hot tubs and skiers hitting jumps on Main Street. Add the world’s longest shot ski, an ice plunge, film festival and ice skating party. In 2018 the festival is celebrating 55 years, so it’s going to be a big one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihX38uOxAus
2. The 5 unique mountain peaks. Breck isn’t just one peak, it’s four peaks with 2908 skiable acres and over 1000 metres of vertical rise. Terrain is dedicated 11% to beginner, 31% to intermediate and 24% advanced then 34% expert. Head up to Pika and Ptarmigan or to Horseshoe and Cucumber for wide open bowls and stunning vistas or hit up the glades at The Burn.
3. Hello shopping! Did someone say Coach? Calvin Klein? The Outlets at Silverthorne are a quick 15 minute drive or bus down the road from Breckenridge, and have your name on them.
4. Getting around is free. Catch the Summit Stage bus system between Breckenridge and Frisco to fuel up with the best Wholefoods in Colorado, or, try out nearby Keystone Resort and the legendary local’s favorite Arapahoe Basin within a 30 minute drive. Content to stay in town? The free Breck Connect gondola transports people from Breckenridge down town to the base of Peak 7 and 8.
5. The oldest museum in Colorado. Mister Edwin Carter came to Breckenridge in search of a fortune of gold in 1868. Upon arrival, and devastated by the environmental impact that mining had left, he changed his gold tune and focused on the wildlife. You’ll find his collection of wildlife specimens and more in his log cabin at the Edwin Carter Discovery Centre a block from Main Street.
6. Over 200 restaurants and bars lining an authentic Victorian Main Street. We lost count of how many places there are to chow down and imbibe in Breckenridge. From on mountain dining at the ski in ski out T Bar or Sevens to the world’s highest distillery using pristine Rocky Mountain snowmelt to create Breckenridge Whiskey. Try Breckenridge Brewery for craft beers and the Blue Moose for American breakfasts.
7. Adventure in the 10th Mountain Division Huts. Fancy a night in a backcountry hut with some ski touring thrown in? Breckenridge has access to a series of huts including log cabins with saunas accessed by ski touring. Names after the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army who, during WWII, used these huts for training.
