Breckenridge

Harmony of quality of life for residents and quality of place for visitors

Why visit Breckenridge

As a destination founded by hearty prospectors, our legacy lives on through a strong community of locals and visitors with a shared passion for adventure and the outdoors.
Breckenridge is a beautiful place, full of Rocky Mountain grandeur and year-round opportunities to experience it. We’re committed to keeping it that way. With sustainable values and practices that are easy for residents and visitors to embrace, we invite all who desire to see Breckenridge sustained for us and for future generations to help keep Breckenridge green and clean. Read further to find out about a green holiday in Breckenridge!

Destination’s sustainability performance

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Culture & Local Life

Breckenridge has a beautiful Victorian Main Street and one of the largest historic districts in Colorado. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance is charged with protecting the 21 historic landmarks and significant buildings and artifacts throughout town. The epicenter of the area is the Arts District where historic landmarks, public art, studios, galleries, and performace spaces come together to animate and populate a vibrant cultural corridor.

To celebrate the coming of snow, Breckenridge holds the annual Ullr Fest in early December, a nod to our Nordic ski heritage and to usher in the winter season with pomp and ceremony – Breckenridge style.

Getting there

No car, no problem. There are several shuttle companies that service Denver International Airport and Eagle Airport. From Denver, visitors can ride the Snowstang or Bustang to nearby Frisco, where the Summit Stage can then whisk you onwards to Breckenridge.

Once in Breckenridge, the FreeRide provides access to all major amenities, lodging areas, and ski areas. The majority of lodging and resort properties also offer shuttles for their guests and the Breckenridge Ski Area has a skier bus service as well.

 

Getting around

Tap into the mountain experience on foot, bike, shuttle, or public transit. Most trailheads are 1/4 mile from residential and resort areas. The Breckenridge FreeRide offers no cost transportation to most areas around town. The gondola provides free access to the ski base area and the center of town. Local lodging shuttles or the Breckenridge Trolly can help round out the trip so you never need to get behind the wheel.

GOOD BUSINESSES

Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

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SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

KNOW MORE
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

KNOW MORE
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE

Historic and cultural heritage

In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:

KNOW MORE
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE

Nature & Wildlife

Breckenridge is nestled in the Blue River Valley at 9,600 feet in elevation with surrounding peaks topping out at just over 13,000 feet. Depending the the elevation and time of year, visitors may encounter moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, bear, and mountain lions. Additionally, Breckenridge is home to one of the few high alpine fen wetlands which is now a protected area for wildlife, including the endangered Boreal Toad. Wildlife-human encounters is on the rise, so be sure to educate your self about proper wildlife behavior before visiting Breckenridge.

Sustainability

Breckenridge has embarked on a path toward smart living which includes commitments to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Recognized as a Sustainable Top 100 Destination for 2020, Breckenridge’s efforts include striving to be powered 100% by renewable energy by 2035, reducing carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, and providing immediate attainable housing for our vital workforce. The journey doesn’t end there as we learn, adapt, and become more resilient as a community.

Health and Safety

Shutdowns and quarantines have enhanced Americans’ desire to be outside in nature, and this upcoming winter will be no exception. Breckenridge has positioned itself above other winter destinations to safely welcome travellers looking to explore the outdoors with a variety of open-air and safe spaces to calm and restore the soul. Between the old-school charm, newly-expanded amenities, elevated safety protocols and welcoming atmosphere, travellers will feel good about adding Breckenridge to their short-list this winter.We’re focused on keeping all of those who love our town, both near and far, healthy and safe.

Breckenridge follows public health guidelines issued by the Colorado and Summit County departments of public health and include face coverings, reduced occupancy in restaurants and retail stores, improved safety regulations in lodging facilities, and small group tours, events, and gatherings.

Good Practice Story

Today, Breckenridge boasts a culturally rich and historically significant town and consistently ranks as one of the most visited ski resorts in North America. Centrally located 2-4 hours from major metro areas, Breckenridge experiences increased pressure from traffic and parking demands, truck deliveries, construction services, in-bound workforce commuters, and destination visitors. Combined with wayfinding challenges and lack of last mile connectivity, Transportation and mobility has become a central focus of our Destination Management Plan and our long-range SustainableBreck Plan (2022).
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Travel tips from our editors

Go carless

Going carless at 9,600 feet is a great way to get out from behind the wheel and tap into a mountain experience on foot, bike, shuttle or public transportation. The Town of Breckenridge has been hard at work increasing the walkability of our town with new LED lights, a re-designed Riverwalk pedestrian experience and heated sidewalks so that you can enjoy our beautiful town by foot.

 

Book ahead

Book ahead, remain flexible and know before you go at gobreck.com. Guests should expect that many activities will have adjustments to their operations in order to comply with public health ordinances and provide the safest experience possible. We recommend inquiring directly with activity providers prior to booking and prior to arrival to reserve your spot and get the most updated information on their safety procedures.

Keep hydrated

It sounds pretty simple, but drinking plenty lots of fluids is key at elevation. Try to drink twice the amount of water here as you would at home. It also helps to drink beverages with electrolytes to replenish lost minerals and vitamins. Pedialyte, coconut water and sports drinks with little sugar like Nuun tablets are great options and easy to pack. Avoid caffeinated beverages, alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks if possible. According to the Mayo Clinic, higher altitude accelerates dehydration. It may be challenging to drink fluids while traveling, but it does pay off. So, stop, drink some water and take in the view – you’re on vacation after all!

Take it easy

Adjusting to elevation can affect anyone, regardless of what sort of physical condition they’re in before arriving. Experts recommend taking it easy at least the first day at altitude, so extending your stay to 3-4 days will allow for more time to acclimate. If you’re booking activities ahead of time, be sure to plan the mellower stuff at the beginning of your trip. It’s hard not to hit the slopes or jump on a mountain bike on your first day, but don’t forget, there’s plenty to see and do that requires less physical activity. Explore Breckenridge’s historic Main Street, take a walking history or ghost tour, visit the Country Boy Mine or enjoy a relaxing spa day.

 

Don’t over-plan

Don’t over-plan. Some people require more downtime than others. Be sure to leave open mornings or afternoons for your group to split up or go solo and explore Breckenridge’s many parks, pubs, coffee shops and easy-to-access trails

The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance

The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance preserves unique historic resources in the Breckenridge area and connects residents and visitors to our past through inspiring interpretation of heritage sites and stories. Country Boy Mine offers a 1000ft glimpse of historic mining life as you have the opportunity to venture into a real gold mine or take the Gold Rush tour with live actors to learn more about living in the late 1800s. Join a guide and listen to tales of Breckenridge’s past – from bawdy saloons to lingering spirits – there’s a tour or museum for everyone.

Hike and Bike

Your green holiday in Breckenridge will not be complete without some hike and bike activities. Please read here for more information about Breck-Ready Hiking & Biking Guide – Exploring Colorado with Kindness & Care.

Volunteer Work

The Friends of Breckenridge Trails is a program designed to provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to participate in the upkeep of the fragile habitats, open spaces and trail systems unique to the Town of Breckenridge. Through volunteer efforts, Town open spaces, trails, historic sites and ecologically sensitive areas are maintained and restored, thereby creating fun opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

 

Sustainability Recognitions

Breckenridge was selected in the both the 2020 and 2021 Top 100 Sustainable Destinations competition: Green Destinations recently named Breckenridge as one of its Top 100 Sustainable Destinations, only one of three U.S. destinations named.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOP 100 COMPETITION HERE

In recent years, town officials ratified the first-ever Destination Management Plan to balance the quality of life for residents and quality of place for visitors. This set Breckenridge on a path to pursue global certification as a sustainable destination so that the Town’s sustainability initiatives are verified and community-wide efforts are measured against global criteria through the Mountain IDEAL standard.

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