BRECKENRIDGE

BRECKENRIDGE

Skiing, Eating and Merriment Among Meadows

Waiting for you at the base of the Tenmile Range within the Rocky Mountains is one of America’s most enduring holiday spots. Over the years, Breckenridge has beckoned me many times! A fan of both powder and blooming mountain meadows, I always oblige when I can find the time to sneak away during any month of the year. Anyone who has ever spent time in this charming Colorado locale will assure you that it’s a wonderful spot to visit even if you don’t ski or snowboard. My impression of Breckenridge is that it’s a very friendly, cheerful spot that retains just enough of that elegance you expect from a high-end, chalet-lined resort area. The many sightings of moose and elk are welcome surprises that create a nice balance to all of the great shopping and dining you can do in this little sliver of the Rockies. While a trip here requires at least a full weekend, I’ll try to run through the highlights of Breckenridge with some brevity.

GETTING TO BRECKENRIDGE If you’re flying into Colora- from Denver to Breckenridge, higher airfare rates. do to visit Breckenridge, keep an option like Peak 1 Express or You have a lot of freedom in mind that you’ll be a good Epic Mountain Express should to design the type of experi95 miles away from Brecken- be easy enough to arrange. This ence you want up there in the ridge’s slopes when you get is a popular enough route that Rockies. Some people prefer off the plane in Denver. That you certainly won’t struggle to the all-inclusive, highly social means looking into a rental car find a way to get from the air- experience you get by staying or shuttle to take a mountain port to your rental even though at a hotel-condo spot like The drive to your hotel or rental the drive can be almost two Village at Breckenridge. You’ll house. Alamo, Enterprise and hours. You’ll get just a little bit also find tons of private rentals Budget are on the list of 10 closer if you choose to fly into peppering passes within the rental companies that oper- Eagle/Vail Regional Airport in- Rockies that provide easy acate out of Denver’s airport. If stead. However, most people cess to the slopes if you’re planyou’re looking for someone to find that shaving off just 20 ning to get a rental car during drive you over the mountains miles isn’t usually worth the your visit.

SOME BRECKENRIDGE BACKGROUND

Founded by prospectors, Breckenridge stands today as a vacation goldmine. I’ll start with this Colorado town’s lovely downtown area. The fantastic thing about Breckenridge is that it’s only 7 miles by 2 miles in size. However, this mountain town’s picturesque downtown manages to squeeze in more than 100 restaurants and bars. Be sure to head to Fatty’s Pizzeria for some authentic Rocky Mountain pie when you’re in the mood to grab a pizza dinner with some pints. You’ll also be able to tap into the energy of Breckenridge if you dine at beloved spots like the Breckenridge Tap House, Hearthstone Restaurant or Relish. Stopping at La Francaise French Bakery for pastries and fresh coffee on your lazier days spent off the slopes is a tradition in Breckenridge. Just be prepared to wait in line if you show up on a weekend morning. It’s worth getting out downtown even if you’re pretty confident that your ski lodge or rental offers all you could want by way of entertainment. The contrast of snowcapped roofs and glowing storefronts on a Saturday night in December or January just before the crowds are about to hit the bars is something else!

RAISING YOUR PULSE ON THE POWDER: SKI HIGHLIGHTS IN BRECKENRIDGE Breckenridge comes across park also contains four terrain ber of spas and yoga studios as a low-key ski town. How- parks. Once inside the resort, just beyond the slopes. During ever, it has quite a few claims you can spend days skiing, warmer months, you can also to fame under its belt. For snowboarding, rock climbing, abandon skiing entirely for one, Breckenridge Ski Resort fly fishing and dog sledding. If guided rafting on the Colorado became home to the highest you feel more comfortable on River using a popular agency chairlift in North America solid footing, take advantage like Arkansas Valley Advenwhen it opened up the Imperi- of the hundreds of hiking trails tures. If you’d like a personal Express SuperChair back in surrounding Breckenridge. al tour of Breckenridge that 2005. This lift takes you an ex- If you come in the summer, shows off all that downtown traordinary 12,840 feet in the wildflower meadows and wa- has to offer while also highair to reach Peak 8. terfalls will make you forget lighting this mining town’s Breckenridge Ski Resort that this place is even famous mysterious past, Breckenridge boasts five peaks spread over for snow! Tours Ghostly Tales offers an more than 2,900 acres. The You’ll also find a good num- unforgettable time.

PLANNING A VISIT

TO BRECKENRIDGE It’s no mistake that many people consider Breckenridge to be the best skiing spot in all of Colorado. I think a big part of Breckenridge’s golden reputation also rests in the fact that non-skiing travel companions who get “dragged along” for the ride can also have complete, exciting vacations just by exploring a mix of downtown Breckenridge and surrounding trails. Don’t skip Breckenridge if you have an opportunity to get out to the Rockies any time of the year!