Breckenridge is a winter wonderland, often until late in April. If you have come for your ski vacation, but feel like you need a change of pace, there are plenty of other options available.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to experience the beauty that Breckenridge has to offer. You can get deep into the woods, enjoy new views, and even encounter wildlife. If you are new to snowshoeing, you may want to start with a guided hike. You can schedule a guided snowshoe hike at Breckenridge Nordic Center. Or, if you prefer to take off on your own, their trails are well marked. The Nordic Center has snowshoes and poles available for rent at the lodge. Using these trails also requires a trail pass. You can also find snowshoe rentals at most ski and sport shops throughout Breckenridge. There are many forest service trails that are open to snowshoeing. Hoosier Pass is a very popular area to snowshoe.
Tubing and Sledding
Tubing and sledding are also fun winter activities, especially if you have kids in your group. Try out tubing on a groomed tubing hill at the Frisco Adventure Park. The best part of this hill is that you don’t have to walk back up. A magic carpet brings you and your tube back to the top of the hill. You must reserve your group’s tubing time in advance, you can do this online on the Town of Frisco website. If you don’t mind getting extra exercise, trekking up and down the sledding hill, you can try out Carter Park. Carter Park has a fun sledding hill and you can usually find plastic sleds for sale at the local City Market.
Dogsledding
For a truly unique experience check out Snow Caps Dogsledding. You can book a six mile tour through Good Times Adventures. Groups of up to six take turns riding the dog sled, running the dogs, and riding on the passenger sleigh with a knowledgeable guide. This is a rare experience where you get to interact with the dogs and run the sled. This activity is not suited for children under four. However, you can book a tour of the dog yard and meet the dogs as an alternative. Good Times Adventures also offers guided snowmobile tours. You can create a whole day of fun with a morning of snowmobiling and an afternoon of dogsledding.
Sleigh Rides
Dinner sleigh rides are one of the most idyllic ways to experience the winter. Ride along as horses quietly pull sleighs through snow covered forests. You can book a hot cocoa sleigh ride, dinner ride, or private event through Golden Horseshoe Tour Co.
Don’t Miss All of the Winter Fun
For locals, winter slips away quickly because there are so many activities for enjoying the sun and snow. Don’t miss out on the huge variety of winter sports and activities that draw all kinds of adventurers to the mountains. Most of these activities require reservations, so be sure to plan ahead.
Dogsled photo, courtesy of Breckenridge Office of Tourism
Snowshoeing and Sleigh Ride photos by Carl Scofield, courtesy of Breckenridge Office of Tourism