Perched at 9,600 feet beneath the majestic Tenmile Range, Breckenridge is a laid-back mountain town with plenty of Wild West spirit. While most visitors flock to the acclaimed Breckenridge Ski Resort’s 3,000 acres of ski-worthy terrain with an Epic Pass in hand, the town itself is a must-see, with historic Main Street lined with characterful brick and wood façades, alpine-chic boutiques and an award-winning distillery scene inviting you to pick up some mountain-ready threads or enjoy a cold beer (or two). Whether carving down the slopes or exploring off-piste treasures, dive into our guide for the ultimate insider’s look at where to stay, eat, drink, and see in this authentic mining town-turned modern-day outdoor haven.
Where to Stay:
Gravity Haus Breckenridge
Gravity Haus Breckenridge is where adventure meets modern lodge fashion. Born from its tech-savvy owners’ desire for a co-working haven, the 60-key boutique hotel offers playful room options like The Crash Pad with queen bunk beds and family-friendly Trailblazers. With a focus on reducing its carbon footprint, highlights include in-room Steeped Coffee makers and the cozy ground floor café, Unravel.
Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge
Stepping into Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, guests are welcomed by an airy lobby with lofty ceilings, gondola-inspired lighting, and rugged boulder slab front desks—an elegant homage to the Rockies. Part of the Curio Collection, the property embraces the alpine spirit throughout, featuring striking mountain-style photography in the hallways. Thoughtfully curated rooms showcase unique rugs adorned with topographical designs of the Tenmile Range, paired with panoramic views of the southern peaks.
Where to Eat:
Rootstalk Breck
Housed in an 1898 Main Street home, Rootstalk is Breckenridge’s homey spin on elevated everyday dining. Start with a Flight of Bites—think one-bite oyster Rockefeller (shell and all), buttermilk fried chicken, and chawanmushi egg custard—before moving on to inventive plates like chestnut agnolotti with truffle and mascarpone and Colorado lamb loin with tart yogurt vinaigrette and mint. Finish with a shaken, stirred, or luxurious libation—or the fun non-alcoholic “You Can Still Join ‘Em.” (Pro-tip: Make reservations at the sister restaurant, Radicato, if you’re here for a few days.)
Breckenridge Distillery
The Western aura of Breckenridge shines at the world’s highest distillery, where authentic Rocky Mountain snowmelt crafts mineral-infused whiskey. Indulge in a full-tasting or sip of inventive cocktails like the Bronco Billie or The Godfather—each featuring two of their in-house whiskeys—before savoring steaks sourced from local Fitch Ranch Meats and Markets.
Where to Drink:
Canary
Canary, Hotel Alpenrock’s hidden speakeasy, draws inspiration from Prohibition-era secrets and mining history. Hidden behind three secret entrances—spice cabinet, art piece, or the kitchen door—this reservation-only bar pays homage to its roots by presenting checks inside books—a clever nod to the days when bars disguised liquor during police raids. Under the creative hand of George, cocktails are personalized to your flavor preferences, with inventive ingredients like basil syrup and blue cheese crumbles.
Cabin Juice
Cabin Juice is a cozy farm-to-table restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. Warm wood tones and alpine décor set the scene for hearty fare and inventive cocktails. Bar Manager Brandon crafted drink names inspired by his Southern roots—like the Midnight Rider, a bold blend of Breck spiced rum, allspice, calvados, lemon, and a red wine floater, or the smoky-meets-tropical Ring of Fire with mezcal, coconut liqueur, pineapple, and lime.
What to Do:
Hit the Slopes at Breckenridge Mountain
Breckenridge Resort caters to all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned powder pros. Families can take advantage of group lessons (Epic Pass holders save 20%) to get everyone prepped for the greens and breezy blues. Feeling bold? Hop on the Imperial Express, the highest chair lift in North America, soaring to 12,840 feet. When hunger strikes, fuel up with fried chicken sandwiches at The Coop or warm pho noodle bowls at Vista Haus.
Stroll Historic Main Street
After a day on the slopes, stroll along Breckenridge’s enchanting Main Street. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the beloved Crepes a La Cart, serving up treats all day long, then explore alpine-chic boutiques like Wilder Collective or Western-core favorite Overland to elevate your indoor and outdoor wardrobe. During peak winter, don’t miss the world-renowned International Snow Sculpture Championships, where 25-ton ice sculptures will surely blow your mind.
Cross Country Ski with Breckenridge Nordic Center
Not much of a downhill ski kind of gal? Fear not—you can trade the slopes for a peaceful glide through pristine winter landscapes with Breckenridge Nordic Center. Groomed trails wind through snow-covered forests at the base of the Tenmile Range, and the center offers rentals, guided tours, and lessons for all skill levels. Afterward, warm up with a cup of cocoa in the cozy lodge brimming with rustic mountain appeal.
Learn About the Town’s Mining History
Step back in time with a visit to the Edwin Carter Museum or one of Breckenridge History’s captivating tours. Choose from the 90-minute Wild West walking tour, the Golden Horseshoe guided hike, or a visit to the Edwin Carter Museum, where the naturalist famously turned his home into a public gallery showcasing 3,300 taxidermied animals. There’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in Breckenridge’s rich Western heritage.
