Best Time for Breckenridge and Summit County

When is the best time to visit Breckenridge and Summit County, Colorado?
By Jeff Shibley

Answer: There was a famous gunfight in 1877 along the Blue River that still runs through downtown Breckenridge. The gunfighters were miners in Breckenridge staking their claim along with many others during the 1800s gold rush. There were lots of gunfights in Breckenridge back then. This gunfight had nothing to do with whether the best time to visit Breckenridge is spring, summer, fall or winter. But, in those days, you can bet winter wasn’t the best time to visit Breckenridge.

Fast forward 100 years and winter is the most popular time to visit Breckenridge. Thanks to world class skiing, snowboarding, snow plows, gondolas, free public transportation, heated sidewalks, fat bikes, snowmobiles, heated car seats and of course hot tubs. There are lots and lots of hot tubs in Breckenridge.

Breckenridge ski mountain opened in 1961. Since then, winter is a special time in Breckenridge for sure. But Breckenridge is a year ‘round resort. Just like a super model changes outfits and remains beautiful, Breckenridge also changes and remains beautiful. Each season has its own spectacular sights with different sounds, colors, textures, movements, attitudes and temperatures. Each season offers unique adventures, unique relaxing leisure, better than Disney family fun and lots of romance (oh baby is this place loaded with romance).

The best time to visit Breckenridge is when you can be here. The window of opportunity to take a getaway is limited for most people. That’s okay. Sometimes the best decisions I make are the ones made for me. If you have school aged kids, a lot of decisions are made for you. Do you know Breckenridge rates a 10 out of 10 in the Family Friendly category? Each season offers students a school break of some sort. You’ll find Breckenridge a great place to “activate a family connect”. Even if you can only make it on a weekend.

The Breckenridge Welcome Center

It doesn't matter what time of year you visit or how many times you've been here. Your first stop should be the Breckenridge Welcome Center. Located in the middle of downtown, it's here you’ll find historical insights and Breckenridge experts. They can share the most current conditions of trails, activities and things to do. They can also give you directions to everything.

If you don’t have a school schedule to worry about, plan your trip to avoid holidays and weekends for a less crowded adult friendly experience.

Finally, no matter what time of year you visit, make sure to hydrate and use sunscreen constantly. The dry mountain air can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness before you know it. The best way to combat that is to drink lots of water all the time. There’s a song that goes ”Drink, Drink, Drink. Pee Pee Pee. Stay happy in Summit County.”

Following is a detailed over view of what to expect and what you can do when you visit Breckenridge no matter what time of year it is.

Unique things to do all year in Breckenridge and Summit County

Hot tubbing, Fly fishing, Spa visits, historical tours, Heritage Museum, brewery tour, distillery tour, wildlife viewing, Backstage Theatre, Ready Paint Fire (paint your own pottery), downtown shopping, shopping at the outlet malls, art galleries, Continental Divide Winery, Stephen C. West Ice Arena Ice Skating and the incredible Breckenridge Recreation Center.