Learn More about Breckenridge

Located at 9,603 feet above sea level on the western slope of the Continental Divide in the heart of the Rocky Mountains lies the charming Victorian-style town of Breckenridge. Although it feels remote, one of the town’s calling cards is its accessibility, being only 90 miles from Denver. Surrounding communities include Frisco and Silverthorne, and beyond boasting its own world-class ski resort, Breckenridge is a short drive from Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin resorts.

History

Established in 1859 during the height of the mid-nineteenth-century Gold Rush, Breckenridge survived the heydays of gold prospecting and boomed once again in 1879 when other silver and lead carbonates were found. The town was incorporated in 1880. Since then, the town of Breckenridge has gone on to become the recreation centerpiece of Summit County.

For those seeking to explore Breckenridge’s history, a walk through town will highlight 249 historic district structures. The Breckenridge Historical Society offers visitors a glimpse of life in Breckenridge during the late 1800s and early 1900s with its historic walking tours of the city, and several local museums detail its rich mining history.

Breckenridge Today

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2009, Breckenridge has a little something for everyone. For the 4,700 permanent residents, Breckenridge offers an incomparable quality of life with an excellent school system, community programs, health care facilities, and ample shopping opportunities. Festive events bring over 3 million visitors per year from all over the world to experience a taste of what this amazing town has to offer. An all-season recreation and vacation destination, Breckenridge offers numerous other summer and winter events including:

• National Repertory Orchestra Concerts
• Breckenridge Film Festival
• Breckenridge Jazz Festival
• Breckenridge Oktoberfest
• Ullr Fest
• International Snow Sculpture Championships
• Dew Tour

Within its 5.3 square miles, there are over 100 restaurants and bars for your enjoyment, and over 200 shops and boutiques. You can also spend your time expliring the BreckCreate Arts District, attending a yoga class at the Recreation Center, going cross-country skiing at the Gold Run Nordic Center, enjoying a live concert at the Riverwalk Center, catching a game of hockey at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, seeing a play performed by the Backstage Theatre Company, or the obvious…spending the day on the mountain.

Winter

If you prefer the active lifestyle, now the town’s biggest draw, Breckenridge Ski Resort was founded in 1961 by the Wichita, Kansas Lumber Company, and a new boom era began. Boasting 2,908 acres and over 300 yearly inches of “white gold” for all levels of skiers and boarders, including 25 acres of heart-thumping terrain parks and 1,061 acres of wide-open bowls, Breckenridge is one of the most visited resorts in North America. The mountain resort consists of five peaks nestled among a host of Colorado’s famous “fourteeners” – aptly named Peaks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 – including the country’s highest chairlift, The Imperial Express, coming in at 12,987 feet above sea level. Feeling hungry? You don’t necessarily have to grab a bite to eat on the hill as the gondola will take you from Peak 8 to Peak 7 to town in a matter of minutes, making it simple to enjoy a hot lunch in town or do a little shopping before hitting the slopes again in the afternoon.

If skiing and snowboarding aren’t the things for you, other winter activities in Breckenridge include:

• Cross country/Nordic skiing
• Ski biking
• Snowshoeing
• Ice skating
• Sleigh ride dinners
• Snowmobiling
• Dog sledding

Summer

No longer just a winter resort, though, Breckenridge is now a year-round destination. Breckenridge boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year, resulting in a multitude of Colorado’s famous “bluebird” days for your outdoor recreational enjoyment. During the summer, the average daytime temperature is a perfect 70 degrees.

Hiking, mountain biking, camping, fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, ziplining, horseback riding, and golfing are just a few of the activities to choose from. Breckenridge’s family-friendly Epic Discovery and Summer Fun Park are alternatives for those looking to take it easy. Cruise down 2,500 feet of roller coaster track on the Gold Runner Coaster or choose from three different 2,600 foot long tracks on the Alpine Superslide. Or, simply take a free gondola ride up the mountain to explore hiking trails and see breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.