Breckenridge is widely regarded as one of the top ski resorts in North America. The season starts in November and runs all the way through until the end of April. As you would expect, it is very popular over the Christmas holidays and bookings fill up fast. Ideally, you should try to plan your trip many months in advance, but it's always worth checking if it's possible to make a last minute booking.
The Town of Breckenridge has a rich history. Back in 2009 it celebrated its 150-year anniversary. While the population is small, the floods of tourists have turned the town into a vibrant and successful area, and a great place to live and do business. There are over 200 shops, approaching 80 restaurants and nearly 500 places to stay, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and inns. For a town with a population of around 4,500, these numbers are truly remarkable.
For those traveling to Breckenridge, a condo rental can often be the best option. If you are planning to ski, you'll be living right next to the action, and might only have a five-minute walk to get started. Pick the right time of year and you should be able to pick up a great price. Websites like Summitvacations.net frequently feature specials, like "30% off for Labor Day Weekend."
Condo rentals are the best option for those with young families and those who are traveling in large groups. If necessary, you can usually find condos with three bedrooms. Condos allow you to buy groceries and cook for yourself, which makes them more appropriate for longer stays, and for those looking to save money. Most condos come with foldout beds and spare beds, so you can usually sleep a much larger number of people than you expected. Because of this, the cost per person works out to be much lower.
When people are planning their trip, it's very common that they'll forget to pack sunscreen and get burned on the first day. Keep in mind that the sun can be very powerful, so don't be deceived by the temperature. If you don't have any skiing equipment, you'll able to rent it out when you're there. You should also make sure that you have access to appropriate clothing. All of your gear needs to be waterproof, you should wear a hat, and you also need appropriate goggles. If you don't have the right gear already, don't worry. There are plenty of great retailers around the area who have a better selection than you're likely to find in your home state.
All year round you can go on a hot air balloon ride, allowing you to see an incredible view over the mountains. According to Go Breck, "your balloon adventure will provide you with spectacular 100 mile panoramic mountain views. Prominent scenery may include views of the Continental Divide, Mosquito Range, Sangre De Cristo mountains, Sawatchmountains, Mt. Elbert (the highest peak in Colorado 14,433 ft), Pikes Peak, South Park Valley, Collegiate Peaks, vast rolling hills and Colorado native wildlife."
There are two companies that offer hot air balloon rides in the area. Ideally, you should try to do this near the start of your trip, and get a sense of the area where you are. While the views already look stunning from the slopes, they are something else when you are soaring above the mountains and looking down. If you are into photography, make sure to bring your camera on the trip, but be sure to strap your camera to your wrist. Even if you are primarily going to Breckenridge to ski, make sure you take a stroll around the shops. These are really a big part of the experience, with lots of small boutiques and family-owned shops that you would simply never get a chance to see anywhere else. Everything looks incredible at Christmas time. There's a local toy store, which is very popular, and the lights and decorations look incredible against the mountain backdrop. As well as all the latest ski gear and toys, you can buy art, rent bicycles and find lots of great gifts to take home to your friends and family.
Related post: The 4 Best Family Hiking Trails In North America
