If you happen to be heading to Breckenridge, Colo., for spring break in the next couple weeks, color me jealous. While my family spent a fantastic week there in early February, we were a few weeks off the BEST snowfalls and I’d love to be back there now. Besides enjoying all the fresh powder, here are my recommendations to maximize your fun.
Breckenridge: On the Slopes
Ski Delivery Service: Using a ski rental delivery service makes getting your gear a piece of cake. You tell them what you need (skis, boards, boots, helmets, etc.) and they show up at your door with everything you need. Something not right or want to try a different kind of skis or boots? Just call them – they’ll even meet you right on the mountain! We used Black Tie Ski Rentals and highly recommend them.
Ski School: My 8 year old daughter spent a morning in ski school and had a terrific experience. Her “coach” (I like that they call the instructors “coaches”) sat down with her when she arrived and asked her all kinds of questions, making her feel really comfortable. While ski school runs from 9:30 – 3:30, they are flexible and we picked up Cassandra at 12:30 so she could have lunch with us. In just three hours she was noticeably improved and more confident – happily riding the lift “alone” with a friend when she had previously been scared of the lifts.
Kids’ Trails: Breckenridge has some unique kids’ trails filled with fun things to see as you ski by. These trails go through the trees, which is an added perk for kids with older siblings who rave about “tree skiing.” My daughter wanted to ski the Dragon’s Trail (pictured here) over and over. You enter through “Ski-a-Lot Castle,” complete with a giant (friendly) dragon. The Haunted Forest was another big hit – the kids loved the bats, webs, skeletons and skiing under the giant spider!
Alpine Roller Coaster: You control your speed as you cruise through the forest on the alpine coaster. Located at Peak 8 – right off the gondola from town – it’s a super fun way to take a break from skiing, or something exciting to do if you’re not a skier.
Where to Stay in Bredkenridge
Find family-friendly accommodations in Breckenridge from traditional hotels to private vacation rentals through Stay22.com:
Breckenridge: Around Town
Dog Sledding: Good Times Adventures offers snowmobiling and dog sledding tours. This was one of the highlights of our trip. The six-mile tour gives ample time for everyone in your party (young and old) to mush and ride in the sled while the dogs pull you along.
Breckenridge Arts District: We spent an inspired morning designing personalized canvas bags at the Fuqua Livery Stable in the Breckenridge Arts District (BAD). Our instructor gave us all the pastels, tools and accessories we needed to bring out our creativity. BAD offers art workshops for children, teens and adults. In our group, we had three generations sharing the fun together. Find more information at breckarts.com.
Favorite Place to Eat: We had a blast at Downstairs at Eric’s. It’s a sports bar atmosphere, but also kid-friendly. The restaurant has a big arcade area where my husband and I impressed the kids with our Ms. Pac-Man skills. We enjoyed the potato skins, served sizzling on a hot plate.
Road trip tip: When you are heading out I-70 from Denver, keep an eye out for the buffalo. There’s an overlook just outside of Denver where you can stop and take photos.
