The state of Colorado holds a lot of fond memories for me. Fortunately, the Murphy clan decided that Breckenridge would be a family vacation of choice growing up. No matter if it’s summer in Breckenridge or a winter wonderland, this place is always in season. Consider Breckenridge the chill cool older brother of the Vail-Breck-Keystone-Bachelor Gulch region. Laid back, casual, and super fun.

Denver International airport is a short flight from Arkansas and a gateway to an adult playground in the winter. Think skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, apres ski and snuggles by the fireplace. On quite a few occasions, we’ve boarded a flight for a quick weekend away on the slopes. Here’s my gift to you: a complete 3-day itinerary, no agent fees required.

3 Days in Breckenridge, Colorado: Winter Edit

Friday afternoon

Flying into Denver, you have one of two choices: rent a car or take a shuttle. Probably the most popular option for travelers (and well known for regular CO visitors) is the Colorado Mountain Express (or Peak 1 Express) with an extensive schedule to all the major mountain hubs (Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Copper Mountain, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Aspen, and Snowmass). Tickets are typically around $79 one way during peak season, and the shuttles easily accommodate snow gear.

Check into your Vrbo.

Personally, I love having my own space in Breckenridge since it’s such an active town. I’m usually away strolling through Main Street, hiking, or skiing during the day, so a vacation home works perfectly for a place to unwind for après ski with the family or with big groups of friends. We rented this Breckenridge Vrbo for LimitLes Colorado last summer, and I dream about the day when I can return. It had the perfect amount of entertaining space, outdoor amenities and bed configurations for 19 people.

Rent your gear.

You can do this at one of the many rental shops in Breck from Breckenridge Ski and Sport to Christy Sports to Black Tie Ski Concierge and everything in between.

Take a Stroll Down Main Street.

Breckenridge’s historic Main Street is as adorable as it is fun. Featuring buildings that date back close to 100 years old, the historic area is home to many great restaurants, bars, and local shops. From charming book stores to artisan gift shops that sit alongside gorgeous gardens and parks, Main Street is a must. Check out Old Man Berkin Used Bookstore because you don’t come across these too often, so when ya do, creaking open slightly worn pages of old tales will be worth your while.

Get your oxygen fix.

Breck sits at 9,600 ft. If you’re in need of some extra oxygen, stop by the 02 Lounge to help maintain your blood oxygen levels at a higher level and avoid significant effects of the altitude.

Dinner.

Walk into Tin Plate Pizza, the best in town. The classic and artisan pies are each a work of culinary art and rightfully so because this family-owned and operated business strives for the highest quality and invests time into the details which shows in the 72-hour sourdough bread and pizza dough, 24-hour cultured butter, and 12-hour braised buffalo short ribs.

Saturday

8am:

For a quick breakfast, eat in your own Vrbo or head to Cool River Coffee House for some fuel before the slopes. If you’re into a more leisurely meal, look at Blue Moose or Columbine Cafe.

9am:

Hit the slopes and the BreckConnect Gondola, free to all (but once on the slopes, a ski pass or scenic chair lift ticket is required)! Breckenridge has five peaks (Peak 6-10) to explore filled with a variety of groomers, parks and bowls. Time to discover 2,908 acres of terrain, perfect for every skill and age level. Here are some cool mountain stats:

Base Elevation: 9,600 feet

Summit Elevation: 12,998 feet

Total Ski/Ride Terrain: 2,908 acres

• Operating Since December 16, 1961
• Groomed Daily: 600 acres / 241 hectares (29 percent of total terrain)
• Bowls: 1,061 acres / 429 hectares (35 percent of total terrain)
• Terrain Parks: 25 acres / 10 hectares
• Snowmaking: 600 acres / 243 hectares
• Number of Trails: 187
• Longest Trail: Four O’Clock – 3.5 miles

4pm:

Après slopeside at Robbie’s Tavern, T-Bar or Coppertop. If you’re in town, head to RMU for their beer garden. In for a treat? Go to Crepes a la Cart, Trolley Crepes or Mountain Top Cookie Shop on Main Street. With the fam? Head Downstairs at Eric’s.

7pm: Head to dinner and drinks at Ember or Blue River Bistro.

Sunday

7:30am:

You might be feeling the slopes in your muscles, bones and soul today. Yep, they do that to you. If you need to stretch it out, take a morning class at Meta Yoga Studio located in the heart of downtown Breckenridge near shops and restaurants. I got the opportunity to teach in-studio during our LimitLes Breckenridge retreat last summer, and it was so special!

8:30am:

Eat breakfast around the corner in the cutest yellow house called Amazing Grace. The Opus and breakfast burrito don’t disappoint.

10am:

The slopes are waiting! Head to one of the 5 Breckenridge peaks or even embark on a guided backcountry ski tour if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. If you aren’t exactly into it today, there are plenty of other activities to do in the area like…

• Guided snowshoe tour
• Dog sledding
• Snowmobiling
• Ice skating at Stephen C. West Ice Arena
• Breck tours
• BreckCreate art workshops (something we did on our LimitLes retreat last summer)
• Visit the Troll or Isak Heartstone, a large-scale wooden sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo
• Post up at the world’s highest distillery, Breckenridge Distillery
• Gold Mining Tour
• Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour
• Ice Climbing
• Private Hot Chocolate Hike
• Monster Truck Sleigh Ride
• Astrophotography Experience

8pm:

Dinner at Hearthstone Restaurant. The refurbished old Victorian house menu features yummy seasonal and local dishes.

Monday AM:

Goodbyes are hard! Back to reality…until next time, Breck!