5 Ways Breckenridge, Colorado Blossomed From Ski Town To Mountain Destination

Sure, you know about Breckenridge as a ski destination. But if that's all you know, you're selling this place short.

1. Must-Travel-For Events

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Ever wanted to wear a Viking helmet and dance in the streets? Or maybe a polar plunge is more your style?

Good news! Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, CO gives you the chance to do all those things! For over 55 years, the folks in Breck have paid tribute to Ullr, the Norse god of snow. From the town-wide snow dance complete with a Main Street parade to the Ullr Ice Plunge, Ullr Fest is something you can't get just anywhere.

Ever wanted to be part of a world record? You can do that too - unofficially. Although Guinness doesn't recognize alcohol-related records, it hasn't stopped Breckenridge Distillery from trying. In 2018, shots were poured for 1,266 people on 422 skis that spanned 2,128.3 feet. That's longer than Main Street! Don't worry though, that's what U-turns are for!

The 2019 event takes place January 9-12.

If something a little artsy is more your scene, try the 29th Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships on January 21. Accomplished snow artists transform 25-ton blocks of snow into an outdoor art gallery. Five days and 65 hours of competition reveal some of the most beautiful pieces of art you've ever seen made from snow.

2. Foody Scene

Meredith Austin / Breckenridge Tourism Office

More than two dozen new restaurants have opened on Main Street in Breck since 2016. And while dishes like the lightly smoked tuna with yuzu sauce and house-made pickled cucumber at Aurum Food and Wine or the short rib with truffle ravioli at Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant might sound like fine dining, you won't have to get fancy to go out to eat in Breck. Known for its "see-and-not-be-seen" vibe, outwear is perfectly acceptable during the day and jeans are good for even the most upscale meals in town at night.

If you're looking for a good glass of wine, try out Carboy Winery or Continental Divide Winery, both on Main Street. Both offer exceptional varieties and you can learn more about something I bet you don't know about -- Colorado's wine making culture.

3. Non-Ski Activities

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You've probably heard of Breckenridge as a ski destination, but there's plenty to do even in the winter that doesn't involve skis or a snowboard. From snowmobile tours and snowshoeing to visiting the world's highest distillery (the aforementioned Breckenridge Distillery), there's something for everyone in your group.

4. Arts Scene

Breckenridge Tourism Office

If you're really looking for something outside of the box that doesn't involve snow, check out the offerings from BreckCreate co-op artists who host regular studio hours to teach you everything from ceramics to metalsmithing. Or, take in a show performed at Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. Far beyond merely having exciting art galleries on Main Street, Breckenridge has become a cultural hot spot.

New this winter, check out the installation by prominent sculptor Albert Paley, whose work can be seen in such places as the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Syncline, the 24-foot-tall, azure blue, abstract steel sculpture can be seen in Blue River Plaza. You can see this work and 30 other art installations on the BreckCreate public art self-guided tour.

5. Summer & Fall

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As they say in Colorado, you'll come for the winter but you'll stay for the summer. I speak from experience.

Hiking is my personal favorite, a treat in the summer thanks to the mild temperatures and only enhanced in the fall by the golden Aspen trees that cover seemingly every mountainside. There's also fly-fishing on the Blue River, paddling down Brown's Canyon or exploring 100s of miles of singletrack.

No matter what time of year you visit, Breck will deliver an adventure.