What To Do in Breckenridge, CO | Page #3

Bike riding on the Breckenridge to Frisco bike path

Last summer we had a family challenge — to have the best high country summer ever. It was our personal mission statement that we tested every decision against. When in doubt about doing something, we just asked each other, “Does this fit the best summer ever challenge?” If the answer was yes, we did it. And we did, indeed, have an incredible summer.

This year we are going to be even more intentional about our high country summer — we've created a summer bucket list. Whether it's your first or your fiftieth summer at altitude, the sweetness of the season never dulls. When something this beautiful is bracketed by the contrast of a Rocky Mountain winter, one can't help but want to drink up every drop.

In no particular order, here are some…

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As the Spring sunlight brightens across the slopes, schools mercifully close to allow time for friends and family to gather to celebrate the passing of deep winter and the emergence of longer, warmer days. Summit Schools take the break late after many of the ski resorts close.  This year's school vacation is from April 16-20 -- we're already in the best place to be for March and early April spring breaks.

Even the most dedicated powder hounds among us breathe a collective sign of relief as the days lengthen and the weather warms -- and not just because Spring is a reliable source of epic powder days. The cycle from dark to light, to the return towards summer, is one that humans have celebrated across cultures and centuries. It remains ingrained in us…

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Summer and fall seem to dominate the free activity landscape with all the hiking, farmers' markets, National Repertory Orchestra porch series concerts at our Breckenridge Associates office and such, but fear not fine friends — winter holds plenty of free and low cost options.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Winter in the high country equals snow. In other parts of the county snowfall may bring groans about shoveling, while snow here generally means opportunities for sliding. But not all snow-sliding activities equal skiing and pricey lift tickets. (Revisit our past article on how to navigate lift ticket and season pass pricing to make the lift-served sliding more affordable.)

The best free snow-sliding adventure west of, well, anywhere? Carter Park Sledding Hill. Park in the…

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There are many moments at altitude that literally and figuratively take your breath away, but the changing of the aspen trees has to rate right up there with the best. So now that you’ve had a chance to recover from all your summer activities, it’s time to get back outside and experience the show. Hikes and rides in aspen groves should be at the very top of your list for fall in Summit County. Many travel experts list the Colorado high country amongst the best global bucket list leaf peeping options. So in other words, don’t miss it!

If you prefer to admire plants for the grapes, and then the wine, that they provide, be sure to plan to be in town for the Breckenridge Wine Classic. September 14-16th are the dates of this wine and food celebration.

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What's not to love about a farmers market? Especially a Summit County farmers market. Where else can you shop with a direct view of towering peaks, buy directly from a local artist or farmer, do some yoga on a manicured lawn, or listen to live music while supporting local economies?

Summit County is home to several summer markets. On Sundays you'll find the Breckenridge Market at the south end of town at the corner of Park and Main in the Main Street Station courtyard. Live music, fresh bread and flowers, Colorado farms, artisan goods, chair massages and more are all represented in this pleasant shopping experience. Surrounded by brick and mortar shops and restaurants, and nestled right up against the Maggie Pond, the Breckenridge Sunday Market is a…

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Of course it does. But can it literally float your boat? Summit County brings to mind snowcapped peaks, ski (and apres) adventures, endless single-track, and all sorts of outdoor activities- but boating? Did you think you would have to trade in your captains hat when you signed up for ski town life? Think again!

All the snow has to go somewhere. Add warmer summer temperatures and, bang!  We've got lots of water. Just add watercraft! 

While white water rafting tends to dominate most of our ideas about water sports at altitude, there is so much more available. Right here in Summit County we have the stunning Lake Dillon, home to two marinas with many boating options. From kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, pontoon boats, canoes, and powerboats to…

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Summer is a short and precious proposition in these parts of Breckenridge and Summit County. Life at altitude comes with high alpine conditions, and for summer that means perfect-temperature crisp clear days and cool nights, low humidity, few bugs, perhaps a late afternoon thunderstorm (we also call this break time, as you'll welcome the excuse to just rest for a few moments) peaks to be summited, trails to be hiked and ridden, golf courses to be played, farmers markets to be browsed, art festivals to attend, concerts, performances, celebrations and more. In other words, we make the most of summer in the high country.

County Health Rankings and Roadmaps use data to analyze and then encourage healthy outcomes through identifying factors that can impact…

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In Summit County we take our biking seriously. It's not uncommon to see a bike attached to a car that the bike greatly out-values. Open space and trails get attention and funding unthinkable in other places. Events are designed to get you out and riding, teaching you how to maintain your ride, cheering for and being inspired by professional riders and creating chances to set goals and challenge yourself, are rife here in mountain summer. Race organizers are often looking for volunteers which is another great way to get involved in the summer bike scene.

Here are a few bike events to put on your calendar.

Breck Bike Week kicks off summer bike season in June. Breck Bike Week presents a diverse array of offerings like group rides, bike skills and…

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Want to experience the winter in Summit and Park Counties like a local? Here are some tips to get your on your way. Nature is the star, the reason so many of us moved here in the first place. And then when you add a layer of snowy frosting to the mountains the recreation opportunities just multiply. Health and vitality are the name of the game for so many high country residents and enthusiasts. For many, perhaps most, the root motivator is not the health or strength itself as a simple vanity play, but a way to maximize the enjoyment of all the opportunities to be out playing in nature. Is there a better way to stay motivated?

MOVE
The sister sport to all that summer mountain and road biking? Cross country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing. It’s a…

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All good things must end, but the great thing about the end of mountain summer means that powder days are approaching. High country dwellers feel a serious responsibility to make the most of every bit of summer weather, and Summit and Park County wrestle every last drop out of summer with events celebrating food, drink, history, music, arts and athletics. But the transition from high summer into fall is also a great time to explore trails and open spaces as the aspen begin to morph into their annual display of gold. Both hiking and biking offer the dual payoffs of breathtaking views and ski conditioning- as the days begin to shorten there is no denying ski season is around the corner. Why not get your workout in the great outdoors? And as for those…

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