By Last Updated on October 23, 2022
When is the best time to visit
Well, that’s a bit of a trick question. The short answer is that any time is the best time to visit
The long answer is . . . it depends.
There truly is something for everyone in
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Winter
Winter is probably the reason most people travel to
Breckenridge Ski Resort typically opens somewhere between November 5-15, depending on conditions. Personally, the earliest I’ve ever visited is the first full week of December.
What’s the cheapest way to ski Breckenridge ?
If you’re planning to ski multiple days, it might make sense to get an Epic Pass. The Epic Pass gets you access to resorts across the US, Canada and even Europe, Australia and Japan. if you want to ski other resorts this season. Since I store my ski gear in
Epic Pass usually runs promotions in the spring and summer for the upcoming year with decent discounts, but without a discount it’ll cost you $859 in for the 2022 Epic Pass or $519 for the Summit Value Pass.
There are also Epic Day Passes available for 1-7 days that range from $81-95, depending on the number of days. This is generally cheaper than buying at the window day of, which can range from $80-150/day at
Seven days of the Epic Day Pass is $567, making the Summit Value Pass a better deal if you plan to ski 7 days or more in Summit County during the season. I generally go out for 2-3 different weeks in ski season and like to be able to ski as many days as I want while I’m there, so I’ve had the Summit Value Pass the past few seasons.
Breckenridge ski links you need
Here are some quick links to help you find what you need for your ski/snowboard trip to
- Lift Tickets
- Trail Map
- Book Lessons
- Hours on the Mountain
- Current Terrain Info
- Web Cams (I like to check these for conditions and crowds)
November—December
I travel out to
Breckenridge Ski Resort typically opens Peak 8 first in early to mid-November, then Peak 9 and then Peak 7. So, I generally try to stay at Grand Colorado on Peak 8 (where I own a timeshare—don’t judge until you read why it’s been an amazing decision) or somewhere with easy access to Peak 8 in December since it’s the safest bet to have good terrain open.
Peak 9 open dates have ranged from mid-November to early December, with Peak 7 usually open by the first week of December. Peak 6 and 10 generally open later than the three main peaks. The best way to keep track of opening day for each peak is to check
As a solid blue skier, December works fine for me. The snow isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough, and I love being in town with all the Christmas decorations.
December weather in
In my opinion, it’s a good time of year to take kids learning to ski or older family members who appreciate smaller, slower crowds on the slopes. Or, maybe you’re like me and just can’t wait to get in that first ski day of the season. That’s okay too.
January—Early March
If you want plenty of snow, January and February are a pretty safe bet. You don’t have to worry that there isn’t enough snow yet and everything is open barring temporary closures for bad conditions.
However, it’s also the most expensive time for lodging, and it’s when town and the slopes are most crowded, meaning longer wait times at the lift, more people to dodge on runs and a tougher time getting into local restaurants. I rarely go this time of year because I’d rather go when it’s a little warmer out and less crowded, but it is the best snow if you’re a more skilled skier or snowboarder and want ideal conditions.
January weather in
January-March are the biggest snow months for
Spring
Late March—April
Late March into mid-April is the best time to visit
In April 2022, I was in
All that being said, the conditions are generally still better late March than mid- to late April. The problem in April—even with fresh powder—is that it gets so warm during the day that everything gets slushy and then it freezes overnight and is icy in the morning on the slopes. That time of year, I generally ski from around 11am to 2pm because it’s too icy early and too slushy late.
May-Mid June
Welcome to mud season in Summit County. I’ve been in town late May to mid-June a few times, and one good thing I can say is that it’s nice and quiet.
The problem is that means many of the local businesses close for a few weeks or keep limited hours. The gondola is also closed, although other public transportation options are still open.
Summer doesn’t kick off Memorial Day weekend like in other parts of the country, instead the season really begins in mid-June. For example, Breckenridge Epic Discovery park didn’t open until June 17th in 2022. The gondola’s summer season usually runs alongside Epic Discovery. In 2022, those dates are June 17th to September 5th.
Although I’ve been in town in late May and early June for travel writing retreats and visiting with family road tripping around Colorado, it’s not the ideal time of year for much. Generally speaking, you can’t hike much yet because it’s all muddy from melting snow at the top of the mountains. Some of the stores and restaurants are closed. The slopes aren’t open yet for mountain biking, and other summer activities haven’t started up yet.
If you’re just looking for beautiful scenery for a relaxing getaway, it can be a nice time of year because the weather is mild and town is quiet. Otherwise, I’d pick a different time of year to visit.
Breckenridge in Summer
Around Summit County, they say you come for the winter and stay for the summer. I can’t even begin to count the number of locals I’ve met who first came in the winter for a short-term working gig and then experienced a
Summer in
Mid-June—July
High season for the summer is mid-June through July. It’s the one time of year I’ve never visited. The lodging prices are higher and town is no doubt more crowded. I’d rather wait until August (more on that below).
However, summer is still a great time for a family vacation to
Things to do in Breckenridge in the summer
- Epic Discovery
- Hiking (check out my recommendations)
- Biking
- Rafting (this is in nearby Kremmling)
- Fly fishing
- Live music
- Golf at a Jack Nicklaus-designed course
- Horseback riding
August
If I have time, I always visit
This is my favorite time of year to escape the humidity in Florida and breathe in fresh mountain air. The hiking trails are uncrowded and you can hike for miles without breaking a sweat thanks to the perfect weather.
Fall
September—October
If I don’t make it in August, I usually trek out to
Fall foliage peaks early in
Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Breckenridge
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Breckenridge for all my recommendations on where to eat, stay and play while visiting
What to Pack for Breckenridge
You can find all the essentials I take on every trip here, from my favorite toiletry bag and travel purse to the best power bank I’ve found to keep my phone taking great photos all day long.
Here are some specific favorites I always pack for Breckenridge:
☆ Merrell women’s waterproof hiking boots — Waterproof and lightweight.
☆ Osprey Dry Stuff Pack — I love this because it packs down into its own pocket and is great for outdoor activities.
☆ 3-in-1 Jacket — This is a great lightweight waterproof rain jacket plus a puffer for warmth, which can all be worn together or each piece separate. Perfect for the variable weather you can get throughout the day/night in Breck in the spring or fall. Check out this one if you prefer a fleece to a puffer.
☆ LL Bean Winter Jacket — This is my non-ski winter jacket. It’s warmer than the one listed above that I use in spring/fall. I’ve used it on countless winter trips in temperatures down to the teens. Would buy it again!
☆ Columbia ski pants — I have these in two colors, and they’re my favorite ski pants I’ve ever owned. They’re warm in the winter but don’t keep you too warm for spring skiing.
☆ Columbia midweight baselayer — This is a great baselayer in the winter and plenty warm enough for early or late season skiing without anything but a jacket on top.
☆ Columbia Omni-Heat baselayer — This is the baselayer you want when it’s really cold out.
☆ Smartwool full cushion ski socks — My favorite ski socks. They’re comfy in my boots and keep my feet warm without making me sweat.
☆ Revo x Bode Miller Ski Goggles — I got these ski goggles a couple of seasons ago, and they’re by far the best ski goggles I’ve ever had. They work in low light, sunlight and everything in between. Plus, they look great on!
☆ Winter pompom hat — I have this hat in two colors because it’s so warm, comfy and stylish.
☆ Ski strap and pole carrier — Even if you only have a short walk with your skis, you’ll thank yourself for buying this great over-the-shoulder carrier. Worth every penny!
☆ Power bank — This can recharge my Google Pixel 6 Pro more than three times on a single charge so I can take photos and videos all day.
☆ GorillaPod mini-tripod — Wrap the flexible arms of this around a tree branch, fence, sign…anything. Great for taking shots of you or the whole group with the gorgeous Breckenridge scenery.
What do you think?