A Practical Guide to Staying in Breckenridge

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Breckenridge

This mountain town is home to one of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts. The resort area is the best place to stay if you’re visiting for a ski trip, as these vacation rentals will put you within walking distance of the ski lifts.

But in Breckenridge, places to stay extend outside of the resort. You may want to check out Breckenridge hotels near historic Main Street, the Breckenridge Golf Club, or the area near Baldy Mountain and Boreas Pass, too. Each of these lodging options offers something unique near incredible Breckenridge attractions.

Breckenridge Ski Resort (West Breckenridge)

👉 Best Area For Easy Ski Access | ✨ Best Breckenridge Ski Resort Hotels: Crystal Peak Lodge • Grand Lodge Peak 7 • One Ski Hill Place

If you’re headed to Breckenridge to ski, then this area is where you want to be. There are lots of choices for ski-in/ski-out lodging, including Crystal Peak Lodge.

By booking here, you don’t need to mess with loading up skis, poles, and all your other gear. You can also easily pop back into your room to eat or put kids down for a nap before picking up skiing again later on.

Pros of Staying in Breckenridge Ski Resort Neighborhood:

• Easy access to ski lifts 
• Everything you need for a ski vacation in one place
• Great for families – no loading and unloading

Con of Staying in Breckenridge Ski Resort Neighborhood:

• Hotels are pricey

Baldy Mountain District (South Breckenridge)

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Adventures | ✨ Best Baldy Mountain District Hotels: The Lodge at Breckenridge • Gold Point Resort • 10 Southface Home

Baldy Mountain District is just south of town and has some of the best luxury hotels in Breckenridge. This includes our top recommended stay, The Lodge at Breckenridge.

Compared to the other areas in Breckenridge, Baldy Mountain District is closer to Country Boy Mine. It’s also near the High Line Railroad Park, the ice arena, and where Isak Heartstone (“The Breckenridge Troll”) resides. And, it’s the start of a gorgeous drive back to Denver.

Pros of Staying in Baldy Mountain District Neighborhood:

• Less crowded than downtown or the ski resort
• Amazing views of the mountains
• Near many outdoor activities in Breckenridge, like hiking

Con of Staying in Baldy Mountain District Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a car or shuttle to get around

Historic Downtown Breckenridge

👉 Best Area For Downtown Nightlife | ✨ Best Downtown Breckenridge Hotels: Residence Inn by Marriott • Fireside Inn • Gravity Haus

You really can’t go wrong staying in historic downtown Breckenridge. You’ll be close to almost everything in town including restaurants, shopping, and most outfitters for any activity you want to try. There’s also a beautiful riverside walk and lots of historic buildings. 

The ski resort is easily accessible from downtown, too. From places like Gravity Haus, you can simply walk to the lifts. Other hotels offer free shuttle service to the slopes, and there’s also the town’s Free Ride bus.

Pros of Staying in Historic Downtown Breckenridge Neighborhood:

• Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and entertainment
• Close to the ski lifts
• Fun nightlife
• Cool, historic buildings

Con of Staying in Historic Downtown Breckenridge Neighborhood:

• A little farther from skiing

Breckenridge Golf Club (North Breckenridge)

👉 Best Area For Fewer Crowds | ✨ Best Breckenridge Golf Course Hotels: Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan • Grand Lodge on Peak 7

The Breckenridge Golf Course is in the north end of town, about a ten-minute drive from the ski resort and downtown. The distance makes it the best area to stay for fewer crowds.

You can golf here in summer and snowshoe, fat tire bike, and cross-country ski in winter. Places like Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan are great if you want a quieter stay or are visiting for non-skiing outdoor activities.

Pros of Staying in Breckenridge Golf Club Neighborhood:

• Fewer crowds
• Close to golfing and winter activities at the golf course

Con of Staying in Breckenridge Golf Club Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a car or shuttle to get downtown and to the ski resort

Tips for Staying in Breckenridge

Make Reservations

Breckenridge is one of the most popular mountain towns in Colorado. If there’s anything you have your heart set on doing, call ahead to see if you can make reservations.

If you can’t, you’ll increase your chances of being able to do your activity by showing up early in the day, or by planning your Breckenridge activities during the week. I’d also recommend avoiding holidays when there’s an influx of tourists.

Plan Your Transportation

If you’re solely going to Breckenridge on this trip, you may not need a car. There are shuttles from Denver to Breckenridge and back.

Most hotels in Breckenridge are either within walking distance of activities or have shuttles to take you where you want to go. Breckenridge also has a free bus through town that you can use. 

But for greater flexibility, you may want a rental car for your adventures!

Hydrate

One of the ways to lessen the effects of higher elevations is to stay hydrated. The town of Breck is 9,600 feet above sea level — and if you plan to visit Breckenridge Ski Resort, one of the best ski areas in Colorado, you’ll be even higher up.

Get ready for your trip by drinking 2-3 liters of water per day prior to your arrival, and keep it up while you’re there. Don’t be fooled by the cold weather, either. We tend to forget to drink water when it’s cold out, but you need it just as much, if not more, while you’re skiing. 

Pack Layers

Breckenridge is a casual town, and you can wear jeans (or leggings) just about anywhere. In winter, you’ll want a base layer like thermal underwear, a sweater, or a polar fleece sweatshirt, along with a heavy winter jacket, hat, mittens, good snow boots, and wool socks. 

Don’t put the sweater away for summer, either. Mornings and evenings can still be chilly, and you’ll likely find yourself taking layers on and off throughout the day. For more insights, see our Colorado packing list!

Always Wear Sunscreen

For much of your trip, you’re likely going to be outdoors seeing the mountains and the town, so you’ll want good sunscreen. Keep in mind that the sun is much stronger at this elevation than it is a lower elevations. So, no matter what time of year you visit Breckenridge, sunscreen is a must.

Be sure to have a good sunscreen for the delicate skin on your face, and consider a sport sunscreen for the rest of your body that’s exposed. Remember to reapply throughout the day!

FAQs

What is the most luxurious hotel in Breckenridge?

One Ski Hill Place is ranked as the most luxurious hotel in Breckenridge. Crystal Peak Lodge is also ranked as one of the most luxurious hotels in town. Both places feature ski-in/ski-out lodging and plenty of fancy amenities.

Can you stay at Breckenridge Ski Resort? 

Yes, you can stay at Breckenridge Ski Resort. There are several hotels and condos that feature ski in/ski out lodging right at the resort. One Ski Hill Place is close to the slopes and has a bowling alley on the premises. Along with lodging, there are restaurants and bars at the ski resort as well.

Does Breckenridge have a downtown? 

Breckenridge does have a historic downtown. Many people spend a day browsing the shops, eating at the restaurants, and trying a cocktail or craft beer at the bars along historic Main Street. 

What is the best month to visit Breckenridge?

The best months to visit Breckenridge are November through April. The ski areas tend to open in early to mid-November, depending on the weather, and Breckenridge gets about 300 inches of annual snowfall. The resort usually closes for skiing in May, and reopens a month later with summer activities.

How many days should you spend at Breckenridge?

You should spend at least 4-5 days in Breckenridge. This allows you to explore all the things to do in Breckenridge, plus time to acclimate the first day or two while browsing Main Street. After adjusting to the altitude, you can enjoy skiing, hiking, or other strenuous activities before heading home. 

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Hopefully, this guide has been helpful. If you’re looking for budget accommodations and don’t mind a drive, see our guides on the best places to stay in Leadville and Buena Vista. Enjoy your trip!