How to Do Breckenridge and Get the Most out of your Vacation or Conference Experience
Visiting a new destination can be both exhilarating and daunting. Breckenridge’s location deep in the mountains of Colorado offers fun and exploration. Making the most of your Breckenridge vacation calls for advance planning and preparation. Let the local experts at Beaver Run Resort introduce you to Breckenridge and offer a few tips so you can Do Breckenridge with ease.
Mountain Driving and Transportation
Beautiful, mysterious, and intimidating, mountains can both beckon and instill a bit of fear. Breckenridge is located in the Central Rockies of Colorado, about 90 miles west of the plains of Denver. With the nearest airport service at Denver
International, all access to Breckenridge is via vehicle, whether shuttle or your own personal car or rental. Most visitors to Breckenridge will travel on Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel, over a mile-long bore under the Continental Divide.
Many people choose to skip driving in the mountains and let a shuttle service take care of their transportation. That’s a great idea because Breckenridge offers so many options for in-town mobility.
Beaver Run Resort’s location at the foot of Peak 9 puts us between the mountain and town. Easy winter access to the Beaver Run SuperChair starts your day right on the slopes. The Town’s free bus system loops past the resort regularly. And in the summer, explore on easily accessible e-bikes.
Breckenridge is highly walkable because it’s compact, charming and pleasurable. Any time of year, take a walk downhill to Main Street. Beaver Run’s private shuttle can bring you home.
You really don’t need your car in Breckenridge any time of year. If you do choose to use a personal vehicle, here are a few tips for easier travel, parking, and charging.
Before you head up the hill to Breckenridge, visit GoI70.com and CoTrip.org for construction updates, best times to avoid congestion, road conditions and cameras.
Parking in most areas of Breckenridge is paid. Avoid wait times at the kiosks and speed up your parking payment by downloading the BreckPark app before you arrive. Pre-load your account with your credit card information and vehicle description, if you know it. When you arrive at a potential parking area, note the zone number located on the parking signs. You’ll need it and your license plate number to complete your parking transaction.
Charging stations for electrical vehicles are located throughout town and at Beaver Run Resort. Check out this link to find a charging station in Breckenridge.
Mountains and Altitude
The beauty of being in the mountains with abundant snow in the winter and cool days in the summer comes from our high altitude. Breckenridge is located at 9,600’ elevation, almost two miles high. Less oxygen at altitude affects people differently, with some feeling little more than shortness-of-breath, while others may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. In some cases, altitude sickness may set in with symptoms like difficulty breathing or a consistent cough, requiring medical attention or a quick retreat to a lower level.
To adjust to altitude more quickly and avoid down days on your vacation, here are some tips for preparing for Breckenridge’s altitude.
Hydrate: Drink more water than you think you need. Consider adding electrolytes, sugar or coconut water to aid absorption. Bring your own reusable water bottle and refill at the many water stations available throughout town. Minimize alcohol, especially at first, and match each one of your adult beverages with an equal amount of water. Also avoid heavy or spicy meals your first day or two.
Take It Easy: Plan low-impact activities your first few days in Breckenridge, like strolling Main Street, shopping, a historic tour, escape room, hanging out at the pools and hot tubs at Beaver Run, or a visit to The Spa at Beaver Run.
Supplement with Oxygen: Oxygen in a can or mobile therapy can help with your altitude adjustment.
Start at a Lower Elevation: Some folks plan a first night in Denver or Colorado Springs at an intermediary elevation around 5,000-6,000-feet to allow their bodies a more gradual acclimatization to altitude.
Learn more about altitude sickness here.
Packing and Planning
Layers are key in the mountains. For example, in the summer, you’ll want a jacket to throw over your t-shirt. In the winter, you’ll want long underwear under your ski pants. For a month-by-month guide to packing and planning for your Breckenridge vacation, visit our What to Expect blog articles.
The sun’s power can be felt any month at Breckenridge’s elevation. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses should be on every packing list, no matter the time of year.
And anything you need clothing or gear-wise is available at Beaver Run Resort or from the many shops and boutiques that line Main Street.
Dining and Activities
The dining scene in Breckenridge continues to grow with exciting new restaurants along with old favorites. From high-end to family and budget friendly, Breckenridge offers something for everyone. But not every restaurant can accommodate large groups or has last minute availability. Few restaurants take reservations.
Before you depart, research restaurants that will suit your budget and palate. Advance reservations are highly recommended at the high-end establishments and for large groups. For others, arrive early and if you need to put your name on the wait-list, plan to stroll historic Breckenridge until your table is ready.
Beaver Run Resort takes your dining experience to a higher level of convenience with on-site restaurants and catering services for conferences. Spencer’s Steaks & Spirits offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seasonally. The Skywalk Market provides light take-out options, pizza and sandwiches. The Beaver Den food court satisfies all tastes during the winter season. Adult libations are available year-round at various locations within the resort.
For activities, reservations are also recommended. You want to be sure to get that golf tee time, river rafting date, bike rental, fishing guide, horseback adventure, or ticket to the local theatre or event that works with your vacation schedule.
Conference attendees usually know in advance the agenda of the event, allowing time to plan dining and activities around official functions.
Keep in mind that many companies’ names sound alike. Avoid the mistake of showing up at the wrong rafting company or bike rental by saving your on-line reservation or taking a screenshot on your smartphone.
For winter visits, renting equipment and buying lift tickets can add to the stress level of your vacation. Beaver Run Resort relieves the stress with on-site equipment rentals and lift ticket offices. Ask about discounted lift tickets and reserve equipment when you make your lodging reservation. Secure your equipment and lift tickets the night before to make your day on the slope as easy as possible.
Prior planning helps prevent disappointing vacation experiences. With an investment of a bit of time and energy before you depart for your Breckenridge vacation or conference, you’ll make the most of your time in our beautiful community. When you book your vacation with Beaver Run Resort, let our experts help guide you to the best lodging, activities, and advice for your time in Breckenridge.
— —
LINKS
Breck Park: https://www.breckpark.com/
GO I-70: https://goi70.com/
CoTrip: https://www.cotrip.org/home
electric vehicle charging stations: https://www.townofbreckenridge.com/how-do-i/locate/electric-vehicle-chargers
Adjusting to Altitude: https://gobreck.com/plan-your-visit/breckenridge-altitude
Beaver Run Spa: https://beaverrun.com/spa/
