Hey look a trip report with practical, useful tips from a Breckenridge regular. Perfect for your trip to Summit County.

One of my favorite weekend getaways, summer or winter, is Breckenridge Colorado. Only about 80 miles from Denver it’s the most historic town in Summit County, ranking high with Leadville in terms of rich old boom and bust mining history.

Given the fact that interstate 70 is horrifically congested between Denver and Summit County on the weekends, I almost always ski the early part of the week on Monday through Wednesdays. Even better is getting a room in Breckenridge, where you can treat yourself to a nice meal and drinks, hit the hot tub at night, sleep in til eight and still be one of the first on the slopes.

I’ve stayed a few times at the River Mountain Lodge, a time share in Breckenridge in the heart of downtown along the Blue River. Even though it’s a time share you can simply call and book a room, just like a hotel. I’ve stayed in the studio, and the 1 bedroom plus loft, and although it’s a bit more expensive than a motel off the interstate, the value of what you receive is by far worth it, especially since all units have kitchens. In the summer the sound of the babbling Blue River can be heard from the east facing rooms, and it’s a nice place to wind down after a day of rafting, biking, or hiking.

If I’m solo or with a group of friends I always stop at the City Market on highway 9 just north of Breckenridge. You can pick up some food for dinner and breakfast, some beer, and other snacks. You’ll save a ton of money by not having to eat every meal out. Often after a day of skiing I’m tired and don’t feel like going to a crowded restaurant, so being able to cooks some steaks and have beers in my own place is a nice plus. If you’re staying in the mountains or at a resort for a few days I find the additional cost of renting a condo with kitchen is usually justified by the money you’ll save by cooking a few meals yourself.

Also most one bedroom condos can easily sleep a group of four. In addition to a bedroom with queen size beds most condos have pull out sofas, perfect for families or a group of friends.

A favorite low cost eatery in Breckenridge is “Downstairs at Eric’s”, on Main a half block south of Ski Hill Road. Eric’s is a pizza place with lots of other standard fare. Even if there’s a wait the arcade will keep you busy playing pinball and Ms. Pacman. The Horseshoe, next to Erik’s, is another reasonably price dinner place, with a beautiful old bar in a historic building, and a quiet upstairs overlooking the street. Plenty of other restaurants are found on Main Street to suit all budgets, and are easily found by wandering up and down the pedestrian friendly streets.

One place I’ve been visited every time since stumbling upon it a few years ago is “The Brown” Hotel and bar. Located at 208 South Ridge, (one block east of Main), this building has served many forms, including a school, since 1868. I’ve always met friendly and interesting people here, from fellow visitors to locals, and full time ski bums passing the evening enjoying a brew. Remember the address, as it’s location tucked off on a side street is sometimes hard to find after the sun behind the slopes.

For breakfast head to the Columbine Cafe, right behind Erik’s on main. Good diner prices and a small cozy dining room are a great way to charge up on the coffee and chicken fried steak before schlepping your gear to the lift. Speaking of schlepping the new Breckenridge Gondola wisks you to the base right from town, about five blocks south of Ski Hill Road, but last time I was there most regulars said it’s easier just to take the shuttle up the hill to the base.

This last trip I didn’t ski at Breck, but nearby Arapahoe Basin. Pics here!

Useful Links:

Breckenridge Official Site – Trail maps, town maps, lodging and deals.

Breckenridge Reservations – condos for lodging, easily rentable. Don’t buy a time share