Here at 9,600 feet, it’s sometimes a stretch to think of March as “spring.” Sure, it’s when spring breakers from all over the country descend on Breckenridge for their week of skiing and partying, but most of us who spend a significant amount of time here know that April and beyond is truly the time to catch the sun, slush and warmer temps of spring. That’s if we don’t get a two-foot dump of snow.
April and May are two of the best months to visit Breckenridge. Here’s why.
The big crowds are gone
You probably don’t even know what it’s like to go out to dinner at prime time in Breck without wedging your way through a sea of bodies just to get on the wait list for a table. In April and especially May, there’s a lot more breathing room, including on the mountain. Plan to get a lot more runs in on the slopes, as lift lines are pretty much nonexistent this time of year.
Amazing spring skiing
That said, April brings the glorious combination of sun and delightful, swishy slush if not a massive storm dumping January-like powder in which to land fresh lines all day thanks to the blissful few powder hounds on the mountain. Yep, it’s mostly just you and the locals. Your photos will have all of your friends back home fuming with envy. “Wait,” you say, “Doesn’t Breck close on April 23?” Yes, it does. But let’s not forget that Arapahoe Basin, included on your Vail Resorts season pass, stays open into June and is a mere 30 minutes away.
Food deals
Not only can you land a table a lot more easily than in high season, but most restaurants in town participate in the Breckenridge Spring Dining Passport, which can be purchased for $10 at the Breck Welcome Center. With proceeds donated to local scholarship funds and nonprofits, the passport is good for two people and delivers steep discounts. We’re talking two-for-one dinners all spring long.
Multisport opportunities
Have you ever pedaled a bike with skis or board on your back? It’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of this spectacle this time of year. It’s not necessary to do it all at once, but there is an unquestionably badass sensation that comes with pedaling a fat bike over primed frozen snow in the morning before trading your wheels in for sunny slush turns on the mountain in the afternoon. Also, the roads are clear for long cycling excursions.
Fun events and live music
Some of the season’s most exciting events roll out in April and May, including Breck Spring Fever, bringing terrain park jams every Friday afternoon through closing day, complete with live band/DJ and a fun party vibe. Here are some more not-to-miss happenings:
Breck Spring Beer Festival April 8
A dream for suds lovers, this beer festival brings live music and more than 35 breweries from around Colorado and the country slinging their best craft brews all afternoon.
Easter April 16
Not only are the slopes relatively empty on Easter Sunday, but in the morning, Peaks 8 and 9 are speckled with colorful eggs for kids to collect. There is also a free on-mountain sunrise service for early birds (6 a.m.)
Imperial Challenge April 22
If you find the aforementioned prospect of multisport pursuits alluring and are feeling fit, nowhere will your lungs and legs be so tested as in the Imperial Challenge. You begin by pedaling up to the base of Peak 8 from town, ditching your bike and skinning or snowshoeing to the top of the mountain. Then comes the best part … skiing or snowboarding down to the finish line.
Shakin’ at the Basin Concert Series April 29-June 4
If you have not parked and partied on The Beach at Arapahoe Basin, this is absolutely the time to do so. Ski and ride into summer with hot jams and probably a lot of dancing – free live music every Saturday afternoon featuring some of the region’s best rock and bluegrass bands.
Stay with us April 1 to May 31 and receive low rates on lodging. Email us for more details.