Last updated on March 8th, 2018 at 08:59 pm
Breckenridge is a historic Colorado mining town known for its excellent skiing, epic hiking trails, and breathtaking scenery. The shoulder season or off-season, the time between when the ski runs close and summer begins, is definitely less hectic in and around Breckenridge. The tourist traffic slows, but the “off” in the off-season doesn’t mean the town shuts down completely. This time of year is a great time to visit Breckenridge. You’ll enjoy thinner crowds, dining deals, and experience the area like the locals do. Here are four ways visiting Breckenridge in the off-season could benefit you.
You can Find Great Deals on Gear
If you’re in the market for some new outdoor gear, spring is the best time to shop in Breckenridge. Take a walk down Main Street and visit ski and snowboard shops practically giving away last year’s gear. Businesses offer huge discounts to move out past season’s apparel and equipment to make way for the onslaught of new stock.
Eat, Drink and be Merry for Cheap
In April and May, many restaurants close or shorten their hours because of slower traffic, and the places that stay open offer outstanding specials for meals that would usually have a premium price. You can eat drink and be merry, and your vacation dollars will go a lot a lot further.
Enjoy the Road Less Traveled
Get in the car and go for a drive! Spring is a distinctive time of year to enjoy the mountain scenery. The snow is melting, brilliant green tufts of grass are starting to appear, and you don’t have to fight for a parking spot at every public overlook to take in the spectacular views. Take a scenic drive over Swan Pass north of town. Many overlooks line the mountain road, making it easy to enjoy amazing views of scenic points like the Ten Mile Range and Dillon Reservoir. When the weather is nice, the paved bike path through town is another fun way to enjoy the beauty of Breckenridge.
Bask in the Sun on Wide Open Slopes
You can still ski at some resorts until June in Colorado! Arapahoe Basin and Loveland stay open until May. They are the closest ski resorts to Breckenridge to enjoy nearby spring skiing. The weather is warmer, so leave your heavy snow gear at home and hit the sunny slopes in style. Sport a vintage onesie or a favorite team jersey; anything goes when there are no jackets required. Spring doesn’t bring the best snow, but it’s a perfect time to relax and enjoy sunny slopes before retiring your gear for the season.
We love visiting popular tourist destinations in the off-season. Doing so saves us a lot of money without sacrificing quality on accommodations, and flights are always cheaper, too. Hipmunk.com is a convenient place to find great deals on flights and Breckenridge hotels all in one place. Visiting in the spring, or the fall for that matter will help you see a different side of the mountain town that is just as beautiful as it is in the high traffic winter months. The major difference is you’ll fight fewer crowds and spend a lot less to enjoy the stunning views.
Featured image by Kevin Dinkle via Flickr
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