Best bets for Breckenridge family fun

Family-friendly skiing

Breckenridge ski resort is broken down into four peaks, numbered 7 through 10. Take the intermediate kids over to the blue trails on Peaks 7 and 8 and then enjoy some runs with the littler ones on Peak 9 where you’ll find plenty of slightly sloping beginner terrain and restaurants for bathroom breaks, water, and refueling. Skilled teens will dig Peak 10’s more challenging runs.

Breckenridge Ski & Ride School is a great way to give kids a solid foundation no matter what level they’re at. Save money by booking lessons, buying lift tickets, and renting gear ahead of time online.

Built-in photography

Don’t feel like playing photographer? That’s cool. Professional EpicMix photographers are located around the mountain to snap those classic Breckenridge shots for you. Look for their green coats and ask them to take your picture. Images are automatically uploaded to your EpicMix account online for free, with high-resolution prints available for purchase. Perfect for next year’s Christmas card.

Keeping ’em active 

Give their ski legs a break with some of Breckenridge’s popular winter activities. Pick up a sled at City Market and Food Kingdom grocery stores in town and head over to the hill at Carter Park at the south end of High Street. Bundle up in blankets and sip hot cocoa withBreckenridge Stables sleigh rides or lead a team of huskies through the forest on aBreckenridge dogsledding expedition.

Get some quality family time in at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. Skate rentals are available at the rink. Wear the kids out at theBreckenridge Recreation Center‘s indoor pool and water slide, two climbing walls and basketball court or take a wild ride on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster at the base of Peak 8.

Kid-approved dining

On-mountain options include food-court-style baked potato bars, sushi, stone hearth pizzas, express options, and healthy soups, salads, and sandwiches. Check out the new donut maker at the Maggie at the base of Peak 9.

A stroll around town reveals tons of early dining and happy hour specials between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.Downstairs at Eric’s features an arcade, kid’s menu, and creative pizza options. Empire‘s burgers are famously popular and Mary’s Mountain Cookies, Mimi’s hand-held pies, and the frozen banana stand are great sweet treat spots.

Date night made easy

Spend some time skiing and racing each other down the mountain like you did before the kids. Breckenridge Resort offers three child care centers for kids eight weeks to five years. Take advantage of Breck’s winter wonderland ambiance with a romantic night on the town, complete with a horse-drawn carriage ride, gourmet cuisine at Relish, Ember or Hearthstone, and a show at theBackstage Theatre.

Keep the kids entertained all evening with Mountain Top Children’s Museum‘s Kid’s Night Out programs or call on one of the certified Resort Sitters for worry-free child care.

Find more family-friendly restaurants in Breck.

–Lisa Pogue