Some ski towns are just that — a place you go for winter sports that has little else to offer. Breckenridge is different. This former gold-rush town has charm galore, with Victorian-era buildings, cute boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. Avid skiers and snowboarders can spend many happy hours on the five epic peaks. Breckenridge is also easy to get to, as it’s just 80 miles northeast of Denver.

An important update for travel to Breckenridge in winter 2021: As of December 2020, indoor activities are limited, indoor dining is prohibited, multiple households aren’t permitted to share vacation rentals, and masks are mandatory in town. Check the latest updates for Breckenridge before you go.

3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Your Ski Trip

1. Active travelers need protection in case of an accident. Even expert skiers and snowboarders sometimes wipe out… hard. If you suffer a covered injury during your Breckenridge vacation, emergency medical and emergency medical transportation benefits can reimburse you for covered medical expenses. (Please note that insurance will not cover losses related to skiing or snowboarding outside marked trails or in an area accessed by helicopter.)
2. You can’t risk losing your vacation investment. A Breckenridge vacation isn’t cheap. A quick scan of hotel booking sites shows it’s tough to find a room under $200 per night in the high season, and many vacation rentals and lodges cost $300-$400 per night. Lift tickets cost $80-150 per day.¹ Trip cancellation and interruption benefits can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel or cut short your ski trip for a covered reason.
3. Travel insurance is an affordable way to protect your rental car. If you’re renting a car in Breckenridge, don’t buy overpriced rental car insurance at the counter. Protect your vehicle from covered collision, loss and damage with the Rental Car Damage Protector (available for residents of most states.)

What’s the best travel insurance plan for a ski vacation? One affordable option is the   OneTrip Basic Plan, which includes up to $10,000 in trip cancellation benefits. If you’re planning a family trip, OneTrip Prime may be your best bet. This popular plan includes generous benefits and covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).

To see all your plan options and prices, get a quote!

3 of the Best Things to Do in Breckenridge

1. Hit the slopes. Breckenridge is justly famous for its winter sports. We’re talking more than 300 inches of fresh powder every year. The tallest chairlift in North America. Five stunning peaks with 187 trails. Four terrain parks for snowboarders of all skill levels. Pro tips: You can save up to 20% on lift tickets by buying in advance, or save even more with a season pass if you’re skiing four days or more.²
2. Try a new snow activity. Visit one of Breckenridge’s two Nordic Centers to experience a different type of winter adventure: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or Snowcat tours.³ Knowledgeable guides can provide you with equipment and lessons. Other activities for non-skiers include sleigh rides, ice skating, snowmobiling, dog sledding and snowbiking.
3. Browse the Breckenridge boutiques. The historic downtown is home to an eclectic array of boutiques. Find western wear at Cowboys and Daisies, books at Ole Man Berkins, handmade children’s clothing at Magical Scraps, and hand-pressed skis at Rocky Mountain Underground.⁴

3 of the Best Breckenridge Lodges

Live the high life at the Lodge at Breckenridge, one of the world’s highest-altitude hotels. The 45 guestrooms feature timber beams, eco-friendly amenities and sweeping views. You can even bring your dog!

Grand Lodge on Peak 7 is a luxurious ski-in/ski-out Breckenridge resort, with the chairlift just steps away. You can also hop on the BreckConnect gondola to reach Peak 8 or head to the historic downtown. Enjoy outdoor hot tubs, a full-service day spa, and daily activities, like snowshoe hikes, glass painting, s’mores roasting and family portrait sessions.

If you’re trying to plan a cheap ski vacation, consider the SkiWay Lodge. A small chalet with two outdoor hot tubs and no-contact check-in, the SkiWay Lodge is praised for being quiet, cozy and a great deal.

3 of the Best Restaurants in Breckenridge

Have a ferocious appetite after a day on the slopes? Many people say Giampietro Pasta & Pizzeria makes Breckenridge’s best pizza. Get yourself a signature chopped salad with salami, provolone, romaine and chickpeas, plus a New York-style or Sicilian deep-dish pizza with all the toppings your hungry heart desires.

Blue River Bistro offers outdoor dining, a whole menu of martinis (with a two-for-one happy hour) and creatively crafted Italian-American food. The fried chicken sandwich, tortellini carbonara and shrimp-and-sausage penne are guaranteed to please.

For a memorable fine-dining experience, make a reservation at Aurum for one of their four heated yurts, where you’ll enjoy a special chef’s multi-course menu for up to eight people. Or, get “Au-to-Go” trout, steak, lamb and other specialties.

Protect your ski vacation with travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance. See your options here.

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• Peak Experiences: The Best Ski Resorts to Visit in the U.S.
• 5 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance For Your Ski Trip
• The Essential Guide to Travel Insurance for Winter Travel