Early Spring: What To Do When The Snow Disappears
Welp, spring sure did arrive with a…slow, mellow melt that has been going on since January!
Yea, this isn’t the spring skiing any of us wanted and all of the resorts are closing terrain, lifts, and even base areas well before the hopeful “late April” and “early May” dates originally penciled onto calendars.
If you planned a late season ski trip and are suddenly staring at dry ground, take a deep breath. You do not need to cancel your trip. In fact, you just scored a ticket to the most relaxed, budget friendly version of Summit County.
We locals love the quiet of the spring shoulder season. The massive crowds are gone. The parking nightmares have vanished. Best of all, the premium pricing drops significantly. Here is how to experience the best of Breckenridge without the snow and without spending more.
Six Activities For Early Spring Weather
Hit the Paved Trails
You might be tempted to hit the dirt hiking trails now that the snow is melting. Please do not do this. Spring is known as Mud Season here, and hiking on wet dirt causes severe erosion and deep ruts. Local conservation groups strongly ask everyone to stay off the dirt trails until they are completely dry.
Instead, take advantage of the Summit County Recreational Pathway System. We have over fifty miles of paved joy that is completely free to use. You can rent a cruiser bike and ride the path alongside the scenic Blue River all the way to Frisco. If you prefer walking, the short, flat path to see Isak Heartstone, our famous wooden troll, is accessible year round and perfect for an easy afternoon stroll.
Hunt for Spring Dining Deals
This is the absolute best time of year to eat out in Breckenridge. Without the winter crowds, many high end restaurants try to entice locals by offering incredible spring specials. You can regularly find two for one entree deals or heavily discounted menus at places that normally require reservations weeks in advance. It is the perfect excuse to try a premium spot and avoid the usual resort markup. Just be sure to call ahead, as some spots take a short break during the quiet season.
Explore the Free Museums
Breckenridge has a rich gold mining history, and you do not need to spend a dime to learn about it. Take a walk through the historic district and visit the Edwin Carter Discovery Center or the High Line Railroad Park. Both offer great, free insight into how this town started. Strolling Main Street is also significantly more enjoyable when you do not have to elbow your way down the sidewalk.
Cook a Mountain Meal
Since some local businesses use April to rest and deep clean, this is the perfect time to embrace cooking at your rental. I am here to tell you it is okay to cook on vacation. My Mountain Meals guide provides five complete dinners for under $100. It includes grocery guides and altitude adjustments to keep things completely stress free. It is the easiest way to save your budget for happy hour drinks on a sunny patio later in the day.
Ride the Free Shuttle
Even without the snow, you do not need to rely on a rental car. The Breck FreeRide bus system runs year round and can get you almost anywhere you need to go in town. Keep your car parked at your rental, save yourself the gas money, and let the free transit system do the work.
Go On A {Dry} Hiking Trail
Finding a place to hike in April can be a challenge. While the high peaks are still covered in melting snow, the lower trails are often a soup of deep mud. We take trail preservation seriously here because walking on muddy paths creates permanent damage that is expensive to fix. Fortunately, there are a few local secrets that dry out much faster than the rest. These spots allow you to get your mountain fix for free without being the person who ruins the trails for everyone else.
Breckenridge is a gorgeous gem of a town whether there is snow on the ground or not. Grab a light jacket, enjoy the quiet streets, and travel like a local this spring.
