Jan 7, 20216 min read

Breckenridge, CO - The Perfect Vacation Spot

If you are looking for an escape to nature, whether for the summer or winter, look no further than Breckenridge, CO. Breck has plenty of options for you to explore and ski.

If you have been following The Old River Nest for a while, you will know that my family loves Breckenridge.

Breckenridge is Heaven for us, and it's more than just beauty! Let me give you a little back story.

My mom and dad rented a condo in 2014 for Christmas. It was our first time visiting Breckenridge, and we quickly realized that it was magical. Something about escaping from the hustle and bustle after Christmas and just being with your family made for the perfect trip, and we decided to go there every year during winter break.

Well, fast forward a few years, and we got the most terrible news. It was December 21, 2016, and Brooke, me, my mom, and dad were in a hospital room. The doctor told my family that my dad only had three to six months to live due to cancer. Y'all, it was as if someone had punched me in the stomach, and I couldn't breathe.

Cam and I couldn't decide that year if we should go skiing or not, but my parents insisted that we did. You guys, I don't know how to put it in words, but that year when I was on the mountain top, I could feel the presence of God. The mountains, the snow, and the open sky made me realize that if God created this beautiful world, I can't even imagine how glorious he created Heaven. It was just like scripture says; it was a sense of peace beyond all understanding.

So, Breckenridge is not just a beautiful place for my family to visit; it's a sanctuary that reminds me of the grace of God and the value He has given my life. And I know that if you visit, you will feel the same way.

This year we even visited during the summer. We always said that Breck could never be as good as the winter, but I have to admit; I think I may like the summer more! Well...I love both seasons. It's too hard to choose!

Because I have such a love for this cute little town, I thought I would share with you guys some of the adventures we did this summer and winter in case you would ever be interested in visiting.

Let's get started!

Pine Ridge Condos

The condo we rent is a privately owned vacation rental that has a central location. I like these condominiums because they are not like other vacation rental companies with units all over town. They only rent Pine Ridge condominiums, and their staff is there each day if you need anything.

Pine Ridge is right on 4 O'clock and is one of the first areas of town with condominium development. Also, they provide exceptional floor plans for our family of four. They offer these size accommodations:

1-bedroom / 2-bath (sleeps up to 4 people)
2-bedroom / 2-bath (sleeps up to 6 people)
2 bedroom / 2-bath with loft (sleeps up to 8 people)

Why we are such fans is due to the ski-in, in-town location. Even though some of the condo's decor may be a little out of date (depending on which unit you rent), the area makes Pine Ridge an unbeatable choice during the winter. Not only can you ski in from the mountain, but you are just a block away from downtown. We park and don't drive until it's time to go home. Parking is perfect for us, Texans that aren't too good at driving in the snow. Also, there is plenty of places to let the kids play in the snow and build snowmen and forts!

Their firepit is a great place to relax and warm up when watching the kids play.

Each unit also has a locker to hold skis, poles, and most of them have sleds for you to enjoy too.

After we get done skiing, Coop usually plays in the snow for hours. I love the location because I can cook and still keep an eye on him.

During the summer, the condo is the perfect site to go on all kinds of fun adventures.

Just a reminder that each condo is different. Our all-time favorite is 2B. The owners made it very accommodating for traveling families.

Winter Activities

I have to be honest; we are a skiing family. I know that Breck offers more than just skiing, but honestly, that is all my family does when we visit during the winter. The resort has multiple peaks, and we ski them all except for the black only slopes. Peak 7 is our favorite.

We love skiing Breck for several reasons. One, it's very family-friendly, and everyone is super respectful of families. Two, the runs are extensive. The wide slopes make it perfect when skiing and also safe. Three, the wait times are short for the lifts. Four, Mr. Mike McGee!

Mr. Mike has been our ski instructor for five years now! He's a veteran and from Victoria, TX. He is the best and has taught the boys everything they know! Finally, five almost everyone wears helmets! Wearing helmets is fabulous for a mom of two crazy boys that go through trees and jump! It makes it easy, so I don't have to fight the battle for safety.

We also like to go shopping downtown during the winter, eat out, and look at all the beautiful lights.

Downstairs at Eric's is one of our favorite places to eat. It's the best place to watch bowl games during the winter, and they have an arcade for the kids. Oh, and the absolute best sweet potato fries!

Summer Activities

I didn't think that we could ever love Breck more than in the winter, but I have to say the summer is fantastic! There is so much to do, and we stayed busy the entire time.

First, Hiking!

Breck offers multiple hiking routes for any age and ability. We went hiking right outside our condo for a leisurely afternoon and even went on a 10-mile hike that was extremely challenging. We loved being in nature and seeing all the beauty God has created. Something about being in nature refills your soul.

Second, Fly Fishing

Okay, so I'm not too outdoorsy of a gal, but I loved fly fishing. The boys had done it before when we visited Yellowstone, but I had never gone. It is such a peaceful process and truly an art. We went with private guides that were a massive help to the boys. If you have boys or a husband that loves to fish, this is an activity for you.

Third, Mountain Sliding

Peak 9 offers many mountain activities for the entire family, such as a rope course, a mountain roller coaster, and a mountain slide. We didn't get to the peak until really late and only had time to do the mountain slide. I was a little nervous, but y'all, it was so much fun. The boys loved it, and I wish we could have done it again, but we were the last group to go before it closed for the night. So...make sure you allow yourself plenty of time! Also, it's super easy to get to the peak. All you have to do is take the gondola from downtown, so no driving up the mountain is required! Yay!

Finally, White Water Rafting

I was very nervous about the white water rafting, especially when we were riding the bus to the river. Our instructor kept going on and on about saving ourselves if we fall out of the raft! I'm serious when I say I was sweating bullets. BUT, it was all just a precaution because I think this was by far my favorite activity of the trip. Y'all, it was a BLAST! We were on a three-hour route, and it seriously felt like 30 minutes. Our instructor was terrific, and from Boerne, TX. He was a previous camp counselor, so he was great with the boys and kept us laughing the entire time. If you love adventure, rafting is a must!

After reminiscing over both summer and winter vacations, I'm going to say this. Winter in Breck is peaceful. It's cozy. We ski all day and then watch movies or football and cook dinner in the condo.

Summer in Breck is action-packed with adventures at every corner and lots of fun in nature. So I think Breckenridge, CO, no matter what time of year, is an excellent option for your family.

I hope you were able get a little insight into what this wonderful small town has to offer. If you are interested in any of the places we visited or want more information, please comment below or send me a DM on Instagram @theoldrivernest.

Happy Thursday Friend,

Amber :)

Here are a few websites to help plan your Breck get-a-way!

Just click on the picture for the website.

Condo Information