Ski Trip to Breckenridge: A DINK Couple’s Adventure

We recently planned a Breckenridge ski trip, and this time we decided to do it over a holiday weekend. Typically, we steer clear of holiday travel, but this time, it fit perfectly into our schedule. Our gameplan was to fly into Denver and arrive sometime around noon, then drive straight to Breckenridge. For our return home, we planned to head back to Denver a day before our flight so we could relax and enjoy the city.

Breckenridge Ski Trip: Our Journey Begins

Our Breckenridge ski trip journey begins with a flight into Denver International Airport on Thursday morning. We planned to depart on Thursday, a day earlier than most would begin traveling for the holiday weekend, to avoid the crowds and snag better deals. We booked our flight and rental car about a month in advance through Expedia. Given the snowy forecast, we opted for a 4×4 SUV from NuCar rentals. A pro tip for Colorado travel: a 4×4 or AWD vehicle is a must for mountainous terrains, especially during winter.

First Stop Snarf’s Sandwiches

Landing in Denver, hunger struck, we asked a few locals for their lunch recommendations. We were immediately directed to our first stop, Snarf’s Sandwiches, a local favorite with roots in Boulder, Colorado. Yes we were hungry, but this was seriously one of the best sandwiches we’ve had in a long time. The bread’s perfect crunch, combined with delicious meats, like corned beef, made for a delicious meal. They also have several hot sauces you can try, just ask them to fill up a small container for you. We will definitely be visiting Snarf’s each and every time we visit Colorado in the future.

Our Stay at Sawmill Condos

We booked our vacation rental through VRBO and stayed in this newly remodeled unit at Sawmill Condos. It was conveniently located near the free bus routes and within walking distance to the gondola and Main Street, the perfect location for our Breckenridge ski trip. Being able to ski back to the condo at the end of the day from 4 O’Clock Run was a bonus. This location was ideal as we could easily hit the slopes, and also enjoy the après-ski scene on Main Street.

Dining and Exploring Breckenridge

We were ready to dine and explore Breckenridge together. Our first dinner was at The Canteen Taphouse and Tavern, a cozy spot with a mountain vibe. It was time for Stephen’s first beer of the trip, the Breckenridge Brewery Nitro Vanilla Porter. This was quite possibly his favorite local brew, you can read more about all Colorado beers we sampled in this post here. The Vanilla Porter perfectly complemented the Elk & Bison Chili, we highly recommend both. Karissa was struggling a bit to adjust to the elevation so she went with a hearty Hoss Burger which did not disappoint, and of course Stephen enjoyed some of it too.

Tips for High Altitude

Breckenridge’s base elevation is around 9,000 feet. To make the most of your Breckenridge ski trip, staying hydrated is key for adjusting to the high altitude. If you’re planning a trip to any high altitude destination, be sure to start hydrating a little extra at least 2 days before your departure.

Dressing Smart for the Snow

Our Breckenridge ski trip taught us a valuable lesson about dressing for extreme cold. Instead of relying on a single heavy jacket, we kept warm and dressed smart for the snow by layering. The key players in our winter wardrobe were the Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece and Lifaloft Insulator Jacket. These layers provided the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility, allowing us to adapt to the changing temperatures without feeling bulky. The fleece was a game-changer for its fuzzy and lightweight warmth, while the light jacket offered that essential insulated protection against the biting cold. Add a base layer underneath and you’ll stay plenty warm. Remember to keep your head, hands and feet warm too!

Spa Day and Fine Dining

Our spa day with Rejuvenation Spa at One Ski Hill was a great experience, schedule your spa service in advance as they book up fast. Opting for a one-hour massage, the masseuse’s expertise in both Eastern and Western massage techniques was so impressive, we extended the session an additional half hour. The spa’s amenities, including a sauna, pool, and jacuzzi, added to the luxurious experience.

It was time for our fine dining experience at Aurum Food & Wine. We bypassed the tasting menu this time because we already spotted some items we specifically wanted to try. The Korean Fried Chicken starter set a high bar with its spicy kick and flavorful kimchi notes. We followed this with the Curry Carrot Miso Bisque which was a warm delight on a chilly evening. We also split our main courses, because Karissa rarely finishes her own. The Marinated Coulotte Steak was a standout with its perfect cook and rich flavors. While the braised beef was good, we found it a bit bland and probably wouldn’t order it again.

Skiing the Fresh Powder

The next day greeted us with over a foot of fresh snow, this is exactly what we were hoping for this Breckenridge ski trip. Stephen was excited to get out on the mountain early to ski the fresh powder. As an expert skier, he was in his element and started his day on Peak 10, doing laps on Mercury Superchair. For more information and insider tips on navigating the 5 Peaks at Breckenridge, check out our Breckenridge Mountain Ski Guide post.

BBQ Night at Whiskey Star Smokehouse

We had a hankering for some good BBQ, and while walking on Main Street at night, our nose led us to Whiskey Star Smokehouse. We started with their nachos, which, to be honest, were a bit underwhelming. However, the smoked meats more than made up for it. We chose the 2 Meat Platter with both cuts of brisket – lean and moist – because we love brisket! The lean brisket was our favorite, tender and flavorful. The highlight was their selection of four BBQ sauces: Honey Gold, Sweet Espresso, Texas Red, and Spicy Red. Our top picks were the Spicy Red for its bold kick and the Honey Gold for its sweet, tangy mustard flavor.

Cookie Quest in Breckenridge

Our sweet tooth took us on a cookie quest down Main Street. We had no choice but to compare Dynamite Cookies and Mountain Top Cookie Shop.

Dynamite’s thicker cookies, particularly the Snickerdoodle, were delicious, but their limited selection was a drawback. Mountain Top, on the other hand, offered a wide variety of cookies and even some gluten free options (which we did not try). We opted for the Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Snickerdoodle, and Oatmeal Raisin. The Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cookies were our favorites, with their perfect balance of gooeyness and flavor. There was however a clear winner between the two; Mountain Top Cookie Shop. Even after a couple days, and on the flight home, their cookies were amazingly delicious.

The Return Journey: Challenges and Delays

Our drive back to Denver was a challenge to say the least. This is where having a 4×4 SUV really paid off. The bad weather compounded by snow and ice led to plenty of road closures. What is normally a two-hour drive from Breckenridge to Denver, ended up taking us over 7 hours!

On the bright side, while we were delayed in Frisco, Colorado we found a great place to hang out, Abbey’s Coffee. We weren’t actually in the mood for coffee though, so Karissa tried their Cider while Stephen enjoyed the peppermint hot chocolate. We were using the COtrip Planner app which was invaluable for navigating road conditions. Once the roads opened back up we were on our way, with a police escort crawling 25 mph down I-70.

Wrapping Up

Our Breckenridge ski trip was a blend of exhilarating skiing, delicious dining, and unexpected adventures. For DINK couples looking for a winter getaway, Breckenridge offers a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. Stay tuned for our upcoming post on the local beers we tasted during this trip!