Join the Mile-High Club in Breckenridge

Sitting at an altitude of 9,600 feet and about a two-hour drive from Denver, the quaint eco-friendly mountain municipality of Breckenridge, Colorado, is known for providing some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, along with some of the most breathtaking scenery. Despite it being a smaller town of about 5,000 people, there are endless opportunities for exciting adventures and unique experiences.

Founded in 1859, settlers originally came to Breckenridge in search of gold. Though that didn’t exactly pan out, the town still grew and thrived due to its vast natural beauty and potential as a vacation destination.

While there are plenty of cozy lodges and private cabins available to stay at in Breckenridge, Gravity Haus is a prime option, as it’s conveniently located across the road from Main Street, making it about a 10-minute walk or less to most of the area’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the town’s main ski lift and gondola ride. Gravity Haus also offers very nice onsite dining and bars, a spa and sauna, and a large fitness center.

If you are interested in hitting the slopes, there are five major peaks to explore in Breckenridge that provide over 2,900 acres of rideable terrain. While some world-class athletes hail from the area – like Olympic bronze medalist Arielle Gold, who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community – don’t be intimidated by the scale of these slopes. There are dozens of designated areas suitable for every skill and age level, as well as tons of other activities and sights to take in, on and off the snow. On the peaks, you can also enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and more.

If barreling down a mountain is not to your taste, other fun activities include exploring the numerous local trails that often run alongside gorgeous creeks and rushing rivers, cruising around town on its famous fat-tire bikes, and getting your Zen on with a three-hour “mini-retreat” at the Clairvergence wellness center. In addition to its many galleries, the town’s art district also provides free and low-cost arts-and-crafts classes to the community. Oh, and for good luck, you have to pay a visit to the “Breckenridge troll.” Named Isak Heartstone, the famous 15-foot outdoor sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo is one of the town’s most popular sights.

One important thing to remember in Breckenridge is to drink lots of water and take rest breaks if you start feeling out of breath – the extreme altitude can be a little taxing for those not used to it. Also, be mindful of alcohol intake; the locals will tell you that one drink basically feels like two at such heights. But hey, at least you’ll save a few bucks on cocktails!

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Some culinary standouts in town include Radicato, an Italian eatery helmed by executive chef and James Beard finalist Matt Vawter, and The Carlin, where Chef Zach Brace’s menu is focused on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and woodfired entrées. Surprisingly, there is also a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars boasting live music and dancing to unwind and warm up after a day on the chilly slopes and streets.

Despite the town not having an official gay bar or LGBTQ+ district, it is very warm and welcoming to its queer citizens and visitors. During Breckenridge’s annual 10-Mile Pride event in June, just about every business in town, whether queer-owned or not, displays rainbow flags in support.

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Before you leave, you also should check out the wonderfully eclectic Bunk House Lodge, a unique queer landmark that still provides private rooms as well as rustic hostile-style accommodations. Owner/ operator Mitch Ringquist, a charmingly colorful local, is always happy to tell folks about the lodge’s fascinating five-decade history as a safe haven for gay men — and perhaps a good ghost story or two if you’re lucky. (Fun note: The hot tub is clothing-optional.)

Visit gobreck.com for more information on Breckenridge, including tips for visiting during different seasons, its innovative environment-friendly practices, and details about its annual Pride events