Snowshoeing in Breckenridge

Snowshoeing was created, most likely by the Native Americans and Central Asians, as a way to travel through deep snow by floating on top of it. Now, it has become one of the most popular winter activities in Breckenridge, and serves as a great way to explore our extensive trail system in the winter.

Breckenridge boasts more than 30 miles (50km) of manicured snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails between the town’s two Nordic Centers. If exploring historic mining ruins on your own is more your style, the Breckenridge trail system offers hundreds of miles of ungroomed trails to explore. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them and embark on a self-guided adventure or take a guided tour.

Where to Snowshoe in Breckenridge

Gold Run Nordic Center

Snowshoeing is one of the top winter family activities. Make it easy with trail-side rentals at one of Breckenridge’s two nordic centers.

With 15k of snowshoe trails, the Gold Run Nordic Center is a great place for the beginner and experienced outdoor enthusiast.  The Gold Run Nordic Center offers on-site rentals for easy trail access as well as daily guided tours the whole family can enjoy.  You can enjoy snowshoe trails for all ability levels, from beginner to advanced.

Gold Run Nordic Center also offers cross-country skiing, fat bike rentals and partners with Breckenridge Stables to offer horse-drawn carriage rides . Warm-up after a day on the trails with a cup of hot cocoa or boozy beverage in the cozy lodge next to the fireplace.

Breckenridge Nordic Center

Discover local history, scenic views and wildlife while taking in the crisp mountain air.

Breckenridge Nordic ski and snowshoe-specific trails await all abilities at this Nordic Center nestled below the ski resort. Just a half-mile from Main Street on Ski Hill Road, nearly 30 miles of idyllic trails weave through the gorgeous Cucumber Gulch Nature Preserve offering breathtaking views, peaceful quiet, and if you’re lucky – majestic visits from local wildlife.

Equipment rentals, lessons, snow cat tours, a snack bar and professional staff are on hand to get you on your way. Take in the mountain views and be sure to swing into the Hallelujah Hut for a  chance to warm up by the wood-burning fireplace.

Guided Tours

Strap on snowshoes with confidence on a guided snowshoe tour. Photo provided by: Colorado Adventure Guides.

Exploring Summit County’s backcountry routes on pillow-soft powder in winter is scenic, peaceful, and will make you feel like you have the mountains all to yourself. Hike a tranquil loop around a pristine mountain meadow, explore a shady canyon or embark on a heart pounding trek up a snow shrouded peak to witness spectacular winter views. Join a public half-day snowshoe tour with Colorado Adventure Guides or book a private adventure (half or full day) with your crew and a guide.

Or, strap on your snowshoes for an exhilarating 2.5-mile winter journey through Colorado’s Golden Horseshoe with Breckenridge History. Discover the fascinating story of early mining operations as you explore the remarkable remains of the historic Reiling dredge boat, with your knowledgeable guide bringing the area’s pioneering spirit to life.

Free Groomed Trails

If you enjoy summer hiking, we encourage you to give snowshoeing a try.

Snowshoers and other outdoor enthusiast can take advantage of Summit County’s groomed rec path.  The groomed section of the Recpath now extends from the Breckenridge Rec Center to the Frisco Adventure Park, offering over 8 miles of fee free, winter recreation. Grooming operations will include track-setting for classic Nordic skiers, as well as laying corduroy for skate skiers, fat bike cyclists and other non-motorized users. The project partners ask that cyclists and walkers avoid the classic ski tracks so they remain usable for skiers.

Etiquette – Users are encouraged to be respectful and courteous to one another on the multiuse pathway and to use proper trail etiquette, including packing out all trash. Just as in the summer, dogs are required to be leashed when on the pathway, and motorized uses are not allowed. Pet owners are required by law to pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly in a trash receptacle.

In addition to the bike path, the Town of Breckenridge grooms trails in the iconic Golden Horseshoe area (Tom’s Baby & Middle Flume trails).

Explore Breckenridge’s Trails

EXPLORE THE HUNDREDS OF MILES OF TRAILS IN AND AROUND BRECKENRIDGE.

Breckenridge’s interconnected trail system offers countless miles of trails to be explored. These same trails can be hiked or biked in the summer, but during the winter months they provide amazing access to the vast winter backcountry. Breckenridge has winter hikes for every ability level at various distances. Gear can be rented through Breckenridge’s Nordic centers and local shops throughout town. Not sure where to go? Winter Trail maps are available online or at the Breckenridge Welcome Center on Main Street.

Guided Nordic and Snowshoe Tours

Embark on a guided adventure so you can focus on amazing views and learn something new.

Let your guide do the way-finding so you can focus on the amazing views and learn something new. Breckenridge History opens the doors to the Bunk House on Iowa Hill for snowshoers on their winter tour and through French Gulch as a private option.

View more guided adventures in Breckenridge.