Ah, springtime in the Rocky Mountains. Winter’s snowfall recedes and paves the way for bountiful blossoms, blue skies and beer festival season. March’s spring breakers have headed back home to wrap up the school year and locals trickle out of hibernation. Melting piles of snow and ice begin to trickle too, creating infamous “mud season” in Breckenridge.
No doubt, spring is a variable time of year in the mountains. On a day-to-day basis, many wonder “should I grab my cross country skis today or hit the trails with my mountain bike?” “Is it puffy coat or tank top weather?” With 300 days of sunshine, Colorado is not a bad place to be any given time of year.
The springtime mud season, despite popular belief, is a well-kept secret in Summit County. Smaller crowds on main streets really allow the charm of our mountain towns to shine. Smaller lines at popular spots like the one and only Crepes A La Cart is a prime reason why people love mud season in Breckenridge. Ample options of activities are available. Here are nine things not to miss out on this spring!
Dining, Arts, & Culture
1. Breckenridge Dining Passport
As the seasons change, so do restaurant menus and offerings. Options to dine and drink in Breckenridge are bountiful; 78 to choose from, to be exact. In an effort to drive business and encourage visitors and locals to experience new cuisine, Breckenridge Dining Guide created the Dining Passport. With offers valid from April 16th until June 7th, the passport is only $10 and offers hundreds of dollars in savings. Without a doubt, people don’t stay hungry for long in the spring! It should be mentioned, proceeds fund scholarships for local students - eat good and feel good about it!
2. Backstage Theater
For a healthy dose of kick back and relax entertainment, head to a show at the Breckenridge Backstage Theater. This spring’s main event is the Mary Poppins Jr. production at the Riverwalk Center. This venue consistently hosts a plethora of events and functions for all ages. With a convenient location adjacent to the Blue River and within walking distance of all restaurants and bars, make it a show and Dining Passport dinner kind of evening!
3. Wine Taste
In a state renowned in the craft beer industry, wine tasting might not be top of mind. Visitors and locals will be surprised to learn there are over 150 wineries in Colorado! A pastime traditionally reserved for the 21-and-over crowd, Summit County’s Continental Divide Winery welcomes all with open arms. This includes children and even dogs. The winery has two tasting rooms -- Main Street in Breckenridge and the second in Fairplay, just 20 miles down the road. Learn how climate, elevation and weather affect the taste and aroma of wines during a wine blending experience. Visitors to the winery can boast they visited the world’s highest altitude winery!
4. Ready, Paint, Fire!
For those looking to tap into their artistic side, there is an activity for that. As mentioned, spring weather in Colorado can be finicky. Sunny mornings, followed by afternoon showers leave everyone a bit confused. At Ready, Paint, Fire, participants can create mosaic decorative pieces, learn how to fuse glass and as the name would suggest, paint. The studio is the perfect hideout for days when spring weather does not want to cooperate with outdoor endeavors. Try to go between 6pm and 9pm to catch daily art and happy hour!
5. Shop
One hundred eighty shops and boutiques await. Breckenridge proffers small and large businesses for the fashion-forward or gear enthusiasts. Capitalize on end of season sales for the best deals. In spring, most shops will liquidate winter inventory to make way for the new stuff. Take advantage of these discounts to stock up on equipment for next season or a refreshed wardrobe!
Alpine Adventure
6. Fat Tire Bike
Ever heard of a fat bike? This outdoor activity is all the new rage. A type of bike created out of necessity, fat tire bikes are ideal for less than ideal biking conditions. Think, snow, sand, mud season, etc. Miles of trails network around Breckenridge within an arm's length distance from downtown. It’s important to research what trails align with one's ability level. A few beginner trails include the rec path from Breck to Frisco and the Gold Run Nordic Center. An assortment of local tours are offered, including a Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour! Mud season isn’t for hiding inside, head out on a mountain, road or bike as well!
7. Kayak on Lake Dillon
When there’s mud on the ground, jump in the water! Well, hop on a floating device that is. Kayaking on Lake Dillon doesn’t need to be restricted to a Summer only activity. Try a hand at paddling around the lake with an Adventure Tour. Kayaking is a great way to get exercise and take in the views of the snow-tipped mountain ranges. Relax in the tranquility that surrounds!
8. Fly Fish
Fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains is a year-round pastime. Mud season is a great time to head out to the river and cast a line. Snowmelt and runoff fill the streams in and around Breckenridge. For Spring fly fishing, Cutthroat Anglers recommends the Upper Blue River and the Eagle River near Vail, Colorado. These two spots are home to Rocky Mountain trout - thickly skinned creatures with the ability to survive harsh winters at high altitude. For beginners, check out our Fly Fishing Lessons post to learn the basics.
9. Snow Shoe
Snowshoeing is another ski town activity not solely reserved for Winter. Depending on the conditions of Spring, mud season can be a great time of year to hike among the trees! Late April or May are typically perfect months to head out when it’s a bit warmer but still a good layer of snow on the ground, especially in shaded areas. Options abound when it comes to self-guided adventures, groomed trails and even night snowshoeing. Talk about an exhilarating type of nightlife!
Not Just A Ski Town
Breckenridge is classically considered an epic ski town, reserved for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing and dog sledding. Truth is, Breckenridge provides entertainment all year round. Don’t miss out on dining and shopping deals this mud season. Take advantage of fewer crowds mud season to peruse available listings or put your home on the market. In-between any of these activities, take a break and contact us to discuss your next real estate venture.
By Coldwell Banker
