Sure, it boasts N. America’s highest lift and endless terrain across five massive peaks, but the real reason to come to Breck is the town and inevitable nighttime shenanigans. You know the saying. What happens in Breck, stays in Breck. You might get Magic Mike’d on the dance floor of Gold Pan Saloon by a Jax Taylor look-alike from Boston, mesmerized by a scallop fisherman from Nantucket in a late night hot tub sesh, or wake up next to one of the local ski patrol babes surrounded by empty Kapri Sun packets and CheezeIts – it’s true, everything good happens after midnight in Breckenridge. Have fun, ladies.

S T A Y : there’s only one option

The Bivvi Hostel : Catering to adventure travelers, this upscale boutique hostel has it all: a bunk in a sixer ($65) to a swanky king suite ($239), hot tub and outdoor fire pit, complimentary hot breakfast, bar with local beers on tap, and an ideal location right on the free bus line. Town is a quick 8 min walk down the hill if you don’t want to wait for the :15. Ever since this gem was discovered by every media outlet the place has been booked solid. So call now. For next year.

A P R É S : all day erryday

There’s no “on mountain” dining in Breck, unlike cough. cough. Vail. As we suggested in our Denver post – stop at the Whole Foods in Frisco. PSA: pack snacks and a flask. 

T-Bar : Wait, did you compete in X Games? End your last run with an immediate Bud Latte in the 3PM sunshine before heading into town. Located slopeside at the base of Peak 8.

Mi Casa : Need a margarita? Who doesn’t though? Happy hour from 3-6PM – $1 tacos, free chips ‘n salsa, and specialty margs. Sit in the bar, ski boots encouraged – the place will be packed.

Modis : With crazy happy hour deals (twice daily, 3-6PM and 10-midnight) on insanely good food (CO lamb poutine and beer can chicken pot pie, anyone?) and the most creative cocktails in town, this place is just what we fancy.

E A T : it’s all so good

Kava Cafe : This hole-in-the-wall historic log cabin cafe serves “Breck Fast” and lunch, but it is notable for 2 things: made-to-order mini donuts and coffee. These baby donuts are dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a mix.

Amazing Grace : Best damn breakfast in town, hands down. Those biscuits. That jam. The bacon. Heaven. I guess that’s why they call it Amazing Grace.

Giampietro’s : This quaint lil spot holds a handful of red checkered tables and serves up the biggest most satisfying plates of pasta for the tiniest price. They make everything in-house from their balsamic vinaigrette to the Alfredo sauce.

Briar Rose : Your only safe haven from the bros. Treat yo self. Request a booth in the bar and get comfortable. What we order: a glass of Cab, steak tartare, escargot, and the petite filet with the mac n’ cheese and brussels sprouts on the side.

Crepe Truck : Honestly, we’ve never been. Probably because there is always a line down the block for these crepe babies. It’s gotta be good if all these people keep coming back. They have it all – sweet, savory & build-your-own.

L A T E  N I G H T : you’re on vacation

Gold Pan Saloon : Did you read the intro? Need we say more? This historic saloon was built in 1879; staying true to its roots, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the gold panning era.

Cecilia’s : do NOT go before midnight and don’t let the website fool you, there’s nothing sophisticated about this place. Things glow neon, bottles (of Stoli…) are passed, music pumps, and every 22 year old in town thinks they’ve died and gone to heaven. Don’t leave your drink unattended.

Bottom line, save your energy till after 4PM. This isn’t Jackson Hole.