Just a Short Drive, a Whole New World
Pack the car, cue up your favorite road‑trip playlist, and point west. In under two hours, you’ll be sipping après cocktails, wandering twinkle‑lit mountain towns, and soaking up everything Summit County does best — snow, fun, and unforgettable vibes.
Weekend Highlights
Get Ready to pray to the God of Snow!
Grab your Viking helmet and celebrate winter at Breckenridge’s legendary Ullr Fest, December 18–20, 2025. Now in its 62nd year, this iconic mountain party honors Ullr, the Norse god of snow, with high-energy parades, outrageous costumes, and an epic Shotski® World Record attempt. If you’re craving winter vibes, camaraderie, and a little mountain madness, this is the weekend to be in Breck.
❄️ Event Highlights
Cheer on the Ullr Parade down Main Street
Help break the Breckenridge Distillery Shotski® “unofficial” World Record
Show your powder devotion at the Ullr Bonfire
Watch pros compete at the Rockstar Energy OpenCheck the Event Schedule:
Watch the Vibe below!
Upcoming events
World Class Sculptors!
Bundle up and experience winter creativity at its finest! The International Snow Sculpture Championships bring artists from around the world to Breckenridge to carve giant snow blocks into stunning sculptures — no power tools, just imagination and skill. Kids love watching the artists work, and families can explore the finished sculptures throughout downtown Breckenridge during viewing week.
Sculpting: Jan 24–28, 2026
Viewing: Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2026
Tip for families: Visit Sunday–Wednesday for a calmer, stroller-friendly experience. Bonus, grab a to-go “hot cocoa” from Clint’s Bakery & Coffeehouse!
See The Summit Scoop “Insider Tip “ below on how to get around Breckenridge during the Holidays!
Happy Hour Spotlight
Blue River Bistro
A Summit County Happy Hour Staple!
If après-ski is on your agenda, Blue River Bistro should be on your list. Located right on Main Street in Breckenridge, this longtime favorite is known for its welcoming vibe, top-notch cocktails, and a happy hour that locals swear by.
Happy Hour Hours
Daily Happy Hour: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM — perfect timing for après-ski or an afternoon pit-stop.
Why locals go:
Two-for-one martinis
Two-for-one appetizers
Discounted beers & house pours
Expect elevated comfort dishes and shareable plates that pair perfectly with cocktails.
Planning a date or group outing? Reservations recommended!
Insider Tip:
How to Get Around Breckenridge (Parking Made Easy)
Visiting for the Snow Sculpture Championships? Skip the parking hassle and ride Breck Free Ride — it’s completely free. Downtown fills fast, but getting around town is simple and stress-free.
Best places to park once & ride:
Airport Road Parking Lot
Ice Rink Parking Lot
Stephen C. West Ice Arena Lot
From there, hop on the free bus and you’ll be steps from Main Street and the sculptures.
📱 Pro tip: Download the “My Free Ride” app for real-time bus tracking and easy route planning — or check schedules online or at any bus stop.
Summit Scoop Pro Tip: Walking + free bus = better photos, warmer drinks, and zero time circling for parking.
In case you missed it
Before You Go
✔️ Book dinner reservations early — weekends fill fast ✔️ Check weather & road conditions before heading up ✔️ Layer up — après patios are worth it.
All five Summit County resorts are in full winter mode:
Breckenridge
Keystone
Copper Mountain
Arapahoe Basin
Loveland
That’s it for this week!
Whether you’re chasing snow, sipping cocktails, or just soaking in mountain town magic, Summit County is delivering a full‑on winter weekend. Grab your crew, hit the road, and make this one you’ll talk about all season.
📍 Coming from Denver? Trust us — it’s worth the drive.
