A Winter Getaway Guide to Breckenridge, Beaver Creek & Denver

Free cookies, heated sidewalks, and wine tasting at 10,000 feet? Colorado really said, “Welcome to the deluxe ski life.”

This is my 3rd year skiing, so for my second annual ski trip, it felt only right to finally head to Colorado and confirm whether the hype was actually real.

I’ve purchased an Epic pass and it has determined the mountains that i explore. We made sure to take full advantage of it by going to two Epic mountain.

From what I’ve experienced so far, ski trips tend to follow the same script: wake up super early, wrap yourself in as many layers as your body can handle, drag your ski gear to the mountain, hit the slopes until your legs start to shake, eat overpriced lodge food with a crazy view, stroll the ski village, then crash by 9:30 p.m. That’s been the formula I’ve lived by so far. So I was curious: would skiing in Colorado really feel any different?

Breckenridge & Beaver Creek: Skiing, Sips, and Snowy Luxury

We started our ski trip in Breckenridge, and honestly, the convenience alone had me sold. We rented an Airbnb close enough to the mountain that we could walk to the shuttle stop, a quick 3 minute walk instead of driving at sunrise, being stuck in traffic, and fighting for parking. That little luxury? Game changer!

⚠️ Travel Tip: If it's your first time skiing in Colorado, consider spending a night in Denver before heading into the mountains to acclimate to the elevation. We went straight to Breckenridge and felt a little bit of altitude sickness the next morning. Definitely wish I had brought some coca tea from Peru!

The mountain itself was a winter dream: fresh powder and slopes that weren’t overly crowded. I stuck to the green runs to warm up while my friends took on the black and double black diamonds (they’re built differently). Even cruising down the easier runs felt like a movie scene: scenic and satisfying.

After a few runs, we took a break and grabbed crepes from a cute stand in town. We followed that up with a nap, changed outfits, and wandered downtown to check out Breckenridge’s small-town winter charm: cute shops, cozy restaurants, and laid-back mountain vibes.

Beaver Creek: Breck’s Classy Cousin

The next day, we drove to Beaver Creek, which felt like Breck’s classier cousin with fancy touches: heated sidewalks, luxury boutiques and FREE COOKIES at the base of the mountain after 3pm (daily!).

While the rest of the group went skiing, I decided to take a little ski break. Instead, I wandered through the village and got cozy with a hot toddy from the Marriott’s lodge where I read La Grève des Bàttu by Aminata Sow Fall and soaked in the views.

I didn’t ski that day, but the others said Beaver Creek had amazing snow, great tree runs, and was super kid-friendly..

One Last Toast in Breck

We ended the trip back in Breckenridge with a half-day ski session followed by some much-needed jacuzzi time. (Jacuzzis after skiing = muy essential). Before leaving, we squeezed in one final experience: wine tasting at the “highest-altitude wine bar in the world” called Continental Divide Winery Tasting Room. We tried a few unique pours: Verona and Albariño wines. I’d never heard of before and toasted to a trip well spent.

We spent our final evening in Breck strolling through town, grabbing a drink at Breckenridge Brewery & Pub, and enjoying a cozy dinner at Blue River Bistro (which I would highly recommend. I still think about my meal and yummy passion fruit there ). We ended the night at Spatton club which was one of a kind experience. The ultimate immersion to the American culture!

Downtown Denver: Cold Weather, Warm Vibes

The drive back to Denver was one of the most scenic rides I’ve ever experienced. Now granted… I definitely slept through most of it , but the few moments I had my eyes open? Stunning. Snow-covered peaks and soft golden light hitting the mountains just right.

When we arrived, we checked into our Airbnb in the Highlands, and decided to take advantage of the sunshine with a walk around Sloan’s Lake. Mountain views on one side, city skyline on the other. It was peaceful, golden hour was doing her thing, and I remember thinking: “Okay, Denver… I guess moving down here wouldn’t be so bad.”

… Little did I know that moment of warmth was just a one-off. The next few days?

Absolutely freezing.

Because of the weather, I didn’t get to explore as much as I had originally planned. BUT, I still made it to a few gems I’m glad I didn’t skip, and I’ve got a short list of spots I’m saving for next time too.

Highlight: The Museum for Black Girls

One of my favorite discoveries in Denver was stumbling across the Museum for Black Girls, which I only discovered thanks to TikTok. And the timing couldn’t have been better, because it happened to be Black History Month.

The space was vibrant, intentional, and bursting with joy. Every corner was a celebration of the beauty, strength, resilience, and stories of Black women in the U.S. It was surreal and empowering to walk through installations that felt both personal and communal. It wasn’t just a museum, it was a full-on well curated experience.

I honestly am unable put into words exactly how I felt there… I just remember feeling so proud and tearing up on my way out. I truly hope everyone, especially the girlies, gets to experience this at least once in their lifetime.

Eats, Sips & Wanders

The good thing about starting this blog is that it kind of holds me accountable. Every time I travel somewhere, I feel almost obligated (in a good way) to actually explore and do things, just so I have something to talk about on this blog.

So even though the weather had me second guessing whether I should stay tucked in my blanket and watch some Netflix, or head out and explore, I still made it out. Here are the things I explored, the places I ate at, and at the end, a list of spots I’d love to check out next time I come to Denver.

Food, Drinks & Neighborhood Finds

Safta – Mediterranean shared plates and delicious cocktails (I’d go back again!).
Taste of Thailand – Much-needed flu shot soup after days in the snow
Bigsby Folly – Mulled wine and cozy vibes
Tacos Tequila Whiskey – Quick taco stop.
Little Owl Café – Populus – A beautiful hotel café with architectural charm.
Snooze – A Denver classic for brunch
Union Station – Historic train station with great spots to grab a quick bite or just people-watch.
16th Street Mall – Outdoor mall with shops & fun arts.
Art District on Santa Fe – A fun and artsy area with galleries, bars, and restaurants.
Sloan’s Lake – Mountain and skyline views wrapped in one peaceful walk.

Things I Wish I Did (and Will Prioritize Next Time)

Red Rocks Amphitheater – open-air amphitheater, known for being one of the world's best concert venues.
Royal Gorge Route Train – One of the most scenic train rides in North America.
Aspen – Technically not in Denver, but it’s on my radar for a future ski trip. I have to go!
Central Market (RiNo District) – Food hall energy, next time I’m doing a full crawl

Would I Go Again?

While I didn’t make it to every place on my list, I discovered enough to know I’d love to come back in the winter, and maybe in the spring/summer too.

Colorado gave me fresh air, fresh snow, and a few fresh perspectives. So if you’re ever debating a winter trip out here, say yes. Just make sure to pack your warmest coat!!!
And next time, Aspen, I’m coming for you.

Have you been to Denver or skied in Colorado? I’d love to hear your favorite spots. Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram @bonjouritsbev.

A bientôt,

Bonjour it’s Bev!

Snow, Slopes & Sips: 10 Days in Breckenridge, Beaver Creek & Denver