No trip to Breckenridge is complete without a visit to the Peak 8 Fun Park. Located at the base of Peak 8 in the Breckenridge Ski Resort, the Fun Park has plenty of rides and attractions to provide unforgettable family fun.

Adrenaline junkies will love the Alpine SuperSlide. The sleds are large enough to accommodate an adult and a small child, with both a slalom and giant slalom course to test every skill level. Wanna-be mountain climbers can challenge the Climbing Wall, which features three difficulty levels, all in a safe, user-friendly setting. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be an astronaut, the Spin Cycle will launch you into a dizzying orbit. Or there's always the Bounce House and Sky Fly Power Trampoline for those who enjoy a bit more playful fun, allowing users to hop, jump, and bounce to their heart's content.

Amaze'n Breckenridge is Colorado's largest human maze, giving visitors a chance to run a real rat race, even winning prizes for fast completion times. The maze changes weekly, making it a new puzzle every trip.

The Fun Park also features scenic chairlift rides, two zip lines, a mountain bike park, and a miniature golf course.

Parents looking for a little time alone to tackle the slopes can drop off children (two months to 36 months old) at the Peak 8 Children's Center for activities, snacks, and lunch.

The park's hours of operation are 9AM to 5PM from June 15 to September 3, with the last chairlift departing at 4:30PM.

When people think of Breckenridge, most people just think of skiing and great mountain views. But there is much more to Breckenridge than just the slopes. Breckenridge has indoor and outdoor ice arenas for skating and hockey. You can watch and play in games and take lessons as well.

There is also the Breckenridge Golf Club, which features a 27 hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Riverwalk Center hosts the Breckenridge Music Institute Orchestra from June to August as well as the National Repertory Orchestra, Breckenridge Music Festival, and other events.

You can also check out the Breckenridge Film Festival which will allow you to rub elbows with celebrities and watch the latest Hollywood flicks. The Breckenridge Theatre is home to Backstage Theatre, Inc., who provides many theatre performances during the year. There is also an art gallery in the theatre.

There are also many hiking and biking trails throughout the town and area which allows you to see many scenic areas and gives a great alternative to traveling in cars. The Breckenridge Mountain Bike Freeride park is an entry-level, free ride stunt park. It is one of the first five parks permitted on public lands in the country. The park has about 10 features such as ramps and teeter totters and jumps for mountain bikers.

You can also check out Kayak Park, which has the longest whitewater kayaking in the state. The 1,800 foot park has 15 features including drop structures, splash rocks, play waves, and much more.

If you are visiting Breckenridge and love to golf, you are in luck. Breckenridge is the only town in the world that owns a Jack Nicklaus designed, 27 hole golf course. The course opened in 1985 and has provided great times ever since. The course has also won many awards and accolades for being a great place to play.

The course is located in a beautiful mountain valley, with the clubhouse sitting at 9,324 feet. Given the high elevation, golf balls travel straighter and farther than at courses at lower elevations. The course has three championship nines, known as the Bear, the Beaver, and the Elk, and they all offer spectacular views of the Rockies.

The Bear Course was the first nine holes to be available for play when the course opened. This is a challenging course and you are likely to shoot no higher than your handicap through the first six holes. The last three holes are very tough. The Bear Course has the most open feel of the three courses, with much of the play around grasses and wetlands.

The Beaver Course opened in 1987 and has the narrowest fairways of the three courses. You will need accurate drives to hit a good score in this nine. The name comes from the beaver ponds that are scattered throughout the course. They were created by beavers and Nicklaus left it in his design.

The Elk Course opened in 2001, giving golfers 27 holes to play with. This nine offers the most elevation change and the most panoramic views of the mountains.

There is a lot to do for a Breckenridge summer vacation. One of the most convenient and affordable options you can take advantage of is a summer vacation package. There are several available to suit anyone�s needs.

The first great package is the August Jazz Festival package. The festival takes place August 17-18. It has a great mix of music and great summer weather. You will enjoy daytime performances on the Maggie Pond floating stage and night time performances at various local nightclubs. You can book two nights to enjoy the festival and receive a free ticket to night time performances, as well as 10 free wine tasting tickets.

There is also the bed and breakfast package which allows you to select from a variety of lodgings. All of the bed and breakfasts are conveniently located near historic Main Street and it�s easy to customize one of these packages. You will also want to check out the Oktoberfest packages. Taking place in September, the 13^th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest is a great way to celebrate German Heritage. Lodging for this package starts at $52 per person per night.

If you love outdoor activities, the perfect package for you would be the Breckenridge Adventure Package. This will set you up with a four night trip that allows you to go whitewater rafting, take an ATV tour of the Ten Mile Range, horseback ride, and much more. The package is $91 per person per night. For the golf lovers, there is also the Stay and Play golf package that lets you enjoy great golfing at the Jack Nicklaus designed municipal golf course.

Horses, Snowshoes, Skis, Boards, Bikes, Hiking � there are many ways to view all of what beautiful Breckenridge has to offer, so why not ride a machine? To really feel the wind at your back and the snow in your face, try the newly popular sport of snowmobiling. Many people may feel that riding a machine through the snow isn�t really a good form of exercise, but they couldn�t be more wrong. Snowmobilers actually burn a lot of calories simply from twisting and turning, standing up and squatting down, and spending time in the outdoors. So, consider heading to Good Times Adventures (located in Breckenridge), or to Colorado Snowmobile Tours (located just outside of Breckenridge) for your first snowmobiling adventure. If you happen to be well acquainted with the sport, these local snowmobiling outfitters also offer challenging courses for experts only.

Good Times Adventures offers snowmobiliers over forty miles of untouched wilderness to explore. They currently have one hundred machines for you to try, and all snowmobilers are in constant communication with their staff members, so you�ll never get lost. Additionally, Good Times will send an experienced guide with your group, just in case. But don�t worry, this team of experts is proud to boast a small instructor to group ratio, so you�ll never get lost in the crowd. All of their trails begin at an elevation of 11,585 feet and trails are mapped out from beginner to extreme advanced to make your ride worthwhile.

Another good option for the snowmobiler in you is Colorado Snowmobile Tours. This well established company is located just outside of Breckenridge (a few miles), but they offer almost the same types of trails and acreage. One additional offering that this tour group has is Extreme Snowmobile Tours. These extreme tours are for advanced snowmobilers only and they last up to three hours taking you all over Summit County.

Whether you choose Good Time Adventures or Colorado Snowmobile Tours, Breckenridge and its surrounding area is the perfect winter playground.

Forget magic carpets, for the ultimate in air transportation climb inside of a hot air balloon. Almost everyone has seen a sunrise in their lifetime, but not that many people have seen the sun rise from several thousand feet up in the sky. Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides out of Breckenridge, Colorado, offers visitors to this area the perfect activity for ending their vacation. Begin your hot air tour early in the morning, before sunrise, and climb inside the colorful balloon that awaits you � you�ll find the launch site at 9,000 feet.

As your eyes begin to open, your ears will pick up the sound of classical music. This owner operated balloon ride prides itself on the smaller details, such as a gorgeous sunrise over the Colorado Rockies, and soothing music for your trip � when you�re this high up, you need to be calm! According to their website, riding in a hot air balloon has been ranked number eighteen on the proverbial �fifty things to do before I die� list, so why not scratch this one off while you are vacationing in the picture perfect little town? You will travel two to ten miles from your starting point during your adventure and the entire tour will take approximately one hour. Upon your return to land, a champagne toast and a full, sit down, breakfast awaits you. And don�t forget to grab your complimentary framed portrait of your trip when you leave. With sunsets this beautiful and heights this high, you�ll want to show people this vacation photo.

Machines inside of gyms can try to emulate it, alpine skiers can discard it, but there is no denying that cross country skiing is the best way to see the lay of the land. When you are in Breckenridge, Colorado, remember that this town was built upon working the land. From mining to herding, Colorado has always been all about Mother Nature. During the winter months, Breckenridge has a variety of activities to offer visitors, but no activity gives you quite the same view that cross country skiing does. Gliding across the snow covered trails, quickly descending slopes, and simply experiencing just how quiet a snowfall can be, is a fantastic way to spend a warm winter�s day.

The Nordic Center in the heart of Breckenridge has thirty-two kilometers (about nineteen miles) of untouched snow encrusted trails just waiting for your arrival. These trails are built in a continuous loop, so there is no chance of getting lost in the woods. Additionally, these trails are intended for the sole purpose of cross country skiing, so there is no chance of coming face to face with an oncoming car or crossing a busy intersection. If the idea of standing atop two very skinny sticks tends to frighten you, the Nordic Center offers beginner lessons and they claim �if you can walk, you can ski.� The center is open from November to April depending upon the weather. For a healthy way to spend the day, strap on your skis and head out into the wilderness.

If you think that there is truly safety in numbers, prove your beliefs to be true and sign up to do some white water rafting. Because of its ideal location, Breckenridge offers visitors the ultimate adventure in rafting. Two places located in the town center offer this extreme sport to anyone that is brave enough to try it. The Breckenridge Adventure Company and Performance Tours will have you and a group of your friends inside of a raft and screaming your heads off in no time.

Both companies have a wealth of highly trained staff members waiting to take you out on your first rafting adventure. Whether or not you�ve tried this sport before, beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses are offered at both facilities. Beginners often face smaller, calmer, rapids that don�t require previous skill � in fact, many families bring along their young toddlers to experience this beginners trip. Intermediate levels require minimum training as they approach swifter rapids, and advanced and expert levels will present a test for anyone who thinks that they can tame the quickly flowing rivers.

While rafting during the daylight hours is a good idea (better ability to see rocks and oncoming waves), the Adventure Company offers a Full Moon rafting trip on semi-tranquil waters that is perfect for any lover of mystery and romance. Additionally, this rafting company offers two to five day tours that include camping and rafting your way up the river bank � sure to be an unforgettable trip. If you like the idea of camping, but aren�t sure about spending more than one day out in the wild, Adventure Tours also offers a �Boat, Bed, and Breakfast� tour that lasts only one day and includes a hearty breakfast. There is no feeling quite like plunging down a swiftly moving river bed, so don�t let this opportunity float by.

If you really want to experience what it is like to have your heart in your throat, try your skills and test your fitness level with white water kayaking. Blessed with many types of rapid waters, Breckenridge challenges even the most experienced kayaker. But this sport isn�t just for vacationers; the Breckenridge Recreation Department offers courses from beginner to advanced throughout the year. In fact, the recreation department might be a good place to start if you�ve never been kayaking before. An indoor pool allows you to kayak in warm water (you will get wet), before you head out into the wild. The recreation center also offers kid kayaking lessons, to get your children interested in outdoor sports and a healthy lifestyle at an early age. The lessons are held every Sunday evening from 7-9 pm, including an open practice during the winter months, just in case your skills get a bit rusty.

If you�d rather jump right in, try the Rocky Mountain Adventure Company, specializing in all things heart pounding. This company provides beginners with a one to two day course that will have you turning over in no time. The class teaches all the basic skills, so that you won�t have to panic when a wall of white water waves comes at you full force. And if you are in a real rush, the group offers a Two Day Fast Track class that will have you in your kayak and in the water in no time. This class even offers a free lunch, riverside, to maximize your time. Try your hand at conquering nature�s most ferocious rapids by signing up for a kayaking course, or just heading out to Breckenridge�s white water park. If you are seeking adventure, this activity won�t let you down.

Welcome to the wild, wild, west. Back in its heyday, Breckenridge, Colorado, was a coal mining town and nearly everyone got around on horseback. While most ordinary people used horses as everyday transportation, the Rocky Mountain trails that exist today were paved by gun slinging cowboys attempting to take control of dusty roads and gold mines. If you find yourself in the sleepy little town, try your hand at trail riding by heading to the BreckStables.

Over one hundred horses await any type of rider from beginner to experienced. Each trail ride takes about 1 � hours to complete, and they are all accompanied by an experienced guide. The ranch is open from May to September and promises visitors the ride of a lifetime. You�ll gallop through the continental divide, trot over rivers, and walk next to beavers building their dams. Private lessons and tours are also available if you want to feel like a real renegade.

In addition to these magnificent trail rides, the ranch offers breakfast rides that include a hearty meal before you head out, and dinner rides that include a sumptuous fest and live music upon your return to the ranch. If straddling a saddle isn�t for you, the ranch also offers carriage rides that tour the town, or as an alternate mode of transportation to pick you up and drop you off wherever you want to go. Make sure you bring your camera, you�ll want a picture of your horse (with you on top of it) swimming through a muddy river. Whatever you do, don�t miss this unique Breckenridge experience.

When you trade city lights for the night time sky, and sky scrapers for tall mountains, not taking advantage of your surroundings would be ludicrous. What better way to explore the Rocky Mountain Range in Breckenridge than to tie on your hiking boots, grab your walking stick, and head out to explore some of nature�s finest trails. Breckenridge offers its visitors a multitude of trail options ranging from beginner trails to expert peaks.

One of the best, most scenic trails in Breckenridge is the McCullogh Gulch Trail. This trail begins at a breathtaking 11,080 feet and offers climbers a view of Atlantic Peak, Pacific Peak, and Fletcher Mountain. When you�re this high up in the sky, soaring eagles are your only companions � you won�t even find any trees up here. What you will find are glaciers, waterfalls, and awe inspiring views. This trail is perfect for beginners and intermediate hikers alike, as it begins easily and becomes a bit more difficult throughout the trail, but it�s nothing that a good pair of hiking shoes can�t conquer.

If you want to spend an entire day on a hike, then the Spruce Creek Trail may be just the thing you�ve been craving. Clear you mind, and you senses with this trail that begins at 10,320 feet. You�ll pass Lower Crystal and Upper Crystal Lakes and gain access to other peaks and trails throughout your ascent. Stop for a break and a bite to eat at a cozy cabin that sits at 11,320 feet. You�ll want to rest and relax a bit before making your descent down, just make sure to check the weather report � nobody wants to be caught in a storm at this elevation!

For a bit of history, head to the Blue Lakes/Mount Cristo Trail. This relatively moderate, two hour hike will bring hikers through mining relics 11,748 feet above the tree line. Not only will you be able to experience all that nature has to offer at such a high elevation, but you�ll be able to see how Breckenridge life used to be when it was a mere mining town.

Whatever your ability may be, one of these trails (or any of the many other trails that Breckenridge has to offer) is sure to satisfy your craving to return to nature.

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to glide across snow and ice without actually walking? How about literally walking on water � well, frozen water? If the idea of dog sledding has never crossed your mind, while you are on vacation in Breckenridge, abandon your skis for a day and head out to Good Times Adventures, a local company that specializes in making your stay in Breckenridge unforgettable.

Dog sledding is an activity that has become readily available throughout many ski resort towns, but unlike many other resorts that just take you along for the ride, Good Times Adventures actually allows you to be in control of the sled. That means that you have a team of specially trained Siberian Huskies at your command. Don�t worry, before you set out the guides will teach you how to properly control the dogs, so that you don�t wind up in the snow. But just in case, wear a few extra layers!

You will embark on a six mile tour across the Swan River and through the woods with six other people � so bring your friends and a camera. The entire trip takes around one hour to complete. This tour doesn�t include any stops along the way, other than to take turns driving the sled, so don�t expect any hot chocolate or lodge retreats � this is the real thing. If you are lacking for great vacation photos, and truly unique adventure stories to tell your friends back home, this is the trip for you -- Mush! Mush!

Wintertime outdoor enthusiasts come to Breckenridge, Colorado, for one reason � to ski the Rockies. The towering purple giants were put on earth for man to conquer, and that is exactly what Breckenridge Ski Resort has been trying to do since it opened many years ago. Ski season beings in November and runs until April, and all throughout the summer months skiers and boarders alike wait anxiously for the first snow flake to fall that signals the beginning of the ski season.

These mountains are massive � there is no denying that fact. With the base of the mountain at 9,600 feet and a vertical rise of 3,398 feet, these slopes can be slightly intimidating. The Breckenridge Ski Resort spans an impressive 2,358 acres and includes 152 trails ranging from beginner to extreme expert. Beginners will delight in trails that slowly twist and turn around awe-inspiring blue spruce trees while the winter sun beats down upon their face. And extreme skiers will meet their challenge course with trails that include steep 45-55 degree pitches. These expert trails are filled with trail obstacles, such as rocks to jump over and well groomed coarse snow. The intermediate skier or boarder will also find pleasure in trails that are not too treacherous, but still have the award winning view of the Rockies. No matter how big your group of ski buddies is, this resort has a total of 29 lifts that can accommodate anywhere from two to eight people at one time. And when temperatures get uncomfortably cold, head to the resort lodge for a cup of hot chocolate or a few carbohydrate packed munchies to fuel your next run. Whether you seek a challenge, or just want to learn to ski on some of the best terrain the world has to offer, The Breckenridge Ski Resort has a trail for every level.

Sleighbells ring � are you listening? Let the Belgian draft horses do the walking for you as you glide through a winter wonderland with the Nordic Sleigh Ride Company out of Breckenridge, Colorado. On a cold, snowy day revert back to your childhood when catching snowflakes on your tongue and making snow angels was a great way to pass the day. While you may not feel like jumping into a snow bank, an occasional snowball fight might begin when you and your friends, family, or loved one head out to take a good, old-fashioned sleigh ride. Complete with brass sleigh bells hanging from the sturdy necks of the horses, you are sure to never forget the sound of jingle bells as you sit back and look around you at the Colorado Rockies.

Your own personal equine chauffeurs will pull you right to an old mining camp where music that is being played on an old ragtime piano beckons you. Leave the safety of your sleigh, and follow the sounds inside of the mining camp. All of this excitement is sure to work up an appetite, and your hosts will have your dinner of salmon, steak, or chicken awaiting you as you step back in time. No dinner service would be complete without dessert, so step right up and grab your piece of home made apple pie. After dinner, enjoy tales from miners of the past, delight in a cabaret show, and listen to the vocal stylings of the legendary Mountain Men. For an unforgettable Colorado experience, the Nordic Sleigh Rides must be on the top of your �to do� list.

There are plenty of fish in the sea � or in the thousands of miles of rivers, lakes, and streams that make Breckenridge a virtual fisherman�s paradise. This town is one of the few places on the face of the earth where fishermen can find an abundance and a variety of fish throughout the year. Certainly fish are not hard to find in warm climates where the sun beats down every day and fish swim openly, but in most colder climates fish are very few during the winter months and ice fishing can be a large waste of time. But Breckenridge was just made out of a different sort of mold. From trout to salmon, this town will never go hungry.

Colorado was blessed with purple mountain ranges and lush, green forests, but Breckenridge seems to have been blessed with rivers. From the Blue River to the Williams Fort River, and many, many, more in between, water makes this town go �round. In order to find all the local spots, hire one of the town�s many fishing tour guides. These guides can take you to the best places to fish, no matter what the weather may be like. In addition, booking a local guide will gain you private access to rivers and streams that flow through estates and farms around the town. These fishing spots are exclusively reserved for those that book through a local fishing outfit such as Breckenridge Outfitters, and these private lands offer some of the best fishing in the entire state. From fly fishing to lake fishing, Breckenridge aims to please.

As a town full of four season sports and activities, Breckenridge knows how to play. Skiers delight on unmatched trails throughout the cold winter months, golfers, bikers and fishermen take full advantage of the warm weather and the entire town takes part in Breckenridge�s up and coming festivals.

Lately, if you happen to mention this serene town to any film lover, they are certain to know about the Breckenridge Film Festival. Famous for being one of the oldest film festivals within the United States, this film fest is sure to gain Cannes notoriety very soon. Annually, for twenty-six years now, this sleepy little town awakens to find a whole slew of new film makers knocking on its door in order to gain a spot at the town film festival. The festival, held during the summer months, usually features around fifty films ranging from documentaries to comedies. But this festival doesn�t discriminate, anyone with a bit of imagination and a captivating film can appear at the festival. The festival is known to feature films from Hollywood, as well as films that give university students a chance to display their talents. A recent addition to the four day festival is a beer festival that features beer from across Colorado, which seems to be the perfect accompaniment for taking in a few flicks. If you enjoy movies, you are certain to take enjoy taking part in, yet another, Breckenridge legend.

In addition to the tradition of viewing new films, this town also offers those with a more musically inclined ear to tune into the Breckenridge Music Festival. The Music Festival is also held during the summer months (dates vary), and features all types of music from jazz to classical. Most of the musicians that take part in this festival play an enchanting evening of musical scores underneath the open, starry skies that only a town such as Breckenridge can offer. But to really feel like one of the elite, purchase the Champagne Series tickets. Holders of the Champagne tickets will be invited inside of a local resident�s home every Sunday evening at 7 pm in order to hear music at a semi-private concert. Mingle with the locals, and make the right kinds of friends at this event, truly unique to small town Breckenridge. Whether inside or out, physical or mental, this quaint Colorado town can offer you more than most cities could dream of.

If you are tired of sharing the road with oncoming traffic, or biking through the heart of a city traffic jam, head to Breckenridge, Colorado, where the trails carved by Mother Nature await you. For most of these trails, you�ll want to bring along your mountain bike, some sunscreen and an easily accessible camera � these are not your ordinary trails. Breckenridge trails range for beginner terrain to very advanced terrain, but no matter which trail you choose you are sure to be surrounded by the Colorado Rockies, green grass, and an occasional piece of history now and again.

Perhaps the most famous trail in Breckenridge is the Hoosier Pass. This trail leads right through the Rocky Mountain Range, and you will have no choice but to feel very, very, small amidst these towering giants. Before you attempt this trail, make sure you are well supplied. This eleven mile uphill trail can be grueling in hot weather, but entirely worth the trip. The trail takes you to the top of the Hoosier pass (the highest point on the TransAmerica trail), and through the Blue River for a total gain of 11,541 feet. When you reach the top, you�ll have the best scenic view from anywhere in town.

Equally as stunning as the Hoosier Pass is the Colorado Trail. This trail is not exclusive to Breckenridge, as it spans the entire state, but Breckenridge does offer cyclists a perfect twenty-six mile loop of the trail. This trail is a one way track, and is composed of dirt � which makes for a fun ride. But make sure you share the road; you won�t be alone on this trail. Due to its breathtaking scenery this path is also very popular with hikers and other bikers, so go ahead and strike up a conversation you never know who you�ll meet on such a whimsical path as this.

If you are seeking a real thrill ride (and you are an expert cyclist) the Wheeler Trail is for you. The entire length of this trail is above tree line � that means that you will be on top of the world. But be prepared for weather changes, at this elevation only the animals know when a storm is brewing.

If you are looking for some trails that are a bit easier, and family friendly, you�ll want to choose either the Boreas Pass or the Burro Trail. These two trails are nice, novice trails that don�t require any extra skill or courage. Although not an extremely difficult trail, the Boreas Pass will take you through remnants of a town that was once known for its mining. Many mining relics still remain near the trail today, which makes an interesting, historical, and healthy activity for the whole family. The Burro trail is also a decent alternative, though this trail is closer to town and is used by many pedestrians. No matter what kind of biking adventure you seek, Breckenridge is known across the globe as a biker�s haven.

Blue skies as far as the eye can see, mountains that surround and reflect off of lakes and streams, and temperatures that hardly ever reach above eighty degrees. This may sound like a tropical destination (and in many ways it is), but this description can only fit one sleepy little town that is nestled away in the Colorado Rockies � Breckenridge, Colorado. Amidst the birds that fly and the wind that passes well above your head sits the Breckenridge Golf Club. The mountain valley, where the club is located, seems to be carved out of rock solely for your golfing pleasure. This municipally owned, twenty-seven hole course was designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklause himself, and it remains the only golf course in the world of its kind.

The course boasts a rating of 73.5 with a slope rating of 151. Additionally, this course has three championship nines (the Bear, the Beaver, and the Elk). And just in case your game is quite up to par, the club has a number of practice facilities including a grass tee driving range, two practice greens, and a special area for sand shots. Opened in 1985, this golf club has already received a rating of 4 � stars from Golf Digest � a nearly unattainable mark. And even though you�re sure to work up an appetite on this course, there is no need to stop your game or wait until you have finished in order to eat. The Club 28 restaurant offers course cart service, and they are happy to bring you hot or cold dishes as well as any kind of drink your heart desires. Following your relaxing day of golfing you�ll want to unwind a bit before you head home, which is made easy with a clubhouse that sits at 9,324 feet. Stretch, grab a drink at the bar, and sit outside to gaze at the majestic mountain range that surrounds you. Breckenridge Golf Club � where the world plays.