Breckenridge, Colorado may be one of the largest ski resorts in the US, but it has managed to keep its small-town charm over the years. A big part of that charm is the locals who make Breck what it is and an overwhelming atmosphere of congeniality. No matter what kind of trip you’re on, there’s no shortage of places to meet people in Breckenridge.
Whether you’re planning to stay for a long weekend or are contemplating a more permanent vacation, this post has got you covered. Connect with locals as you explore town, celebrate the season with other revelers, bond over outdoor adventures, let your pup break the ice, or even plant roots in the community. Whatever your style, check out the recos below for the best places to meet people in Breckenridge.
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Chat up your bartenders (and some fellow barflies too)
Bartenders are some of the most clued-in people of any town you visit. Even if just seasonally, they live there and are part of a tight-knit community of other locals in the service industry. They know all the best specials, where the real parties are at, and have been off the beaten path more times than they can count. If you want to get a real feel for any town and maybe even find some friends to explore with, chat up your bartenders. It’s as easy as asking for their name.
The best places to do this in Breck are Ollie’s Pub & Grill, Fatty’s Pizza, Empire Burger, The Breckenridge Distillery Tasting Room, and Broken Compass Brewery. Ollie’s is a local’s place with some of the friendliest bartenders. No matter how busy they are, they’re happy to make conversation and give you their best recos. Upstairs at Ollie’s is more restaurant-style, so pull up a seat at the main bar downstairs. It’s huge, with great light and a good layout for watching sports or chatting with other barflies too.
The Breckenridge Distillery Tasting Room is in Blue River Square in the middle of Main Street. You’ll get one-on-one time with a local during your tasting, so this is an easy way to get to meet someone interesting (everyone has a story!) and get tailored recommendations around town. Tastings also become more interactive as other tasters wander in. Use the booze to break the ice, and the next thing you know, you’re comparing cocktails with someone else eager to sip the very best Breck has to offer. Tip: the cocktails at Modis are a great place to start!
Make friends at festivals and events
Breckenridge is home to several amazing festivals and makes sure holidays are extra festive. They consider themselves a “celebrate everything kind of town,” and that’s no joke. Nearly every month, there’s some sort of event happening.
In the Fall, pull up your lederhosen, grab your stein, and get ready to say “Probst!” at Oktoberfest. Not a big drinker? Check out the International Snow Sculpture Championship. Massive ice sculptures are crafted with remarkable detail for visitors to ogle while the judges make their picks. Or bring the whole family to Breck’s Independence Day Celebration each summer. Complete with a parade, art contests, spectacular live music, and fireworks (weather permitting), it’s an event everyone can enjoy.
The GoBreck website has events listed by season, so make sure to see what’s happening before you go. Then take advantage of the merry-making to connect with others who share your interests and celebrate the good times together.
Take a ride outside
When you take to the trails, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for self-reflection and solitude – if that’s what you’re going for. But if you’re like me and always think the more, the merrier, there are tons of ways to find friends to adventure with you.
If you’re a summer sports person, hop on the Gondola and head to the Breckenridge Fun Park at the base of Peak 8. Not only are there TONS of activities for all ages to partake in (Alpine slide, mini-golf, zip-lining, and about a million more), but the Gondola itself is an excellent place to strike up a conversation. It’s free in the summer, so the line can get a little long. You’ll notice everyone around you chatting with their fellow queuers, so jump on in. You’ll also find it’s super common for groups to share a Gondola to help the line move a little faster. Climb in, and you’ve got at least 10 minutes to decide what you want to do together first.
Ski lifts offer the same opportunity in the Winter. Some rides up the mountain can take 20 minutes or more. You can ride in quiet contemplation or make conversation. You might prefer the latter if for no other reason than to take your mind off how cold your face and hands are. You’ll find most people start by asking where you’re from. Don’t be surprised if you bump into someone from your hometown too. It happens more than you’d think!
Let man’s best friend help you make new friends
Breckenridge is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the world. You can’t make it a block down Main Street without spotting the frenetic tail of a happy pup. If you’re traveling with your dog, even better. I’ve had many conversations start because someone wanted to pet my dog or used to have one that looks just like him. We both love the attention.
When your pup gets tired of strutting down the street, take your pick of more than 20 dog-friendly bars and restaurants. My favorites are the Blue Moose, South Ridge Seafood, and Empire Burger. Blue Moose loves their four-legged customers and is happy to spoil your pup with a treat (or 3). South Ridge Seafood has a rooftop patio where you and your fluffy friend can enjoy live music on Wednesdays and Fridays. And Empire Burger will grill up an unseasoned beef patty for your pup. All are places we’re happy to spend time at.
Carter Dog Park is also a great place to meet other people and their pups. It’s split into a big dog and a small dog park, so you can both feel comfortable roaming freely.
Connect with the community
If you’re looking for even deeper connections while you’re in Breck – whether for a long weekend or an extended stay – the locals will be happy to embrace you as one of their own.
Check on St John the Baptist Episcopal Church on French St. They host weekend services and a huge variety of events to help you connect with others. Annually, the church hosts a free community supper, and the event Mass on the Grass – an outdoor service held in a local park. Weekly hiking, golfing, skiing, and even snowshoeing groups welcome newcomers of all abilities. And ongoing bible studies are offered for adults and youth.
Breckenridge is also home to the National Repertory Orchestra in the summer, and they are always looking for volunteers to help make the most of the musicians’ time while they’re there. Known as “Friends of the NRO,” volunteers help with live concerts, provide dinner for the musicians, and even host them during the summer program.
Meeting people in Breckenridge is easy
Maybe you’re looking to reconnect with nature. Or you can’t wait to savor the taste of the mountains. And maybe your bond with the mountains inspires you to come back again and again. No matter what you’re after, there are tons of places to meet people in Breckenridge and an entire community to support you.
Discovering a new place can be exciting and even more so when we find new friends we click with. Each person makes an impact on our time in that place, so I hope these recos make it a little easier to find them.
Meet someone awesome in Breckenridge? I can’t wait to hear about it! Please share your story in the comments below!
