Breckenridge Real Estate Blog

Breckenridge Rich in History Both in White and Gold

Breckenridge, CO features world-class skiing & snowboarding, as well as luxurious accommodations and exciting attractions. Learn about the history of Breckenridge and how this small mountain town has become one of the most famous ski destinations in the world. Breckenridge, CO has mountain terrain for people of all skill levels.

If your ski vacation includes a visit to beautiful Summit County be sure to visit the most historic gold mining town in Colorado; Breckenridge. With world-class skiing and snowboarding, the four peaks which surround the town are massive but can actually be tamed. Peak seven, peak eight, peak nine, and peak ten are all around 13,000 feet high.

The land now occupied as Breckenridge was originally the hunting ground of the Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibway (Chippewa) Indian Nations. Countless herds of buffalo roamed the area. In 1851 Indian treaties opened up this land for settlement by the white man. On January 29, 1857, an expedition of ten men reached the future site of Breckenridge Minnesota Territory.

Speculators focused on this site because earlier explorations had shown a river began here which was the only river in the whole territory flowing north for such a great distance. This river is the Red River of the North which has its headwaters at Breckenridge and is the longest north-flowing river in the United States.

On January 31, 1857, in one of the worst winters Minnesota Territory has ever known, the platting of Breckenridge began with hand compass and tape line chain. A huge city containing 2,500 acres, 18 full blocks which ran east and west, 36 blocks north and south and several parks. Speculators held the town by occupation against other speculators.

The town was named for John C. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United States. The “i” in his name became an “e” after members of the town became offended when the VP of the United States refused to visit, so members of the town decided to change the spelling. On the original plat, however, it is spelled correctly with the “i.”

Breckenridge started out as a gold mining town. Hundreds of families and people came to Breckenridge hoping to strike it rich. After the gold boost of the 1800s people had to wait almost 60-years for the white gold otherwise known as snow. Breckenridge gets lots of snow averaging over 200-inches per year. Many of the buildings here are from the historical gold mine era. The Gold Pan bar in Breckenridge used to be a miners bar from the 1800s, it is one of the oldest bars in the state of Colorado.

In 1859 gold was discovered along the blue river, and a base camp was set-up, later to be known as Breckenridge. Breckenridge does contain more than 350 different buildings and structures that still remain. This makes Breckenridge one of largest historic districts in Colorado. During the summer time, the locals run Gold Mine Tours which are quite exciting.

In the year 1860, Breckenridge established the first post office which finally put Breckenridge on the national map. In 1882, the railroad arrived in Breckenridge. Today, you can hike up the trail as the old railroad has been removed, the railroad was very much responsible for the growth and wealth of Breckenridge. Breckenridge, the ski town, was not established until December 16, 1961. On opening day they had one T-bar ski lift and only one-double chair lift on peak 8. With 17,000 customers in there first year, Breckenridge certainly seemed to have a bright future.

Breckenridge was the first Colorado resort to allow snowboarding way back in 1984, their acceptance with snowboarders is still there today. In 1985, Breckenridge hosted the first snowboard world-cup and every year since then, they’ve been hosted major winter events.

In 1997, Breckenridge and Keystone were merged with Vail and Beaver Creek to form Vail Ski Resorts. On your next winter or summer vacation, I hope you’re able to make it to historical Breckenridge, Colorado where you are sure to have a good time.

Breckenridge Colorado Today

Breckenridge offers the outdoorsman or nature enthusiast recreation activities all year around. The winters come alive with skiing, ice skating and a variety of winter carnivals, festivals and events including various ski and snowboard competitions. In the summer you can enjoy kayaking, golfing, biking, hiking/trails, nature series and cultural arts. The great scenery, a wonderful climate and variety of activities make Breckenridge a year-round resort for every interest. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge, Colorado is the perfect place to relax and enjoy life. With temperatures ranging from 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

During the 2005-2006 ski season, Breckenridge Ski Resort hosted more than 1.4 million skiers and riders. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels with more than 2,200 acres spread across four interconnected mountains and can accommodate over 18,000 visitors on peak days. With bumps, chutes and bowls, the wide diversity of the terrain challenges the most advanced skiers. For the less advanced the resort offers plenty of “skier friendly” terrain. Breckenridge Ski Resort also offers 27 lifts, including six high-speed quad superchairs and two six-person high-speed lifts that access 146 trails. A variety of ski and snowboard lessons, several “on mountain” dining options, and four terrain parks and pipes are offered. The resort is also open during the summer and the slopes are used for hiking, scenic chairlift rides, the ‘SuperSlide’ and mountain biking. The human maze, climbing wall, quad power jump, ziplines, alpine barbecue, and a children center are other attractions offered during the summer.

CLIMATE (Temperatures in Farenheit)

Winter Temperatures: 28 degrees daytime / 15 degrees nighttime
Summer Temperatures: 70-80 degrees daytime / 50 degrees nighttime
Average days of sunshine per year: 300

POPULATION
Breckenridge: 3,182
Summit County: 23,548

TOWN SIZE
7 miles long 2 miles wide
13.93 square miles
2,200 developed acres
1,100 undeveloped acres (30 percent town-owned land has been set aside for open space) 95 percent build out
400 acres of town-owned parks

REAL ESTATE

If you would like additional information about real estate in Breckenridge Colorado as well as anywhere in Summit County Colorado contact us at 1-800-791-3990 ext 421.

Jeffery McClintock, is a real estate broker in Summit County and prides himself on providing clients with professional guidance in all phases of residential new construction, including market research, product development, consulting, marketing and advertising. His personal mission is to bring to you a level of knowledge, experience, commitment, high standards and results to answer your real estate needs. He believes, the most effective way to provide superior service is to build a strong working relationship with you. His system includes regular consultations and feedback, which is the best tool for identifying and clarifying your real estate objectives and help define strategic solutions.