How to Dress Like a Breckenridge Local

This guide is here to help you remain low-key and blend in like a local. Truthfully, I’m not sure we really care what you wear…except for maybe those giant fuzzy boots.

The truth: Wear what you want. We’re just happy you’re experiencing this gem we call home.

Here’s the breakdown of what to wear on your vacation to Breckenridge. Hopefully this can serve as a packing list (check out our winter packing guide here), but don’t fret if you don’t own these things. We have PLENTY of shops and gear outfitters ready to hook you up.

Homegrown style: Wearing anything native to Colorado is key. Brands like Melanzana, Loki, SmartWool and FlyLow Gear are all Colorado-made products sure to win style points. Take a short trip to Leadville and visit the Melanzana store. This homegrown small company designs, cuts, sews and sells everything themselves. How cool is that?!

Footwear: You’ll see everything here from Birkenstocks and Chacos to the fanciest Sorel. Anything in between is fine, so long as you can comfortably walk. Our terrain is mostly dirt trails or icy walkways. We suggest leaving the Moon Boots and stilettos at home.

Layers: Wearing a beanie and down jacket to work in the morning and not knowing how to carry it home in the afternoon is a common struggle in fall and spring. Our weather changes frequently and FAST. So, if you layer properly you shouldn’t have to worry. Brands don’t matter so much in this situation, but your down coat should probably say Patagonia or Arctery’x if you’re into that sort of thing. If you’re hipper than that, you’re probably wearing FlyLow, Kuhl or Trew.

Western wear: Although we aren’t as down with western wear as, say, Steamboat Springs, we’ll dig your Frye boots and that cute Brixton hat (for the ladies). Men, us girls can always dig a cowboy amiright? So, feel free to slide into some Levi’s and throw on your western boots. We won’t hate it; we may even prefer it compared to the snowboard style we’re so used to.

Eye protection: We can’t stress this enough. We don’t care what you wear for eye protection, just WEAR IT. Same goes for sunscreen and lip balm with SPF and/or anything with zinc oxide. Our favorite brand is Dermatone; get the tin, it’s cooler (not literally) and much easier to apply on the face. Walking around at 9,600 feet and skiing over 10,000 feet in the winter brings you that much closer to the sun, and those sunburns can ruin a vacation here too, not just at the beach.

Reusable water bottle: Not only are we saving the planet one reusable bottle at a time, but the tap water in Breckenridge is amazing. Hydration is one of the most important things you can do for your body at altitude. You’ll see all the primo bottles (Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask and Yeti), but it’s cool if you have your favorite Nalgene from high school covered in stickers.

Don’t forget…

  • A daypack (for days on the hill or the hiking trail)
  • Smart phone for pictures
  • Ski/snowboard equipment

Other than your personal daily essentials, we think we’ve got you covered. Looking forward to seeing you during any season in Breck, and hopefully we won’t even know you’re just visiting!

Book your Breckenridge lodging and enjoy steep promotional deals at The Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and Grand Timber Lodge.