Teams carving blocks at the International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge

Breck by month

Breckenridge in January

The coldest month, the quietest weeks and the snow sculptures on the Riverwalk.

Photo: 420 Photography, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Breck in January

What January is like at Breck

Once the New Year crowd goes home, early January is one of the best times to ski Breck. The mountain is usually mostly open, the holiday rush is over and the lines are short.

It's also the coldest month. Bring a proper face covering for the chairlifts, and plan your days around the sun on the upper mountain.

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  • Average snowfall in town27.7 in
  • Average high / low in town27 °F / -2 °F
  • HolidaysMLK Day, Jan 18
  • EventsSnow sculptures, Jan 23 to Feb 2

Snow, crowds and events

January at a glance

Deeper base

More of the mountain open.

Town averages about 28 inches of snow in January, and by now the base is usually deep enough for most of the upper mountain to be open.

Cold

Highs in the 20s °F in town.

Average highs in town are in the high 20s °F, and nights drop below zero. It's colder still on the upper lifts, and the wind makes it feel worse. Hand warmers are cheap. Buy some.

Quiet, apart from MLK weekend

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 18, 2027.

The weeks after New Year are among the quietest of the season. MLK weekend is busy.

International Snow Sculpture Championships

January 23 to February 2, 2027.

Teams from around the world carve huge blocks of snow into sculptures using hand tools only. Sculpting runs from January 23 to 27, and the finished pieces are on show until February 2 at the Riverwalk Center. It's free, and the sculptures are lit up at night. There's no parking at the site, so take the bus.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is January a good time to ski Breckenridge?

Once the New Year crowd goes home, early January is one of the best times to ski Breck. The mountain is usually mostly open, the holiday rush is over and the lines are short.

Keep exploring

More from Breck by month

Breck by month →
Quick tip

Ski & snowboard rental

Book online before you arrive and pick your gear up in town the evening before. The morning rush at the base shops can eat your first hour, and booking ahead can be cheaper.

Quick tip

Lift tickets & the Epic Pass

Breck is on the Epic Pass. Buying a ticket at the window on the day is the most expensive way up the hill, so buy ahead online or look at an Epic Day Pass if you're here for a few days.

The Friday snow email

One short email a week in season: what fell, what's open, and where to ride this weekend.