BreckConnect Gondola Breckenridge
Ride the free BreckConnect Gondola for stunning mountain views and access to summer adventures or winter slopes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
BreckConnect Gondola Breckenridge
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the free BreckConnect Gondola for stunning mountain views and access to summer adventures or winter slopes.
"One of the best free activities in Breckenridge, Colorado, offering stunning views and access to fun."
🎯 Ride for Free!
The BreckConnect Gondola is completely free! Enjoy the scenic ride without any cost.
🐶 Dogs Ride Free Too!
Bring your furry friends along for the ride; dogs are welcome and ride free!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Views
Gondola ride
Soar above the trees and town for breathtaking vistas of the Tenmile Range. A photographer's dream!
Peak 8 Basecamp Adventures
Peak 8 Base Area
Summer brings Epic Discovery with alpine slides, coasters, zip lines, and more for all ages.
Winter Ski Access
Peak 7 and Peak 8
Effortlessly reach the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Ride
Summer vs. Winter Access
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride for Free!
The BreckConnect Gondola is completely free! Enjoy the scenic ride without any cost.
🐶 Dogs Ride Free Too!
Bring your furry friends along for the ride; dogs are welcome and ride free!
☀️ Summer Adventure Hub
Peak 8 offers tons of summer activities like alpine slides and mountain coasters.
📸 Capture the Views
The ride offers stunning photo opportunities of the mountains and town.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride for Free!
The BreckConnect Gondola is completely free! Enjoy the scenic ride without any cost.
🐶 Dogs Ride Free Too!
Bring your furry friends along for the ride; dogs are welcome and ride free!
☀️ Summer Adventure Hub
Peak 8 offers tons of summer activities like alpine slides and mountain coasters.
📸 Capture the Views
The ride offers stunning photo opportunities of the mountains and town.
🚗 Parking Tip
Park at the South Gondola Lot for easy access to the gondola.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during summer activities at higher altitudes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the BreckConnect Gondola, highlighting its free access, stunning mountain views, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's praised as a must-do for both summer adventures at Peak 8 and winter ski access. Some minor inconveniences like occasional activity costs and brief ride interruptions are noted but don't detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
"BreckConnect Gondola is one of those rare attractions that offers something for everyone — whether you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer, a nature lover, or a family with young kids looking for a fun and scenic day out.
🌄 Stunning Views on the Ride
The gondola ride itself is an unforgettable experience. It whisks you smoothly from downtown Breckenridge up to the mountain base in just under 15 minutes. Along the way, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Tenmile Range, charming alpine forests, and the town below. It’s a great opportunity to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of Colorado — perfect for photos and videos.
🎢 Summer Fun – Not Just a Ski Resort
While most people associate Breckenridge with skiing, the summer activities at the top of the gondola are just as exciting. At Epic Discovery, kids (and adults) can enjoy:
• Mountain biking trails with lift access for all skill levels
• Alpine slides and coasters for adrenaline-pumping fun
• Zip lines, rope courses, and climbing walls
• A scenic alpine loop hike that’s easy and kid-friendly
• Wildlife spotting — keep an eye out for marmots, foxes, and even moose
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for Families
What makes BreckConnect Gondola truly special is how family-friendly it is. The ride is free, which is a huge bonus for families with multiple kids. The mountaintop area offers plenty of space to run around, interactive learning stations, and shaded picnic areas where you can relax while the kids play. It’s a great way to keep children entertained while also enjoying the great outdoors."
JIGNESH GANDHI (Jig)
"Gondola and parking are free in the summer. Kids love soaring over the condos and the animal preserve. Gondola takes you up to the ski base area. In summer, they have a lot of (expensive) adventure activities. Slightly cheaper to buy online for pickup at the will-call window rather than the on-site window. Look around to see what you'd like to do, then see the information booth in the center for pricing options. Then use the available QR Code and your smartphone to get the online discount. Take water. Like at any ski location, food and drink are nearly+50% to double the cost downtown. I will say the Alpine Slide is a unique thrill and worth a try. It's a three to four minute ride depending on how fast you go. The area is US Forest Service land so you can also go hiking."
Michael Burmeister
"The gondola was super fun, despite getting stuck up there for 25 minutes. The views were beautiful! The attendant Austin T. greeted us with a smile and kind word each time we got off (we road several times)."
Caylee Steenbock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The BreckConnect Gondola is conveniently located in downtown Breckenridge, connecting the town to Peaks 7 and 8. You can easily walk to the base station from most downtown hotels and shops. Parking is available at the South Gondola Lot.
Yes, there is parking available at the South Gondola Lot. It's recommended to park here for easy access to the gondola.
Absolutely! The gondola is free and offers stunning views, making it a great activity even if you're not hitting the slopes. You can ride it to enjoy the scenery or access summer activities.
Operating hours vary by season. In summer, it typically runs from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Winter hours are also available for ski access. Always check the official website for the most current schedule.
The gondola cabins are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a family-friendly option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The BreckConnect Gondola is completely FREE to ride! This makes it one of the most accessible and enjoyable attractions in Breckenridge.
No, tickets are not required as the BreckConnect Gondola is a free service for all visitors.
While the gondola ride is free, the adventure activities at Peak 8's Epic Discovery (like the alpine slide or mountain coaster) are typically an additional cost. It's often cheaper to buy these online in advance.
Yes, dogs are welcome to ride the BreckConnect Gondola for free, provided they are well-behaved.
While rare, mechanical issues can occur. One visitor reported being stuck for 25 minutes, but the experience was still positive due to the views and staff.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Peak 8 transforms into Epic Discovery with activities like the alpine slide, mountain coaster, zip lines, rope courses, and scenic hiking trails. It's a hub for family fun.
The views are spectacular! You'll see panoramic vistas of the Tenmile Range, alpine forests, and the town of Breckenridge below. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Yes, it's very family-friendly. Kids love the ride, and the activities at Peak 8 are designed for them.
Yes, there are restaurants and dining options available at the base area of Peak 8. However, food and drinks can be more expensive than in town.
You can find scenic hiking trails, including an easy alpine loop, starting from Peak 8. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire gondola ride offers incredible photo opportunities. Try to capture the sweeping mountain landscapes, the charming town from above, and the surrounding alpine forests.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful 'golden hour' light for photography. However, any time of day offers stunning scenery.
While not guaranteed, keep an eye out for wildlife like marmots or foxes in the surrounding areas. The gondola ride itself offers more landscape-focused photo ops.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography or videography from the gondola. However, always be mindful of other passengers and safety guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful if you spot wildlife. Most smartphone cameras will also capture excellent shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At Peak 8, Epic Discovery offers a plethora of activities that are perfect for children, from the thrilling alpine slide to interactive play areas. The mountain environment provides ample space for kids to run around and explore. Remember to bring water and consider purchasing activity passes online for potential savings.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the adventure activities at Peak 8 have a cost, simply riding the gondola and enjoying the scenery is a fantastic free experience. Pack your own snacks and water to save on expensive on-mountain food prices.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for late afternoon for the best light, but any time of day provides a stunning backdrop. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive vistas. Don't forget to look for opportunities to photograph the surrounding alpine forests and any wildlife you might spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The BreckConnect Gondola Experience
During the summer months, the gondola serves as the gateway to Epic Discovery at Peak 8. This area is packed with family-friendly adventure activities, including an alpine slide, mountain coaster, zip lines, and rope courses. It's a fantastic way for families to spend a day outdoors, with options for various thrill levels. Even if you're not participating in the paid activities, the ride itself and the mountain air are well worth the trip.
In winter, the gondola is a crucial link for skiers and snowboarders heading to the slopes of Peaks 7 and 8. It provides easy access to the ski resort, allowing visitors to bypass potential parking hassles at the base areas. The convenience and the free nature of the ride make it an indispensable part of the Breckenridge winter experience.
Summer Fun at Peak 8: Epic Discovery
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping attractions, Epic Discovery also provides opportunities for more relaxed exploration. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, including an easy alpine loop, perfect for families or those wanting to appreciate the mountain scenery at a gentler pace. Wildlife spotting is also a possibility, with chances to see marmots, foxes, and other local fauna.
It's important to note that while the gondola ride to Peak 8 is free, the activities within Epic Discovery come with a cost. Many visitors recommend purchasing activity passes online in advance, as it can be slightly cheaper than buying on-site. The information booth at Peak 8 can help you navigate pricing options and discounts.
Winter Access and Skiing
For those heading to ski school, the gondola is a key component of the morning routine. However, as one Reddit user noted, lines can form, especially in mid-December, which is something to consider when planning your timing to ensure timely arrival for lessons.
Beyond just getting to the lifts, the gondola ride itself offers a beautiful perspective of the snow-covered mountains and the bustling ski town below, adding to the overall winter wonderland experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit