By Neill Pieper

There is still time to experience the winter snow globe that is Breckenridge, Colorado.

While the Craft Spirits Fest, Dew Tour, Big Beers Fest and Ullr Fest are all behind us, there are still plenty of reasons to head up to Breckenridge for a weekend of skiing and craft beer, spirits and food immersion.

March is often Colorado’s snowiest month. Around this time the steeps have good coverage and the après skiing is phenomenal. Even after 235 inches already this season, Breckenridge is due for a few more big storms. Large snows are balanced by warmer and sunnier weather — perfect for soaking up the sun.

Breckenridge has a lot of great ski-accessible locations that are perfect for enjoying a craft beer and taking in the sights. The town boasts a whopping 97 restaurants and bars (79 with bars and 18 without, but who’s counting). Our favorite on-mountain spot, The TBar, sits below Peak 8 and the massive Park Lane Terrain Park. Here, the outdoor patio provides a great place to loosen up your ski boots and watch park athletes hurl themselves through the air, defying gravity.

A "rare" beer rainbow sighting at Kenosha Steakhouse
Photo: Neill Pieper

Two great offsite locations are the Kenosha Steakhouse downtown, and the new Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant, just outside of town.

Don’t be fooled by Kenosha Steakhouse’s name. While the menu does feature steak and seafood, the atmosphere is low-key and the burgers, BBQ and sandwiches are as good as they come. The beer list is often stacked with barrel-aged, wild, sour and hard-to-find offerings.

Over at the distillery, Chef Daniel O’Brien is leading the way on a farm-to-table experience. Using spent grains for feed, they’re dedicated to a whole animal process. With a “share” plate menu, this a great place to bring a group and try a little of everything. You can’t go wrong with their braised brisket. A Korean Bulgogi spin puts the recipe over the top.

So get some more turns in this season, it isn’t too late. With 3,398 feet of vertical and 187 trails available, you can’t go wrong.

CHECK OUT THESE SPRING EVENTS

Spring Fever, Mar 18-April 23

- Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Spring Fever is a month-long celebration with events both on the mountain and around town. Breck Pride Fest kicks things off in March with a week of music and après fun that showcases Breckenridge’s inclusive vibe and way of life. On-mountain competitions are ongoing over the month featuring the Mtn. Dew Spring Open Slopestyle Comp and GoPro’s Big Mountain Challenge. Watch some of Breckenridge’s best athletes compete in one of the most unique events: The Imperial Challenge. Here, athletes bike, climb and ski/board over 3,000 vertical feet in a triathlon-like experience.

More info at http://www.breckenridge.com/info/spring-in-breckenridge.aspx

Spring Fever Beer Fest, April 8

- Featuring local favorites (Outer Range, Bonfire) and domestic powerhouse breweries (Ballast Point, Firestone Walker), Breckenridge Spring Beer Festival hasit all. Live music and great views are two of the best things about this festival, located just off Peak 9.

More info at http://spring.breckenridgebeerfestival.com/