Breckenridge Businesses Adapt as Snow Returns, Boosting Optimism After Dry Winter

Mountain town retailers and restaurants find unexpected benefits as tourists explore town more during lack of snowfall.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Breckenridge businesses are expressing cautious optimism this holiday weekend as snow finally returns to the high country after a challenging dry 2025-2026 winter season. While Front Range residents have been less inclined to visit, the town has continued to attract tourists from farther away who had already committed to vacation plans. Some businesses have even seen benefits, with visitors exploring the town more frequently when not spending full days on the slopes.

Why it matters

Breckenridge is a tourist-dependent community, so the lack of snowfall has created an unusual dynamic, testing mountain town retailers and restaurants throughout the season. However, businesses have adapted their strategies and remained flexible, finding unexpected benefits as visitors explore the town more when not skiing.

The details

The dry conditions have led to fewer Front Range residents making the trip to Breckenridge, but the town has continued to attract visitors from farther away who had already committed to vacation plans. Some businesses have seen a positive impact, with tourists coming into town for lunch after completing morning runs rather than staying on the mountain all day, leading to increased traffic in retail stores and restaurants.

  • The 2025-2026 winter season has seen a lack of snowfall in Breckenridge.
  • Snow finally returned to the high country over the holiday weekend.

The players

Kelly and Aaron Boyd

Owners of Horseshoe Breckenridge, a Breckenridge business that has had to adapt its strategy during the dry winter.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah we are like, thank you, Lord, for delivering us this bit of flurry, and whether it's one inch, two inch, or three inches, again, gratitude goes a long way.”

— Kelly Boyd, Co-owner, Horseshoe Breckenridge (9news.com)

“Front Range isn't coming up as much, but our town is a tourist town, so people are still flying here, they still made the plan, still taking the vacation.”

— Kelly Boyd, Co-owner, Horseshoe Breckenridge (9news.com)

“I think more than anything, maybe it has positively impacted retail as well as restaurants because people aren't up on the mountain as much.”

— Kelly Boyd, Co-owner, Horseshoe Breckenridge (9news.com)

“They come in for lunch now, they are not just on the hill they have done their runs in the morning and then they come to town and eat here in the restaurants and go to the stores as well.”

— Kelly Boyd, Co-owner, Horseshoe Breckenridge (9news.com)

“We try to make it welcoming for everybody.”

— Aaron Boyd, Co-owner, Horseshoe Breckenridge (9news.com)

What’s next

The 2026 winter season will be remembered for its lack of snowfall, but Breckenridge businesses have committed to remaining flexible and finding creative ways to draw in business and make the experience incredible for visitors.

The takeaway

Despite the challenges of a dry winter, Breckenridge businesses have adapted their strategies, finding unexpected benefits as visitors explore the town more when not spending full days on the slopes. This highlights the resilience of the mountain town's tourist-dependent community and its ability to pivot and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all.