The Local’s Guide to Sledding in Breckenridge & Summit County
Is there anything better than flying down a snowy hill? It’s the kind of fun you don’t grow out of. The best part is that you don’t need a lift ticket to go sledding in Breckenridge.
Whether you want to hike up a free hill with a cheap plastic sled or pay for the luxury of a conveyor belt ride to the top, Summit County has a spot for you. Here is the breakdown of the best spots to go sledding in Breckenridge and the surrounding mountain towns, depending on your energy levels and your budget.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The DIY Option: Free Sledding Hills in Breckenridge, Frisco, & Silverthorne
This is the classic experience: acquire a sled, find a hill, and earn your turns. It’s a workout, it’s chaotic, and it is arguably the most fun way to spend an afternoon. Plus, if you’re rolling with a passel of children it will definitely tire them out without stressing you out. There will be no “hurry up, our hour is almost over” hustle like at the paid tubing hills and plenty of time for snacks, taking turns, and running amok between descents.
Carter Park (Breckenridge)
This is the spot in Breck. Located just a few blocks south of Main Street at the end of High Street, this used to be a ski slope, so it is wide and steep enough to get some real speed.
- The Sled Shed: Look for the community bin at the bottom. People leave broken or used sleds here. I still recommend you bring at least one for your group but this does give you some options if you have a lot of people but don’t want to buy or haul around 4+ sleds.
- Amenities: There are heated restrooms and a pavilion, which is a rare luxury for a free park.
- Conditions: This is a fast hill that gets a lot of afternoon sunshine. Expect it to be icy before/after the sun has warmed up the snow and be prepared for variable conditions as this free hill relies entirely upon Mother Nature for snow accumulation and random humans for sled chutes.
- Parking: There is free parking near Carter Park [Google Pin] but it fills quickly. You may need to park in the Klack Placer Lot [Google Pin] or on the street. The Breck Free Ride also has the Pink, Purple, and Gold routes stopping at the Jefferson St / French St intersection, a short walk to the sledding hill. For more options around town, see my free parking guide.
Frisco Adventure Park (The Free Hill)
Most people think this is only paid tubing, but there is a designated free sledding hill right next to the tubing lanes. It is strictly “bring your own sled”—they won’t rent or sell you one for this specific hill.
- BYOSled: You are responsible for bringing your own sled (and please take it back to the rental with you!).
- Amenities: There is access to the Frisco Nordic Center Day Lodge for hot chocolate and bathrooms, without the price tag of the tubing lanes.
- Conditions: This hill is a bit more protected from the sun so it does stay snowy longer. However, there are small pine trees growing on the hillside so you may have added obstacles if snow is low.
- Parking: There is a large parking lot at the Frisco Nordic Center that serves the nordic trails, Frisco Adventure Center, and the free sledding hill.
Get A Sled
- Buy One: Stop by City Market (Breckenridge or Dillon), Walmart (Frisco), or Safeway (Frisco). You can usually pick one up for under $20. When you leave, leave it with your vacation rental for the next guests.
- Rent One: Pioneer Sports (Frisco and Dillon locations) usually rents heavy-duty sleds for about $10 a day. My gear rentals post has more shops that rent for less.
- Check Your Rental: Before you buy, check the closets or garage of your rental or ask the hotel front desk; there is often a stash of sleds left behind by previous families. Or, better yet, provided by the hotel, condo association, or host.
- Borrow One: There is a “sled shed” at Carter Park where people leave their sleds for others to borrow. There are usually sleds to use although it may be best to bring at least one for the group. The sleds left in the shed are not always in the best condition and on a busy day they go quickly.
Green Acres Snow Play & Sledding Zone (Copper Mountain)
This is a hidden gem for families who want the resort vibe without the resort price tag. Located at the base of the Green Acres bunny hill (between East Village and Center Village), this is a dedicated zone specifically for sledding and snow play. Copper Mountain does require a one-time registration for use of the Green Acres Snow Play & Sledding Zone. Register at Copper Mountain’s Free Snow Zone.
- BYOSled: You are responsible for bringing your own sled (and please take it back to the rental with you!).
- Amenities: Since you are right at the base of the resort, you are just a short walk from Center Village, where you can find heated restrooms, coffee shops, and restaurants.
- Conditions: The biggest advantage here is that the hill is often groomed. Unlike the “wild west” bumps of Carter Park, this hill offers a smoother, more predictable ride that is perfect for younger kids or those who want a less chaotic experience.
- Parking: To keep this free, park in the Alpine Lot [Google Pin]. From there, take the free “Blue Route” shuttle to Center Village. Once you drop off, it is an easy 5-10 minute walk east along Copper Road to reach the Green Acres area.
Smaller Hills (Great for Toddlers)
If bigger hills feel a little too chaotic, too busy, or too steep for your little ones, try these:
- Rainbow Park (Silverthorne): A mellow slope that connects to a great playground. The Silverthorne Rec Center is nearby when everyone needs to warm up.
- Dillon Town Park (Dillon): Easy access, close to the Rec path, and generally less crowded than Breckenridge.
- Maryland Creek Park (North Silverthorne): A newer park with a dedicated sledding hill and a warming shelter.
The “Treat Yourself” Option: Paid Tubing
If you are on vacation and the idea of hiking up a hill at 9,600 feet sounds exhausting, this is for you. You are paying for the “magic carpet”—a conveyor belt that hauls you and your tube to the top. Zero hiking, all gravity. Reservations are highly recommended (but not explicitly mandatory) for all of these locations. The tickets are limited and they do sell out.
Full Disclosure: I have only been on a paid tubing hill in Colorado once. It was a trip up to Keystone’s tubing hill when I was an employee there. Even so, it was a good experience and if you want the gondola experience and the magic carpet ride up the hill I’d recommend it.
Frisco Adventure Park (The Paid Lanes)
This is generally the most accessible and family-friendly option. The lanes are long (1,200 feet), and the magic carpet is fast. All riders must be 36 inches tall, and everyone rides in their own tube (no riding on laps). You make a reservation for a certain time frame and pay by the hour. How many runs down you get depends upon how busy it is (and it is usually sold out). Make Reservations at Frisco’s Adventure Park.
Keystone Adventure Point
This is more of a full-mountain experience. The tubing hill is at the top of the mountain, so you take the gondola up to get there. It is generally higher-end because you are paying for the tubing and the gondola ride. The reservations and tickets are by the hour so arrive early — the clock starts ticking at the start of the reserved time, not when you arrive. The height requirement is 42″ *and* 4-years-old but it is still very kid-friendly because there is a big snow castle at the top of the mountain that you’ll walk past when going between the gondola and the tubing hill. Definitely stop and play! Make Reservations at Keystone’s Adventure Point.
Copper Mountain Tubing Hill
Copper is famous for its banked turns. While other hills are straight shots, Copper’s lanes often have curves that send you zipping up the sides. It tends to be a little faster and more thrilling due to the lane design and everyone has to be over 36″ and riding in their own tube. Make Reservations at Copper’s Tubing Hill.
A Free Snow Day Guide for Families
What Are We Doing Today? is a short, printable guide for planning snow days with little kids.
Pick an activity that fits the day, pack for it, and go adventure.
Add your email and it’ll land in your inbox the day it’s ready.
