6 day new years itinerary

Question

Hey guys we are staying in a cabin in blue river for 6 nights around new years time. Would appreciate any feedback or suggestions on my itinerary. Also don’t know if it’s better to visit copper mountain or keystone? We are not skiers, but will do ski school in Frisco and possibly try some beginner options.

Dec 28th

Arrive get groceries. Chill in cabin/hot tub, cook/order food or visit downtown Breck?

Dec 29

Frisco Adventure park/ tubing/ ski school

Butter horn bakery for lunch? Or peppinos pizza &subs

Or prosit (German spot looks super cool live music?)

Visit main street (downtown Frisco)

Dinner reservation at sauce on the Maggie (Italian) Bri’s bday at 8:30 walk around Breck

Dec 30th

Visit Vail/Lionshead village/ Beaver creek

Bully Ranch lunch/dinner @4:30 cc on file

Dec 31

Leadsville ATV tours at 12, leave cabin by 10:30am.

Quandary tequila bistro at 7:30 cc on file

Take breckconnect gondola up to peak 9, see parade and fireworks by 9:30

Great Firework Viewing Areas:

* Blue River Plaza

* North Gondola Parking Lot

* Base of peaks 7, 8, or 9

* Main Street Station

* Ridge Street

* Boreas Pass or Baldy Road

Jan 1st

Sleep in

Country boy gold mine outdoor escape room @1 (mikes part $126)

Country boy mine

Trollstigen hike (troll statue)

Walk around Breck

Jan 2nd

Visit copper mountain

Rocky Mountain alpine coaster

Mi casa Mexican restaurant (Becky bday @8)

Answer

Your 6-day New Year’s itinerary around Breckenridge and Blue River is already excellent—well-balanced, fun, and realistic for winter conditions. Below is a refined version with suggestions, timing notes, and tips tailored for non-skiers who still want mountain experiences. You also asked whether Copper Mountain or Keystone is better—so I include a comparison and recommendations for your situation.

Overall, your plan looks great: no overscheduling, solid restaurants, and ideal winter activities. Below is a day-by-day breakdown with enhancements and alternative options.

Dec 28 – Arrival Day

This plan is perfect. After traveling to 9,600 ft altitude, taking it slow and hydrating is essential. Blue River is peaceful, and the hot tub is a great way to acclimate.

Groceries: City Market in Breck is your easiest full option. If you want specialty meats/cheeses, try Local Market in town.
Downtown Breck option: If you have energy, Main Street is magical with lights and snow during the holidays.
Easy dinner ideas: Blue Moose Pizza, Mi Casa takeout, or Breckenridge Brewery.

Dec 29 – Frisco Adventure Park + Ski School + Birthday Dinner

Great flow and realistic pacing. Tubing plus ski school in the same day is totally doable for beginners.

Lunch picks: Butterhorn Bakery is iconic and delicious but can get packed—go before noon. Prosit is excellent for sausages, pretzels, and casual live-music vibes.
Main Street Frisco: Lovely to walk, with boutiques, coffee shops, and mountain views.
Birthday dinner at Sauce on the Maggie: Good choice; comforting Italian after a cold day outside.

Dec 30 – Vail, Lionshead Village, or Beaver Creek

This is an awesome day trip, but note the drive can be 45–60 minutes depending on weather.

Vail: More upscale, big pedestrian village, tons of shops.
Lionshead: Smaller, cozy, gondola views, great food.
Beaver Creek: Quieter, more family-friendly, heated walkways, charming plaza.
Bully Ranch: Solid dinner plan—casual western/tavern vibe.

Tip: Vail Village is more scenic, but Beaver Creek is easier to navigate and typically less crowded around New Year’s.

Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve: Leadville + Breckenridge Gondola Parade + Fireworks

Leadville ATV tours at 12:00 is a great choice. The drive from Blue River is about 40 minutes—very doable. The scenery is stunning.

Dinner at Quandary Tequila Bistro: Perfect pre-fireworks dinner; great margaritas and comfort food.
BreckConnect Gondola + Parade: It gets busy—arrive early. Check if Peak 8 or Peak 9 is hosting the big crowd activities (it changes yearly).
Firework viewing: Your list is spot-on. If you want the least crowds, Baldy Road viewpoint is the local favorite.

Jan 1 – Relaxed Day: Escape Room + Troll + Mine Tour

Perfect way to ease into the first day of the year. Everything here is well-timed and nearby.

Country Boy Mine Escape Room: Fun and interactive—good choice after a big NYE.
Mine tour: Interesting history and a unique Breck experience.
Trollstigen Trail: Short, easy winter walk. The troll (Isak Heartstone) is amazing and great for photos.
Main Street Breck: New Year’s Day can be crowded, but the atmosphere is still festive.

Jan 2 – Copper Mountain Day Trip

Copper is an excellent pick for non-skiers. It’s only 25 minutes from Blue River and has lots of beginner-friendly offerings.

Rocky Mountain Alpine Coaster: One of the most fun winter coasters in the state—great choice.
Shopping + Après: Copper’s Center Village has great casual food and drinks.
Dinner at Mi Casa (Becky’s birthday): Very fun, festive spot with strong margaritas.

Copper vs. Keystone for Non-Skiers

Since you aren’t primary skiers, here’s how they compare:

Copper Mountain: Best for families, best alpine coaster, beginner terrain is mellow, village more compact.
Keystone: Bigger resort, more spread out, fantastic tubing hill, beautiful village, more restaurants.

Recommendation: Copper is the better fit for your itinerary—less driving, easier layout, and more activities that don’t require skiing.

Final Thoughts

Your itinerary is excellent as-is! It’s well-paced and accounts for winter driving, crowds, and altitude. The restaurant choices are strong, the activity mix is varied, and the experiences (ATV, tubing, Vail villages, fireworks, alpine coaster) give you a perfect New Year’s trip.

Only small suggestion: keep a little flexibility for snowstorms. But otherwise, you’re set for an incredible week in the mountains!