Sapphire Point
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 15-20 minutes
This is a very popular location. The downfall is at certain times of the year this location can be very crowded. Especially around Christmas and New Years. The views are gorgeous though. Weekdays, not during the holidays are not usually crowded.
Here is a sample session from Sapphire Point
Windy Point
Time of day: afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 20 minutes
This location is great if you are staying in the Keystone area. Its not to far away, and it is quiet compared to Sapphire Point.
Here is a sample session from this location
Trailhead on Ski Hill Road
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 10 minutes
This is a nice location, but it not as heavily used so the snow is not as packed down. I would not suggest this location for a large groups. I would say families of about 4 or less. Also can be a nice spot for couples or high school seniors. It is quiet spot and lots of snow, trees, and some mountains. It is just tricky in the winter, since the snow only gets packed down on a narrow trail. Therefore large groups don’t work well here.
Boreas Pass Road in the Trees
Time of day: morning and afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 10 minutes
I have a couple of locations that are in the trees. Some of our roads close once the snow starts flying. Boreas Pass is one of them. Right at the start of the closure there are trees on either side. If you can catch this right after a snowfall it is gorgeous! If you don’t care so much about a Mountain View or its a cloudy day this is a great spot. Another trail to get lots of trees would be the Baldy Trailhead.
Here is a sample session in the trees on Boreas Pass Rd.
S Family {Boreas Pass Trees}
Boreas Pass Road Viewpoint
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 10 minutes
This is short walk from the parking lot on Boreas Pass Rd. It is good to note this is about a 5-7 minute walk to some gorgeous views of Breckenridge. This is my favorite location to shoot at. It is usually very quiet and a pretty spot. As long as you are okay with the walk, it’s a fantastic spot. However if anyone in your party is having trouble walking or adjusting to altitude this could be challenging for them.
Here is a sample session from the view point on Boreas Pass Rd
Larium Open Space
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 10 minutes
This location offers two old cabins, pine trees, and a Mountain View. You should have AWD/4WD for this one. The road is cleared but it is a decent uphill. I wouldn’t want someone to not be able to make it up the hill.
To get to the viewpoint it is a few minutes walk, but it is also an uphill walk. So if anyone is having a hard time with the altitude, etc… than this may not be the best spot for you. Also, this area is less traveled, so check with me and I can let you know how the snow is. If its to deep and not packed down than I’ll suggest another location.
Hoosier Pass
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 20 minutes
This location requires an uphill walk. It is about a 5-7 minute walk but it is uphill! The trail is usually packed down as it is popular place to snowshoe, etc..It is a very nice view but you will have to walk if you want a mountain views, as it’s mostly trees at the parking lot. I would suggest this location on a day when the weather is nice and we have good visibility. The amount of snow will vary depending on the time of year. I wouldn’t recommend this location if you have small kids that wouldn’t enjoy the walk or older family members that are having trouble with the altitude.
Sawmill Museum
Time of day: Morning and Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 5-10 minutes
This is a cute spot. The parking lot is not huge so this is probably better for smaller groups. I’d say having 1 or 2 cars. There is a cute area with an old building, some aspen tress and snow. If we walk down the trail just a few minutes there is a view of the mountain.
Lake Dillon on the Breckenridge Side
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 15 minutes
Depending on the time of year (and recent storms) the snow can get deep here too. But should be good in the early season. If this location, looks good to you let me know and I can see how the snow levels are.
Frisco Peak One View
Distance from Breckenridge: 15 minutes
Time of day: Afternoon
This view is in Frisco, close to the hospital. So this may appeal to people staying in Frisco. I do not recommend this location for large families. I’d say its best for couples, or a family of 3/4. The paths are packed down but are narrow. So room to stand is limited.
This location is most likely best Dec – March. In Frisco the snow melts quicker. So in April, etc… you probably won’t have a lot of snow on the ground.
Mayflower Gulch
Time of day: Morning
Distance from Breckenridge: 35 minutes
This view is amazing! And not far from the parking lot. Downfall, its about a 30 minute drive from Breckenridge. If you are staying at Copper it is real close to there. Now lighting here is different since the mountains are to the east. So I would prefer to shoot here in the mornings. Mornings in the winter can be cold. But we don’t have to shoot too early. We can probably even shoot about 3 hours after sunrise. If you are interested in this location, let me know and I will verify the time for you.
Lake Dillion
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 30 minutes
Lots of space here, the snow usually isn’t too deep. Mountain views. Depending on the time of year the lake may be frozen or not frozen. If it is late in the year and it’s frozen you can actually wander on to the lake (when it is safe). I cross country ski on the lake in Jan and Feb. So if you shoot here around Jan-April the lake will look like a snow field and not water.
Giberson Bay
Distance from Breckenridge: 25 minutes
The rec path here is not used to much in the winter. It may mean walking through some deep snow to get to the rec path. But the views are really nice!
There is a beach area down by the lake too which will be frozen after the end of Dec. If you are willing enough to get down there it’s also a nice spot to shoot. I would say that the rec path should be covered in snow from Mid Dec – March or so. It just depends on the weather that year.
Cabin Near Tiger Road
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: 15 minutes
This spot is really neat. Very quiet. Hardly anyone here. The downfall, is if you want a big Mountain View, you don’t get that here. But there is a cute cabin and there is a wreath on the cabin at Christmas time. Lots of pine trees. And you may see a moose!
Snake River Inlet – Lake Dillon
Time of day: Afternoon
Distance From Breckenridge: about 20 minutes
The lake will be frozen in the middle of winter. This picture was taken in December before the entire lake froze over. Expect the water to be frozen around the end of Dec.
Rec Path Near Copper Mountain
Time of Day: Morning or Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: about 20-25 minutes
This spot is behind the gas station at Copper Mountain. I can most likely shoot here in the morning or late afternoon. If interested in this spot, check with me and I can let you know best times for your time of year. This is a great location if you are staying in Copper!
Officers Gulch
Time of Day: Afternoon
Distance from Breckenridge: about 20 minutes
This spot is also close to Copper! This an area called Officers Gulch. The lake is frozen and snow covered in winter but you have some mountain views with a cute bridge as well.
