Breckenridge, Colorado, sits at a lofty 9,603 feet above sea level. This high-altitude location places it among the highest towns in the United States. Understanding a town’s altitude is important for visitors and residents alike, especially when considering potential effects of altitude sickness.
The town’s significant height shapes its climate, environment, and even its economy. The alpine environment fosters a thriving tourism industry centered around winter sports and summer recreation. Historically, this elevation was crucial during the town’s founding as a mining settlement, influencing where settlements were established and how they functioned. The thinner air also has implications for physical exertion and acclimatization for newcomers.