Breckenridge, Colorado, officially designated as a Dark Sky Community

Town of Breckenridge, Colorado

The Town of Breckenridge, Colorado, has been officially designated as a Certified Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. Since 2007, the Town has focused on the benefits of reducing light pollution and protecting our view of the night sky. Breckenridge is the first mountain ski resort community in Colorado to achieve this designation. This recognition highlights the Town’s commitment to protecting its exceptional alpine nightscape and natural environment for current and future generations.

Michael Rymer, Communities Program Manager with DarkSky International and Colorado resident, knows how impactful Breckenridge’s efforts in combating light pollution are. “The Rocky Mountain towns of Colorado offer immense natural beauty, especially when it comes to the night sky. With Breckenridge’s work as an International Dark Sky Community, the town hopes to protect and preserve the night sky for residents and visitors, now and into the future. We at DarkSky International are excited to certify a significant tourist destination that will highlight the wonders of dark skies to visitors from all around the world.”

Nestled at 9,603 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is a historic mining town turned world-class destination. With a year-round population of 5,000 residents and a robust tourism industry, the Town is known for its renowned ski resort, expansive open spaces, and commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Breckenridge manages over 5,000 acres of open space and 65 miles of trails, ensuring access to stunning vistas, wildlife corridors, and the surrounding White River National Forest.

Breckenridge hosts a wide variety of annual festivals and community events, such as the International Snow Sculpture Competition, Independence Day Celebration, and Oktoberfest, which draw tens of thousands of visitors and reinforce its identity as a vibrant mountain community.

Breckenridge has long demonstrated environmental leadership. As a certified Sustainable Destination and recipient of the Top 100 Green Destination Stories award in 2023, the Town has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives including the elimination of single-use plastics, recycling and composting programs, community-wide EV, and public e-bike program. Its historic downtown is one of the largest National Registered Historic Districts in Colorado, adding to the charm of its commitment to both preservation and progress.

Further, the Town is committed to land conservation. Their Open Space and Trails program, initiated by a voter-approved sales tax in 1997, has invested over $28 million in land acquisition, trail maintenance, and conservation efforts helping ensure year-round access to nature while actively managing wildlife corridors and invasive species. These initiatives add to Breckenridge’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The journey to reduce light pollution in Breckenridge began in 2007 with the adoption of an exterior lighting ordinance. Since 2007, any new construction has been built as Dark Sky compliant, and Breckenridge is now working with residents to have non-compliant lighting meet Dark Sky regulations. In early 2023, Breckenridge began pursuing Dark Sky certification working hard to meet the program requirements. The Town also began replacing non-compliant streetlights in 2024. With lighting zones, shielding requirements, Kelvin and lumen limits in place, the Town has made measurable progress in reducing light pollution.

Kelly Owens, Mayor of Breckenridge, expressed that, “the certification not only honors our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, but it sets the Town up for a more sustainable and economically resilient future. Stargazing, education, and responsible tourism are now part of what makes Breckenridge shine — under the stars.”

About the International Dark Sky Places Program: 

Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, including wildlife habitat, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Breckenridge, Colorado, now joins nearly 250 Places striving to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/

About DarkSky International: 

The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.

Contacts

Ellie Muncy
Planner I
(970) 453-3176
[email protected] 

Julia Puester, AICP
Assistant Town Manager
(970) 547-3174
[email protected] 

Michael Rymer
Communities Program Manager, DarkSky International 
(520) 347-6365
[email protected]