Buck the trend and explore the forests surrounding Breckenridge on snowshoes instead of skis. You'll find everything you crave at the ski resort - quiet, undisturbed powder, no crowds or lines, no lift-ticket sticker shock. Snowshoeing is the perfect way to play in the snow for a day or on a moonlit night.

There are miles of trails in the White River National Forest, but two stand out.

The Peaks Trail stretches from Breckenridge to Frisco. Start just up the road from Breckenridge Resort's Peak 8 parking area and watch for a trailhead sign and parking on your left.

Head uphill through a lodgepole pine forest. This trail starts at 10,075 feet, climbs about 200 feet, then ends 7.8 miles away in Frisco at 9,110 feet. Trail markers will keep you on the right route, but part of the fun of snowshoeing is heading off-trail, testing your skill on steep slopes and sliding back down on your rear.

The Sally Barbour Mine Trail starts on the other side of Breckenridge and takes snowshoers and cross-country skiers past its namesake, the Sally Barbour, an old zinc mine that closed nearly 100 years ago.

Snow covers abandoned mining equipment here, making interesting shapes alongside the trail, which is a leisurely 1.4 miles (one way).

At a glance

* What: Peaks Trail and Sally Barbour Mine Trail

* Where: Breckenridge

* To get there: From Denver, take I-70 west to Exit 203/Colorado 9. Follow Highway 9 through Frisco to Breckenridge. For the Peaks Trail, turn right at the traffic light in downtown Breckenridge and take Ski Hill Road (County Road 3) west. Drive one-half mile past the Peak 8 Ski Area and watch for a trailhead sign and parking on your left. For the Sally Barbour Mine Trail, head back to Colorado 9, turn left on 9 and turn right on French Gulch Road. Go to the right at the fork. Watch for a plowed area about four miles in, and park there.

* Watch for: Winter creatures including ermine, fox, deer and rabbit. Take along an animal track book to help you identify fresh tracks.

* Best part: Great snow, no crowds, marked trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

* Difficulty of hike: Sally Barbour is easy; Peaks is moderate.

* Details: Both trails are in the White River National Forest. Both are popular among snowshoers and cross-country skiers. If you're on snowshoes, try to stay out of ski tracks. The Sally Barbour trail is perfect for a full-moon snowshoe hike.

* More information: Dillon Ranger District, dillonrangerdistrict.com; 1-970-468-5400.

Deb Acord is the author of Biking Colorado's Front Range, Happy Trails and Colorado Winter: Activities, Trails and Tips.