Family of 4 2-17/20 girls doing a day trip in either Vail or Breckenridge (coming from Denver for day then heading to stay overnight in colorao springs) Recommendations of Most See??

What's to see in that area is mostly gorgeous scenery, unique architecture (Breck not Vail), cute shops. Walk around and take a chairlift ride to the top of the ski area.

Both are fun. vail is more upscale and Breck is more honky tonk. Breck has an alpine slide which your family may enjoy. Breck and Vail are about 45 minutes apart w/ Breck being closer to Denver.

Could you spend the night in the mountains, as opposed to traveling to the Springs?

If you must return to Colorado Springs, I would go to Breckenridge. You can make a nice loop by returning to Colorado Springs the "back" way. Take highway 9 over Hooiser Pass, through Fairplay to highway 24 to Colorado Springs. It is a beautiful drive that will give you a feel for Colorado before all the tourist came.

The girls would probably prefer Breck as it has a younger feel to it than Vail.