Explore Above Treeline
High Alpine
"The first time I ever stood on top of the summit of Peak 8,I was just awestruck. You can see over a hundred miles from the top and you just stand there your first time up there for quite a while and just kind of turn yourself in a circle [to] look around and you see the Maroon Bells,Pike's Peak and 14ers in the Front Range .I've been up there a thousand time and I've never hesitated when I get to the top to take a few minutes and look around and draw it all in because it never gets old."Will Barrett
Assistant Ski Patrol Director, Breckenridge Ski Resort
Above Treeline: The Story of Breck's High Alpine
When you drive into Breckenridge you can't miss the the sight of the High Alpine terrain towering above both mountain and town. Towering above the treeline this terrain invites seasoned adventurers to challenge themselves and new skiers and riders to aspire to tackle something higher. Learn about the founding, exploration, expansion, control, and feeling of riding the Breck's High Alpine terrain in our all new 6 part documentary!
Every person arrives at Breck in the midst of their own story. Whether to chase exhilaration, or simply seek within, we invite you to author your next adventure in the High Alpine. Because in truth, the High Alpine is the center of gravity that draws us all in, and a constant reminder to anyone who gazes upward that there’s always more to discover. Should you journey beyond the tree line and above the clouds, Breck’s 5 stunning peaks are your gateway to unparalleled views and a thrilling experience proof that you’re part of something bigger. So for all who are called to write their mountain story here, we invite you to make the High Alpine your next chapter.
the early days
Chapter One
Take a trip to the past and see how "hot doggers" of the 1960's and 70's became pioneers of exploration in High Alpine.
tragedy on peak 7
Chapter Two
Ski patrol recounts the tragic avalanche accident in 1987 and the precautions, and advancements, set in place after.
Peak 8 and The Imperial Express
Chapter Three
Learn how the development and installment of the Imperial Express defied odds and set the bar higher for ski experiences world-wide.
The Sensation of Peak 6
Chapter Four
Explore the building process and challenges of developing Peak 6.
The Discipline of Control Work
Chapter Five
Check out the snow-safety and avalanche control work that goes into Breck's high alpine terrain management.
That High Alpine Feeling
Chapter Six
Hear how the community embraces the high alpine terrain and what their favorite spots are.
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Pioneered by locals and skied by legends, the high alpine is Breck’s untamed wilderness. Towering above town, Breck’s high alpine spans across multiple peaks and bowls, offering some of the most accessible and differentiated above-tree-line terrain in the country.
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Awaken your Sixth Sense
Peak 6 is the latest of addition to Breck’sHigh Alpine arsenal. Lift access was completed to this area in 2013 and has allowed freedom seekers access to amazing wide open runs and also a set of chutes deemed, “the Six Senses”.
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Welcome to Whale’s Tail
Peak 7 is home to the large cornice, Whale’s Tail which connects peaks 8 & 7. A mixed bag of terrain, you can find sustained steep pitches, rock drops and wind buffed powder fields in the area above tree line on this peak.
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The Highest Chairlift in North America
Welcome to Peak 8, the heart of Breck and home to the Imperial Chair. Sitting at 12,840 that Imperial chair gives you access to Imperial Bowl and the Lake Chutes. This area was the proving ground for skiing pioneers at Breck, and you can prove yourself here too.
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The Highest Chairlift in North America , opens in a new window