Mountain Info & Safety
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10am-5pmOpen Daily Starting June 30th
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9:30am-5:30pmBreckConnect Gondola > Peak 8 Base Area
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5pmLast ride up on the Breckconnect Gondola
Mountain stats
| Winter Mountain Info |
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| Skiable Acres | 2,908 | Lifts | 35 |
| High Alpine Terrain | 40% | 6 Person Lifts | 5 |
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Vertical Drop |
3,398 ft | 4 Person Lifts | 7 |
| Elevation (Summit) | 12,998 ft | 3 Person Lifts | 1 |
| Elevation (Base) | 9,600 ft | 2 Person Lift | 6 |
| Trails | 187 | Gondola | 1 |
| Longest Trail | 4 O'Clock; 3.5 miles | Surface/T-Bar | 4 |
| Snowmaking Coverage (Acres) |
657 | Magic Carpets | 11 |
| Groomed Trails (Acres) | 1,400 | ||
Mountain safety
At Breck, safety comes first for all of our guests and employees. We have programs to promote the safety of everyone on the mountain, as well as to educate our guests on the importance of snowsports safety.
Any employee in uniform is available to assist with safety questions and is empowered to suspend or revoke the skiing or riding privileges of anyone demonstrating reckless or inappropriate behavior.
HEADS UP, KNOW THE CODE: IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE:
Breck is committed to promoting skier safety. In addition to people using traditional alpine ski equipment, you may be joined on the slopes by snowboarders, telemark skiers or cross-country skiers, skiers with disabilities, skiers with specialized equipment, and many others. Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce greatly. Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe “Your Responsibility Code” listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.
COLORADO SKI SAFETY ACT:
The Colorado legislature, recognizing risks that are inherent in the sport, has passed the Colorado Ski Safety Act which provides inherent risks of the sport and relative responsibilities of the skier; and the ski area. You must obey the Act. Under the Act, any person using the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. A summary of the inherent risks is listed below:
WARNING
Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.
The Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS, AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.
Skiers and Riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Breckenridge Ski Resort is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square or black diamond trail at other resorts. The system is a relative rating of trails at each resort and does not compare trail difficulty between resorts. Skiers and Riders should begin with the easiest terrain and then move up in difficulty as their ability permits in order to understand the relative rating at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
EXTREME TERRAIN contains cliffs, very steep slopes as well as rocks and other hazard. Skiing or boarding Extreme Terrain is for EXPERTS ONLY.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AREAS are designated with an orange oval and may contain jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain, and other constructed or natural terrain features. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air. Use of Freestyle Terrain exposes you to the risk of serious injury or death. Inverted aerials are not recommended. You assume the risk.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Vail Resorts strongly discourages the use of electronic devices including cell phones, personal entertainment and communication devices, and any other electronic equipment that utilizes head/ear phones while skiing and snowboarding, or loading and unloading lifts.
LIFT SAFETY. Under Colorado law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely, or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When riding lifts with children, you are encouraged to be especially mindful of the safety needs of younger guests. Be sure to use the safety bar, and make sure all lift passengers understand how to safely load and unload. For more information on child lift safety, visit www.kidsonlifts.org.
CAUTION. Snowcats, snowmobiles, and snowmaking may be encountered at any time.
SLOW ZONES. Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated.
HELMET USE. Breckenridge encourages our guests to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of winter sports helmets. Regardless of whether or not you choose to wear a helmet, every winter sport participant shares responsibility for his or her safety and for that of others using the ski area facilities.
BACKCOUNTRY WARNING. Pursuant to the Colorado Ski Safety Act, the ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers going beyond the ski area boundary. To access the backcountry, use designated gates only. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles and other natural hazards exist. Be aware: the backcountry avalanche hazard may be extreme. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, is the responsibility of the Summit County Sheriff. It will be costly and may take time.
HIGH-ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENT. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Breck’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.
TREE WELL AND DEEP SNOW SAFETY.
Skiing and snowboarding off the groomed runs and in deep powder is one of the most exciting and appealing parts of the sport. However, if you decide to leave the groomed trails you are voluntarily accepting the risk of a deep snow immersion accident. A deep snow or tree well immersion accident occurs when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized and suffocates. Deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents are referred to as a NARSID or Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death.
Become educated on how to reduce the risk of NARSID through your own action and awareness. ALWAYS ski or ride with a partner. The website www.deepsnowsafety.org is intended to assist all skiers and riders in learning about the risks and prevention of deep snow immersion accidents.
AERIAL DRONES
Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property.
SPRING UPHILL ACCESS AVAILABLE ON DESIGNATED ROUTES FOR PEAKS 7 & 8 - PEAK 9 IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE SEASON TO UPHILL ACCESS
Please call the Uphill Access Hotline at (970) 547-5627 prior to accessing the mountain!
As we move into our spring operating footprint across the resort, please be advised that Peak 9 is now closed for the season to uphill access. Designated routes on Peaks 7 & 8 are still available for uphill access. For the safety of our guests and employees, it is important for all uphill travelers to stay on designated, open routes only.
Non-paid/Uphill users of Breckenridge Ski Resort assume all risks associated with access. The ski area is not maintained for uphill access and trials are not patrolled outside normal ski area operating hours, therefore emergency services may not be available. Ski area operations are 24 hours and users may encounter vehicles, slope and trial maintenance activities, snowmaking and other hazards not typically present during operating hours.
Users are subject to the Colorado Ski Safety Act and must abide by the following resort uphill access policies and guidelines.
UPHILL ACCESS PARKING PERMITS
Free parking is allowed in the South Gondola lot, Stables lot at Peak 8, and the Beaver Run Parking lot between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. For evening access, hourly rates and rules apply. No parking is allowed between 2am and 6am in these lots.
- All cars utilizing these lots will need a free uphill access parking permit. To get a permit, please visit https://www.breckpark.com/permits
- There is no parking permitted between the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. in any Breckenridge Ski Resort lots.
UPHILL ACCESS POLICY
- Uphill access is only permitted outside of public operating hours. Uphill users must be off the mountain 15 minutes prior to opening of the lifts to the public for the day. Uphill access is not allowed until 30 minutes after the close of lifts for the day.
- Always call the Uphill Access Hotline prior to accessing the mountain to learn about important information, like route changes or closures - (970) 547-5627
- Stay on designated routes only, both when ascending and descending. Do not enter any closed trails and areas. Users are subject to the Colorado Ski Safety Act.It is important to call the Uphill Access Hotline first as designated routes may open or close at any time throughout the season.
- Avoid all areas where machinery is operating. Winch Cat operations may be in progress. Strobe lights and signs mean stay clear and avoid the area altogether.
- Obey all pertinent signage. Signage reading “No Uphill Access” means that specific route is closed to users.
- Stay towards the center of the trail and away from the treeline to avoid mountain operations vehicles.
- Guests should maximize visibility and position themselves to be visible from above; wear reflective or brightly colored clothing.
- Once up the hill, no one may ride a lift without a valid ticket or season pass.
- Dogs, other than Service Dogs, are not allowed.
- Please be advised that fat tire biking and/or mountain biking is prohibited on the mountain during the winter season, both during daytime and nighttime operations.
DESIGNATED UPHILL ROUTES ACROSS BRECK’S FIVE PEAKS
Uphill access routes are offered on Peaks 7, 8 and 9. There is no uphill access on Peaks 6 or 10.
Peak 7
Pioneer >>> Fort Mary B >>> Claimjumper >>> Pika* >>> T-bar
*Uphill users must be below Pika trail by 8 am due to avalanche control work on the mountain
Peak 8
Gondola Ski Back and Lower 4 O' Clock >>> Springmeier >>> Vista Haus
Claimjumper >>> Pika* >>> T-bar
*Uphill users must be below Pika trail by 8 am due to avalanche control work on the mountain
Peak 9
Silverthorne >>> Lower American >>> Cashier >>> Peak 9 Patrol Hut
Non-paid/Uphill users of Breckenridge Ski Resort assume all risks associated with access. The ski area is not maintained for uphill access and trails are not patrolled outside normal ski area operating hours, therefore emergency services may not be available. Ski area operations are 24 hours and users may encounter vehicles, slope and trail maintenance activities, snowmaking, and other hazards not typically present during operating hours.
Uphill Access is only permitted at the resort outside of resort operating hours. Users must be off the mountain 15 minutes prior to lifts opening to the public and must wait until 30 minutes after lifts close for evening uphill access. For the safety of guests and employees, all uphill users should familiarize themselves with the policy and guidelines outlined below.
All uphill users are required to call the Uphill Access Hotline for conditions, routes and safety information, including seasonal restrictions and closures, prior to access: (970) 547-5627.
Users are subject to the Colorado Ski Safety Act. Users must abide by the following rules:
EARLY SEASON GUIDELINES
During the early season (and late season), uphill access routes will be limited and are subject to change and/or close on a daily basis. For the safety of guests and employees, all uphill access users are required to call the Uphill Access Hotline before accessing the mountain.
UPHILL ACCESS PARKING PERMITS
Free parking is allowed in the South Gondola lot, Stables lot at Peak 8, and the Beaver Run Parking lot between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. For evening access, hourly rates and rules apply. No parking is allowed between 2am and 6am in these lots.
- All cars utilizing these lots will need a free uphill access parking permit. To get a permit, please visit https://www.breckpark.com/permits
- There is no parking permitted between the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. in any Breckenridge Ski Resort lots.
UPHILL ACCESS POLICY & DESIGNATED ROUTES (See Map)
- Uphill access is only permitted outside of public operating hours. Uphill users must be off the mountain 15 minutes prior to opening of the lifts to the public for the day. Uphill access is not allowed until 30 minutes after the close of lifts for the day.
- Stay on designated routes, ascend and descend on designated routes. If the route or ski run is not listed below, users may not access at any time during the ski season. It is important to call the Uphill Access Hotline first as designated routes may open or close at any time throughout the season.
Peak 6: NO UPHILL ACCESS
Peak 7: Pioneer to Fort Mary B to Claimjumper to Pika* to the T-bar *Uphill users must be below Pika trail by 8 am due to avalanche control work on the mountain
Peak 8: Springmeier to Vista Haus; Lower 4 O' Clock to Springmeier to Vista Haus;
Gondola Ski Back to Lower 4 O' Clock to Springmeier to Vista Haus;
Claimjumper to Pika to the T-barPeak 9: Silverthorne to Lower American to Cashier to Peak 9 Patrol Hut
Peak 10: NO UPHILL ACCESS
- Avoid all areas where machinery is operating. Winch Cat operations may be in progress. Strobe lights and signs mean stay clear and avoid the area altogether.
- Stay on designated routes only. Do not enter any closed trails and areas. Users are subject to the Colorado Ski Safety Act.
- Obey all pertinent signage. Signage reading “No Uphill Access” means that specific route is closed to users.
- Stay towards the center of the trail and away from the treeline to avoid mountain operations vehicles.
- Guests should maximize visibility and position themselves to be visible from above; wear reflective or brightly colored clothing.
- Once up the hill, no one may ride a lift without a valid ticket or season pass.
- Dogs, other than Service Dogs, are not allowed.
- Please be advised that fat tire biking and/or mountain biking is prohibited on the mountain during the winter season, both during daytime and nighttime operations.
Epic Discovery
The hub of on-mountain Epic Discovery activities at Breck is at Peak 8, starting with Base Camp and then riding the Colorado SuperChair all the way up to Alpine Camp (Pro Tip: Arrive early and hit these fan favorites first thing to best avoid any lines).
But you’ll also find a variety of scenic, family-friendly and thrilling activities throughout Epic Discovery. See below for a full list of our planned summer activity offerings!
Epic Discovery Summer Operations
HOURS OF OPERATIONS:
- Epic Discovery Summer Operations:
- Daily Friday, June 30 through Monday, Sept. 4
- 10 AM to 5 PM
- BreckConnect Gondola : 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Last ride up 5pm, last ride down 5:30pm
- Epic Discovery : 10 AM to 5 PM
LIFT OPERATIONS:
- BreckConnect Gondola: Free transportation from Town up to the base of Peak 8
- Colorado SuperChair: Scenic rides and access to Alpine Camp
- 5-Chair: Access to the Alpine Slides
ON-MOUNTAIN DINING:
- Ski Hill Grill & TBar: Located at the base of Peak 8
- Vista Haus: Located at Alpine Camp, off the top of the Colorado SuperChair
- Sevens: Located at the base of Peak 7
PEAK 8 BASE CAMP AT EPIC DISCOVERY:
Located at the top of the BreckConnect Gondola, the Peak 8 base area is the hub of signature summer thrills and family-friendly activities for all ages.
- The Colorado SuperChair: Scenic Rides, Bike Haul and access to Alpine Camp
- Scenic Rides: Ride the Colorado SuperChair for beautiful views, taking guests to heights more than 11,000-feet above sea-level.
- Bike Haul/Mountain Biking: Lift-served mountain biking access to trails on Peaks 7 & 8.
- GoldRunner Coaster: Start your ride at an elevation of 10,230 feet, before racing down the mountain, hitting speeds of up to 25 MPH on 2,500 feet of elevated coaster track as you wind through the forest. Ride single or with a friend.
- *Please note, Gold Runner Coaster operations will be impacted this summer due to construction of 5-Chair.
- Lil’ Climber Challenge Course: The kid-sized version of the Alpineer Challenge Course features ropes, bridges, logs and other kid-friendly obstacles and challenges for younger guests.
- Bungee Trampolines: Harness up and get ready to bounce, flip and soar towards the mountaintops.
- Mini Golf: Putt for fun or a hole-in-one on this scenic miniature golf course.
- Mini Miner Gemstone Panning: The history of the gold rush comes alive at Peak 8 Base Camp. Pan for gems in this interactive sluice and take home your finds.
- Alpine Slides: *Closed for summer 2023 due to construction of 5-Chair.
July Operations: Saturdays and Sundays only throughout July, plus Monday and Tuesday of July Fourth weekend
August Operations: Anticipated to be open the majority of days
ALPINE CAMP AT EPIC DISCOVERY:
Located at more than 11,000-feet above sea-level, and accessed by a scenic ride on the Colorado SuperChair, Alpine Camp is the heart of Epic Discovery’s high alpine adventure activities.
All Alpine Camp activities are accessed via a scenic ride on the Colorado SuperChair
- Alpineer Challenge Course: Test out your agility on one of 15 different challenges from lightly swinging logs, to shoe-to-rope balancing maneuvers
- Gold Summit Climbing Wall: The 40-foot-tall climbing wall offers 16 distinct routes to challenge all ability levels, from beginner and advanced climbers.
- Vista Point Overlook Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of Breckenridge and the surrounding Rocky Mountains at over 11,000 feet.
- Interpretive Hiking Loop: Less than 1 mile, this gentle walking trail includes “Story Stakes” with photos, fun facts and interactive activities about the environment and wildlife at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
- Horseshoe Bowl Hiking Loop: This approximately 1 mile alpine loop trail is a moderate hike that becomes blanketed in red, yellow and purple wildflowers mid-summer.
Summer Info & Safety
SUMMER CAN BRING THE THUNDER
While summer in the Rocky Mountains often brings beautiful weather and temps, it can also bring afternoon thunderstorms that can impact summer operations (particularly in the last half of July and the month of August). Sometimes stormy weather is very noticeable, accompanied by dark sky and clouds, and other times it can appear sunny even when lightning is still nearby. Please know that regardless of what the sky above you may look like at the time, if activities are closed due to weather it is for everyone's safety and we will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. Starting your summer activities and adventures early is a great way to help avoid potential weather impacts!
SNOW MELT, TRAIL CONDITIONS AND OPENINGS
At Breck, we move from winter operations to summer operations in a matter of just a few weeks. And, depending on our winter snowpack and spring snowstorms, it can take a little longer for certain areas of the mountain to be ready to open in summer. To help preserve our mountain terrain and the condition of our trails all season long, it’s important that we wait until the snow melts and the ground dries before allowing guests to recreate in those areas. We do our best to open trails as soon as they’re ready, and you can find updated information on hiking and biking trail status on our website.
LIFT SAFETY
Under Colorado law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely, or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift or any ski trail when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When riding lifts with children, you are encouraged to be especially mindful of the safety needs of younger guests. Be sure to use the safety bar, and make sure all lift passengers understand how to safely load and unload. For more information on child lift safety, visit www.kidsonlifts.org.
HIGH-ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENT
The Town of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Ski Resort are located in a high elevation, high alpine environment, at a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sea-level. The elevation can affect people in different ways and visitors should be mindful of the effects of altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.
AERIAL DRONES
Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property.