The deep powder and steep pitches on the Breckenridge black diamond trails are irresistible to a holidaymaker craving a pulse-pounding adventure. With its world-class terrain and diverse trails, Breck, a winter wonderland in the majestic Rocky Mountains, is a haven for advanced skiers seeking conquest.
From steep pitches that will get your heart pounding to challenging glades that demand precision and control, these black and double-diamond ski trails will take all that you’ve got, and more. To help you pick from the 187 trails spread across five peaks, we've highlighted six of the best expert level runs at Breck.
Bucket Trail
The Ore Bucket trail is excellent for advanced skiers looking for an action-packed run sans heart-stopping drops. The 1/3-mile Breckenridge black diamond trail takes you on an exciting glade skiing adventure. While the trail only drops 344 feet, from 11,286 to 10,938 feet, it’ll take you through a technical terrain train that makes each run an unforgettable challenge.
Navigating the 22-degree slope through the trees, moguls, and varying snow conditions will take stamina and concentration. Keep an eye out for saplings and tree stumps as you zip through the trees that add a thrilling yet significant challenge to the run.
They’re small and hardly visible from a distance, especially when you’re coming in fast. You’ll constantly need to adjust your course to avoid running into them when they appear out of nowhere. Ore Bucket terminates on the Monte Cristo trail, which offers a more relaxed skiing experience. The black diamond trail is readily accessible from the Freedom Superchair.
Shock Trail
Short and sweet, Shock is a thrilling yet demanding expert-only trail on Peak 9 at Breckenridge. This black diamond trail owes its name to its likely effect on your adrenaline system. It features a demanding descent that’ll get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping before terminating suddenly at the mid-load station.
The Shock ski trail offers technical terrain with a consistently steep pitch, moguls, and variable snow conditions. It boasts a 223-foot drop, from 10,636 to 10,413 feet. Successfully running down this trail requires exceptional agility, skills, and control.
It takes strong technical abilities, including being able to manage speed, carve precise turns, and adapt to the ever-changing terrain to make this run. Natural obstacles like tree islands and rocks only add to the challenge and excitement.
Pika Trail
Pika is an expert-only trail that offers almost two miles of adrenaline-filled descent, making it a popular pick for thrill seekers. The groomed terrain delivers a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience while allowing you to push your speed limits. The trail terminates on the Lower Forget-Me-Not run that connects to the T-Bar.
Pika drops 1,332 feet, from 7,828 to 6,512 feet, making for a fast-paced and exhilarating run. But it's the terrain’s unpredictability that takes the gold. The trail offers a combination of narrow and technical terrain including moguls, making adaptability, skill, and experience all core requirements to complete this run.
White Crown
White Crown trail is only 0.4 miles long, it is a haven for the skilled skier with bucket loads of experience. The thrilling run takes you through an ungroomed territory, making it a perfect choice for advanced thrill seekers who prefer off-piste skiing.
White Crown features a steep descent—dropping 722 feet from 12,087 to 11,362 feet through rugged terrain characterized by moguls, trees, and other natural obstacles.
The White Crown trail is accessible from the top of T-Bar and terminates at the Lower Forget-Me-Not trail. You can easily connect this run with other trails to create a circuit made up of diverse trail ratings.
Windows #1
Windows #1 is one of the three double black diamond trails collectively known as the Windows. The short, expert-only ski trail is only 0.2 miles long but highly unwelcoming to beginners and intermediate skiers. The trail packs a 541-foot drop, from 11,549 to 11,004 feet through narrowly packed alpine trees on the north side of the E Chair.
The trail is a steep chute with a 32-degree drop that promises bouts of fun for avid skiers. The combined effect of a steep pitch, glade skiing, and ungroomed technical terrain with unforeseeable obstacles delivers the ultimate skiing experience. Successfully navigating the Windows ski trails takes refined skills and experience, but the run is quick and fun.
The Windows are readily accessible from the gate of Chair E. Alternatively, you can hike up the Peak 9 access road. The trails are north facing, so you’re guaranteed soft and deep powder.
Whale’s Tale
Whale’s Tale is a double black diamond ski trail where only the brave and skilled dare venture. The name refers to the saddle between Peak 7 and Peak 8, a preserve of the gutsy daredevils who thrive on leaping off cornices and flying down into a bowl at breakneck speeds.
Whale’s Tail packs a 604-foot drop, from 12,858 to 12,254 feet, in 700 yards and starts off as a cornice that provides excellent airtime opportunities. The top of the trail offers unparalleled views of the entire mountain, so take a moment to savor the scenery below. You can leap off the cornice into the bowl or cautiously work your way down from the ridge line. The expert-only hike-to trail is readily accessible from the gate of the Imperial Express Chair.
Push Your Skiing Adventures at Breck
Breck is a haven for daring, yet skilled skiing enthusiasts looking to test their mettle. Booking a stay in the resort puts you steps away from some of the best expert runs in Colorado. It allows you to customize your winter holiday to suit your skiing needs and make every day count. From black diamond to double black diamond trails, you’re spoiled for choice for expert only terrain.
At Breck, we combine luxurious accommodations, exceptional customer service, and a delicious thoroughfare to deliver unforgettable winter vacations. Ski-in/ski-out privileges and a ski concierge service make for a seamless skiing experience.
Learn more about Breckenridge Resort’s winter activities and how to make your next winter vacation the best one yet. Book your winter stay today!