Breckenridge boasts epic winters
Anyone who’s seized an early morning opportunity to catch the first snow-dusted chair knows there’s nothing quite like the serene morning delight of having the mountain to yourself – even if it only lasts a run or two. In other words, powder days at Breckenridge promise knee-deep, and the occasional chest-high stashes lasting long into the afternoon hours of ungroomed glade runs.
As you may know, Breckenridge ski resort welcomed a record-breaking season last year and closed out with an impressive 387 inches of snowfall. Because a powder day in Breck is best championed with an on and off-mountain plan of action, we’ve put together a foolproof powder day bucket list for you.
Your Powder Day Bucket List in Breck: On & Off-Mountain
Skip the gondola
The free Breckenridge gondola offers transportation convenience to the base of the ski area. But when the first cabin opens it’s doors right at 7:45 am, a cluster of gear-clad early birds will swarm the line, diminishing your chances of catching those glorified fresh tracks.
Instead, head to the base of Peak 9 and catch the Quicksilver Lift to the mid-way Ten Mile Station. Turn left when you get off and skate over the Falcon Chair for a ride to the top of Peak 10, where the colossal powder stashes wait.
On-Mountain
Off the Falcon Lift, swing a right and land in a double black paradise on Dark Rider and Mustang, unbridled with natural jumps and stashes deep enough to send chills down your spine. Maintain speed towards the bottom to avoid stalling on the treacherous cat tracks back to the Falcon.
Choose a line straight off Falcon chair to wake your quads up with a glade-heavy run through The Burn, which naturally speaks for itself. If you opt for the North side of Peak 10, you’ll find Spitfire, a mogul run disguised in a serious layer of powder that funnels into an easy blue cruise along Upper Lehman back to the mid-way station.
Wait out the morning’s avalanche blasts on Peak 10 before journeying to the mountain’s upper ridges. Breck’s bowls above treeline are blasted by avalanche control throughout the morning and typically open up mid-morning and sometimes early afternoon.
Explore Peak 9
As the in-bound runs on Peak 10 track out and the morning unfolds, make your way to Peak 9 to explore new terrain. The best way to get here is to traverse from Peak 10 to Mercury Superchair. Mercury brings you to the in-bounds summit of Peak 9 – swerve left off the lift and drop into Tom’s Baby. Here you can float well-spaced glades concealing powder stashes down to E Chair. Laps on E Chair through Windows offer sheltering trees and solace from the risk-averse skiing less challenging runs below.
In addition to feeling out the crowd, pay attention to Breck’s terrain status through the Epic Mix app. The app offers real-time updates on lifts, lines, and conditions. The moment 6 chair opens, drop below E Chair down to the Peak 8 Superconnect mid-way station via Tunnel run. Ride up and snag a seat of 6 Chair. After that, transfer to North America’s highest lift, the Imperial Express.
Off-Mountain in Breckenridge: Where to Eat & Play
Piante
Piante’s Pizzeria is a plant-based wood-fired kitchen that serves up gourmet New York-inspired pizzas. Every order can be modified for any, yes any, dietary restriction. Piante in Italian is plants and the restaurant’s vegan-trained chef dishes up pies made with cashew cheese, plant-based “meats” and substitute crusts for the gluten-averse.
Order the spicy jalapeno poppers bubbling with organic cashew mozzarella then graduate to a dimushroom truffle pizza (DMT); glazed with zesty lemon aioli, parmesan, truffle, and a decadent mushroom truffle. Top it all off with a slice of seasonal flavored cheesecake, chef’s recommendation.
Breckenridge Brewery
Breck is abundant with a rich mining history. But did you know the brewery is historic too? Breckenridge Brewery is Colorado’s third craft brewery to step foot on the beer scene. The mountain town pub open doors in 1990 and has served après patrons for decades since. Breck brewpub boasts a large selection of craft beers made downstairs and in the vats behind the bar.
In addition, back of house at Breck brewery does a phenomenal job at creating most dishes from scratch. To satisfy the deep rumble of hunger, start off with the loaded nachos – add shredded chicken.
For the main event, navigate to the “Brewhouse Favorites” section and elevate your tastebuds with the goeey mac n cheese. Level up when you add shredded pork then drizzle with hot sauce.
Local’s tip: be sure to ask what’s on secret tap.
Cabin Juice
Refuel for your next adventure with wholesome nutrition at Cabin Juice, Breck’s newest restaurant branding eclectic fusion cuisine. Cozy up in this mountain modern eatery at the base of Peak 9. Take it easy at the U-shaped full-service bar or grab a table for the group. Above all, ask to see the craft cocktail menu designed by restaurateur and mixologist, Bryan Dayton.
Breck was made to entertain the masses. For every age and interest, the perfect activity exists. Catch an evening sleigh ride complete with a hearty meal and show in a classic log cabin, dive into the hands-on classes in Breck’s impressive art district, or catch a performance the Backstage Theatre – Colorado’s oldest year-round theatre company on the Western slope.
