head out and up in breck
Breckenridge, Colorado. An old mining town that hit the skiing jackpot. Recognized for acres of skiable terrain across five mountain peaks, Breck Ski Resort welcomes thousands of skiers and snowboarders each season. While the mountain is buzzing, catch a break from the lift lines and head out to ticket-less trails in the backcountry for unspoiled terrain. Bypass the lift for a lung-busting adventure and try one of these uphill skiing routes in Breckenridge.
As always, “know before you go.” Backcountry skiing is a dangerous activity. The terrain listed here is not avalanche controlled, and we urge that you only venture into the backcountry with the proper education. Our friends at the CAIC offer education, resources and backcountry training. Always consult with a local expert at Gravity Haus’ backcountry NOC before uphill skiing out of bounds.
This uphill skiing route promises a trek through a serene pine forest, open powder fields and boasts an expansive view of the Ten Mile Range.
At lunch hour, you’ll catch Breck locals earning their turns. Adventure out towards the evening for an epic sunset behind Breck Ski Resort. Feeling ambitious? Join the ranks of Summit County’s go-getters for a (cold) sunrise skin.
Get there
From downtown Breckenridge, drive south on Main Street. Take a left onto Boreas Pass Road.
After two miles, take e a left onto Baldy Road (County Road 520). Arrive Bald Mountain Trailhead parking lot.
Time commitment
1.5 hours – 3 hours, depending on skiier/snowboarder ability.
Pro-Tip
Pack a lunch and learn all the names of the Ten Mile Range (hint, it doesn’t stop at Peak 10!)
Other nice-to-knows
Cell service? Yes.
Heavily trafficked? Yes.
Parking? Yes, but the lot fills up quickly. If you can, take the bus.
Pets? Yes
For a cardio-intense skin see route #1. If a moderate incline is more your speed, check out Peaks Trail. This roughly 10-mile route connects Breckenridge with Frisco just down the road. Bring your skinner cross-country-esque skis for this one.
If you want a more challenging adventure, take the bus from Breck to Frisco and begin your slight incline skin back to Breck. Need to give those legs a rest but still want to move around? Start in Breck near the base of Peak 7. Ski “downhill” to Frisco.
You become a better skinner when you skin low angle terrain.
Low angle creates speed, speed creates glide. In order to create glide you need balance. The weight transfer from foot to foot helps you become a stronger, well-balanced athlete.
Escape the bustle of downtown Breckenridge at Peaks Trail. Your Rocky Mountain oasis is calling.
Get there
Breckenridge to Frisco Route.
Drive up Ski Hill Road. Just past the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 the paved road meets dirt. You’ll see a sign for Peaks Trail Park next to the trailhead.
Frisco to Breckenridge Route.
Go west on Main Street in Frisco. Turn left on 2nd Avenue. 2nd Avenue ends in a parking lot to the trailhead for the Peaks Trail and Rainbow Lake. Head south on the trail and follow the signs back to Breckenridge.
Time commitment
3 hours – 6 hours, depending on ability.
Pro-Tip
Map out the bus times or have a friend who can drive you one way or pick you up.
Other nice-to-knows
Cell service? Yes.
Heavily trafficked? Not in the winter.
Parking? Yes.
Pets? Yes, on leash
Yes. Breck Ski Resort allows uphill skiing before and after hours.
Skinning at the resort usually ensures a corduroy glide uphill. The ride down? Well, that’s up to you! We like the climb to T Bar Hut. The route starts at the base of peak 8. Go right and head up Claimjumper run. Scale to Pika and continue upwards until you reach the T Bar Hut.
Alternative uphill skiing routes at Breckenridge Ski Resort:
Peak 7: Fort Mary B > Claimjumper > Pika > the T-bar hut
Peak 9: Silverthorne > Lower American > Cashier > Overlook > Peak 9 Patrol Hut
Get there
Drive up Ski Hill road for access to peaks 7 and 8. For peak 9, park at Beaver Run.
Time commitment
.75 hours – 2.5 hours, depending on ability.
Pro-Tip
Map out the bus times or have a friend who can drive you one way or pick you up.
Resort Rules
Uphill skiers are allowed at the resort after hours from 5 pm – 8:30 am. All uphill users must be off the mountain by 8:30 am. Beware of mountain operations vehicles. Stay near the middle of a run. Do not trespass signs that warn against no uphill access.
Other nice-to-knows
Cell service? Yes.
Heavily trafficked? Moderate.
Parking? Yes. See Breck Park’s website for info. You can sign up for a special before hours uphill ski parking permit.
Pets? Sorry fido. Hoomans only.
