Exploring Breck’s Five Peaks
July 03, 2024Welcome to Breckenridge! Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Breckenridge actually encompasses a range of mountain peaks, rather than a singular mountain like many ski resorts. Offering almost 3,000 acres of terrain over a total of five peaks, Breck has plenty to offer skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels.
Exploring Breck will take you across classic Colorado mountain features from mellow alpine runs to mountaintop ridges and multiple bowls. Here’s a guide to Breck’s five peaks and what you can expect to find in every corner of the highest-elevation ski resort in North America!
Peak 6
Breckenridge’s five peaks are numbered beginning with Peak 6. This peak offers open runs above the treeline with incredible views. Great for intermediate to advanced skiers, it mainly features blues and hike-able access to double black diamonds.
Intermediate Terrain
Bliss and Reverie are wide open, gorgeous blues that connect to tree-lined trails such as the Barton Breezeway.
Expert Terrain
There are several bowls to hike to here, such as Beyond Bowl and Serenity Bowl.
Lift Access
Peak 6 must be accessed by skiing over from Peak 7. The easiest way to get there is to take the Independence SuperChair and pick up the Peak 6 Parkway over to the Zendo Chair. From there, you’re a quick jump over to the Kensho SuperChair.
Peak 7
Peak 7 is a no-fuss spot to get on the hill when you’re ready and raring to go. As Breck’s smallest base area, its appeal comes from its expansive access to terrain, rather than its amenities. While it’s a bit outside of Breck’s main village, Peak 7 is surrounded by a residential area with a lot of great places to stay within a short distance of the lifts.
Intermediate Terrain
The blues on Peak 7 are steeper and longer than most of the rest. Check out trails like Claimjumper, Wirepatch, and Angel’s Rest. This is a great spot for advancing skiers and boarders to start working their way up towards black diamond runs, or for experts to warm up in the morning.
Expert Terrain
Ore Bucket and Wanderlust feel a lot like a backcountry experience without leaving the resort. Accessed only through its designated gate entrances, this area has spaced-out trees and a real Rocky Mountain vibe.
Lift Access
The Independence SuperChair is the main lift here. Peak 7 is also accessible via the BreckConnect Gondola, which conveniently leaves from the parking and public transit station in town.
Peak 8
Peak 8 is centrally located within the resort and has a wide range of terrain. This base area boasts plenty of options for new skiers and riders, terrain parks, groomed black diamonds, and fun blues.
Beginner Terrain
Ideal for first-timers, Peak 8 offers ski school and advancing bunny slopes via two beginner chairs.
Intermediate Terrain
Columbine and Pathfinder traverse across the peak, while 4 O’Clock begins at the upper mid-mountain level and rides all the way down to parking and shuttle buses in town.
Expert Terrain
Take Imperial Ridge to Horseshoe Bowl for an exhilarating skiing experience unique to Breckenridge.
Lift Access
The Colorado SuperChair and Rocky Mountain SuperChair bring you to intermediate and advanced terrain. The Imperial SuperChair takes you to Breckenridge’s highest point at 12,998 feet above sea level. Rip’s Ride and the Five SuperChair are this area’s beginner lifts. Peak 8 is also accessible via the BreckConnect Gondola.
Peak 9
Closest to the downtown area of Breckenridge, Peak 9 is a major hub of the resort. It’s served by two base areas: the main Peak 9 area, as well as the Beaver Run Resort area. This is a perfect spot for groups, with terrain spanning from greens to blacks.
Beginner Terrain
Beginner runs like Silverthorne and Lower Lehman give new skiers a chance to hop on long yet mellow terrain.
Intermediate Terrain
Plenty of great blues are available here, such as Upper Lehman, Briar Rose and Sundown.
Expert Terrain
Windows is one of the most popular tree runs on the mountain. You can also hike to Twin Chutes, skiing to even more advanced trails via the 6-Chair and E-Chair.
Lift Access
There are quite a few lifts out of Peak 9, with the main two being the Quicksilver SuperChair and the Beaver Run SuperChair. Beginners can lap Quicksilver and advanced skiers can use it to traverse to Peak 10. The Beaver Run SuperChair takes you further up to intermediate and advanced runs.
Peak 10
An adventurer’s dream, Peak 10 is the most challenging area that Breckenridge offers. This peak is for expert skiers and riders with exclusively black diamond terrain; it does not have any beginner access. The seasoned mountain explorer will love this side of Breck.
Expert Terrain
Peak 10 is dedicated just to advanced skiers. Runs like Centennial, Crystal, and Doublejack are long and technical. This is the spot to test your skills on moguls, too.
Lift Access
The Falcon SuperChair is the only lift with access to Peak 10’s trails. Traverse over from the Quicksilver SuperChair on Peak 9.
An Adventure for Everyone
Whether you’re planning a trip to learn to ski, to hang with friends on the hill, or to seek out a high alpine adrenaline rush, the diverse terrain on Breckenridge’s five peaks will ensure that everyone will have a memorable adventure. Embrace the mountain spirit at one of Colorado’s finest resorts, where every run promises an incredible skiing experience. See you on the slopes!