Experience high alpine summer at Breckenridge with scenic chairlift rides, mountainside activities, hiking, biking, and more open daily from Friday, June 30, through Labor Day, September 4. Situated above a vibrant and historic mountain town, Breck offers numerous year-round adventures, as well as more than 200 restaurants, bars, and shops throughout its historic downtown. Hop on the free BreckConnect Gondola to enjoy the view while you ride from town to Peak 8, where the on-mountain summer adventure begins!
The BreckConnect Gondola: Connecting Town and Resort
The free BreckConnect Gondola is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of summer during a visit to Breck. Conveniently located in the center of town, guests can hop on the gondola to enjoy a scenic ride over the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve and up to the ski resort. Stop at Peak 7 to enjoy lunch at Sevens Restaurant, or keep riding all the way to Peak 8, the hub of the resort’s Epic Discovery summer activities. Whether you’re sightseeing or embarking on a mountain adventure, the gondola is a great way to experience Breck and makes it easy to go car-free during a visit. The BreckConnect Gondola is open daily through Labor Day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, with the last upload taking place at 5 pm.
Epic Discovery: High Alpine Summer Adventure
Exploring the mountain at Breck isn’t just a winter activity! The summer fun starts at Peak 8 Base Camp, accessible via the free BreckConnect Gondola, and offers a hub of Epic Discovery activities from mini golf and bungee trampolines to signature summer thrills like our Gold Runner Coaster. Elevate your mountain experience to more than 11,000 feet above sea level with a scenic ride on the Colorado SuperChair to Alpine Camp and scale multiple routes on the Gold Summit Climbing Wall, test your balance and maneuver the obstacles of the Alpineer Challenge Course, or embark on a scenic hike, all with stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Take a Hike or Bike!
Hit the dirt and take in the high alpine scenery on foot or two wheels with summer trails designated for hiking and mountain biking. For a signature high alpine hike, check out the Horseshoe Bowl Loop trail, easily accessed from the top of the Colorado SuperChair. This moderate, approximately 1-mile loop trail provides a whole new perspective of some of Breck’s signature high alpine terrain most often experienced while skiing and riding. Hit the trail in July and hike amongst various native and colorful wildflowers that bloom there every season. If two wheels are your preferred mode of transportation, there are a variety of lift-accessible mountain biking trails for all levels across Peaks 7 and 8.
Peak 8 Evolution: Upgraded 5-Chair
This summer, Breck continues the transformation of the Peak 8 base area with the upgrade of 5-Chair to a new, high-speed quad. With this lift upgrade, all four chairlifts that service Peak 8 will now be high-speed lifts to assist with improved flow and circulation out of the resort’s most popular base areas. The new 5-Chair will serve as a primary portal lift for skiers and riders out of Peak 8, and it will also provide a clear path to progression on Peak 8, with Rip’s Ride area servicing learning and beginner terrain, 5-Chair servicing beginner and intermediate terrain, and the Colorado and Rocky Mountain SuperChairs servicing intermediate and advanced terrain. *Construction will be taking place throughout the summer, with plans for the new lift to be ready to ride for the 2023/24 winter season!
*Please pardon our construction as we work to upgrade our winter and summer experience with this lift project. While we will have a variety of summer activities available, ongoing construction in the Peak 8 base area will impact some operations, most notably, the alpine slide will be closed for the summer. Our Gold Runner Coaster will also be impacted but is expected to run on weekends in July and for the majority of August.
Your Ticket to Ride in Summer and Winter
It’s never too early to start thinking about next winter! Secure your Epic Pass now to lock in your turns for the 2023/24 season AND take advantage of a ton of summer benefits like free scenic rides on the Colorado Superchair, plus Epic Mountain Rewards for 20% off summer food, lodging, and bike rentals. For more information, visit epicpass.com.
Summer Facts & Information
Epic Discovery Summer Operations: Daily Friday, June 30 through Monday, Sept. 4
Epic Discovery Hours of Operation: 10 AM to 5 PM
BreckConnect Gondola Hours of Operation: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last upload is 5 PM)
Location & Elevation:
- Peak 8 Base Camp Elevation: 9,950 ft.
- Alpine Camp Elevation: 11,059 ft.
Lift Operations:
- BreckConnect Gondola: Free transportation from Town up to the base of Peak 8
- Colorado SuperChair: Scenic rides, bike hauls and access to Alpine Camp
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
- 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 18-hole miniature golf course.
- 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.
- *Gold Runner Coaster: Race 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 the construction of 5-Chair. At a minimum, we expect to operate on the following schedule:
- July Operations: Saturdays and Sundays throughout July, plus Monday and Tuesday of July Fourth weekend
- August Operations: Anticipated to be open the majority of days
- *Please note Gold Runner Coaster operations will be impacted this summer due to the construction of 5-Chair. At a minimum, we expect to operate on the following schedule:
- The Alpine Slide: Closed for summer 2023 due to construction of 5-Chair.
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.
- 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.
- Vista Point Overlook Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of Breckenridge and the surrounding Rocky Mountains over 11,000 feet above sea level.
- Alpineer Challenge Course: Test out your balance and agility on one of 15 different challenges including swinging logs, rope features, cargo nets and bridges.
- Gold Summit Climbing Wall: The 40-foot-tall climbing wall offers 16 distinct routes to challenge all ability levels, from beginner and advanced climbers.
Climate & Weather
On average, summer daytime temperatures sit in the mid-70s, and nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 50s. With generally low humidity in the Rocky Mountains, temperatures can vary greatly between morning, afternoon, and evening, as well as based on the amount of sun and cloud cover. Temperature also changes with elevation, and in general, in summer, expect the temperature to decrease by about 5 degrees per 1,000 feet of elevation gained.
Weather in our high alpine environment can be intense and can change quickly, and the months of July and August are known for bringing afternoon thunderstorms to the mountains. Always check the weather before heading out for summer activities, and bring along plenty of water, sunscreen, layers, and a rain jacket.
High Altitude Preparedness
The Town of Breckenridge and Breckenridge Ski Resort is located in a high-elevation, high-alpine environment, with a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sea level. The elevation can affect people in different ways, and it can be helpful to drink plenty of water and limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine as your body adjusts to the higher elevation. If symptoms such as headache, nausea, lethargy, or shortness of breath persist, visitors should seek immediate medical attention.
