Breckenridge, CO, Report: Hiking With Friends at High Visibility

Report from March 6-7, 2024

The clouds parted Wednesday, March 6, after a three-day storm delivered 11 inches of snow to Breckenridge, Colorado. With clear skies and a snow refill, the hike-to terrain was calling my name. 

Our group of five started the day heading straight for Peak Six, where we pushed our speeds, charging the soft-groomed run Reverie twice before 10:00 a.m. Our skis felt great by the third lap up Kensho Superchair, so when we arrived at the top, we knew it was time to hike (rather, two of us knew it was time to hike, for this ascent is not for the faint of heart). 

A roughly 25-minute hike with sections steeper than 45º brings you to the Peak Six ridge. From here, you have access to three expert zones, including Beyond Bowl, Serenity Bowl, and Six Senses.

Will and I opted for the Six Senses, choosing a line that required a nearly vertical drop-in above no-fall terrain. Sandwiched by protruding rock faces, the snow here was fluffy, lightweight, and untouched. We gained speed rapidly as we bounced through the line, and when we reconvened at the bottom, we hugged in celebration of an incredible run.

Our group reconnected at Pioneer Crossing (Breckenridge’s pilot single-use plastic-free chalet) for lunch after the hike. As a part of Breck’s larger goal to remove plastic sent to landfill by 2030, this lodge offered tumblers and aluminum cans for our hydration needs, as well as reusable flatware for our grub.

With full stomachs, we headed toward Imperial lift ready for another hike to rip the Lake Chutes. Will and I connected with three of our girlfriends who instruct at nearby Copper Mountain for this ascent, and with a five-person crew, we hiked up the 15-minute trail atop the highest chairlift by elevation on the continent.  

The women charged down Nine Lives and Easy Street as they slashed pow turns in the sun, while Will and I opted for the technical but shaded entrance of Zoot Chute. Despite everyone taking different lines, we all agreed the work was well worth the reward. This hike off Imperial was shorter and less treacherous than that of Peak Six, so with our encouragement, the rest of our guy friends agreed to do the Imperial hike the following day. 

Thursday, March 7, offered predominantly great visibility with a few clouds scattered throughout the day (which later brought six inches of snow). In the morning, we lapped one of our favorite groomed runs, Centennial, off of the Falcon Chairlift on Peak 10, then headed back to Imperial for the hike. 

Despite a group with varying ski capabilities and fitness levels, everyone was determined to stand atop the ridge. After 15 minutes of enjoyable hiking for some and 35 minutes of sweaty cardio for others, our group celebrated our arrival at the top. Once we finished rejoicing, we took the mandatory group picture to commemorate our trip (protip: skiing is more enjoyable with friends).

In other Breckenridge News, passes for the 2024/25 season have gone on sale, but there is still plenty of time to capitalize on this season’s offerings. The resort plans to stay open into May 2024, provided snow conditions allow. 

Spring skiing at Breck is a blast, with longer days, warmer temperatures, and a party attitude. That being said, it is important to know that beginner terrain is only offered until mid-April, and the latter half of the month into May is intermediate and above only. 

• More about Breckenridge’s Late Spring Operations

While season passes are not available for this season, the Epic Pass is the most affordable way to access all Breckenridge has to offer for next season. With unlimited access to Vail, Keystone, Park City, and others, this pass is the best way to make the most of the experiences Breckenridge and its sister resorts offer.

Additionally, anyone who skied or rode on a lift ticket this season is eligible for $100 off the price of their Epic pass for 2024/25. This is an especially good offer for anyone looking to snag a spring day ticket at Breckenridge, then apply the cost into an Epic pass for next year.