I’m kinda a fan of skinning up at resorts, especially for beginner backcountry explorers. It’s one of the safer ways to get into backcountry. And it’s a great way to explore a new resort without shelling out full price for a pass.
Breckenridge offers one of my favorite resort climbs. It’s pleasant, with great views, and it’s in my neighborhood. So here I’m doing the full breakdown on Breckenridge uphill access.
I’ve put in some hours at Breck and that includes a handful of early morning climbs over the seasons. I’ve pulled some photo and video from several of these trips. I’ll cover the basic info you need to have before heading up but I’ll also run you through a basic trip timeline and some pointers to keep in mind.
And as you get more comfortable with your backcountry skills and you start to gather all of the required equipment, you can start looking into some of the other backcountry options in the Breckenridge area. This region has some of the choices backcountry lines in the world within an hour or two of driving.
What are the rules?
The overarching idea here is that you need to be off the mountain before the lifts open. Otherwise, there’s not a lot to be aware of. Breckenridge doesn’t charge for uphill access. Pretty good deal if you ask me.
Show up with the right equipment. Get started early enough to hit your goal. Have fun. Otherwise, you’re pretty much just subject to the Colorado Ski Safety Act.
The Complete Rundown
My personal preference is to be at the base of Colorado Superchair by 7am at the very latest. Leaving from Denver, this probably means a 5:30-ish departure, maybe earlier. But let’s run through some of the deeper details.
Breckenridge Uphill Parking Access
Parking is a little bit of an issue, but when you’re up there early enough, you can make it work. According to some official-ish postings, resort parking is free between 6am and 8am. You need to hit that link and fill out the forms for your official permit.
The suggestion is that you park at the base of the gondola and make sure you’re back to your car by 8am or you’ll have to pay. But you might have some other options. This is, of course, at the rider’s discretion.
If you drive a little beyond peak 8 and peak 7, you get to a small lot servicing the nordic trails. There’s not a lot of signage there. There are also spots at peak 8 and peak 7 that may be available and unrestricted before 8am at certain times of the season.
It’s not the worst to park at the gondola, and it’s definitely the safest in terms of not getting ticketed or towed? So probably just park at the Gondola unless you know what you’re doing. I’d say stop at Cliff’s, but they’re not opened yet. Hit them up and grab a coffee or a croissant sandwich on the way out.
Keep in mind that, adding slightly to the frustration, the gondola does not open until 8am. So you’re going to have to time the buses for an early morning ascent to the base. You might be able to ride the gondola back down at 8am but you’re going to be cutting it close on the free parking.
On one of my trips I did happen to pass a brave and hearty soul riding his bicycle from the town center up to peak 8. He then proceeded to hook up and completely destroy me on the climb. So that’s an option as well.
Ultimately, parking is the major obstacle to Breckenridge uphill access.
The Journey
I start at peak 8. This is probably partly out of habit, partly out of my specific parking hookup. But lower starting spots seem a little flat. Peak 8 is also the region of the resort I favor when I’m riding the lifts and it puts you at the right vantage point to try for a summit if you’re feeling it and you get started early enough. You can also leave from peak 7 if you like. Peaks 6 and 10 are closed to uphill access.
So you have relatively free-reign over the territory in the square below. You gotta avoid terrain parks and keep in mind that ski patrol is not out yet and they are not there to keep you safe as an off-hours rider. I tend to favor a basic climb up the Colorado Superchair, following Crescendo straight up to the top.
From the base of peak 8 it takes me around 60-90 minutes to hit the top of the Colorado Superchair. I’m probably in moderate shape for a middle-aged dude. But I haven’t tried pushing it, and I stop to take pics a bunch. You don’t have to make it all the way. If you wanna go further, you can.
There was one time when I tested the idea of just climbing until the lifts did actually open. At around 8:15am, 15 minutes before lifts were scheduled to open that day, I was passed by some ski patrollers on a snowmobile. They motioned for me to head back down the mountain as they blew by me. Being the responsible adult I am, I stopped, ripped my skins, locked my split back together, strapped up and rode out. I was off the mountain before the first lift took off.
I did have a ski pass at the time. I don’t think it would have mattered. I’m pretty sure it’s just a flat policy to clear the mountain before opening. I assume they push this point because they don’t want people climbing up and then riding the higher lifts for free for the rest of the day.
Dressing for the Uphill
You may not have to be as concerned about what you’re wearing as you do when you’re really out in the backcountry. But it’s definitely still an important thing to take into consideration.
Particularly if this is one of your first backcountry experiences, this can be very important information…
Uphill is different from downhill. That climb will get you heated up. And that means you will sweat. Especially if you’re not wearing breathable gear, you could end up getting pretty soaked on the climb.
The lodge at the top is closed. Therefore, you’re working on a plan that puts you out in the cold, tired and soaked in sweat at 8am. Let that all sink in.
You absolutely need to be aware of the weather. And regardless of weather, high-quality breathable wool is going to be clutch. Bring a top swap if you tend to sweat a lot.
Just make sure you acknowledge the possibility that if you dress inappropriately you will be forced to spend a very uncomfortable 15-20 minutes wearing literal icicles as you transition and race back to shelter at the base.
Conclusion
If you can figure out how to navigate the parking struggle effectively, Breckenridge uphill access provides a great introduction to backcountry skinning, a solid workout and a cool opportunity to check out a world class resort without the crazy ticket price.
Expect some incredible scenery. If you get rolling early enough, you can hit the peak of the highest lift access in North America at the top of Imperial. Strap it up and explore Breckenridge uphill access.