Diving into backcountry Skiing Breckenridge, CO you’ve got no shortage of high grade route options. The resort itself is really only about 90 minutes from Denver, so this post covers a lot of of the most accessible terrain to the metro area. But if you want to focus on Denver, pop over here.
And you’re hard pressed to not tick off every hallmark of great backcountry skiing with just about every trail on this list. Expect incredible views and plenty of powder. The backcountry terrain of Breckenridge provides something for just about everyone from a relatively mellow march up Peak 8 in the early hours to a drop down Silver Couloir, one of the iconic Fifty.
In this post, we’ll cover all of the sweetest lines that Breckenridge has to offer and get to the bottom of what makes Breckenridge a top destination for backcountry snowboarding.
Backcountry Skiing Near Silverthorne
Silver Couloir
This couloir off the top of Buffalo Mountain (12,750′) overlooks the town of Silverthorne. You can find several routes off of Buffalo Mountain but the couloir off to the far right in the image below is the most famous.
It’s known as Silver Couloir and it’s notable for having been included in the classic book 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America
This book inspired a more recent Youtube documentary series with Cody Townsend and of course Bjarne Salén called The Fifty. It’s a great series that follows Cody and his Swedish videographer buddy as they attempt to conquer all fifty routes from the book. It’s a wealth of information.
Red Peak
Just to the right of Buffalo Mountain when you’re looking up from the town of Silverthorne, is Red Peak.
Perhaps less iconic. No less awesome. Red peak tops out at 13,189′. Start at Willowbrook Trailhead and climb nearly 4,000 feet over 4.5 miles to the summit.
For a challenge, drop off one of the couloirs at the back of the mountain. This is definitely an expert track with high avalanche danger, so know what you’re getting yourself into.
If you want to take a more backseat approach, there’s a cool log of a trip up and down the Bad Wolf couloir over at ecploringtherockies.com.
Backcountry Skiing Breckenridge Resort
The Breckenridge Ski Resort itself is actually a popular destination for backcountry skiers. There are a number of beautiful skinnable routes off of the upper peaks. Additionally, during off-hours on the mountain, uphill is allowed, perhaps even encouraged.
Every morning you can find various sorties of skiers and splitboarders strapping in for an uphill climb before the lifts get moving. This can be a great way to experience backcountry skiing, get familiar with your equipment in a controlled environment. Plus you can enjoy one of the nations top resorts without paying the overwhelming cost of admission.
If you do have access to the lifts, there are boot packing trails that run off of the various peaks. You can hitch a ride to the top of Imperial chair, the highest lift in North America and continue on up the ridge to hit some of the crazy drops that are less accessible.
You can check out the full skinny on Breckenridge uphill access over here.
Baldy
This beautiful uphill skiing route promises a trek through a serene pine forest, open powder fields, and an expansive view of the Ten Mile Range.
At lunch hour, you can catch Breck locals earning their turns, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can join the ranks of Summit County’s go-getters for a (cold) sunrise skin. For an even more breathtaking experience, venture out towards the evening for an epic sunset behind Breck Ski Resort.
To get to Baldy Mountain Trailhead, drive south on Main Street from downtown Breckenridge, take a left onto Boreas Pass Road, and then take a left onto Baldy Road (County Road 520) after two miles. The parking lot fills up quickly, so if you can, take the bus. The time commitment for this adventure is typically 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your skiing or snowboarding ability.
A pro-tip for those planning to embark on this adventure is to pack a lunch and learn all the names of the Ten Mile Range (hint, it doesn’t stop at Peak 10!). Additionally, cell service is available, and the trail is heavily trafficked. Pets are also allowed on the trail, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry friends along.
Quandary Peak
There are 2 main lines off the peak of 14,266′ Quandary Mountain. Hit the Cristo Couloir for a more advanced run. For a more leisurely run with a short climb in the middle, hit the North East Bowls. You’re looking at around 3200′ of climbing across 3 miles or so. Of course, you’re starting above 10k’, so be prepared for some thin air. Still, this is an epic route and the bowl tends to be on the lower side of avy risk. Cross a 14er off the list.
Hoosier Pass
Just South of Quandary is Hoosier Pass. It offers easy access to some quick laps. There’s a short ascent, not far from the parking lot, offering a few quick turns with minimal investment.
This is probably one of the better options if you’re just barely starting to dip your toes in the world of backcountry. This was one of the first spots I visited outside of broader resort boundaries.
Spruce Creek
Spruce Creek is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to steep, challenging runs. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby creek.
McCullough Gulch
McCullough Gulch is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a unique experience, with a variety of terrain from groomed runs to steep, challenging runs. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular, with the entire ski resort visible below, as well as a stunning view of the nearby lake.
Georgia Pass
Georgia Pass is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from moderate slopes to steep, challenging runs. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular, with the entire ski resort visible below, as well as a stunning view of the nearby lake and the surrounding mountains.
French Gulch
French Gulch is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to steep, challenging runs. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby creek. This area is located east of Breckenridge and offers up some great backcountry skiing opportunities. With an elevation gain of 2,300 feet, it’s a great spot for a full-day backcountry skiing experience. The terrain is varied, with open bowls, tight trees, and chutes. There is a low avalanche risk in the area, so it’s perfect for those looking for a more relaxed backcountry skiing experience.
Spruce Creek Trail
Spruce Creek Trail is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a unique experience, with a variety of terrain from moderate slopes to steep, challenging runs. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby creek.
Wheeler Lake
Wheeler Lake is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to steep, challenging runs. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby lake.
Copper Creek
Copper Creek is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from moderate slopes to steep, challenging runs. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular, with the entire ski resort visible below, as well as a stunning view of the nearby creek.
Boreas Pass Road
Boreas Pass Road is a popular backcountry ski route outside Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from moderate slopes to steep, challenging runs. The road is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby lake.
Rainbow Lake
Rainbow Lake is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to steep, challenging runs. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby lake. The lake is particularly spectacular in the winter, when it is often frozen over, creating a stunning view of the snow-covered landscape.
Spikey Couloir
Spikey Couloir is a popular backcountry skiing route in Breckenridge, known for its steeps. It’s a narrow couloir which is often wind-loaded and can be avalanche prone, but it offers great powder skiing with spectacular views.
Crystal Couloir
Crystal Couloir is one of the most popular backcountry skiing routes in Breckenridge, and it’s an ideal place for experienced skiers and riders to experience the mountain’s thrilling terrain. It’s a narrow couloir with challenging terrain and a variety of obstacles.
Imperial Couloir
Imperial Couloir is an exhilarating backcountry skiing route in Breckenridge. It’s a steep, narrow couloir that can be avalanche prone, but it offers great powder skiing and spectacular views.
Sallie Barber Basin
Sallie Barber Basin is a beautiful backcountry skiing area near Breckenridge. Known for its great powder snow and spectacular alpine views, it’s a popular destination for experienced skiers and riders.
Guyot Couloir
Guyot Couloir is a narrow couloir with challenging terrain in Breckenridge. It’s a popular backcountry skiing route for experienced skiers and riders looking for a thrilling ride.
Pacific Tarn
Pacific Tarn is a picturesque backcountry skiing area near Breckenridge. With stunning alpine views and plenty of powder snow, it’s an ideal spot for experienced skiers and riders to enjoy a thrilling ride.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is a popular backcountry ski route in Breckenridge. This route offers a variety of terrain, from groomed runs to steep, challenging runs. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular, with the entire ski resort visible below, as well as a stunning view of the Rocky Mountains.
Crystal Lake
The Crystal Lake backcountry skiing route in Breckenridge, Colorado is an expert-level route that offers a challenging and rewarding ski experience. The route takes you along a ridge at an elevation of 11,000 feet, providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The route also features a variety of terrain, including steep, narrow chutes and wide-open bowls. The snow is typically light and powdery, making it an ideal spot for experienced backcountry skiers. Along the way, you’ll also find a variety of obstacles, such as rocks and trees, that provide an extra challenge. The route ends at Crystal Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by majestic peaks. With its stunning views and challenging terrain, Crystal Lake is a popular destination for backcountry ski enthusiasts.
SheDBroLinc Linkup
Mt. Sheridan
Fletcher Peak
Loveland Pass
Loveland pass isn’t too far from Breck. In fact, it’s about 30 minutes closer to Denver on a good day, making it a great backcountry destination in the region. And because it’s a popular destination, there are a ton of well-traveled routes to work from. Check out my full breakdown of Loveland Pass.
Conclusion
All in all, Breckenridge offers a wide variety of backcountry skiing routes that are sure to please any skier, from the novice to the expert. With so many options to choose from, you’ll find a route that suits your skill level and desire for adventure. So make sure to spend some time exploring the backcountry of Breckenridge this winter, and take in the incredible scenery while you’re at it.