Skiing Breckenridge Colorado on a Powder Day

With over 300 inches of champagne powder fallingelevation of 12,840 feet above sea level. Here, take
on its slopes each winter, the Breckenridge Skiin wide open powder turns in above the tree line in
Resort certainly sees its share of powder days.open bowls. The nature of their shape collects plenty
However, if you're unfamiliar with the mountain andof freshly fallen snow. Pay a bit of attention to which
its terrain, you probably won't be locating any secretway the wind has been blowing to find the slopes
stashes on such days unless you're spying on thethat have been covered most generously.
locals as the duck into the trees in search of freshA favorite locals' run is to ski from the top of the
turns. If you're headed to Breckenridge this winter,Imperial Express to the bottom of Chair 6, a line that
worry no more. This is your guide to skiing Breck onprovides steep bowl skiing as well as access to some
a powder day.of Breckenridge's best glades. Arrive at Chair 6 prior
Breckenridge's upper lifts don't fire up along with theto its opening, as Breckenridge residents will be lining
lower mountain's, especially after the resort getup for their turns well before it opens. The lift is
buried by a snowstorm. Head to the Beaver Runaccessed via Frosty's Freeway from the Peak 8
Superchair on Peak 9 for the day's first chair. Here,SuperConnect or the Colorado SuperChair.
take a few warm-up laps through the Peerless treesFinish your day with a hike to the Windows in search
or drop into the Needles, located off of Volunteer onof unskied snow late in the day. The Windows are a
Peak 9's north flank. These runs are sure to warm up10-15 minute hike from the top of the Mercury
your legs for the steeper, deeper terrain on theSuperChair and offer bowls, chutes, glades and
mountain's upper reaches.steeps. Drop into runs such as Broadway, Twin
Peak 10 is also a popular early morning destination,Chutes and Double Barrel for untouched powder
with runs such as The Burn, Mustang and Dark Riderturns and secret glades. Beware the creek crossings
providing glade skiing with serious powder turns. Lookas you reenter the tree line and be sure to stay
for natural jumps with fresh landings on Peak 10'sabove the streams while traversing back to E Chair
South side. Be sure to keep your speed up near thefor another lap.
bottom of these runs, as the long cat track back toAs you wind down the day recounting phenomenal
the lift can be an agonizing on deep days.turns over a few drinks with your friends, be sure to
As the day progresses, you're likely to hear ski patrolwatch for clouds rolling in to freshen up the slopes
conducting avalanche control on the upper mountainfor tomorrow. Take a hot tub at your Breckenridge
with various explosive devices. This is a good signlodging property to loosen up your muscles for
that it's time to head for the T-Bar, 6 Chair andanother amazing day of skiing and plan the next
Imperial Express lifts. The Imperial Express offers theday's assault on the champagne powder.
highest skiing in North America, topping out at an