High Alpine Summer
Head to the mountains and experience Breck's high alpine environment in summer with scenic chairlift rides, mountainside activities, hiking and biking, and more. 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. On-mountain, Epic Discovery at Breck is open daily Friday, June 17 through Labor Day, September 5. Hop on the free BreckConnect Gondola from town to access the ski resort’s Peak 8, where the on-mountain summer adventure begins!
Epic Discovery at Breck: A Mountain of Summer Adventure
Exploring the mountain at Breckenridge Ski Resort isn’t just a winter activity! Embark on a summer adventure with Epic Discovery, offering a combination of scenic, family-friendly and thrill-seeking outdoor activities designed to immerse guests in Breck’s High Alpine environment.
The summer fun starts at Peak 8 Base Camp, accessible via the free BreckConnect Gondola in town, and offers a hub of family-friendly activities geared towards the little ones and signature summer thrills like the Gold Runner Coaster and Alpine Slides. From there, take a scenic ride on the Colorado SuperChair to Alpine Camp and find the resort’s newest summer activities. 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 in the Sights and Sounds of Summer on Foot or Bike
Hit the trails and take in the high alpine scenery across the resort’s summer trail system. Check out the resort’s summer trail map to explore your options for adventure: Breck Summer Trail Map
- Hiking: Explore Breck’s High Alpine environment with a scenic hike amongst the wildflowers along the Horseshoe Bowl Trail.
- Mountain Biking: Bike Hauls are available on the Colorado SuperChair, accessing 12 different mountain bike trails for beginners to experts.
Be Cool; Escape the City Heat
Breck’s high alpine environment offers a variety of cool outdoor summer adventures in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains! With an elevation of 9,600 feet above sea-level, low humidity and average summer temperatures in the mid-70s, Breck is the perfect summer mountain retreat to escape the heat, humidity and hustle-and-bustle of the big city.
Rip’s Ride Upgrade: New Faster Lift, More Time to Learn
As a part of Vail Resort’s Epic Lift Upgrade project, and on the heels of installing the brand-new Freedom SuperChair on Peak 7, this summer the focus turns to Peak 8 and Rip’s Ride. Currently a fixed-grip double chair, this summer the resort will replace the lift with a new, high-speed quad to enhance the beginner and ski and ride school experience on Peak 8. The newer, faster ride will provide guests with quick access to Peak 8’s learning terrain allowing for more time spent on the snow. In addition, a slight realignment to the upper terminal location will allow for easier and more convenient access to ski and ride from Rip’s Ride over to Peak 9. Construction will be taking place throughout the summer, and the new lift will be ready to ride for the 2022-23 winter season.
Ready to hit the Hay? Where to Stay
After a long day of adventuring, stay awhile at one of Breck's signature resort properties. From the base of the mountain to Main Street, you’ll find somewhere just like home – but better. One Ski Hill Place offers a luxurious place to stay right in the heart of the resort’s summer operations at Peak 8 where you can walk out the door and right into the action, or pop in throughout the day to recharge. For a spot a little closer to the action of Main Street, check out Gravity Haus, Breck’s newest and coolest property that was voted Colorado’s #1 hotel by Conde Nast. For a full list of the resort’s signature properties, visit Breckenridge.com.
Summer Facts & Information
Epic Discovery Summer Operations: Daily Friday, June 17 through Sunday, Sept. 5
BreckConnect Gondola Hours of Operation: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Epic Discovery Hours of Operation: 10 AM to 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 and access to Alpine Camp
- 5-Chair: Access to the Alpine Slides
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
Peak 8 Base Camp offers signature thrills and family-friendly summer activities.
Peak 8 Base Camp offers signature thrills and family-friendly summer activities.
- 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
- GoldRunner Coaster: Start your ride at an elevation of 10,230 feet, before racing 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.
- Alpine Slides: A classic favorite at Breck, choose between three exhilarating 2,600-foot-long slides and control the speed of your cart as you race down berms, turns and straightaways.
- 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 miniature golf course.
- Mini Miner 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.
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 newest activities and adventures, including:
- 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 at over 11,000 feet.
- Alpineer Challenge Course: Test out your agility on one of 15 different challenges from lightly swinging logs, to shoe-to-rope balancing maneuvers
- Gold Summit Climbing Wall: The 40-foot-tall climbing wall offers 16 distinct routes to challenge all ability levels, from beginner and advanced climbers.
Getting Here
Breckenridge sits two hours west of Denver International Airport (DEN) and 2.5 hours northwest of the Colorado Springs Airport (COS). From Denver, visitors drive 98 miles west via I-70, then take exit 203 (Highway 9) south 9 miles to Breckenridge. From Colorado Springs, visitors drive 110 miles west through South Park and over Hoosier Pass, or via I-25 to C-470 to I-70.
High Altitude Preparedness
Breckenridge sits two hours west of Denver International Airport (DEN) and 2.5 hours northwest of the Colorado Springs Airport (COS). From Denver, visitors drive 98 miles west via I-70, then take exit 203 (Highway 9) south 9 miles to Breckenridge. From Colorado Springs, visitors drive 110 miles west through South Park and over Hoosier Pass, or via I-25 to C-470 to I-70.
Climate
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 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 are located in a high elevation, high alpine environment, at a base elevation of 9,600 feet above sea-level. The elevation can affect people in different ways. Visitors should be mindful of the effects of altitude and make sure to always wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. If symptoms such as headache, nausea, lethargy or shortness of breath persist, visitors should seek immediate medical attention.
Stay Connected with Breckenridge Ski Resort: Visit Breckenridge.com for mountain updates, weather reports, lodging deals, event details and more. Stay connected all year long at www.Facebook.com/Breckenridge and follow @Breckenridgemtn on Instagram and Twitter.
Stay Connected with Breckenridge Ski Resort: Visit Breckenridge.com for mountain updates, weather reports, lodging deals, event details and more. Stay connected all year long at www.Facebook.com/Breckenridge and follow @Breckenridgemtn on Instagram and Twitter.
Media Contacts
Sara Lococo, slococo@vailresorts.com
Shayna Silverman, shayna.b.silverman@vailresorts.com