Winter On-hill Activities in the High Country

I have just finished an early year stretch of working on the mountain. 10 days in a row of teaching, and leading clinics. I am also working through the early season of new boots. I don’t recall clasping my front two buckles yet. Fortunately I use Surefoot, a great boot fitter, in Breckenridge. They are helping me make all the necessary adjustments to help me ski well.
During the past two weeks we have receive 3+ feet of snow. And the mountain is looking better everyday. A few more storms prior to the Christmas holiday and we will be in excellent shape.

On the December 6-7 weekend the area has opened 6-Chair and the Imperial lift. The advanced terrain is still a bit scratchy. So don’t bring your new skis off-piste quite yet. The resort opened Peak 8, and is now expanding open terrain on Peak 9 as well. The next peak to open will be Peak 7, and then peak 10. The early week snowfall has been welcomed. One or two more good storms we should be in excellent shape for the Christmas week.
Logistically I haven’t been in favor of opening Peak 8 first but we are preparing for the First Winter Dew Tour Stop, Dec 18-21. That should be a great event, and showcase the mountain nicely.
I believe bookings to be slightly down county-wide, although that hasn’t slow my private lesson bookings. I have the week prior to Christmas open but the week after allows me only one day to fill.

PARKING
Peak 9 remains a good choice for close in parking. And now with some terrain to ski on peak 9, it makes for a good place to start your ski day. You can park at the Beaver Run lot, or the in town lot on Park Ave. It is adjacent to the the Village Hotel.
The base of Peak 8 is going to be a mess due to construction for the entire year. No skier drop off allowed, yet it is accessible via the Gondola. The lots at the bottom of the hill have plenty of parking. The South lot is $5, and the North Lot is $10 for parking. There is free parking to the extreme north of town in the Airport road lots. And there is free resort bus transportation from the lot. You can find the lot by turning right on County Rd 3, prior to entering Breckenridge.
The temps have been moderate, and we haven’t seen any cold snaps yet. But we know they are coming. We hope the snow will continue falling in mass quantities as well!