With 35 lifts across our Five Peaks, there is plenty of lift-accessed terrain available for exploring. However, for those ready to take it up a notch and explore above and beyond the lifts, Breck’s hike-to terrain truly sets the resort apart.

Step out of your skis and send it up the bootpack to reap the rewards of untouched lines, challenging chutes, and views that will take your breath away (literally). 

First things, first. It’s important to note that ALL our hike-to terrain is rated double black diamond or EX (Extreme) and is for expert skiers and riders only. Know your ability level and ski within your limits. And always feel free to stop in to one of our Patrol huts and talk to the team about current conditions and what terrain is skiing and riding best.

Second, make sure you are prepared to put in the work AND safely ski or ride back down. Hiking a mountain can be challenging in most normal settings but remember that we’re at high elevation here. Nearly 13,000 feet above sea-level in our high alpine. The air is thinner, the oxygen less plentiful and the physical exertion required can challenge even the fittest flatlanders. Add to that exposure to wind and the elements, variable snow and terrain conditions on the boot pack up and descent down, and you get the idea – our hike-to-terrain is no walk in the park.

Make sure you’re prepared, and you know your ability and fitness level to have an enjoyable time exploring this incredible terrain. And remember, rope lines and closures are in place for a reason – YOUR safety, as well as the safety of our employees and our teams on the mountain who work hard every day, in all conditions to get as much terrain open as possible, safely.

For those who are ready, able and up for the challenge, hiking can offer a backcountry-like experience with the comfort of knowing that the terrain is still within the resort’s boundary and therefore managed, mitigated and serviced by Ski Patrol.

Still with us? Cool! Here is the low down on the terrain up high and the ways you can earn your turns across our Five Peaks.

Peak 6

Towering at an elevation of over 12,000 feet, Peak 6 offers a variety of hike-to terrain accessible from the steep hike located just off the Kensho SuperChair. Expect this hike to take at least 30 minutes to reach the summit. To the north, Beyond Bowl features wide open steeps with views of Peaks 1-5 of the Tenmile Range looking towards the Town of Frisco. To the south of the summit, Serentiy Bowl offers the first and least technical way down, where open and flowy turns often await. Traverse beyond Serenity Bowl and the terrain gets a bit gnarlier as you approach the formidable Six Senses. Depending on snow conditions, you might have a cornice drop-in in many places, and below you’ll find no shortage of rock drops, and steep, technical lines. On the southern-most end of the Six Senses, you can find E.S.P., a fan favorite that starts in a tight, rocky chute and widens towards the bottom of the run. 

Peak 7

Accessed by the Imperial SuperChair on Peak 8, the majority of Peak 7 terrain is more traverse-to than hike-to, but a short hike can offer access into terrain that is rarely traveled. Head north off Imperial and begin the sometimes rocky but mostly straight-forward traverse out towards Peak 7. The first area of terrain you’ll encounter is Whale’s Tail, one of our most popular high alpine areas known for catching and holding great snow well after storms. If you just drop the cornice into Whale’s Tail here instead of venturing further, we certainly wouldn’t blame you because it’s a favorite. To find trails less traveled though, traverse even further up the ridge of Peak 7 to the steeps of CJ’s, Magic Carpet, and Art’s Bowl. For a unique route over to Peak 6, a 10-15 minute hike will get you to the sometimes open, sometimes not open Whiskey River, a lippy, wind-affected ridge with the best views of the Six Senses and rarely anyone else in sight.

Peak 8

Peak 8 is the most iconic peak at Breck, reaching 13,000 feet and towering over the historic Town of Breckenridge below. With that, the Peak 8 Summit hike is one of our most popular, and for good reason. Lake Chutes open? You betcha!

For expert skiers and riders, the Lake Chutes pose an irresistible challenge. Often holding some of the best snow in the high alpine and accessible by the bootpack immediately uphill of Imperial’s top terminal, these narrow, technical chutes offer steep drop-ins, rock drops, and tight turns. Trepidatious skiers and riders should drop sooner rather than later into Easy Street, the least technical line. For mandatory turns and techy sections, head to Wacky’s or 9 Lives. To really get out there, ski the ridge all the way to the south-facing Snow White for some of our least-skied pitches in the resort. 

Peak 9

For a less steep, but longer and more gradual hike, use the Mercury SuperChair or E-Chair to access the hike-to terrain on Peak 9. Follow the road-grade path for approximately 20-30 minutes and it will take you slightly above treeline to the Back 9 and Twin Chutes terrain, which sees very little traffic. From here enjoy a few wide open turns up top then pick your poison with chutes of varying tightness and tree density, all at a consistent pitch. At the bottom, follow the gully downhill to end up back between Peaks 8 and 9 at the bottom terminal of E-Chair or the Peak 8 SuperConnect mid-station. 

Peak 10

While Peak 10 offers plenty of expert terrain, no true hike-to terrain exists within the resort boundary of our southernmost peak. For lesser-utilized terrain, drop southside runs like Mustang or Blackhawk if you’re willing to return to Falcon via the Flapjack traverse (skating or shuffling often required). 

Navigating Breck's hike-to terrain requires fitness, control, precision, and a healthy dose of courage. The reward? Unforgettable descents and unparalleled views. See how many famous peaks you can spot from the top (hint: Copper Mountain, Keystone Ski Resort, Pike’s Peak, Mt. Of the Holy Cross, and Grays & Torreys are a good start)!

Now, go get your steps in!