Breckenridge extends ski season

Bust out the bikinis and the sunscreen. Spring skiing at Breckenridge Ski Resort just got a little bigger.

Breck announced last week that they will keep Peak 8 lifts and terrain open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 20-22 and April 27-29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

The resort was scheduled to close on April 15, but after receiving multiple requests via their 50th Anniversary Season 50 Wishes campaign, officials decided to extend the season by two additional weekends. Breck is the only Colorado resort who has announced plans to extend their 2011-12 ski season so far.

“Our fans and guests have been very excited on the season extension. Spring is one of the best times to ski and we are rewarding our guests and season pass holders with more time this season,” said Breckenridge Communications Coordinator Austyn Williams.

The resort’s overall average snowfall in April is around 60 inches, Williams adds.

Only Peak 8 lifts and terrain will remain open during Breck’s two additional weekends, along with the mountain’s T Bar and Ski Hill Grill restaurants. The Vista Haus restaurant will remain open with limited offerings.

Breckenridge Ski Resort will be the only resort in Summit and Eagle counties open past April 15 besides Arapahoe Basin, whose closing date is scheduled for June 3, 2012 (weather dependent).

Vail Resorts Colorado Closing Days

• Keystone – April 8 (Easter Sunday)
• Beaver Creek – April 15
• Vail – April 15
• Breckenridge – April 29

Free Parking & Cheap Lift Tickets

Breck will also offer skiers and snowboarders without season passes a special 50th season extension day ticket price of $50 and free parking in the gondola lots. All 2011/12 season passes will continue to be valid during the extended season.

Discount Luxury Lodging

• Stay at the base of Peak 8 at One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort starting at $210/night.
• Save 20% when you stay three or more nights, starting at $103/night in the Village studio suites. Valid April 16 through June 28.

Ski and ride school deals

The extended season also includes special lesson prices, with half-day adult lessons starting at $59 and full-day children’s lessons for $99.

Discounted rates:

• Adult Half day class: $59
• Adult all day class: $89
• Child all day class: $99
• All day private lesson: $495
• Half day private lesson: $295
• Childcare: $75

To book ski school, call 800-536-1890 (001-970-496-4700).

For the most up to date details on the extended season, click here.

Read about more great spring Breck deals.

— Lisa Pogue

Top photo courtesy Liam Doran. Bottom photo courtesy Aaron Dodds.