Breck’s ’12/’13 season highlights

It’s not over until it’s over.

So proved Breckenridge once again when a late spring storm dumped more than 8 inches of new snow two days before closing day. Consider it Mother Nature’s way of reminding all of us that she’s in charge, and that winter isn’t going to slink off into a corner.

Not that it ever does.

Breckenridge is living, breathing proof that winter—crammed, as it is, into a season that is entirely too short for this author’s preference—delivers round after round of awesomeness.

Whether you’re the type of skier who laps the Imperial Express chair or you leisurely tour the lower parts of the mountains (or you get out for the gratuitous run or two between happy hour and late night), Breckenridge does more than accommodate you. It makes you feel like the resort was custom made to meet your needs.

Just in case you’re not entirely on board, here’s a recap of some season highlights. This is by no means a complete list. So feel free to add your personal highlights here or on Twitter (use hashtag #breck and check out the photos you’ve published there as well.)

Check out our favorite photos from the season too.

Season highlights

Season Opener, Nov. 9, 2012
It’s never too soon to start skiing. Opening day arrived with a solid snow base (for November), blue skies, and, yes, a Viking.

 

 

 

Dew Tour
You haven’t seen big air until you’ve watched December’s Winter Dew Tour. World-class athletes descended on Summit County for this epic comp. The nighttime events under the lights drew some of the biggest crowds ever to Breckenridge as well. .

First big dump
December 9 (a month after opening) brought a blizzard to Breck, with eight inches of fresh (and more falling) being reported at first chair. Now, we realize that snow in the mountains in the winter may not be newsworthy to some. But to the powder hounds regularly checking in with us, the storm was, as one guest wrote on our Facebook page, “BEAUTIFUL!”

Snow Sculpture Championships
Teams from around the world competed in January’s international Snow Sculpture Championships, creating temporary art for the enjoyment of thousands. With unrivaled attention to detail, the sculptures capture the imagination. Team Canada-Quebec took home the gold.

Epic Wish
Throughout the season Breckenridge granted one Epic Wish per week to lucky folks who entered the contest on Facebook. Some of the best wishes included one for a set of siblings named “Breck” and “Ridge,” help with a few marriage proposals, and even a few chances to meet the bands during Spring Fever.

American Cancer Society fundraiser
Team Breck raised $5,270 for the American Cancer Society with Hope on the Slopes, an event that brought cancer survivors, fighters, and opponents to Breckenridge to ski as much as they can to raise money for the honorable charity.

Spring Fever
A month-long party with free concerts, screaming lodging deals, shot skis, races, and special activities for the kids? Yep.

Cornbread contest
Seriously. Cornbread is no joke, as the dozens of you who entered the cornbread recipe contest in March know very well. The winner, Kelley Gayle of Annapolis, Md., received lift tickets, mountain money, and the honor of Official Cornbread Recipe creator of Breckenridge. You can just call her the “cornbread master.”

Peak 6 announcement
After years of planning, Breckenridge announced in August plans to open new high alpine terrain on adjacent Peak 6 next year. This terrain should be open at some point during the season next year and will increase the terrain by almost 25%. Two chairlifts will access it from Peak 7 and any skier who is a fan of open bowl skiing should get excited.

Mountain Dew Throwback Throwdown
’80s Palooza. Ironic vintage clothes. Fluorescent colors. Big air. Snowboard legends and champions took on the 22′ superpipe and hand-dug 6′ minipipe; Christian Haller took home top honors from the men’s category, and Breck Pro Team rider Arielle Gold beat out the women.

What are your favorite moments from the season? Tell us about them below or on our Facebook page.

— Rachel Walker