How to experience the best of Breck

When asked to write an article about “Breck’s most beautiful moments,” I did my best and got it narrowed it down to the following experiences.  Since I work in the wedding industry, I’ve witnessed many mountain nuptials that were very special.  For you, to create your own magic moments, I have three suggestions.  Ride, watch and listen.  When you think back, what do you remember?  What’s been your most beautiful moment in Breck?  Please comment below!

RIDE

• Your bike – Cruise the bike path, or  any of the numerous old mining roads and singletrack that roll through the wildflower-filled forests that are part of the Gold-level bike friendly experience that Breckenridge offers. Every effort you put in going up is rewarded with unforgettable views of the Continental Divide.
• The Breck Connect gondola – Take in the view of the valley before traveling over a local gem, protected wetlands, the result of an ongoing cooperative project between the USFS, the TOB, and the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
• Breckenridge – The ski resort is world-class and is home to a longtime progressive snowboard scene and mountain culture.  Breck was one of the first to accept riders back in the 80’s.
• The Imperial Express – After riding the highest chairlift in North America, you have your choice to continue on to the true summit, at almost 13,000 feet, or to drop in on Peak 8’s Imperial Bowl.  Or go north, and ski or ride the alpine terrain on Peak 7.

WATCH

• The sun rise  – While making snow for Breck on the graveyard shift, I watched the sun rise many times in a simple display of natural beauty that was completely different every single day.
• The sunset – Watch the alpenglow on Mt. Baldy, or sit back and watch the sun disappear behind the Ten Mile Range.
• The downtown scene – Check out who’s in Breck by people watching on Main Street.  Get a front row seat while you indulge in a tasty crepe from the food cart.
• Kids play – Stop and watch the kids jump from rock to rock in the Blue River by the Riverwalk Center.  During winter, it’s fun to watch the groms rip it up in the various terrain parks, or while they’re in ski school.

LISTEN

• To the NRO musicians – Grab a cup of coffee or tea and listen to the musicians practicing in the morning at the Riverwalk Center.
• To the snow guns – Hearing the roar creates an excitement and means that skiing’s just around the corner and it’s the beginning of the ski season.
• To a babbling brook – Find a nice tree to lean on and for shade, and immerse yourself in the energy all around you.
• To music on the slopes – The evolution of spring break in Breck includes multiple weekends filled with live music being performed on the lower part of Peak 8’s ski runs.

— Stacy Sanchez