Season countdown: What to do before the lifts stop turning

Don’t let the deep snowpack fool you — the end of the ski season is just around the bend. Before you dig out those hiking shoes and start tuning the mountain bikes, be sure to squeeze every last drop of snowy fun out of the season.

Tips for closing it out like a pro:

Get those spring turns in

Sunny days and soft spring conditions make for silly, slushy fun skiing. No one’s taking themselves too seriously. No one’s in a rush. Enjoy laid-back afternoon groomers on Peak 8 and Peak 7. Stop for an end-of-the-season souvenir and ask an EpicMix photographer to snap a group photo.

Ski Peak 6

What? You haven’t skied the new Peak 6 terrain yet? Get out there and experience the largest ski area terrain expansion in North America in the past decade. It’s pretty monumental. And accessible — the signature run, Bliss, is a high-alpine, intermediate bowl run. (Read: a sweet wide-open, long blue trail.) 

Try something new

There’s more to Breckenridge Ski Resort than skiing and riding. Take a spin on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, the only coaster of its kind in Colorado. Thrill-seekers will love the new TenMile Flyer Zipline. With two stages, the zipline will have you flying 50 feet above the slopes at speeds of up to 45mph.

Log some serious patio time

Nothing screams spring like working on your goggle tan while sipping your favorite Colorado brew on a sunny patio. Soak up the high country sun on the welcoming patios outside the Maggie, TenMile Station, the T-Bar at the base of Peak 8 or Seven’s on Peak 7. The people-watching will keep you entertained for hours.

Dance in the snow

Breck’s Spring Fever month-long celebration is the largest spring skiing festival around. Party with the locals at the base of Peak 8 and dance to free concerts by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Gin Blossoms, Yonder Mountain String Band and Blues Traveler. Visit BreckSpringFever.com for full details.

Book that luxe slopeside stay

You’ve been eyeing it all season. Treat yourself, and your friends or family, to plush ski-in ski-out accommodations at the base of the mountain. You’ll have everything you need: chairlifts just steps away, top-notch amenities, postcard views and hot tubs to relax in after you’ve had your fill of skiing or riding. Check out these Spring Fever lodging deals.

Start a new holiday tradition

Join in the Easter fun and head to Breck for the Easter egg hunt on the hill. Attend the on-mountain Easter Sunrise Service at 6 a.m. at TenMile Station. No lift ticket, skis or snowboard required.

Enjoy the extended season

Thanks to this season’s astounding snowfall totals, Breckenridge has decided to extend the ski season by one additional week, from Monday, April 21 through Sunday, April 27. Get out and enjoy!

Happy spring skiing –

Lisa Pogue