Breckenridge Peak 7 – a local’s guide

There is a lot to love on Peak 7 from the rolling corduroy under the Independence Chair to high alpine bowls and breathtaking views above tree-line. It is one of the best places to start the day with easy access from the gondola to wide open fresh groomed terrain to warm up your legs and a central location to connecting you to the T-bar’s upper mountain terrain, peak 8 and Peak 6 too. Follow along for a top to bottom guide and some tips on how to make the most of your day Peak 7.

Peak 7 top to bottom

Make your way to Peak 7 via the gondola and hop on the Independence Chair to for first tracks.  Enjoy a few cruiser runs Pioneer, Wire Patch and Monte Cristo taking advantage of the beautifully groomed intermediate trails. Stop by Peak 7’s newest lodge, Pioneer Crossing at the top of Independence Chair to warm up, hydrate and fuel up with a mid morning snack. Intermediate skiers and riders can keep lapping the groomed runs and those more adventurous can ski in and out of Ore Bucket’s glades — one of my favorite spots to search for untouched powder stashes in the trees. 

 

 

Explore above the trees with a few laps on the T-bar

Once you have explored the lower mountain, hop on the T-bar to access some more challenging terrain and get to know peak 7’s open bowls.  Head to the right as you exit the T-bar to discover North Bowl, Pika, Ptarmigan, White Crown and Forget-Me-Not.  This zone is a local’s favorite on a powder day and the natural terrain creates that includes lots of fun features, incredible views and fresh snow. 

 

High elevation elation and endless views on top of Whale’s Tail

My absolute favorite place on Peak 7 is Whale’s Tail. It takes a little more effort to get all the way up there but standing on top of this beautiful mountain ridge is pure bliss. From the top of the T-bar, head left and follow Alpine Alley to the Imperial Express Chair. Look for the open/closed sign at the top of the lift to find out if Whales Tail is ready for the day. Once you get the green light, take a few uphill steps to arrive at the mountain top Traverse across Whales Tail.  Follow the established track until you reach the ridge-line between Peak 7 and 8.  Take in the glorious view here and pick your line down this captivating double black diamond bowl. After a few unforgettable turns down the Whale’s Tail’s wide open face you can connect to Debbie’s Alley, Vertigo or Y-chute. If you have the energy for another lap, head back up the way you came for a short hike from the ridge of Whale’s Tail to the summit of Peak 7.  This vantage point will connect you to even more terrain including two of my favorites, Magic Carpet and Art’s Bowl. 

After a lap or two up top, it’s always fun to take a true top to bottom run from Whale’s Tail back to the base of Independence Chair where you can reward yourself with a delicious lunch or happy hour at Seven’s Restaurant. Grab a window seat or a table outside so you can look out at the view and retrace your lines from a wonderful morning on the mountain.