Breckenridge Ski Resort (BSR) is planning significant improvements on Peak 9, aimed at enhancing the experience for guests, particularly those learning to ski and ride. The Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest (WRNF) is currently soliciting public comments on this project proposal, which includes installing a new gondola, developing teaching terrain, and replacing the C-Chair lift.
Key Improvements
The proposed improvements are part of BSR’s 2022 Master Development Plan and aim to:
- Reduce Congestion and Wait Times: By introducing a new gondola and replacing the C-Chair, BSR plans to alleviate crowding at the resort’s portals and improve guest circulation on the mountain.
- Enhance the Beginner Experience: The new teaching terrain and gondola will create a dedicated area for beginners, separate from more advanced trails, making it easier and more enjoyable for new skiers and riders to learn.
- Modernize Lift Infrastructure: The replacement of the aging C-Chair with a high-speed, six-person detachable lift will offer a more comfortable and efficient ride.
Peak 9 Gondola and Teaching Terrain
The new Peak 9 Gondola will start near the QuickSilver SuperChair’s bottom terminal and feature an angled mid-station where new teaching terrain will be developed. This area, known as the Frontier Learning Area, will include two new short conveyors, a warming hut with restrooms, and enhanced snowmaking capabilities. This setup will allow beginners to easily access the learning terrain without navigating the more congested lower Peak 9 trails.
Additionally, the A-Chair will be removed, and its terminals and tower locations will be restored and revegetated. This change aims to minimize environmental disturbance while enhancing the overall beginner experience.
Related
C-Chair Replacement
The fixed-grip Riblet double C-Chair will be replaced with a six-person high-speed detachable lift, significantly improving the lift’s efficiency and capacity. This new lift will better connect Peak 8 and Peak 9, improving guest circulation and reducing congestion at the Peak 9 portal. The new C-Chair will follow the same alignment as the one, but its terminals will be slightly repositioned to optimize skier flow.
Environmental and Public Involvement
The project will undergo an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). BSR aims to start construction in 2025, and public comments are encouraged. Comments can be submitted online here or mailed to:
Heather Noel, Acting Forest Supervisor
c/o Sarah Strehle, Dillon Ranger District
PO Box 620
Silverthorne, CO 80498-0620
Comments should include the commenter’s name, address, telephone number, and any organizational representation. The deadline for comments is Thursday, June 13, 2024.
For more details on the project and to submit your comments, visit the project webpage.
Stay tuned to Unofficial Networks for updates on these developments at Breckenridge!