Breckenridge, Colorado — Unlike prior years, there isn’t a variety of summer skiing offerings in Colorado. Arapahoe Basin closed in May, while some backcountry spots have already melted out. There was some hope that a classic Fourth of July skiing event would take place this weekend in the upper elevations of Breck. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be.
Summit Daily reported last month that the Peak 10 Classic has been canceled this year. Started in 2017, the event is typically held on July 4th, though it has also been held in August due to heavy snow. This year, the snowpack in the Fourth of July Bowl is well below typical levels in the upper elevations of Breckenridge. When they went up to analyze the snowpack on June 21st, it was well below average, resembling late July conditions. While not really a factor, costs have increased in recent years due to insurance and shuttles.
“The bowl would not support continuous skiing right now, it would not be a good experience for really anybody that’s up there,” said organizer Zach Ryan to Summit Daily. “There are a few small patches of snow, it certainly is skiable, but by the Fourth of July, we don’t expect that it would be feasible to have 500 people up there skiing.”
However, part of the Classic will still exist. The Peak 10 Classic Beer is now on sale at various breweries, including Angry James Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, Broken Compass Brewery, and Syndicate Brewing. The proceeds go partially to Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, which supports public lands and keeps the wilderness clean from trash.
“In the absence of a formal Peak 10 Classic this year, we are encouraging the community to support our community partners, like Friends of Dillon Ranger District,” Ryan said. “FDRD is a great organization that has a lot of the same values and mission that most of the folks who attend the Peak 10 Classic do — supporting our public lands, being good stewards of the land — so we’re certainly encouraging people to give back.”
The plan is for the Classic to return in 2027, with the goal of keeping it free. However, Mother Nature will have to play her part.
Image/Video Credits: Two Miles High, Breckenridge Ski Resort
