Summit County Citizens Voice

Two extra weekends of turns — and free parking — on tap for Colorado skiers

Spring season extended at Breckenridge Ski Area. PHOTO COURTESY VAIL RESORTS/JACK AFFLECK.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY— For the first time since merging with Vail Resorts, Breckenridge Ski Area will extend the season in response to a flood of requests from loyal skiers.

The area’s high-altitude should ensure good conditions through late April. Breckenridge often stayed open into early May back in the 1980s, when old-timers can remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo with late-season turns on Peak 8.

The two-weekend bonus season will include only Peak 8 terrain, including the Imperial Express SuperChair, for  two additional weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 20-22 and April 27-29, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. In addition, the resort will have a special 50th season extension day ticket price of $50 for those without passes and free parking in the gondola lots.

“We had one wish left to grant, and asked our guests and fans via our social media channels what they wanted us to grant for our final 50th wish,” said Breckenridge senior vice president and chief operating officer Pat Campbell, referring to the season-long 50-wishes marketing campaign that was held during the resort’s golden jubilee season.

“We heard loud and clear from many fans like Lisa Doane and Jason Brooke that they’d love to see us wrap up this season- long promotion in the best way possible … by extending the season.

“This is a great way to end our 50th anniversary season,” she continued. “April is typically one of the snowiest months of the season and we have excellent conditions which we expect to last through the end of April. This is an opportunity for our season pass holders and skiers from around the world to take advantage of a few extra days, and enjoy more of the spring skiing we all love here in Breck.”

The move could also help Breckenridge boost skier visits in a winter when low snowfall in the early season dampened the ski business a bit. Vail Resorts recently reported a 15 percent dip in visits across its resorts, with the biggest decline at its Tahoe properties, where snowfall is well below average.

Filed under: Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Summit County news Tagged: | Breckenridge extends season, Breckenridge Ski Area, Breckenridge ski resort, Colorado skiing, Vail Resorts