Stage set for sking at Peak 6

On Tuesday, May 23, 2006, Bob Berwin of the Summit Daily News reported that the Breckenridge Ski Area was in discussions with the Breckenridge Nordic Center about expanding the ski area boundary for development of lift-served sking on to Peak 6.

Ordinarily, such an expansion requires Environmental and Forest Service concurrence, dialogue and public input. Apparently these approval processes aren't required when the expansion is an agreement between adjacent permit holders.

Rick Sramek, vice president of mountain operations for Breckenridge Ski Resort confirmed that the ski area wants to work on some master planning this summer, calling Peak 6 the "final piece" of the resort. Breckenridge skiing currently involves peaks 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Ten Mile Range. Sramek did add that the public will have a chance to review and comment on the preliminary plans.

In early April, Dillon District Ranger Rick Newton carved between 200 and 300 acres out of the Nordic Center and added it to Breckenridge Ski Area's permitted terrain. The agreement between the two adjacent permit holders enabled the Forest District to make the move without requiring public review or comment as is ordinarily the case when expansion is desired. The terrain is better suited for alpine skiing than nordic because it is steeper terrain. Any specific proposal for lifts to the expanded terrain would require site-specific analysis.

Some criticism of the plan has been voiced, and more can be expected from the EPA, the Forest Service, and ski industry watchdog group Colorado Wild, because changing from nordic to alpine requires that lifts and ski trails have wide, clearcut trails. Breckenridge-based wilderness activist, Currie Craven also questioned the plan. "How [can it be known] that the development is non-significant before hearing from wild life agencies?" The area in question includes elk habitat and some of the most intact stands of old-growth spruce and fir anywhere in the Ten Mile Range.

For more information about the Breckenridge Ski Area, and Breckenridge real estate, see Susan Gunnin's web site or send her an email.