The conception of building a ski resort in Breckenridge began during the late 1950s, when Bill Rounds of the Porter and Rounds Lumber Company became interested in bringing skiing to the valley. The Peak 8 Ski Area (as it was first known) opened on December 16, 1961 with one Heron double chair and a midway unloading station in addition to one short learners T-bar.
Some fun history facts from Breckenridge’s first 50 years:
• Breckenridge has received approximately 17,500 inches of snow (1,416 feet) since the resort opened in 1961.
• Breckenridge has welcomed visitors from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 different countries, cementing the resort as truly a global destination.
• Breckenridge has hosted approximately 39 million skiers and snowboarders since 1961 (the first season featured around 17,000 total skier visits, as compared to 1.63 million in 2010/11)
• Breckenridge was the first ski resort in North America to install a high speed quad chairlift, in 1981.
• Breckenridge became the first ski resort to allow snowboarding in Colorado, in 1984.
• Breckenridge installed the Quicksilver Super 6, the first and only double loading chairlift in the USA, in 1996.
• Breckenridge built the highest high-speed quad chairlift in the world, the Imperial Express SuperChair, topping out at an elevation of 12,840 ft. in 2005.
• Breckenridge has welcomed visitors from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 different countries, cementing the resort as truly a global destination.
• Breckenridge has hosted approximately 39 million skiers and snowboarders since 1961 (the first season featured around 17,000 total skier visits, as compared to 1.63 million in 2010/11)
• Breckenridge was the first ski resort in North America to install a high speed quad chairlift, in 1981.
• Breckenridge became the first ski resort to allow snowboarding in Colorado, in 1984.
• Breckenridge installed the Quicksilver Super 6, the first and only double loading chairlift in the USA, in 1996.
• Breckenridge built the highest high-speed quad chairlift in the world, the Imperial Express SuperChair, topping out at an elevation of 12,840 ft. in 2005.
To thank and honor guests of Breckenridge this season, the Breckenridge is kicking off a “50 Wishes” campaign. Throughout the course of the season, guests will be able to submit any wish they’d like to see fulfilled at the resort. The ski resort staff will compile 50 of these wishes and make them come true during the year! More details will be forthcoming at the resort's website www.Breckenridge.com.
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