Epic Discovery Debuts at Breckenridge

Published June 1, 2017 06:00PM

Winter may be over, but who says you have to stop enjoying the mountains? After all, as the wise locals say, “people come for the winters but stay for the summers.” We as skiers may be disinclined to believe this, as we’re always hankering for that next powder-packed adrenaline rush. But thanks to the addition of Vail’s Epic Discovery summer program in Breckenridge this year, the mountains can be our playground all year long–with less of the powder, perhaps, but all of the adrenaline.

After a successful debut last summer at Vail and Heavenly, Epic Discovery is on course to open at Breckenridge on June 9th and will offer a plethora of outdoor activities that should coax even the most avid skier out of their summertime blues.

Epic Discovery Debuts at Breckenridge

Breck Flyer Zipline

Riders sail 50 feet above the snow-less ski runs, and must weigh between 45-240 lbs. and wear closed-toed shoes.

Alpine Coaster

Riders must be 54” to ride alone, and yes, adults can ride together! (With some restrictions.)

4×4 Off Road Tours

These 90-minute expeditions take up to seven people to explore Peaks 7 and 8. Keep your eyes open for marmots or pikas!

Base Camp

Breck’s base camp offers mini-golf, gemstone panning, a historically themed mineshaft maze, and a bouncy house, along with plenty of restaurants to help you fuel up.

Interpretive Hiking Trail

Kids interact with Breck’s alpine ecosystem and the informative “Story Stakes,” which provide photos and fun facts about the area.

Scenic Chair

You’ll be able to see three of Colorado’s famous 14ers on the way to Peak 8, home to Breck’s Alpine Camp and the Alpineer Challenge Course.

Alpine Slide

Riders must be at least seven to ride this 2,600 foot slide alone, as they need to control their own speed down the concrete track.

Expedition Zipline Tour

This experience is a little more intense than the Breck Flyer, featuring eight different ziplines and lasting up to 90 minutes. (FYI: when you buy the pass for this ride, you’re also buying the Adventure Pass.)

For example, if you’re a park rat yearning for that feeling of sailing through the air again, the Bungee Trampoline will keep your skills sharp. To test your balance, head to the Alpineer Challenge Course and its small city of swinging logs and swaying ropes. And we know you ski racers like hurtling down the mountain, but how about trying it while suspended 50 feet above the ground?

With all its ziplines and coasters neatly melded into the Rocky Mountain landscape, Epic Discovery has found a way to marry a nature-based experience with the type of thrills normally found at theme parks. The experience balances fun, hands-on (and feet-on!) activities, and education about the town and its surrounding ecosystem, making it easy to learn through play. Sounds a little like learning to ski, no?

And since we skiers have a vested interest in our mountain’s well-being, we’re psyched that Vail is donating one percent of all summer lift ticket and activity revenue to the Nature Conservancy to help restore national forest lands. (Tree skiing, anybody?). That’s something we can clap our poles about.

Until September 4 and the beginning of fall, most of Breck’s adventures (including existing features and Epic Discovery) are being offered under one comprehensive ticket, priced for adults at $82 for a full day of unlimited rides, ziplines, and other thrills.

Of course, we’re not saying summer has to become your favorite season. But with activities like these, it’s clear that waiting for winter just got a whole lot more fun.