Mud Season
The term “mud season” doesn’t exactly sound appealing does it? The reality is, for so many mountain town locals, mud season is a bit of a relief from the grind of ski season. Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE winter here in Colorado…. but after so many months of snow, we need to thaw out and reset for summer. It’s time to put our powder skis away and get our mountain bikes ready to roll. It’s a time for a quick trip to the desert or maybe a weekend get away to a beach to show off our goggle tans.
What does Mud Season mean for visitors?
Mud season is the period between peak spring skiing and the full beauty of summer. This doesn’t mean that there’s no reason to make a trip up to the mountains. Visiting a town like Breckenridge during mud season gives the traveler a more authentic small town experience. The majority of visitors are back home, this means there’s better opportunities to see the realities of our community, not just the crowds. Here’s a quick list of some of the fun the Colorado mountains still offer, even in the “off season”.
Skiing
Yes, skiing! The afternoons are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger but our high alpine snow stays around until early summer. This means mountains like Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin actually keep the lifts turning.
Arapahoe Basin Closing day is tentatively set for June 4
Arapahoe Basin does not set a date ahead of time for the end of the season. We ski as long as there’s snow, and then they schedule closing day so the team can prep for summer activities.
Based on this year’s forecast, they hope to keep the slopes open at least through the first weekend of June.
Why ski at A-basin this spring?
- Lake reveal should be out and showing. This is fun place to partake in pond skimming or cheer on your friends a fellow skiers and riders as they try
- There will be live music in the base area on Saturdays and Sundays
- Skiing and Riding in June is an activity in itself
Breckenridge set to close Early May
Starting Monday, April 15, the following lifts will operate for late spring skiing and riding:
Peak 8
Please be advised, there will be no beginner terrain available after April 21. Base area access out of Peak 8 is planned through April 28; after that all access to late season skiing and riding will be out of Peak 7.
- Colorado SuperChair (through April 28)
- Rocky Mountain SuperChair (through April 21)
- Five SuperChair (through April 21)
- Rip’s Ride (through April 21)
- Imperial SuperChair
- T-Bar
Peak 7
- Independence SuperChair
Peak 6
- Zendo Chair
- Kensho SuperChair
Splash Into Spring Pond Skim – Saturday, April 27
Breckenridge hosts an annual pond skimming competition. Show off your skimming skills while competing for Best Overall Skim, Best Costume, and Biggest Splash! Registration is full but, luckily, pond skimming is an excellent spectator sport so join come to witness all the action and cheer on your friends on Saturday, April 27 starting at 10 AM.
What Do we have to look forward to off the mountain.
- Eat! The restaurants that are open, will welcome you with open arms and great food. The Summit Daily newspaper should come out with a list of open restaurants/ hours of operation soon. Many restaurants offer 2 for 1 deals this time of year.
- Brewery Tour: Colorado is known for craft beer, and Summit County is no exception.
- Shopping. Shops usually have some end of season sales!
- Hike. Some of the trails thaw out early in mud season. Look at the Frisco Peninsula trails for some spring hiking.
- Bike. Summit County has a great bike path system and it’s usually cleared of snow before the mountain bike trails are.
- Fly Fishing: Check out some local shops to rent gear or even go on a guided day of fishing.
- Escape Rooms: The popularity of escape rooms has come to Summit County, there are many different ones to try.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the more relaxed season here in the Colorado Mountains. We look forward to seeing you soon!
