Colorado: Breckenridge Ski Resort will add a new peak next year

Breckenridge Ski Resort in Breckenridge, Colo., plans to grow next year after receiving approval from the U.S. Forest Service to add 543 acres of mountain terrain near its northern boundary. The area, known as Peak 6, lies within the 2.3-million acre White River National Forest.

The new terrain will benefit experienced skiers, with 143 acres of hike-to terrain for experts only. Of the remaining 400 acres, 45% will be intermediate, 15% advanced and 40% expert. “So clearly, no beginner terrain but some great intermediate terrain, especially above treeline,” spokeswoman Kristen Petitt Stewart said in an e-mail.

Access to the new area will be by way of two new lifts, one to the top of Peak 6 and an upper lift that will access the bowl above the tree line. The resort says the new terrain will be accessible in the 2013-14 season.

The expansion has been in the works since 2007 and was opposed by some who wanted to preserve the area as lynx habitat, according to DenverPost.com. The website also says the expansion allows the resort a capacity of 16,170 skiers and boarders, up from 14,920.

The decision was made Aug. 15 after a final environmental impact statement was completed. It is subject to appeal for 45 days.