Breckenridge Ski Resort’s expansion has advanced after the U.S. Forest Service on Friday backed the resort’s plan to develop skiing on Peak 6 despite environmentalists’ opposition.

Breckenridge, which is owned by Vail Resorts, hopes to develop 550 acres of lift-served and hiked-to skiing on the peak within its existing permit of 5,700 acres, of which 3,100 acres are currently in operation. A six-person lift would be built to access the terrain.

“We are excited to see the approval process move forward because we firmly believe the proposed Peak 6 expansion will greatly enhance the recreational experience for our guests,” Breckenridge senior vice president Pat Campbell said in a news release.

The proposed development also includes a 150-seat guest-services facility located at the proposed lift’s midstation and a top terminal ski patrol/warming hut.

Scott Fitzwilliams, forest supervisor of the White River National Forest, which encompasses the ski resort, said he approved the proposal because it accommodated increasing daily visitation levels and reduced congestion.

Past community resistance has delayed Vail Resorts’ push to expand on Peak 6. Some environmental groups say expansion would hurt lynx and other wildlife habitats by cutting down trees for the ski runs.

Paul Joyce, west slope field director of Colorado Wild, said he saw a marketing ploy that had no concern for socio-economic and environmental issues.

“I see an industry thriving on our public lands and abusing an opportunity to get people out there with their real estate development,” Joyce said.

Ellen Hollinshead, president of Summit Winterlands and Trails, which is working with the U.S. Forest Service to find a compromise for the expansion, said she was concerned about losing the “unique relief” that Peak 6 offered.

“It’s the first place where you can go and bushwhack through the woods and not see another person,” Hollinshead said.

Fitzwilliams said the U.S Forest Service was engaged with the Peak 6 task force to address some of those issues.

The service recently prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement that disclosed the environmental effects of the Peak 6 project.



Justin T. Hilley: 303-954-1064 or jhilley@denverpost.com