Breckenridge's 4th of July Ski Party Is Back, But With a Catch

The Peak 10 Classic takes place in Fourth of July Bowl at the top of Breckenridge's Peak 10. Participants hike two miles and 1,500 ft. up to the bowl to spend the day getting in July turns, and celebrating the holiday. 

What began years ago as a word-of-mouth meetup eventually ended up as a full on event and fundraiser, thanks to Josh Barilar and Zach Ryan, who joined forces to organize something more official in 2018.

As the event took place each year, it inevitably grew and experienced growing pains. The US Forest Service caught wind of the event in 2023, and required Barilar to secure a permit that would make the gathering legal, as it occurred on USFS land. 

The 2024 event saw the positive affects of these growing pains and changes in an official permit, event insurance, and a shuttle service that took skiers from the base of Breckenridge Resort to the Overlook Restaurant to start their hike, for free. Making the event official brought in the support of local businesses that have contributed prizes for a charitable raffle, and a craft brew made specifically for the event. 

As change often does, the event's initial glow-up got some backlash from the community who worried it would lose its grassroots feel. Despite changes, Barilar and Ryan reported that the energy in the bowl remained unchanged from years past at the 2024 event. 

Here's hoping that the 2025 event continues to build on the positive outcome of last year! Those hoping to participate can register here.