Alongside Southern Cross, there is a black diamond run called Frosty’s Freeway, and it’s not named after the snowman but a real person. Frosty Cooper was a snowcat driver and summer trail crew member in the humble beginnings of Breckenridge. Unfortunately, Frosty passed some time ago, but the run reminds us of him forever. To get to this run, you can take the catwalk towards 6-Chair from the Vista Haus and go from there. Be careful because there are often icy patches on the run. I advise only advanced skiers to into this area.
Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 8
Speaking of frost and snow
The historical theme of your unit is the legendary and dangerous Big Snow of 1898–1899. Snow started falling in November of 1898 and continued for until February of the next year. People used snow tunnels to move around Breckenridge or cross country ski style snowshoes on top of the snow banks. It snowed over 30 feet during that storm, much of the snow piling above homes and businesses. Of course, eventually the town ran out of fresh food and had not received mail so many men of the town volunteered to dig out the wagon rail over Boreas Pass. If you’ve ever driven over Boreas, you know that it’s a gnarly place. It took them 10 days but they succeeded. It’s no surprise that many people disliked living here. You can read more about the Big Snow here.
A man and dog outside the remains of a snow tunnel on Main Street, Breckenridge during the Big Snow of 1899: Melting snow exposes one of the tunnels that had been used to access businesses on Main Street, Breckenridge, during the “Big Snow” winter of 1898–1899. A man reaches to hold the paw of a dog sitting with both front legs raised up off the ground. In the background are false front buildings and a side gable structure. “April 14th, ‘99” is handwritten on the reverse. Original creator: 1899 (Creation); Unidentified. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
Rotary snowplow and trains on Boreas Pass head for Breckenridge during the Big Snow of 1899: A convoy of train engines on snowy Boreas Pass head for Breckenridge, Colorado. Handwritten on the reverse: “Probably the relief train comi[ng] on top Boreas Pass heading for Breckenridge 1899”. Original creator: 1899 (Creation); Unidentified. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
People pose by a snow tunnel leading to the Denver Hotel in Breckenridge: Men and women sit or stand at the entrance of a snow tunnel used to access the Denver Hotel on the west side of Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado, during the “Big Snow” of 1898–1899. Snowfall totaled over 32 feet that winter; it was so deep it reached the hotel’s second-floor balcony. Original creator: 1899 (Creation); Unidentified. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
Snow covered cabin in Breckenridge during the Big Snow of 1899: A cabin is buried under snow during the winter of 1898–1899. Handwritten on the reverse: “cabin in Breckenridge Big snow 1899”. Original creator: 1899 (Creation); Unidentified. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
Two girls at the entrance of a snow tunnel across Main Street, Breckenridge during the Big Snow of 1899: They wear berets and are dressed in wool coats with fur-trimmed capelet. Behind them is the Livery building on the east side of Main Street, Breckenridge. Handwritten on the reverse: “One of my best efforts”. Original creator: 1899 (Creation); Unidentified. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
Mail carriers on Main Street during the Big Snow of 1899: Jess Oakley and Eli Fletcher carry the mail down Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado during the “Big Snow” of 1898–1899. The men volunteered to ski over Boreas Pass to Como, where the Denver, South Park and Pacific (DSP&P) train had been stopped. From February 5 until April 24, heavy snowstorms prevented DSP&P from delivering mail, fresh food and other supplies to Breckenridge. Quoted from handwritten text on the reverse: “US mail via snow shoe winter of the 78 day blockade.” Note: Possibly the sons of the widows who ran the boarding house on Ridge Street, called the Colorado House (as of 2015, Fatty’s Restaurant). One of the boys was Justen G. “Jess” Oakley, son of Almeda Peabody Oakley. A contribution was collected for him in the amount of $12.00. Original creator: 1899 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
A modern touch
At Wedgewood Lodge, we want to give you a distinctive look into the past history of Breckenridge. Each photo in your historical gallery is unique to your stay and took countless hours to curate. There are stories to tell about Breckenridge and Summit County today as well, and the following photos have been shot by Julia Anna Moore.
A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass
Spring 2022
A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. Pinks and purples stretched over the peaks as the temperature dropped, welcoming in the night.
Loveland Pass is the perfect place to take in the view, just be sure that you have 4WD if it’s been snowing and park off the road in the parking lot.
Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin
The sun sets, lighting up the Continental Divide that has grown quiet as guests have left the resort for the day.
Arapahoe Basin is an advanced mountain at the other end of the county.
Want to take a piece of Summit County home with you? We will ship any of the prints from Julia’s gallery straight to your house. We offer different sizes and framing options. Reach out here.
.png)
