Northstar (Room 301)

Julia Anna Moore
Jan 1
3 min read

How to get to Northstar

Northstar and Southern Cross are intertwined because they were the northernmost and southernmost runs when Breckenridge originally opened as Peak 8 Ski Resort. They were cut in the late 1970s and early 1960’s, respectively, and feature very different skiing. You can get to the blue run Northstar by traversing across Columbine, following the signs. You will connect back to Duke’s Run or you can check out Rip’s Ravine, which is a kids area and a great place to learn blue level trees. It’s typically groomed and a great place for intermediate skiers or for a warmup for advanced riders.

Ski resort trail map showing various ski runs in blue, black, and red lines through mountainous terrain with tree symbols, names, and symbols. — *Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 8*

The authentic writers of Breckenridge

Much of history is written in a romanticized way, and in this case, the Gold Rush of Breckenridge has been painted in a positive light. Two women, named Belle Turnbull and Helen Rich, wrote about the hard and normal parts of life of Breck’s early days. After retiring from their professional lives in the front range, they turned to focusing their energy on writing, starting their literary careers after the age of 50. Belle and Helen found inspiration in Breckenridge’s sweeping vistas and the dying industry of gold mining and held out through the time that Breck almost became a ghost town. Their home is located on French Street. You can read more about Helen and Belle here. This unit mostly focuses on Helen, while another unit focuses on Belle.

Sepia-toned image of a mountain range with dense forests. Clouds hover over the peaks, creating a serene and timeless landscape view. — **No title.** No description. My description: A sephia toned photograph presumably of Farncomb Hill. If you have a comment on this photo or know anything about it, please send me an email (my address can be found at the bottom of this page). *Original Creator: Unknown date. Unknown creator.*

Sepia-toned image of a mountain valley with snow-capped peaks. A rustic wooden cabin is in the foreground, overlooking a distant town. — **View looking southwest over the town of Breckenridge:** Southwest view overlooking toward the town of Breckenridge. Snow-covered peaks of the Tenmile Range (including Mt. Quandary, Mt. Helen, Peak 10 and Peak 9) in the background. In the foreground is a wood structure. Handwritten on the reverse is “Breckenridge Colo.” *Original Creator: Circa 1890s. Unidentified. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado.”*

Smiling person in a herringbone jacket, posed with hand under chin. The background is neutral, giving a calm and formal tone. — **Helen Rich:** Colorado Magazine, Spring 1979. *Original creator: Unknown date. Unknown creator. Credit: Breckenridge History, Colorado.*

Two elderly women stand in a garden beside a log cabin. One wears a red plaid shirt, and mountains are visible in the background. — **No title:** Helen Rich and Belle Turnbull. *Original creator: Unknown date; Unknown creator. Credit: Denver Public Library.*

Two people in coats stand outside a building with a dog nearby. One holds a hat. Shadows are visible on the wall, creating a nostalgic mood. — **No title:** Helen Rich and Belle Turnbull. *Original creator: Unknown date; Unknown creator. Credit: Denver Public Library.*

Woman signing books at a table with flowers; four women stand behind her in a library. A sign promotes "The Spring Begins" event. — **Helen at her book signing:** In 1947, Helen published *The Springs Begins*, which was her first published work. The novel became a bestselling work and Helen got to meet and sign books for fans. The book was set in the Colorado Rockies, which was known for its rough **terrain**. Helen then published *The Willow Bender* in 1950, which dealt with family and mining strikes in Colorado. Helen was very interested in mining laws and spent time researching her novels by hiking through mining areas. Helen lived through Colorado’s mining era and was able to capture what life was like with her writing. *Original creator: Unknown date; Unknown creator. Credit: Denver Public Library.*

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.

Winter 2022

The picturesque Hoosier Pass in dark greens and grays as snow falls, creating yet another perfect powder day for Summit County.

Snow-covered cabin in a forest with a parked SUV nearby. Snowy road in the foreground, creating a cold, tranquil winter scene. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Foggy evergreen forest with tall trees under a gray sky. The misty ambiance creates a calm and serene mood. No text present. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Winter 2023

A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. The alpenglow lit up the mountains before the sun sank behind the mountains creating a hazy blanket of darkness over White River National Forest.

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.

Snow-covered mountain with evergreen trees, a ski lift, and a small building at the peak. The sky is clear, creating a serene atmosphere. — Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin

Snowy mountain landscape with a sign reading "White River National Forest." The scene is serene, with snow-covered ground and hills. — The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.

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.