Spitfire (Room 514)

Julia Anna Moore
Jan 1
5 min read

How to get to Spitfire

There is an aviation theme to many of the trails on Peak 10, named by former Breck ski patroller and mountain manager who had served in the Air Force. Jim Gill was responsible for naming the trails in 1985 such as Spitfire, Blackhawk, Mustang, Falcon, and Corsair after various famous aircrafts which he was familiar with. Spitfire is a fun tree run at the edge of Peak 10 that throws you out on Upper Lehman. It’s a single black diamond but with the moguls, it’s a leg burner. We recommend that only advanced skiers attempt Peak 10.

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 9 and 10*

After the war

Much of the 10th Mountain Division got into outdoor sports after they left the military, setting the foundation for the outdoor industry as we know it today. While Jim Gill wasn’t in the 10th Mountain Division, I find this as a perfect opportunity to tie in what happened to some folks after World War II. Many soldiers had fallen, many returned to life as a civilian, and some couldn’t let go of their love for the mountains. The 10th Mountain Division still exists today. Read more here.

A group of men pose in front of a bus with "10th Mountain Division" text. One man holds a ski. The mood is informal and relaxed. — **En route to Arapahoe Basin with 10th Mtn “boys”:** 10th Mountain Division veterans pose in front of a bus. Original creator: May 29, 1959; Moscow, Lorraine. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–440.

Seven people in ski gear pose with skis and poles on a snowy slope, with a cabin and trees in the background, in a black and white photo. — **Seven men on skis pose on flat, snowy area:** From left: Howard Lent (86-M), Greenleaf Pickard (86-L), Marcus Tool (86-E), Robert Mahony (86-L), Peter Condliffe (86-L), Curt Krieser (86-L), Miller (Gordon, Robert or William?). *Original creator: 1943–1944; Krear, H. Robert, 1922–2017. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–768.*

Person skiing through a snow-covered forest, trees casting long shadows. The scene is calm and serene with soft, diffused winter light. — **Skitrooper in woods, Colorado:** Tenth Mountain Division skitrooper cross-country skiing through pines trees, Colorado. *Original creator: [1943–1944]; Southworth, William A., 1921–2003. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD-732.*

Man skiing downhill on snowy slope, wearing dark clothing and sunglasses, with overcast sky in the background. Dynamic motion and focus. — **Skitrooper skiing:** Tenth Mountain Division skitrooper skiing, with snowy mountains in the distance. He is wearing the woollen ski uniform and sunglasses. *Original creator: [1943–1944]; Southworth, William A., 1921–2003. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD-741.*

Ski racer descends snowy mountain slope, navigating around flags. Spectators watch from sidelines. Forested hills under cloudy sky. — **Executing a slalom turn:** An unidentified skier executes a ski turn around a slalom flag during a 10th Mountain Division race. *Original creator: Jan 1944; Unidentified. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2020–616.*

Five men in a workshop surrounded by wooden skis, engaged in conversation. The setting has tools on tables and windowed walls. Black and white. — **Ski shop in Colorado area:** Five men (George C. Gagnon (10th Recon) second from right) are in a ski production shop with skis lying on adjustment tables and lined against the wall. *Original creator: 1943–1944; Lafferty, Ralph Frederick, 1918–2012. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–481.*

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 2010

From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?

Aerial black-and-white image of a mountainous landscape with valleys and ridges. Snowy peaks are visible, creating a dramatic contrast. — From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?

Summer 2020

In the midst of the pandemic, historic wildfires hit the state of Colorado. Most of my photos during my short walk on Boreas Pass had a hazy red undertone, representative of how my lungs felt even just going a short distance. The air quality was terrible, I’m surprised you could even see these mountains at all.

Tall evergreen trees frame a distant mountain range under a hazy sky, creating a tranquil and serene natural landscape. — Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.

Tall evergreen trees frame a distant mountain under a clear sky. The scene conveys a tranquil, natural atmosphere. No text visible. — Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.

Distant mountains against a hazy, pinkish sky with dark pine trees in the foreground, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Purple flowers with yellow centers bloom in a garden. Green leaves and more blurred flowers are in the background, creating a serene mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Bird perched on evergreen branch against a cloudy sky. The scene is serene, with muted greens and soft light, creating a peaceful mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Chipmunk perched on a fallen log, nibbling something in a sunlit forest. Background is blurred with green and yellow foliage. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Hazy mountain view with a forest of tall, slender trees in the foreground under a soft, muted sky, evoking a serene mood. — More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.

Summer 2022

Storms in Summit County roll in like clock work during the summertime, so you better do all your fun outdoor activities before lunch. Sometimes the rain blows over quickly, sometimes it lasts until sunset, creating a beautiful pattern in the sky.

Mountain peak bathed in orange sunset light under dramatic clouds. Dark foreground contrasts with vibrant sky, creating a serene mood. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

Orange and gray clouds fill the sky during sunset, creating a dramatic and serene atmosphere. No text visible. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

Moon in a twilight sky with dark clouds and hints of pink and blue, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. — The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.

The mountains below are some of the same mountains you saw in some of my above photos from the 2020 wildfires. Notice the clarity in the air as the sun sets, lighting the mountains up with alpenglow. 2022 was a very wet year, a large contrast from the year of COVID-19.

Mountain landscape at sunset with snow-dusted peaks and pine trees in the foreground. Dramatic orange and pink clouds fill the sky. — A panoramic view of the White River National Forest.

Autumn 2022

A small snowstorm turned the peaks white in September, and I ran out of my front door to get the clouds leaving the mountains as the sky cleared. The excitement of ski season set in.

Snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky, surrounded by dense green forests. Yellow foliage in the foreground adds a touch of autumn. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Snowy mountain peak behind lush, autumn-colored forest with yellow and green trees. Overcast sky adds a serene, tranquil mood. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Snow-capped mountain under cloudy sky, surrounded by autumn-colored hills with scattered trees. A tranquil, scenic landscape. — The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.

Winter 2022

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

Snowy cabin surrounded by tall pines, with a parked SUV in front. Overcast skies create a serene, wintry mood. — A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.

Foggy forest landscape with tall evergreen trees. The background is misty, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. No visible text. — 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.

Snowy mountain range at sunrise with purple and pink clouds, highlighting the peak. Forested lower slopes add contrast. Serene mood. — A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass

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

Snow-covered mountain peak with a forest below, bathed in warm sunset light. Clear blue sky above, creating a tranquil and majestic scene. — Strings of alpenglow touch the Continental Divide

Snowy mountains with a sign reading "White River National Forest" in the foreground. Overcast sky and serene, wintry landscape. — The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.

During the storm you see below in Summit, conditions were windy, rough, and cold. While most people chose to stay in, I ran up the mountain with my camera.

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.