Report from July 4th, 2023

The Fourth of July corn wasn’t only enjoyed on the cob in Breckenridge, Colorado, this year. On Tuesday hundreds of dedicated, corn-harvesting Colorado skiers made their way up to Breckenridge’s Peak 10 to earn some creamy, corny turns at the annual Peak 10 Classic.

Skiing Breckenridge’s Fourth of July Bowl in celebration of the nation’s independence day began as a local tradition. It’s now turned into an annual FUNdraiser. This year’s gains go to SOS Outreach a local nonprofit that mentors and inspires leadership in kids by getting them outdoors. Local businesses and other companies within the industry from all across the country donated items to support the fundraising. 

The event featured blue skies, endless corn, and a snake flowing into terrain park-style jumps. Constructed within the days leading up to the 4th, a lot went into making it a successful day. Volunteers even dug out parts of the snow-covered service road, allowing easy access to the bowl. 

Over the years, the tradition of skiing the bowl for its namesake holiday has grown. This year event organizers expected a high turnout. Skiers and riders were encouraged to carpool or even bike to the event. Parking was strategically located at the Overlook Restaurant on Peak 9 to accommodate the growing popularity of the event as well as protect the fragile alpine tundra. 

It wasn’t long before the “parking lot” was jam-packed with Subarus and Tacomas. Dressed in red, white, and blue, and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” blasting in the background, enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders strapped their planks to their backs and began the trek up to the base of the bowl. Switchback after switchback we finally got to the exclusive party at the base of the bowl, and began scoping out the expansive snake and sick jump lines we could soon play across extending across the snowfield. 

In classic Colorado fashion, as soon as the ascent to the summit began, storm clouds began to roll through; from sunny and bluebird skies, to dark and stormy in an instant. Not more than three switchbacks in and at least five more to go, thunder clapped through the valley. It began to hail. Mother Nature was putting on a show of her own. Of course, as the saying goes here in Colorado, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes” – which is exactly what we did. Less than five minutes later, the storm passed and blue skies opened once again. 

A few switchbacks later, we were strapping on our boots and preparing to ascend the final stretch of the hike, the ridge to the summit. Upon arriving at the cornice we were about to hop off, we sat down and observed our surroundings. We had the perfect perch to view all the festivities taking place around us. It’s hard to beat skiing in the summer. Vibes were high and people from all walks of life were there to celebrate the nation and enjoy some slushy turns. 

The first few turns were worth every step we hiked to get there. Perfect corn. Soft and slushy. Clear blue skies. Wind blowing through your hair and the sound of skis shushing beneath you. The snake was fast and smooth. People were getting sendy on the jumps, one of which featured a 35ft rock gap. Spirits were high and hearts full. 

It was the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Enjoying a beautiful day in a beautiful country. With days getting shorter, it won’t be long now until we’re shredding pow here in Colorado again. Until then perfect, warm, sunny days harvesting corn will suffice. 

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