Briar Rose, Breckenridge (303 at Wedgewood Lodge)
by Julia Anna Moore Hello friend, Welcome to the Wedgewood Lodge, slope-side, next to Snowflake Lift. Snowflake is a one-of-a-kind two-person lift that has a mid-load station and 70-degree turn to put you at Peak 8. It’s personally one of my favorite lifts of all time especially when snow is quietly falling, blanketing the landscape in Colorado’s legendary white powder. We’re extremely stoked that you have chosen Breckenridge, and even more so that you’re staying with us. We pride ourselves in being a long-standing boutique experience, with studio spaces to three bedroom townhomes. We’re still family-owned and operated and specialize in group travel and weddings. Whether you’re here for the ski season or a summer getaway, we are only a few blocks from Main Street and just a stones throw from the slopes where you can ride and hike. We renovated in 2023–2024 and within that renovation we decided to customize each and every space with unique historic photographs curated by me (Jules)! The artwork in your unit is unique to you and contains a piece of Breck’s history. In addition, you’ll see some of my own photographs sprinkled throughout the space. Each unit is also named after a run somewhere in Breck’s 3,000+ acres, with the story behind it explained below. Unfortunately, we only have 52 units, so a lot of runs were left unmentioned but we hope that you get to explore as much as you can. At Wedgewood, we love where we live and want to display how far the town has come. Thanks for coming, and enjoy your stay. How to get to Briar Rose. Briar Rose is a fun and mellow blue run, but sometimes has moguls. If you’re not a fan of bumps, check Breckenridge’s groom report before heading to the mountain so you don’t get into something that you don’t love. I’m not sure how this run on Peak 9 was named, but there is a wonderful restaurant named Briar Rose Chophouse and Saloon in town that you must check out. Reservations are recommended. The Briar Rose run connects back into Country Boy which leads you back to Ten Mile Station, the lodge at the top of Quicksilver Chair. Daughter of Robert W. Foote. The theme of this historical gallery is about a girl named Ella Foote who lived in Breckenridge in the early mining days. She appears in one of the most famous pictures of Breck during the “Big Snow” of 1898–1899, peering through a snow tunnel that had been built by residents. See if you can spot this photo in your gallery. Ella’s father, Robert W. Foote was a prominent Breckenridge businessman, owning Denver Hotel on Main Street and becoming the first general manager of Wellington Mines Company. There was a mine named the Ella Mine, assuming that it was named after her. He held office as the mayor twice among other public service and political accomplishments. But enough about her father; Ella Foote wrote the history of Breckenridge at 11 years old for a school assignment which ended up being published in the local newspaper The Summit County Journal and became a talking point for the town because it was still a bit unclear if Breckenridge was intentionally spelled as we know it today, or if it was supposed to be Breckinridge. You can read part of her essay in the original newspaper here. If you want to learn more about how Breckenridge was named, see this article by Breck History. The newspaper archives dropped Ella Foote after the early 1920’s and I couldn’t find further information about her after an alleged marriage to the name Theobald. If you know of Ella’s further whereabouts, let me know. THE HISTORICAL ARTWORK. From top to bottom: Ella Foote on horseback Main Street: Young Ella Foote poses with her horse on top of a snowbank in front of R.C. McKillip’s Livery and Feed Store on the east side of Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado. A horse drawn sleigh with passengers is stopped near the livery entry. The building with the bell cupola is Fireman’s Hall. Original creator: Circa 1899; Unidentified. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado. Ella Foote peers through a snow tunnel: “In this most celebrated image (above) of Victorian Breckenridge, young Ella Foote peers through a snow tunnel across Main Street during the Great Winter of 1898. That year it began to snow on November 27, and continued until February 20, 1899. Snow rose to the rooftops, people exited buildings through second story windows, and tunnels were dug across roads to allow foot traffic. The trains were helpless against 40-foot snowdrifts and Breckenridge was completely cut off from the outside world for 79 days.” Original creator: Circa 1898–1899; Unidentified. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado. Denver Hotel on snow covered Main Street, Breckenridge: The Denver Hotel on the west side of snow covered Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado during the “Big Snow” event of 1898–1899. Snowfall totaled over 32 feet that winter; it was so deep it reached the hotel’s second-floor balcony. The two-story wood frame building featured paired gables and a shared false-front with the words “DENVER HOTEL”. The Post Office shares the hotel’s covered portico. Next door is a false front building with signs announcing “Bankrupt Stock” in the storefront windows. Original creator: 1898–1899; Unidentified. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado. Ella Foote uses wooden skis to cross a snow drift on Main Street, Breckenridge: Young Ella Foote, dressed in an overcoat, bonnet and scarf, uses a pole for balance and wooden skis or snow shoes to cross over a enormous snow drift in Breckenridge, Colorado, during the “Big Snow” of 1898–1899. Tunnels were dug through enormous snow drifts to allow passage to buildings on both sides of Main Street. In view above the snow pile is the false-front of R.C. McKillip Livery and the bell tower of Fireman’s Hall. Left foreground shows part of the Denver Hotel’s covered portico. Original creator: Circa 1899; Unidentified. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado. People under
Duke’s Run, Breckenridge (211 at Wedgewood Lodge)
by Julia Anna Moore Hello friend, Welcome to the Wedgewood Lodge, slope-side, next to Snowflake Lift. Snowflake is a one-of-a-kind two-person lift that has a mid-load station and 70-degree turn to put you at Peak 8. It’s personally one of my favorite lifts of all time especially when snow is quietly falling, blanketing the landscape in Colorado’s legendary white powder. We’re extremely stoked that you have chosen Breckenridge, and even more so that you’re staying with us. We pride ourselves in being a long-standing boutique experience, with studio spaces to three bedroom townhomes. We’re still family-owned and operated and specialize in group travel and weddings. Whether you’re here for the ski season or a summer getaway, we are only a few blocks from Main Street and just a stones throw from the slopes where you can ride and hike. We renovated in 2023–2024 and within that renovation we decided to customize each and every space with unique historic photographs curated by me (Jules)! The artwork in your unit is unique to you and contains a piece of Breck’s history. In addition, you’ll see some of my own photographs sprinkled throughout the space. Each unit is also named after a run somewhere in Breck’s 3,000+ acres, with the story behind it explained below. Unfortunately, we only have 52 units, so a lot of runs were left unmentioned but we hope that you get to explore as much as you can. At Wedgewood, we love where we live and want to display how far the town has come. Thanks for coming, and enjoy your stay. How to get to Duke’s. This unit is named after a run that is named after a man named Paul Duke. He volunteered for the 10th Mountain Division in World War 2, eventually becoming a resort manager when Breckenridge first opened up in the 1960’s. It has been said that he rescued two employees from the Peak 8 fire that took place on January 10, 1966. Becoming a local hero, the run that was originally named Tenderfoot was renamed as Duke’s Run in 1972. The top of Duke’s is a steep and typically icy black diamond, turning into a blue on the bottom half. You can get here by following the catwalk Columbine, which can be difficult for snowboarders who are still learning how to keep their speed on flat sections. The foundation of ski culture. I’ve basically already told you. The theme of this unit is the 10th Mountain Division, a special forces that was developed for fighting in the high alpine during World War 2. Camp Hale in Colorado was built centrally for training these soldiers all over the Rockies. After the war, these soldiers were looking for the excitement of what they were trained for, and many of them became the foundation of the ski and outdoor industry, founding resorts all over North America, the Sierra Club, and more. You can find out more by watching the documentary below. https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FofwgUgXrAec%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DofwgUgXrAec&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FofwgUgXrAec%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube THE HISTORICAL ARTWORK. From top to bottom: Dog team bringing supplies: Three soldiers on snowshoes during training maneuvers near Camp Hale, Colorado, with two teams of six dogs and sleds. Original creator: Circa 1943–1944; Wikane, J. Harry (John Harry), 1915–1999. Credit to 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–237. Card game: Eight Tenth Mountain Division soldiers sit on the ground playing a card game. All are wearing khaki uniforms and caps. Original creator: Circa 1943–1944; O’Rourke, Phil Credit to 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD-794. March from Camp Carson to Camp Hale: Soldiers with rucksacks and mules with cargo rest during the march from Camp Carson to Camp Hale. Original creator: Circa 1943; George Seddon. Credit to 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–345 From top to bottom: Dog team bringing supplies: Three soldiers on snowshoes during training maneuvers near Camp Hale, Colorado, with two teams of six dogs and sleds. Original creator: Circa 1943–1944; Southworth, William A., 1921–2003. Credit to 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–237. Card game: Eight Tenth Mountain Division soldiers sit on the ground playing a card game. All are wearing khaki uniforms and caps. Original Creator: Circa 1943–1944; O’Rourke, Phil. Credit to 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD-794. March from Camp Carson to Camp Hale: Soldiers with rucksacks and mules with cargo rest during the march from Camp Carson to Camp Hale. Original creator: Circa 1943; George Seddon. Credit to 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–345.
Art’s Bowl, Breckenridge (203 at Wedgewood Lodge)
by Julia Anna Moore Hello friend, Welcome to the Wedgewood Lodge, slope-side, next to Snowflake Lift. Snowflake is a one-of-a-kind two-person lift that has a mid-load station and 70-degree turn to put you at Peak 8. It’s personally one of my favorite lifts of all time especially when snow is quietly falling, blanketing the landscape in Colorado’s legendary white powder. We’re extremely stoked that you have chosen Breckenridge, and even more so that you’re staying with us. We pride ourselves in being a long-standing boutique experience, with studio spaces to three bedroom townhomes. We’re still family-owned and operated and specialize in group travel and weddings. Whether you’re here for the ski season or a summer getaway, we are only a few blocks from Main Street and just a stones throw from the slopes where you can ride and hike. We renovated in 2023–2024 and within that renovation we decided to customize each and every space with unique historic photographs curated by me (Jules)! The artwork in your unit is unique to you and contains a piece of Breck’s history. In addition, you’ll see some of my own photographs sprinkled throughout the space. Each unit is also named after a run somewhere in Breck’s 3,000+ acres, with the story behind it explained below. Unfortunately, we only have 52 units, so a lot of runs were left unmentioned but we hope that you get to explore as much as you can. At Wedgewood, we love where we live and want to display how far the town has come. Thanks for coming, and enjoy your stay. How to get to Art’s Bowl. This unit is named after a run that is difficult to get to. Art’s Bowl is located on Peak 7 above the tree line. It’s a double black diamond that isn’t always open, but when it is, it’s a hootin’ and hollerin’ time. We recommend only expert skiers & snowboarders approach this run. To get there, you must take the Imperial Express Super Chair, and depending on the conditions you will either have to take a short hike to the top of Peak 8 and ski along the ridge-line or there is usually a track right from the chair all the way to the other side of the bowl. Be sure to stay high so you can catch some powder on the way down with CJ’s or Magic Carpet. From there, you can hit Art’s Bowl, no problem. You won’t know it but you’ll ski over Cucumber Creek and you’ll either end up back at the authors favorite lodge, Pioneer Crossing, or you can continue down the mountain to the base. A person’s best friend. If you guessed dogs, you’re exactly right. Summit County is an extremely dog-friendly place, and it seems like we always like our furry friends here. They are an integral part to our community keeping locals company and skiers safe on the mountain. We have an awesome dog park in town within Carter Park where they can run free and play, but remember there are leash laws on trails here in Breckenridge to keep your dog safe from the multitude of wild animals like moose and bears. Dog team bringing supplies: Three soldiers on snowshoes during training maneuvers near Camp Hale, Colorado, with two teams of six dogs and sleds. Original Creator: Captured by J. Harry Wikane (John Harry). Circa 1943–1944. 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library, TMD351–2017–237. Indian boy and his dog: A young Native American Ute man with wrapped braids, wearing leggings, and a necklace, holds his dog around the neck in one hand and a bow and arrows in the other, western slope Wasatch Mountains, Utah. Original Creator: Captured by John K. Hillers. Circa 1871–1875. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-30400. This photo wasn’t taken in Breckenridge, but the Mountain Ute People often traveled to or through this area seasonally as it is an important cultural area. Jack train loaded with ore: A dog guides a line of burros hauling ore in pack saddles, Summit County, Colorado. Title quoted from handwritten caption on card mount: “Jack train loaded with Ore. Original Creator: Captured by Otto Westerman. Circa 1880s-1903 (Creation). J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado. A dog asleep in the parlor room of the Finding house on Main Street, Breckenridge: A dog is asleep on the carpeted floor of the parlor in Charles A. and Martha (Silverthorn) Finding’s house on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado. Circa 1893. The room is furnished with area rugs, a secretary desk, a bookcase and a wicker rocking chair in the bay window. Anchoring the room is an ornate cast iron parlor stove. Decorative items throughout include framed pictures and photographs, porcelain plates supported on easels, seashells and vases. Doilies, antimacassars and tasseled cloth runners cover chair backs and tables and heavy tasseled curtains drape the opening to the adjacent music room. A large book is displayed on a metal book stand, probably the Family Bible. Original Creator: Unidentified Creator. Circa 1893. Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado. 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: Unidentified Creator. Circa 1899. Agnes Miner Collection; Gift, Colorado Springs Ghost Town Club. Breckenridge History, Colorado. No title: Underground at the Wellington Mine in 1949. Bud Enyeart is the third from left in the back row. Unidentified Creator. Circa 1949. Courtesy Enyeart family. According to The Diggings, Wellington Mine was discovered in 1887, and has a depth of 404 meters/1,325 feet. There were loads of different minerals but the miners were mostly interested in lead and zinc. You can read more about it here.
Fearing altitude sickness?
That’s a fair thing to be aware of while you are in the high country. When in Breckenridge, it’s important to notice how you are feeling so that you can act accordingly. Remember, when in doubt, go down in elevation and hydrate. Especially if you’re on the mountain, it’s vital to notice your symptoms (and your children’s symptoms). If you’re wondering if there’s any way to prep for high elevation, there is. If you’re spending time with us at Wedgewood Lodge, and you’re feeling altitude sick, we can make suggestions on best liquid IV places in the area. If you feel like you need medical attention, there are a few places you can go. A quick walk or drive, closes early: St. Anthony Breckenridge Mountain Clinic 555 S Park Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424, United States (970) 453-1010 A full hospital, 10–15 minute drive: Centura St. Anthony Summit Hospital 340 Peak One Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424, United States (970) 668 3300 If you’re on the mountain, feel free to stop into any ski patrol hut that you see on Breck’s map. Ski patrol huts are indicated by the red box with a white cross. They can give you the best advice of what to do if you’re experience altitude sickness. As always, happy trails!