Ah, Pikes, you’re looking good today. You’re glistening with beautiful snow, which can only mean one thing: “the mountains are calling and I must go.” Lucky for us, third block break is fast approaching. Traditionally, this is cause for unanimous celebration and an escape to a condo in Breckenridge, to do what I believe is termed, “shred the gnar.”
But what is the deal with “Breck Break”? Is it to get away to the mountains, spend too much money on skiing/snowboarding, go out every night, or enjoy the surrounding nature? It seems to go without saying that any weekend away skiing/snowboarding is most certainly a mixture of all aforementioned components. So why is “Breck Break” so special?
Perhaps it is the tradition. There is something very special about Colorado College culture and traditional outings, especially in the hyperactive outdoorsy community. Heck, even if you don’t fall in that category you’ve most likely participated in some block break tradition. Maybe you went to Aspen first block break, Indian Creek second, or “Breck Break” third, whatever you did you did it because it’s somewhat of a CC right of passage. So, maybe you’re not the most outdoorsy or don’t have the means to do these things, but there are definitely traditions you partake in on certain block breaks. Those traditions are personal to you, but no matter what you get so excited about the forthcoming break. Tradition gives us purpose and reason to do something, however unappealing it may seem to others.
So if not for traditionalistic reasons, maybe “Breck Break” is the kick off to winter? You finally have a reason to get up at an ungodly hour on the weekend, not just to use the bathroom, but also to go play in the snow-covered mountains. This block break signifies winter and all the wonderful things it brings, and it is quickly approaching. If you’re like me, this means packing up airy summer outfits and breaking out the slightly 80’s sweaters, snow-pants, boots, hats, mittens, scarves, jackets, vests, long johns, etc. All while listening to holiday music and drinking a steaming cup of hot cocoa with a 2:1 ratio of marshmallows and cocoa because I am a child at heart.
Okay so you just really love skiing/snowboarding and “Breck Break” to you is truly just that, a break in a Breckenridge condo. You’re on the mountain from opening lift to closing lift, four days straight. There are no stops for lunch, your lunch is the now smooshed sandwich in your pocket that you eat on the lift between runs. Even though the snow is pretty crappy and few runs are open, you see the promise in what the season has to offer. At the end of the day you nap, carbo-load for the next day of skiing, toss back a few drinks, connect with your friends, and finally drift into a deep sleep dreaming of potential new runs.
Regardless of how you interpret “Breck Break,” there is an indescribable feeling of excitement. It’s the promise of a new season, fresh powder, the sparkle of a first snowfall, and an impending longer break from school. Get excited everyone, “winter is coming.”