27 Jan 2026

IMPERIAL EXPRESS SUPERCHAIR & PEAK 8 BACK BOWLS: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

For expert skiers and riders, no trip to Breckenridge is complete without hitting the Imperial Express SuperChair. As the highest lift in North America, Imperial delivers unmatched views, high-alpine terrain, and direct access to Breck’s legendary Peak 8 Back Bowls.

Maybe you’ve heard whispers about Whale’s Tail or have your eye on the Lake Chutes, this guide will show you how to plan the ultimate Peak 8 adventure—from riding Imperial to carving fresh lines above tree line.

The Highest Chairlift in North America

Imperial Express SuperChair

Elevation: 12,840 feet
Access point: Top of the T-Bar or Six-Chair → Imperial Express
What makes it special: It accesses expert-only terrain, bowls, chutes, and some of the most iconic hike-to lines in Summit County.

Installed in 2005, Imperial Express instantly changed the Breck experience—making it easier (and faster) to reach advanced terrain that once required long hikes or traverses.

What to expect:

Short lift ride, big payoff
Stunning panoramic views of the Tenmile Range
Advanced and expert-only terrain—this is not for beginners
Variable conditions: wind, sun, and snowfall all play a role
Closed on stormy or high-wind days—check the lift status in the morning

Peak 8 High-Alpine Terrain: What to Ski from Imperial

1. Whale’s Tail

Type: Wide-open alpine bowl
Why it’s iconic: This signature run flows off the ridge like a snowy diving board. With a steep entry and plenty of room to explore, it’s ideal for skiers who want to feel like they’ve left the resort behind.

Pro Tip: Drop early if you want untouched snow—this zone gets tracked fast on powder days.

2. Y-Chutes

Type: Expert chutes
Access: Hike a short distance from the top of Imperial
Why it’s worth it: These narrow, steep lines offer some of the most technical skiing on Peak 8. If you like tight turns and challenging entries, this is your spot.

Pro Tip: Scope your line from the lift or while hiking—entries change depending on snowpack.

3. Lake Chutes

Type: Double-black expert terrain
Access: Short hike beyond the lift
Why it’s legendary: One of the steepest inbounds pitches at Breckenridge, this zone is for serious riders only. The drop is big, the line is fast, and the views are unreal.

Pro Tip: Go early and bring your confidence. This run is best on soft snow days when you can edge and control speed.

4. Snow White (hike-to)

Type: Technical, hike-to bowl
Access: Continue hiking past Lake Chutes
Why it’s special: Snow White is often overlooked, even on powder days. It takes some effort to get there, but that’s exactly why it stays fresh longer.

Pro Tip: Avalanche conditions are monitored closely—patrol may keep this closed during high hazard days. Obey closures and always go with a partner.

5. Imperial Bowl

Type: Bowl terrain straight off the lift
Why it’s popular: For those who want the high-alpine vibe without the hike, Imperial Bowl offers steep, fun terrain right off the chair. It’s an ideal warm-up before tackling hike-to zones.

Pro Tip: Watch wind direction. Imperial Bowl often holds wind-blown snow on leeward slopes, even days after a storm.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Conditions change fast. Imperial terrain is exposed and weather-dependent. Visibility and wind can turn quickly—plan accordingly.
This is expert terrain. No green or blue runs up here. Make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with high-alpine conditions.
Check lift status in the morning. Imperial often opens later in the day or remains closed for wind/visibility.
Bring the right gear. Layers, goggles with good visibility, and confidence in variable snow.
Know the exits. Once you drop into some of these bowls and chutes, you’re committed. Stay inbounds and follow signs back toward Peak 8 or Peak 7.

Plan Your Peak 8 Adventure with VisitBreck

The Imperial Express SuperChair is more than a lift—it’s a gateway to some of the best skiing in Colorado. Whether you’re chasing chutes, carving bowls, or checking a high-elevation bucket list item off your map, it all starts at the top of Peak 8.

Want to be first in line for Imperial? Explore our full collection of ski-in/ski-out homes near Peak 8 and get a head start on your next powder day.

MORE ABOUT PINNACLE LODGING

Pinnacle Lodging is a locally owned and operated team, proudly rooted in Summit County. With a deep love for the mountains and years of industry expertise, we’re known for our high-touch, personalized approach and long-standing relationships with happy homeowners.

Our curated portfolio of over 170 luxury homes, mountain condos, and cozy townhomes is backed by seamless operations, local expertise, and a client experience that keeps property owners with us year after year.

Thinking about a new property manager? See what makes our local team different here.