Breckenridge, CO – Breckenridge officials have scheduled an informal open house to discuss the ski resort’s proposed expansion onto Peak 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Great Divide Lodge in Breckenridge.

The proposed expansion involves a base-to-summit high-speed six pack chairlift to serve 280 acres of above-treeline terrain, 100 acres of hike-to terrain and 70 acres of cleared ski trails. A mid-mountain restaurant is proposed, but resort officials have backed off of earlier plans to build a base area at Peak 6, which would be the Colorado resort’s fifth lift-accessed mountain.

Ski resort officials assert that the expansion is needed to add high alpine bowl skiing for intermediates and to ensure the continued viability of the ski area. Opponents say that the expansion will disrupt wildlife and affect the area’s natural resources. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the project is expected to be released this month. The U.S. Forest Service is expected to render its decision sometime after the 45-day public comment period following the release of the DEIS.