"Locals Say Goodbye to Smoke Shacks"

For several years now, locals living in the Breckenridge area have been building little cabins in between the runs at Breckenridge Ski Resorts. These huts, known as “smoke shacks,” are of serious concern to the resort because the resort leases the terrain from the U.S. Forest Service.

“Anything and everything [Breckenridge Ski Patrol finds] will be torn down,” said Breckenridge spokeswoman, Emily Jacob.

Using materials from the forest is illegal and Breckenridge officials feel that they must restore the area to its purity.

Many locals and riders that know the mountain well would be heartbroken to ride a shack-less Breckenridge. It is a tradition to stop by the shacks while riding peak nine or 10.

The first time that I arrived at the peak 10 shack known as Leo’s, I was amazed at how extravagant it was. It has two stories, windows, tables, benches, and even Ninja Turtle action figures dangling from the ceiling.

Apparently people have built cabins at all of the other resorts in the Summit County area, however, I have only visited Breckenridge’s shacks.

Another problem the “smoke shacks” pose for the resort is that people bring food and leave their trash for the animals to find. I can confirm that the shacks that I have visited have been pretty trashed and I’m sure the name hints at what goes on inside.

Aside from the environmental and safety problems that the shacks pose, most people skiing on a day-to-day basis don’t even know that the cabins exist. Thomas Berger, a Summit County resident, is determined to keep the “smoke shacks” alive.

I guess I’ll know whether or not the Breckenridge Ski Patrol has made any progress on my next adventure there.