Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Annual Mountain Clean-Up Unearths 780 Pounds of Trash—and a Few Surprising Treasures

Breckenridge, Colorado — What began as a routine mountain cleanup at Breckenridge Ski Resort turned into a surprising treasure hunt, as staff uncovered everything from outdated tech gadgets to a message in a bottle during the resort’s annual Mountain Clean-Up Day.

Earlier this summer, over 150 employees joined forces to remove an astounding 780 pounds of trash from the slopes and trails. Most of the debris had fallen from ski lifts or been left behind during the busy winter season. While much of it was typical — empty bottles, vape cartridges, and general litter — some of the weirdest items found on the mountain sparked curiosity.

Unusual Items Discovered on the Slopes
Among the strangest discoveries were:

A message in a bottle (which turned out to be an old COVID-19 vaccination card)

A cracked iPhone and an iPod Nano

A $2 Canadian coin

An inexplicable hamburger flipper

And plenty of vape cartridges

But the most memorable moment didn’t involve trash at all. According to Max Winter, senior communications manager at Breckenridge, the real highlight was a surprise encounter with a family of moose. “While our team kept a respectful distance and didn’t take photos, it served as a powerful reminder that we share this mountain with wildlife — and we all have a responsibility to protect it,” Winter said.

Sustainability and Reconnection With Nature
While some items were thrown away, most of the larger pieces were recycled or upcycled. In rare cases, lost items have even been returned to their owners. Winter recalled a past instance at sister resort Keystone, where an engraved engagement ring was reunited with its owner months after being lost on the slopes.

Community, Conservation, and a Free Lunch
The annual Mountain Clean-Up Day has become a beloved tradition for Breckenridge Ski Resort staff. Beyond being a paid day of service, the event includes a free mountaintop lunch, a chance to bond with colleagues, and the opportunity to give back to the environment they work in year-round.

“It’s one of our favorite days of the year,” Winter said. “Not only do we help preserve the natural beauty of our mountain, but we also get to see the strange and funny things skiers and snowboarders lose during powder season.”