Originally Posted by Toomeyct

The gondola starts at 8:30. Though one day I got in line at 8 with about 15 other people and they let us go ahead and go up. First tracks

I would say get there at 7:30, get in line at 8, and you will basically have the mountain with about 20 other people until about 10:30 or 11. Its worth getting up early. The same goes for most mountains out here. The crowds don't start till 11 or so unless its some kind of crazy powder day.

Edit: For your other question. I rent a condo with friends in silverthorne which is about 10-15 mins from Breck. So I would say if you are staying in Breck or Frisco, head out about 6:45 or 7 and you will get there for when the gondola starts.