Breckenridge Unique Town Characters: Crazy John "CJ" Mueller

When it comes to Breckenridge legends, few names spark as much awe as Crazy John Mueller. The nickname says it all: he's the man who first broke 130 mph on skis, a true pioneer of speed, grit, and mountain spirit.

But CJ's story isn't just about records; it's about the deep love of skiing and community that's kept him on the slopes for over five decades.

At Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.

As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!

Today, we're bringing you another story from Breckenridge's characters: John "CJ" Mueller, the local legend who shattered world speed records on skis and still carves the mountain nearly every day.

Let's jump in!

Image source: U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame (skihall.com/cj-mueller)

Finding His Line

CJ arrived in Breckenridge in 1970, fresh out of Denver and just 19 years old. He started off modestly — washing dishes at the High Tor hotel, working construction in the summer, and living in a small house on Main Street. But it didn't take long for him to discover that downhill skiing was his real calling.

"In the '70s, a guy who ended up being my best friend joined the Breckenridge Ski Club," CJ recalls. "He got so much better so fast, I decided to do it too. I realized I really liked downhill racing."

Despite breaking his wrist and back in the process, CJ kept chasing speed — a passion that would soon take him far beyond Breckenridge's slopes.

The Need for Speed

His breakthrough came during a stint in France, thanks to a Breckenridge-Val d'Isère race team exchange organized by Olympic legend Jean-Claude Killy. That's where CJ first tried speed skiing — a discipline with no turns, no gates, and no room for hesitation.

"I hit 100 mph on that track," he says of the Les Arcs course.

Surprisingly, CJ honed his sense of control not on Breck's steepest runs but on its gentlest — the Four O'Clock trail. "We'd get the last ride up Chair 2 at the end of the day and tuck all the way down," he explains. "It wasn't fast, but it was about refining your tuck, adjusting, finding balance. I did it day after day, year after year."

That daily practice paid off. In 1987, CJ became the first person ever to surpass 130 mph on skis. The next year, he topped his own record with 136 mph, competing for the U.S. Speed Skiing Team. He went on to land podiums in multiple World Cup races and finished 10th at the 1992 Albertville Olympics, clocking an incredible 137 mph.

• First person to exceed 130 mph on skis (1987)
• Represented the U.S. Speed Skiing Team at the 1992 Winter Olympics
• Multiple World Cup podium finishes

Giving Back to Breckenridge

After retiring from racing, CJ redirected his energy toward giving back to the community that had shaped him. He's organized numerous fundraisers for youth sports and the Jimmy Huega Center, even donning dancing shoes for Dancing with the Mountain Stars to raise money for St. Anthony's Hospital.

Locals know him as more than a legend on skis — he's been crowned Ullr Fest and Mardi Gras King, appears as George Washington in the town's Fourth of July parade, and helped name several of Breck's beloved runs, from Whale's Tail to Zoot Chute.

In 2014, CJ's lifelong devotion to the sport earned him a spot in the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame — and a nomination for the national Hall of Fame soon followed.

• Inducted into the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame (2014)
• Named Ullr and Mardi Gras King
• Creator of several Breckenridge run names

Still Charging Ahead

Now in his mid-60s, CJ hasn't slowed down much. With two hip replacements behind him, he still skis nearly every day — 140 days last season alone — and even takes international trips with his daughter.

"I make a lot of turns now," he admits with a grin. "Once in a while, I let the skis run if the snow is feeling right."

He laughs at the thought of hanging up his skis anytime soon. After all, Breckenridge's founder Trygve Berge is still skiing well into his 80s.

"It's weird to think when I came in 1970, it was the 10th year of Breckenridge," CJ says. "Now all of a sudden, I'm one of the old-timers. Trygve's going to be 85 this season — he gives us all hope that we'll still be out there skiing 20 years from now."

What Sticks

• CJ Mueller's fearless pursuit of speed made him a skiing legend.
• His legacy extends beyond records — from naming runs to supporting local causes.
• Even after 50 years, he embodies Breckenridge's enduring passion for the mountains.
  
  

Where to Stay During Your Visit to Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone

At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly, in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.

Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.