In the late 1800's, Summit County first developed as a gold rush town.  Millions of dollars of gold and silver were excavated here.   After the United States stopped using gold as the backing for its currency, this county became a forgotten rural area with a single pioneering ski area, Arapahoe Basin, which opened in 1946.   Then, in 1962, the Breckenridge Ski Area was built, followed quickly by Keystone and Copper Mountain.   About the same time, the Dillon Reservoir and Interstate Hwy I-70 were built.  Together, these projects created Summit County's second boom era!  Since the current full-time population is only about 30,000, it is quite common to think of the whole area as a single entity -- Summit County.  Since 72% of the physical real estate of the county is owned by the US Forest Service, development is restricted within tight limits and the beautiful landscape will be here in the years to come.

Amenities: While this area is known world wide as a winter sports mecca, with four world class ski areas, it is also a huge destination for those looking for summer recreation.

The ski area of Breckenridge is adjacent to the town of Breckenridge, while Keystone Resort and Copper Mountain Resort are separate major centers of activity and accommodations.  Arapahoe Basin (A Basin) is one of the highest lift-served ski area in North America, but it has no accommodations.  Any of these ski areas can easily be reached by car or bus, within 30 minutes, from anywhere within Summit County.

Summers are centered about the Dillon Reservoir, a beautiful place for summer boating, which is enjoyed by sailors and fishermen from around the country.  Water skiing and windsurfing are also done at Green Mountain Reservoir, 16 miles north of Silverthorne.  In addition, the streams flowing into and out of the reservoirs have excellent “Gold Medal” trout fishing.

Hundreds of trails are available for winter cross country skiing or snowshoeing and summer hiking or mountain biking.  Over 75 miles of paved bike paths connect throughout the county and also connect to the bike paths to the west in Vail/Eagle County.

Camping is very popular, both in the organized sites around the Dillon Reservoir, and in rustic sites throughout the Forest Service lands.  In fact, there are very few summer or winter activities that aren't popular here.

Who lives here?  Property owners are split in thirds between full-time residents, second homes owned by Colorado residents, and second homes owned by those from throughout the U.S. and around the world.   There is a large variety of property types: Single family homes ($400K-$5M), Duplexes and Townhomes, many varied condominiums ($140K-$2.5M), and fractional share ownership of both homes and condominiums ("quarter shares" have surged in popularity).  While the resident population is only 30,000, the winter population climbs to 40,000, and the weekend population can surge to 150,000.  In the 1950's the local population was only in the hundreds, until the arrival of the ski areas, when the population increased to build housing and provide services to the skiers.  In the 1970's, the average age of residents was about 25 years. Then a funny thing happened.  By the 1990's, the average age had grown to about 35 years -- the ski bums had grown up!  Along the way, they acquired partners and kids, so there is now a stable community based around recreation.  In the late 1990's, this area saw a new surge of residents, those who had a "portable profession" or were retired.  We now have a very active Senior Center, but don't assume the seniors spend much time sitting around.  Summit County seniors are much more likely to be participating in the Senior Olympics or square dancing!  We have a truly cosmopolitan community, because very few were born here and most immigrated from every part of the U.S. and many other countries.  It is a fun place to live, since everyone lives here because they love it.

Weather: The winters are noted for abundant snow, but the temperatures tend to be mild, with very low humidity, which makes it very comfortable.  Coupled with the 300+ days of sunshine, the odds are that visitors will enjoy the weather.  Summers are also quite mild, with maximum temperatures in the low 80's (degrees Fahrenheit) and with very low humidity.  Summer days may often be interrupted by a short rain shower, but that will pass by evening, when temperatures drop below 50ºF.  We get many visitors from Florida and Texas who are escaping the southern summers.

Schools: The Summit School District has six elementary schools, a single middle school, and a high school. There are several pre-schools and a Christian School.  Vail Mountain School is a fine private school that is an alternative to the public schools.

Facilities and Utilities: Summit County is served by Xcel Energy (natural gas and electric: 800-895-4999) and telephone by Qwest.  There are several suppliers of high speed internet access (DSL by Qwest, internet via cable by Comcast, and micro-wave radio link) and the major cell phone companies provide excellent coverage. Several areas have Wi-Fi hotspots, but coverage is not widespread yet.

How to get here: Those traveling by private vehicle from the east or west will take I-70, which passes through the middle of the county. Scheduled airlines use Denver International Airport (DIA), Colorado Springs Airport (COS), and Vail/Eagle County Airport (EGE). Private planes can use Buena Vista, Kremmling, Leadville, or Vail/Eagle County. Amtrak stops in Denver and Glenwood Springs, but does not pass through Summit County.  Greyhound stops at the transportation center in Frisco.   Colorado Mountain Express is one of the shuttle van services that run from DIA to the Frisco Transportation Center and directly to residences throughout Summit County.

How to get around: Summit County has an extensive and FREE bus system, the Summit Stage, with the Frisco Transportation Center located behind Safeway and the Silverthorne Transportation Center located at 4th St and Adams Ave. The town of Breckenridge has its own bus system and the ski areas also have buses too. There are taxis available and car rental agencies. In the summer, there are miles of dedicated, paved, bike trails and, when you get tired, the buses have bike racks to take you home. (Dogs are not allowed on buses.)

Pets: Many feel that dogs outnumber the residents, so do not be surprised to see dogs basking in the sunny doorways of businesses. When visiting, check before bringing your pet.   A few accommodations, but not all, welcome pets. There are several capable veterinarians and a kennel.   Horses rule over every pasture (and some even get ridden). There are several commercial stables.

Summit County Chamber of Commerce