Summit County

Summit County first received worldwide attention in 1859 when prospectors discovered gold and silver in the surrounding hills. High country trappers, from 1810-1840, attempted to keep the glittering gold and silver-seamed mountains a secret, but the news filtered out of the remote area to the rest of the United States.

By the summer of 1859, hordes of gold-hungry adventurers scaled the snow-covered Continental Divide to the mineral-rich valley of the Blue River, catapulting this gentle valley from tranquil isolation into the gold rush days.

Breckenridge, Frisco and Dillon, flourished during the days of mining prosperity and clung to life years after the mines played out.

Snow first became business in Summit County in 1946, when Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened. With the opening of Breckenridge Ski area in 1961, Keystone in 1970, and Copper Mountain in 1972, “The Summit” became one of the greatest destination ski areas in the nation and was coined “Colorado’s Playground.”

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains –Summit County is a mountain treasure just a hop and jump away from the big city and is now one of the top travel destinations in the United States, providing countless outdoor activities for any adventure enthusiast.

Summit County lives on today encapuslated in the beauty and history as rich as the gold that started it all.

Breckenridge is located at the southern end of the Ten Mile Range in Summit County and is known for world class skiing, historical Victorian charm, shopping, dining and nightlife. Easy access from the ski resort to the center of town sets Breckenridge apart. Enjoy the slopes all day then ski the Four O’Clock trail into town to enjoy Après at one of the many restaurants. During the summertime there are no shortage of events at the Riverwalk Center, Main Street and the Jack Nicklaus 27-hole designed golf course making Breckenridge a popular destination year-round.

Breckenridge Dillon Frisco

Dillon is known for being a central hub for all of the ski areas in Summit County. Lake Dillon is an attraction for ice fishing in the winter months. When the ice melts, residents and visitors can rent a pontoon or sail boat, grab a snack at the waterfront Tiki Bar or sail. The waterfront amphitheater hosts world-class artists with panoramic mountain and lake views. The rec path borders the perimeter of the lake and offers an exhilarating and breathtaking experience.

Blue River

Copper Mountain

Referred to as “The Athlete’s Mountain”, Copper is home to the world-famous Woodward training center. Professional and amateur athletes come to Woodward to perfect their ski and snowboard skills. The resort is a popular destination for summer activities as well hosting free music festivals, a go-kart track, alpine coaster, downhill mountain biking and bumper boats all easily accessible by foot from Center Village.

Centrally located between Copper Mountain, Breckenridge and Keystone, Frisco is the prime location for any mountain sports enthusiast. The Frisco Adventure Park offers a cross-country ski track, tubing hill and snowshoeing. In the summertime, the Frisco Marina is a popular destination and within walking distance of Main Street. Enjoy the sand beach of Lake Dillon on a warm sunny day while being surrounded by breathtaking 360 degrees of beautiful mountain views at the Frisco Marina.

Keystone Silverthorne

The diverse terrain spread across three peaks at Keystone Resort make the resort a favorite ski destination for locals and visitors alike. It is home to the largest resort in Summit County with night skiing. River Run village hosts festivals during weekends in the summer, most notably of which are the Bacon & Bourbon and Wine & Jazz. The lifts start turning after the winter season in June to provide access to the most challenging downhill mountain bike park around.

Silverthorne is appropriately referred to as “the gateway to Summit County”. Endless trail systems that are accessible yearround, easy access to i70, fly fishing and a revamped downtown area with trendy restaurants make it a great place to live or visit. The outlet mall is home to numerous familiar retail stores. Each month the town hosts a free, themed First Friday event intended for locals to enjoy live music, food and mingling with their fellow Summit County neighbors.