So, you want to ski the famed Summit County, Colorado but you’re not quite sure where to start. Planning a big ski trip can be a bit overwhelming with all the factors that come into play: booking travel, picking a resort, figuring out lodging and navigating everything in between. Summit County, Colorado, home to world-class resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone, is a pinnacle destination for North American skiers and as such, can be one of those intimidating places if you’re not used to the ins and outs of ski travel. Fear not. We’re here to tell you that with some relatively light planning, it can be an easy one to plan and and even simpler to execute.
Summit County’s popularity is thanks largely in part to its convenient proximity to Denver International Airport. The towns here sits at over 9,000 feet, meaning they get an abundance of light and dry snow, along with a ski season that often stretches from late October into mid April (and sometimes beyond). Read through this handy guide as we break down everything else you need to know to plan and execute a stoke-laden ski trip to this winter playground.
Getting There
With non-stop service from over 200 destinations, Denver International Airport ranks fourth among U.S. airports in terms of the most direct flights. Summit County’s top resorts are less than two hours from DIA, making it possible to land in Denver and ski on the same day. Once there, renting a car at the airport is an easy option but with uncertain winter driving conditions in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, we recommend renting a four-wheel- or all-wheel-drive rig for your adventure. From the airport, Summit County is due west on Interstate 70. Along the way, you’ll find numerous grocery, liquor and super stores if you want to stock up on goods at lower prices than what you’ll find in the mountains.
If you don’t feel like driving, shuttle services like Epic Mountain Express offer both private and shared door-to-door service from the airport to your Summit County base camp. The Colorado Department of Transportation also runs the Snowstang bus service which you can jump on at Denver’s Union station after a quick ride on the light rail from DIA. Once you’ve reached Summit County, getting around is easy thanks to the free Summit Stage bus system, which offers service between Breckenridge, Keystone, Silverthorne, Frisco and more.
Bringing or Renting Skis
Deciding whether to rent equipment or bring your own sticks is always a tough call. Your daily drivers might be great at your local mountain, but you’re likely better served by wider-wasted skis if you’re coming to Colorado for some powder hunting.
If you do bring your own equipment, most airlines allow you to count a ski bag and a boot bag as a single checked bag, as long as the combined weight is under the single bag limit (usually 50 lbs). DIA has an oversized bag pickup for skis but be forewarned that it can take a while to come out after the regular luggage.
Shuttle services are well-equipped to transport your skis to your destination. If going the rental car route, some agencies offer ski racks for an additional fee but you should be sure to inquire in advance or you’ll need to ensure you have a rental car large enough to fit your skis inside.
A new alternative to bringing your own equipment is My Epic Gear. With a $50 membership fee you can skip the rental line, reserve in advance for $55 per day and choose from the latest skis like the Atomic Bent series, Nordica Enforcer line or one of the new Rossignol Sender Souls. Bring your own boots or slide into the latest boots with personalized insoles from My Epic Gear. The best part is that this equipment can also be delivered to your Summit County lodging or picked up and dropped off slopeside at Breckenridge or Keystone.
Exploring the Mountains
Breckenridge is a true mountain town and one of the most visited ski resorts in the world. Spread across five peaks that reach more than 10,000 feet, Breck has nearly 3,000 skiable acres. From the long cruisers of Peak 7 and 8 to the more technical, high-alpine zones like Lake Chutes and the legendary Freeway terrain park and pipe, there is terrain to suit everyone’s tastes at Breck.
Just across the valley sits Keystone, Summit County’s largest ski resort with more than 3,000 lift-accessed acres of Rocky Mountain bliss, including 550 acres that are accessed via the new Bergman Express lift. The resort’s terrain spans three peaks and also is home to the legendary A51 terrain park. Whether you’re sending massive airs, digging trenches on Dercum Mountain’s groomers, exploring the glades of The Outback or heading out to the steeps of Erickson Bowl, Keystone offers a plethora of terrain for all skier types and levels. If you’re not quite ready to hang it up when the sun sets, the resort also features Colorado’s largest night skiing operation.
The size of both Breck and Keystone can be a bit intimidating if you’re not used to skiing at large resorts. Thankfully, the layouts allow first-timers to break the resorts down into more manageable chunks. By sticking to one peak at a time, it is easier to get your bearings and familiarize yourself with the runs and lifts before moving on to the next peak or zone. We recommend starting with Peak 7 or 8 at Breckenridge and either Dercum Mountain or North Peak at Keystone.
For either resort, you’ll want to download the My Epic app in advance. The app can act as a mobile pass or lift ticket and is loaded with helpful features like interactive trail maps, real-time lift line updates and info on which trails have been recently groomed. The app also allows you to track your stats—like how many vertical feet you’ve skied—and a Find My Friends feature making it easier to sync up on the hill.
If you’d prefer to have a little help exploring, you have options. Both resorts offer world-class ski and ride schools. Join a group lesson or book a private one and allow instructors that know every inch of the resort to guide you around for a full or half day. Plus, both Breckenridge and Keystone offer free on-mountain naturalist tours every Friday via a partnership with the nonprofit Friends of the Dillon Ranger District. This Ski with a Ranger program offers one-hour tours, led by trained rangers, through beginner and intermediate terrain. Skiing with a ranger is a great way to get to know the terrain while also learning about the region’s geography, history and local flora and fauna.
Picking the Best Lodging
A good night’s sleep is vital to getting the most out fo your trip and there’s no shortage of lodging options in Summit County. Airbnb and Vrbo allow you to check out different types of properties in Breckenridge, Keystone, Siverthorne, Dillon, Frisco and more (don’t forget to filter by “hot tub” inclusions). In Breckenridge and Keystone, Epic Pass holders can use their Epic Mountain Rewards to get 20% off homes, condos, hotels and bed and breakfasts. Below are a few placed we’d recommend.
Silverthorne
The Hotel Indigo is located in the heart of town, right next to Silverthorne Station, where buses regularly depart for the Summit County ski resorts. The property features traditional hotel rooms along with suites with full kitchens. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, fitness center and on-site ski shop. The Kucu restaurant serves upscale Southwestern cuisine with an extensive tequila menu.
The Pad is a hospitality concept on the shores of the Blue River. Inspired by hostel living abroad, The Pad offers eight unique room types ranging from shared dorms to micro rooms to a variety of private rooms and even rooms in full-sized shipping containers. The on-site A-Bar has 26 taps flowing and food is served up from local food trucks Wednesday through Sunday.
Keystone
The Keystone Lodge and Spa is located in the resort’s Lakeside Village—easily accessed via a short bus ride or the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. The hotel features two restaurants and a spa, but what sets it apart is the heated outdoor pool and amenities. Recovery is key after a long day on the hill and the hotel’s indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sauna and steam room will help you to relax and rejuvenate.
The Ski Tip Lodge bed and breakfast is a real throwback and its history can be traced back to the 1860s. Don’t let the property’s age fool you—recently updated rooms, award-winning dining and amenities like a roaring guest-only fireplace, and hot tub access provide all the creature comforts you’d expect.
Breckenridge
Located at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place is Breckenridge’s most convenient (and swanky) ski-in/ski-out property. With rooms that range from studios to four-bedroom condos, the hotel can accommodate any size group, just steps from a number of lifts. Amenities include the Rejuvenation Center Spa, workout facility, two indoor pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a steam room and even a two-lane bowling alley.
The Gravity Haus is another ski-in/ski-out option, located at the base of Peak 9 in downtown Breck. With accommodations that range from sprawling king rooms to bunk rooms for you and your crew, this is much more than a hotel. Gravity Haus is all about fostering community and raising the stoke for outdoor adventure. They offer an on-site co-working space, dryland fitness center, an outdoor trampoline and backcountry trips and other excursions. Last but not least, be sure to check out their Japanese-inspired Onsen, complete with dry sauna as well as hot tubs and cold plunge overlooking the Blue River.
Choosing the Best Places to Eat & drink
Shredding all day will surely work up an appetite. Summit County’s culinary scene is full of both old standards and newcomers that deliver in spades when it comes to delicious dinner and libations. While Yelp can give you a sense of what locals and visitors like and dislike in the area, we’ve compiled a list of our own top spots for grub and drinks in Summit County.
Breckenridge
The T-Bar, slopeside at the base of Peak 8, is a great spot for lunch and a must-do for après. This lively bar and restaurant has plenty of indoor seating but when the weather is good, the patio is the place to be. Work on your goggle tan on while you snack on apps, burgers, sandwiches and more. If you’re really feeling the vibe, you can order up the 4-shot party ski to cap off a long day on the hill.
At the base of the Independence Superchair at Peak 7, you’ll find The Coop. Hard to miss once once your nose catches wind of their famous fried chicken, The Coop is a window-serviced hut where you can rest and refuel without even unbuckling your boots. The perfect meeting place for a group to reconvene for a quick warm-up, The Coop is a must stop on your next trip to Breck.
Kenosha Breck, located on Main Street, is the place for steaks, barbeque and draft beers in the heart of Breckenridge. This place prides itself on its exhaustive list of rotating beers, ciders and more on tap. If you don’t have the appetite to tackle their 24 oz Porterhouse, the jalapeno cheddar bison brats are a good option. With killer Happy Hour specials, Kenosha holds it down for après as well.
Fatty’s Pizzeria is the town’s oldest pizzeria and has been serving up pies since 1975. Fatty’s is housed in a historic building just up the hill from Main Street and is a Breckenridge institution. With 21 TVs, this is the spot to catch live sports in town. Beyond delicious pizzas and salads, check out the Loaded Potato Scoops and Chicken or Eggplant Parm entrees or sandwiches.
Keystone
The Lakeside Cafe is the perfect stop between the parking lot and Keystone gondola. Pop in for a quick coffee and pastry on your way to lift or snag one of their grab-and-go lunch offerings to stuff in your pocket for later. The Cafe is a perfect meeting spot to circle up your crew for the first run of the day or reconvene for a midday lunch.
9280′ Sake House is an easily accessible full service restaurant located in River Run Village, a short walking distance from the public parking and bus drop-off area. Serving up Asian Style ramen, rice and even poke bowls, the Sake House has an array of unique menu offerings that are not commonly found at the base of ski resort. Stop by for happy hour and don’t miss weekly Trivia Night on Fridays from 5-7pm.
Kickapoo Tavern in River Run Village is a short walk from the Gondola and has been the top spot for Keystone après since 1995. Whether tossing back shot-skis with your crew or watching live sports, Kickapoo offers a lively atmosphere. Highlights on the menu include their Jumbo Wings, Buffalo Chicken Ranch Tots and the River Run Burger.
Nowhere Pizza and Pub is located in Keystone’s Lakeside Village. Beyond delicious food and drinks, Nowhere features a roaring fire, foosball, a pool table and a wide selection of board games. There are some seriously creative pies on the menu but the non-pizza standouts are the Cheesy Bread Sticks and Dry Rub Wings. If you’re brave enough to try a signature absinthe cocktail, it’s probably best not to wager any money on the pool table.
Silverthorne
Located in downtown Silverthorne overlooking the Blue River, Sauce on the Blue is your best bet for Italian fare in town. While the dining room is anchored by an impressive rustic wood back bar that nearly reaches the ceiling, dining in one of their outdoor yurts is a unique treat. Menu standouts include Organic Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Penne alla Gorgonzola and the Colorado Choice Lamb Sirloin. Finally, don’t sleep on their extensive whiskey list that features everything from Beam to Pappy.
Bluebird Market in downtown Silverthorne is a chef-driven food hall with crepe, pizza, empanada and ice cream concepts among others. In the middle of the hall, the Upslope Brewery bar is serving up beers, hard seltzers and their cocktail-inspired Hard Sippers. The market was built around the historic Old Dillon Inn which still stands within the four walls of Bluebird Market. With on-site arcade games and the attached four-story PlayGarten indoor playground, Bluebird Market is perfect for families.
The flakes are flying in Colorado, meaning there’s no time like the present to plan that ski trip you’ve been putting off. Now that you’re armed with the travel, gear, mountain, lodging and town details, it’ is time to get planning to make your first trip to ski the famed Summit County slopes a reality’s time to go. One last tip: make sure to stay hydrated as you adjust to the altitude and get ready to take on Summit County like a true pro!
