While Summit County offers all types of lodging — from low-end to high-end — it’s the ski-in, ski-out condos and homes that make ski vacations much more relaxing.
Breckenridge Ski Area, Keystone Resort and Copper Mountain Resort all offer a variety of ski-in, ski-out lodging that is definitely top-notch. (Other condos within the resorts are situated only a short walk - or sometimes, a free shuttle away- from chairlifts.)
Close-in lodging provides the greatest flexibility for families and friends to ski and grab a bite to eat on their own schedules. Once you decide which ski area you want to stay at, a simple web search of the resort’s site will point you in the right direction. However, some details to pay attention to include not only price, but also distance from lifts, amenities (like hot tubs and pools) and age of the property. (Be sure to ask whether or not your unit has been remodeled; some were built in the 1970s and have been refurbished, while others haven’t. There are also plenty of newer luxury condos and townhomes near the base of each mountain.)
For an unforgettable experience, check into the newly opened Crystal Peak Lodge in Breckenridge. Located on the base of Peak 7, it’s considered “beachfront” living and offers just about every amenity imaginable. One Ski Hill Place is another luxury resort, opening in 2010.
Copper Mountain Resort has the second newest and most luxurious lodging in Summit County and is definitely worth a look. For instance, The Cache, located in the quiet neighborhood of Union Creek, is just a 5-minute walk from a high-speed lift and provides outdoor hot tubs and beautiful stone fireplaces in every unit. Cirque is even a step above Cache, with French colonial décor, gourmet kitchens, an outdoor pool, hot tubs and more.
Keystone’s River Run Village is the resort’s newest lodging development, built in the 1990s. River Run Village sees a bit more action than any of the Breckenridge and Copper luxury properties — visitors mill about both day and night, enjoying the restaurants, bars and shops in the village.
Of course, if savings is what you are looking for, all of the towns and resorts in Summit County — including Dillon, Frisco and Silverthorne — are dotted with comfortable and reasonable condos and hotels.
Photo courtesy of Keystone Resort - VRMC (Vail Resorts Management Company)
