Mountain Lifestyle

Living in the Mountains

Discover the possibilities that open up for your family when you buy a mountain home in Colorado and decide to live in the Mountains whether part time or full time. Dreams really do come true here in Breckenridge. The mountain lifestyle doesn't disappoint.

I know a family that moved here from Texas within the last year. They have three school-aged children, one in elementary, middle, and high school. They wondered what the transition would be like for their family, leaving their friends and relatives behind. But it was more than they could have imagined. Their stress levels decreased, their activity increased, and their time together as a family became even more rich, hiking and skiing together all year. Not only that, they were welcomed into a hospitable community and school network where their kids have thrived. They are so glad they made the move!

Work + Play In the Mountains

Imagine waking up early one weekday morning, grabbing a mocha at the local coffee shop on Main Street and the first chair at Beaver Run on Peak 9. You catch a few runs before your online morning meetings and then join someone in town for lunch. You even hit the slopes again together before the shadows creep in. Then you head to town for apres with friends before coming home for dinner with the family. Sounds like an ideal day! But it can be your norm. Just a regular day of working and playing in the mountains.

Life as a Second Home Owner in the Mountains

Breckenridge is filled with many second home owners who want a place to vacation and spend the holidays as a family. Imagine making memories together every holiday season in a place that literally feels like home, enjoying a special meal, relaxing in the hot tub, or gathering around the fire after a big day of adventure in the outdoors. Some second home owners buy a place as an investment property and hire a property management company to rent out their condo or home while they are away. Others prefer the privacy of "keeping it to themselves." There are many second home owners who live here seasonally, either for the winter or summer. It is easy to find friends who can resonate with a transient, active lifestyle, looking for outdoor adventures and scenic views.

Mountain Weather + Climate

The weather in Breckenridge and surrounding towns in Summit County is ideal for being outdoors. We enjoy over 300 days of sunshine which keeps sprits high. The dry climate and lack of humidity allow the temperatures to feel more moderate. When you live here, you can pick all the bluebird days to downhill ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or cross-country ski in the winter. During the summer months, you can join a friend to paddle board on the lake or hike or mountain bike along our endless trails. "What did you do today?" is a frequent question your friends may ask - that's great positive peer pressure to get outside and stay active.

Dining in Breckenridge + Retail 

Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Keystone offer exquisite and fun dining experiences for the whole family. We have high-end date night spots like The Hearthstone and Ember as well as family-friendly casual local favorites like Downstairs at Erics or the Dillon Dam Brewery. The community rallies around local businesses, and so we frequently recommend these spots to friends and visitors:

Breckenridge and Summit County Schools

The school system in Summit County is superb.

Public Schools: 

Private Schools and Independent Learning: 

Transportation in Summit County

It is easy to get around Summit County, with or without your own transportation. While the towns in Summit County are 5-15 miles apart, no one ever minds driving, as the 360 views are spectacular.

Things to Do + Activities

There is ALWAYS something fun to do in the mountains, either with friends and family or on your own. 

Ski Resorts - We are one of the only places in the country where you can access 6 resorts within a one-hour radius. These world-class ski resorts like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper not only have the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding, but they offer other activities like tubing, night-skiing, fine dining, concerts, festivals and ice-skating.

Outdoor Trails - We have several paid groomed Nordic trails in Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, and Copper, but there are countless trails for cross-country skiing and backcountry runs in the winter. The National Forest Service and towns build and maintain trails for downhill mountain biking and hiking during the summer. The best resource for finding trails is the AllTrails App for your phone. 

Frisco and Dillon Marina - For boating and water enthusiasts, the Marina is the summer highlight in Summit County. You can dock your own boat at the marina or charter a pontoon. Most locals own their own sets of inflatable paddle boards and kayaks to get on the water. And the beach area at the Frisco Marina is a perfect place for a family picnic any day of the week!

Concerts, Art Galleries, and Festivals - During the summer it's easy to hop from one resort or Main Street to another to experience the fun, food, and live music at festivals each weekend! Festivals like the Wine + Jazz Festival in Keystone, the Cider Circus at Copper Mountain, or OktoberFest on Breckenridge Main Street draw crowds from around the country, but are always fun to attend with a local group of great friends.

Golf Courses in Summit County - Summit County boasts five championship golf courses. Playing golf 9,000 feet above sea level does make the game more fun. Your golf ball will go 10-15 percent farther at this altitude, and the scenery surrounding Breckenridge golf courses is spectacular. There are a wide-range of top-ranked public golf courses near Breckenridge, Colorado. Looking for the Best Golf Courses in Summit County? Breckenridge Golf Course, The Raven at Three Peaks - Silverthorne Golf Course, Keystone Ranch Golf Course, The River Course At Keystone, Copper Creek Golf Club,