ROCKY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

Clear Creek County Offices
405 Argentine Street
Georgetown 303-697-2300
https://www.clearcreekcounty.us

Eagle County Offices
500 Broadway
Eagle 970-328-8605
Toll free 800-225-6136
www.eaglecounty.us

Summit County Offices
208 East Lincoln
Breckenridge 970-668-9160
https://www.summitcountyco.gov

Clear Creek Chamber of Commerce
613 Sixth Street
Georgetown 303-569-2888

Eagle Valley Chamber of Commerce
100 Fairgrounds Road
Eagle 970-328-5220
http://townofeagle.org/index.aspx?nid=84

Summit County Chamber of Commerce
916 North Summit Boulevard
Frisco 970-668-2051
Toll free 800-530-3099
www.summitchamber.org

Surrounded by the rarified beauty of the Rocky Mountains west of Denver are enchanting communities that range from the historic Idaho Springs to internationally famous ski resorts such as Vail or Beaver Creek. While the year-round population continues to grow, many Denver metro residents maintain second homes or vacation cabins in the scenic higher elevations of Summit, Eagle, and Clear Creek Counties.

The international ski industry centered around Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge—and nearby Aspen and Steamboat Springs—are the primary drivers of the local economy. Before the snow flies, millions of dollars of revenue are derived from recreational activities like boating, vacationing, fishing and big-game hunting. Each community offers a distinct strength, from sparkling Lake Dillon to Silverthorne’s shopping mecca or Idaho Springs’ historic treasures.

Services
Centrally located in the Rocky Mountains, the region is served by Interstate 70, offering quick and easy access to some of the nation’s most breathtaking scenery and spectacular recreational destinations. The topography varies from snow-capped mountains to rich and open ranch lands.

Eagle County, winner of the state’s “Best Run County Award,” leads the way in transportation efficiencies. The county’s award-winning $9 million passenger opened in 1997, accommodating a 73 percent increase in passengers in its first season and continually expanding its service area to new cities. The region also provides a network of bus services that link key destinations and cities.

Excellent schools, campuses for Colorado Mountain College, a state-of-the-art hospital in Vail, skilled medical personnel and the finest of emergency care are available in local communities. When the need arises for advanced care, the Denver metropolitan is nearby with nationally recognized medical centers, hospitals, research facilities, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care.

Lifestyle
The communities of Clear Creek, Eagle, and Summit Counties vary greatly in their atmosphere and cost of living. Whether you select a rustic cabin in the heart of a small town or build a multi-million-dollar mansion nestled against a Vail hillside, the Rocky Mountains provide a backdrop of unrivaled natural beauty at every turn.

Private clubs abound, but first-rate recreational amenities are equally accessible to all. Paved multi-purpose paths for jogging, biking, or in-line skating actually connect towns like Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Vale. Four-season recreational amenities are virtually beyond compare, set in nature’s own magnificence and finely polished to meet tourism demands.

These “Rocky Mountain” counties are experiencing rapid growth as residential enclaves, custom homes, resorts, and multi-family developments nestle in their valleys or climb dramatic hillsides. Hospitality demands have encouraged world-class amenities from cultural attractions to fine restaurants, state-of-the-art recreation centers, factory outlet shopping, and every imaginable sports facility. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, champion athletes, business owners, vacationers, ranchers, and retirees are just a few of the residents who enjoy the bounty of this region’s alpine splendor—either as a weekend getaway or a home for all seasons.

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Idaho Springs
Municipal Offices
303-567-4421
https://cityofidahosprings.colorado.gov

Chamber of Commerce
303-567-4660
800-882-5278
https://visitclearcreek.com

Just minutes west of Denver via Interstate 70, Idaho Springs is one of several small communities that preserves its historic heritage as an historic mining town. Unlike many former mining towns in Colorado, Idaho Springs never lost its architectural treasures to fire. Visitors ride the narrow gauge railroad, pan for gold at a working mine, horseback ride, downhill ski, fish in crystal streams, or drive the highest paved road in North America. Idaho Springs has harnessed the advantages of its location between the dynamic Denver metro area and world-class ski resorts to offer Victorian hotels, hot springs, shopping, and fine dining in addition to a myriad of recreational adventures. Permanent homes blend with vacation getaways in this scenic environment.


EAGLE COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Vail, Beaver Creek
Municipal Offices
970-479-2100
866-650-9020
www.vailgov.com

Chamber of Commerce
970-477-0075
www.vailchamber.org

The world-class ski resort and city of Vail anchor the area known as Vail Valley—home to several small communities and another celebrated resort, Beaver Creek. Both Vail and Beaver Creek rose to international fame after hosting the World Alpine Ski Championships, and show no signs of waning in popularity. During the peak seasons, the population more than doubles with visitors and vacationers. In recent decades, Vail Valley has emerged as a vacation and recreation destination for metro Denver residents as well as the world’s “rich and famous.” Exciting new golf courses combine with spectacular renovations like $9 million performing arts center, the Ford Amphitheater, where symphony orchestras from across the nation greet enthusiastic audiences. Beaver Creek, on the other hand, is the location of the $12 million Villar Performing Arts Center modeled after the Munich Opera House. The area’s charming alpine village atmosphere, meticulous landscaping, and magnificent housing selection create a paradise of natural and manmade beauty.

Eagle, Minturn
Eagle Municipal Offices
970-328-6354
www.townofeagle.org
Minturn Municipal Offices
970-827-5645
www.minturn.org

Chamber of Commerce
970-328-5220
http://eaglechamber.co

The small towns of Eagle and Minturn have managed to maintain a casual, rural, and understated atmosphere in spite of the upscale, sophisticated development in nearby Vail and Beaver Creek. Residents can stroll along quiet streets where neighbors greet each other and shopkeepers know their customers. Minturn is most famous for its farmer’s market, while Eagle serves as the county seat and center of governmental activity. While it’s true that their high-profile neighbors have transformed yesterday’s industries into today’s economic base of tourism and outdoor recreation, these communities prefer the “riches” of a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse or the colorful memories of mining and railroad days. Quaint shops, local businesses, and rural pleasures combine with the area’s geological wonders for a backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery.

SUMMIT COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Breckenridge
Municipal Offices
970-453-2251
www.townofbreckenridge.com

Chamber of Commerce
970-453-2913
www.gobreck.com

Listed as a ghost town as late as the 1950s, Breckenridge transformed dramatically with the discovery of “white gold” on the mountain slopes. The town’s own resort combines with Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin ski areas as first-rate attractions for Summit County. Breckenridge alone welcomes more than one million skiers each winter. Like many of the Rocky Mountain resort communities, Breckenridge is equally attractive in the summer months as a cool retreat. Biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, golfing, camping, and sailing are all possibilities. Blue River and its tributaries as well as Lake Dillon enrich the region with water sports. In the spirit of many of Colorado’s fine alpine resort towns, Breckenridge is experiencing the development of premier homesites—both single-family and multi-family.

Frisco, Dillon
Frisco Municipal Offices
970-668-5276
www.townoffrisco.com
Dillon Municipal Offices
970-262-3406
www.townofdillon.com

Chamber of Commerce
970-668-2051
800-530-3099
www.summitchamber.org

The unique town of Frisco is a study in contrasts, claiming the quiet charm of a mountain retreat and the bustle of activity associated with a major resort community. Encircled by the Arapahoe National Forest and bordered by beautiful Lake Dillon, Frisco is the geographic heart of Summit County and the home of the internationally renowned “Ski the Summit” resorts. Complementing its highly developed commercial corridors, the town serves as the hub of the county’s year-round, free transit service that links major ski resorts. The community of Dillon has grown up along the shores of the lake by the same name, boasting a new full-service marina that holds exciting weekend sailing regattas. Motor and sailboats are available for exploring the waters, fishing, or just relaxing in the sun. The surrounding expanse of national forest land offers an endless paradise of scenic backdrops for outdoor activity and adventure.

Silverthorne
Municipal Offices
970-262-7300
www.silverthorne.org

Chamber of Commerce
970-668-2051
800-530-3099
www.summitchamber.org

Touting itself as “the gateway to Summit County,” the community of Silverthorne is approximately an hour’s drive from Denver along Interstate 70. Incorporated in the 1960s, the town has literally “grown up” with the region’s tourism industry. Silverthorne’s close proximity to summer and winter recreational amenities makes it an ideal choice for a permanent or vacation home. The Ptarmigan & Eagles Nest Wilderness areas add to the possibilities for outdoor adventure, but many are drawn to Silverthorne for its retail treasures. The area serves as a mecca of name-brand factory stores that are well known for value and variety. The community’s beautiful 62,000 square-foot recreation center is available for use by residents and visitors alike.