Summer in Summit County
Summer Real Estate Market Update
Summer is always the busiest time of the year for the Summit County Real Estate market but this year has put all past Summers to shame. The number of Sold homes in June are up over 50% from last year and the average price per square foot is up over 16% from last year. We are seeing this trend across the country but here in Summit County it doesn't mean you cannot find your Mountain Home this summer. In fact, there's more new listings than ever before but they are selling just as fast as they hit the market. What does that mean for you? You have more opportunities than ever to find a home in your budget but you need three things: mortgage pre-approval so you can be the first to make an offer, a local Realtor on the ground ready to preview homes for you the day they go live, and willingness to present a clean but flexible offer.
Now let's talk about what make's Summer in the Mountains so special.
I have been living in the Colorado Mountains for 6+ years and Summit County for over 4 years, us locals quickly learn the meaning of the adage "you move here for the winter but you stay here for the summer". While our winter sports are some of the best in the country and you can't beat the feeling of walking down the snowy Frisco Main Street, but after a long winter, Summit County's perfect summer climate is a welcome relief. With an average temperature of 74 degrees throughout July and about 245 days of sunshine per year we really hit the sweet spot.
What's there to do in Summer?
Concerts at Lake Dillon Amphitheater
My personal favorite! In 2018 the town of Dillon completed the long awaited remodel of the Dillon Amphitheater and it is now one of the most beautiful places to see live music in the country. Concerts typically start around 6 or 7 PM allowing a remarkable view of the sun setting behind Buffalo Mountain contrasted by Lake Dillon and your favorite performer. This venue continues to book more prominent performers such as The String Cheese Incident, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, and Del Mccoury. While Dillon Amp doesn't yet have the same notability as nearby Red Rocks, it is just as beautiful and significantly more intimate. Not only that but there are free concerts almost every week throughout the Summer. Check the schedule here: https://dillonamphitheater.com/
(When you see me at a show, come say hello and I'll buy you a beer!)
My fiancé Shauna and I waiting for String Cheese Incident to begin last week
Hiking
This one may seem pretty obvious but we have some of the most beautiful hikes in the state for every difficulty. Our very own Quandary Peak is one of Colorado's 54 "14'ers" and is a great starting point for your first of that list. Located 20 minutes south of Breckenridge is the Quandary trailhead, start early and bring lot's of water. For an easier hike, try Rainbow or Lilly Pad Lake. My personal favorite is Mount Royal which towers above Frisco, this is a short but very difficult hike which is great for a cardio workout before house hunting with me or hitting one of our brewerys.
Mount Royal, Frisco. Once you get to the Summit, traverse the ridge to the east for this lookout point.
Did somebody say "brewery"?
Yes! Summit County is home to 9 amazing craft brewers. In Breckenridge you will find Broken Compass brewing which is a great stop on your bike ride from Frisco. Additionally, we have the nationally distributed Breckenridge Brewery and Pub located in it's original Main Street home. My personal favorite is Highside Brewing in Frisco but if you're hungry I highly recommend The Bakers' Brewery in Silverthorne for both delicious food and drinks.
Let's not forget a shoutout to the two distilleries in Summit County, Breckenridge Distillery and the newly opened Rising Sun Distillery.
Check out this massive 3LB plate of Nacho's at Dillon Dam Brewery. I recommend the "Here's your Dam IPA"
Bike down Vail Pass
A fun family activity can be had by shuttling bikes to the top of Vail Pass, from there it's an easy downhill ride back to Frisco on the dedicated recreation pathway. You will cruise by Copper Mountain before winding through 10-Mile Canyon. You will need to park one car with bikes at the top of Vail Pass and one car near Frisco Main Street, or call a local bike shop to enlist their professional bike shuttle drivers. Take a look at the video below from Pioneer Sports.
https://www.pioneersportscolorado.com/rentals/bikes/vail-pass-shuttle/
Boating and water sports on Lake Dillon
The towns of Dillon and Frisco have some geographical advantage for summer fun due to their locations bordering Lake Dillon. Both towns have marinas and a respective tiki bar to go with each. Both marinas have boat rentals ranging from paddle boards and kayaks all the way to a boat for you and your friends. Due to the cold water temperature swimming, wake boarding and water skiing are not allowed on Lake Dillon but Frisco Marina has a great beach where you can get your feet wet!
White Water Rafting
The nearby towns of Buena Vista and Salida offer more rafting options than you can count for a quick day trip. As one of the most popular rafting locations in Colorado you will have your pick of guides and you will be back home in Summit County in time for Dinner. For a more adventurous half-day trip, try the Lower Blue River in Silverthorne with KODI Rafting. If you have young children or just want a tame day on the water opt for the Upper Colorado River.
https://whitewatercolorado.com/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=Organic
Fly Fishing
Summit County is all about the Blue River and there are plenty of great spots to cast your line. I'm not a fisherman personally but checkout "The Steps" near the Breckenridge Recreation Center or along the Lower Blue River near the Silverthorne outlet malls. If you want to catch rather than fish, hire a local guide to take you through "Jurassic Park" on a drift boat.
Summer Concerts and Festivals
I already mentioned the great concerts at the Dillon Amphitheater but we can't forget to mention the free concerts every Thursday at the Frisco town park, First Friday of the month in Silverthorne at Rainbow Park, and Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. For events our resorts host a little of everything the Breckenridge Wine Classic, Oktoberfest, and even a Mac and Cheese Festival in Copper Mountain.
One of my favorite events is the Frisco BBQ Festival but due to fear over COVID-19, that festival's future is unclear. Let's hope to see it in 2022!
Traditional Oktoberfest outfits are a must.
Thank you for reading, let me know your favorite Summertime mountain activities.
If you're ready to start your search for a Mountain Home please reach out or start searching the most up to date listings on my website here.
If you don't know where to start or if you want some more detailed information please reach out to me at 303-907-9129.
Tucker Zimmerman
Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Cell: (303)-907-9129