Summit County Colorado A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET ANNA LECUYER Contact Anna: +1-650-595-2846
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Anna LeCuyer, owner of a 3-bedroom condo in Summit County, Colorado. This is a ski lovers' paradise, with places like Breckenridge and Keystone just a short drive away!
Anna can be contacted via any of the above options for more information about the area, pricing, and availability.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR If someone asked me to capture the vacation rental industry in one word, I'd answer in an instant: Personality. It's about real people who own homes that reflect themselves. Granted, it's not always the case. Many owners have little connection with a place beyond the title deed. But, at its best, the vacation rental industry oozes heart and soul. There's no need for forced marketing speak and created stories. The words flow as a consequence of a very real and genuine personality. And so it is with Anna LeCuyer, owner and insider, who owns a 3-bedroom condo in Summit County, CO. A story of family and tradition, of connection, backed by years of accumulated area knowledge.
E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
This makes Anna one of those owners who you instantly recognize as warm and personal. Take a few minutes to read some of her VRBO reviews. As one guest said.. "After visiting via telephone and email with Anna, you come away feeling that you have gained a new friend". There is little more to be said. But, actually there is! Anna's insider knowledge is better than any guidebook. Allow her to take you on a tour of Summit County's treasures. Invest the time you save on relaxing and recharging. Happy reading!
MEET ANNA & THE REAL SUMMIT COUNTY... I didn’t learn to ski until I was 23, which proves that you don't have to start skiing young to love it! In 1996, I joined my husband Nick’s family’s longstanding tradition of spending Christmas skiing at Copper Mountain. Since then we have been season pass holders! We moved to the Denver Metro area in 2008 and it didn’t take long for us to decide to purchase a ski home. Our mountain home was our weekend place — only 90 minutes from Denver. We could escape to the mountains after dinner on Friday night and return on Sunday. It was a wonderful way to spend time together with our children and extended family. The panoramic view of the Continental Divide across to the Tenmile Range is stunning. You truly feel you can touch the mountains outside! Our home at the top of Wildernest is incredible, so very quiet and peaceful, and yet only 20 minutes' drive to the slopes! When we moved to Northern California in 2012 we sold our Denver home, but kept our Summit County home. Rather than leave it empty for most of the year, we chose to open our home for guests to enjoy. Any season of the year, Summit County has so many things to do. You will want to visit again and again! Winter offers world-class winter sports. You are able to go ice skating, tubing, cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling and of course Alpine skiing.
With four down-hill ski resorts to choose from in Summit County, plus 3 more in neighboring counties, you can pick one or choose to experience a different resort everyday. Our personal favorite for downhill skiing is Copper Mountain. The terrain is nicely divided on ability level, and the lift lines tend to be shorter than other areas. Keystone caters to families, while Breckenridge is one of the largest ski areas in North America. Arapahoe Basin is famous for some of the highest altitude skiing in North America, and is frequently running through to Fourth of July. In the summer, you are able to experience all types of hikes. Whether you prefer challenging summit accents of Fourteeners, or leisurely strolls through meadows of wildflowers, Summit County has it. Golf, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking are additional choices. The activity centers at Breckenridge and Copper are open in the summer, allowing kids (and kids at heart) to zip-line, bungee trampoline, ride the alpine slide, race Go-Karts or get sopping wet in the bumper boats. Breckenridge and Frisco have bustling Main Streets. It's a pleasure to people watch, window shop and have a bite to eat. You'll have your choice of great restaurants. For shoppers, don't miss the Outlets at Silverthorne. There are numerous shops with lots of great deals. Stop by the visitor's center to pick up a discount card. No matter the season you are sure to find something to your liking in Summit County!
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...
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Boreas Pass...
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Frisco Historic Park and Museum...
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Kayaking on Lake Dillon...
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Lily Pad Lake...
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Sugar Lips Mini Donuts...
Enjoy the scenic drive along Boreas Pass and get a history lesson on the significance of the late 1880’s Summit County railroads. A narrow gravel road takes you from Breckenridge to the Continental Divide. For the energetic, this is a beautiful bike ride. There are several hikes along the route. In summer, wildflowers line the road and meadows. The fall color is spectacular. The pass closes during the winter. Allow at least a half-day for the drive. For more info this website gives a good overview.
Take a trip back in time at the Frisco Historic Park and Museum. Enjoy strolling through the old log buildings and learn what it was like to live in Frisco in the late 1800s. The summer outdoor concert series is held at the Historic Park Gazebo. Once you've finished your self guided tour, head back outside and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on Main Street. I always enjoy the Boatyard American Grill which has something for everyone on the menu!
It's a memorable experience to be out on the water and spot the bald eagle's nest. You can explore several little islands and have a stoneskipping contest. The water is calmest in the early morning. Rent kayaks or canoes from the Frisco Bay Marina to get the best views on the lake. Or, if you prefer, Kayak Lake Dillon offers informative guided kayak tours. If you're not comfortable being out there on your own, their tours are a great option (but it is a lot of fun on your own!)
No matter the season, you'll enjoy this well-used and easy family hike. The Lily Pad Lake trail-head is located at the top of Wildernest, about a quarter mile from our condo. In the summer, pick wild strawberries and identify the beautiful wildflowers. In winter, enjoy the quiet serenity among the trees. We’ve used snowshoes in winter, but the trail is typically packed out enough that hiking boots are sufficient. It's a fantastic experience that we're sure you'll love!
Nothing is better than having donuts made to order. And no better place than Sugar Lips! Watch the batter sizzle as it drops into the oil and see your donuts turn golden brown. Order the classics - powdered or cinnamon sugar - or add your choice of toppings. The shop is located in Center Village at Copper Mountain next to West Lake, where you can enjoy ice skating in winter or bumper boats in summer. Whatever the season, don't miss these donuts!
5 ACTIVITIES WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE..
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Downhill Skiing... Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Loveland Basin are the closest (20 minutes' drive). Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge are both about 30 minutes' drive. Vail, Beaver Creek and Ski Cooper are each about 45 minutes' drive. Copper is our favorite!
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Nordic/Cross Country Skiing... For a change of pace, and to use different muscles, head to one of the Nordic centers. Keep in mind you should dress in lighter layers than you would for downhill. You'll be able to enjoy cross country skiing on groomed tracks in Frisco, Keystone, or Breckenridge.
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Silverthorne Recreation Center... Don't miss a vacation workout! Head to the Silverthorne Rec Center. We love the 20 foot water-slide - an unexpected treat! Athletic family members swim laps, while thrill seeking members of the family can slide into the 10 foot pool and youngest can play in the kiddie pool kept at 91-93 degrees F.
Snowshoeing...
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Whether you are looking for an easy hike on a well-worn path or blazing a trail in fresh snow, it's great fun to strap on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy the outdoors. Several of the resorts offer snowshoe tours; we like the free tours at Copper Mountain.
Tubing... The entire family will enjoy tubing, a not-to-be-missed experience. The runs are much longer than a sledding hill and, depending on conditions, you can go very fast! Every person has his/her own tube, but you can form groups with multiple people and go together. Copper Mountain, Keystone and Frisco all have tubing hills. Our family likes the Frisco Adventure Park. During peak holiday times, reservations are encouraged.
Anna's OUTDOOR TIPS... Depending on where you are in Summit County, the elevation is between 8,000-14,000 feet. If you are coming from sea level, give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dress appropriately for the outdoors. For downhill skiing, dress in layers. Start with a moisture wicking base layer. Down is a great insulator and is great as a mid layer. A waterproof ski jacket will cut the wind and keep you dry if it's snowing. It's great to have gloves or mittens with hand warmer pockets for very cold days.
ANNA'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... The area has a number of options depending on your needs. Below is Anna’s very own condo, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up drop her a line and let her know. She'll certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Anna’s Very Own...
Enjoy the amazing mountain view, while sitting cozily by the fireplace. Located at the top of Wildernest, in Silverthorne, CO, this is a comfortable 3 bed, 3 bath condo for 8 guests to relax. Swim in the clubhouse pool or soak in the hot tubs. Quiet, with one of the best panoramic views in Summit County, yet within 20 minutes' drive of world class skiing. For more information please refer to Anna's website...
Anna Suggests Frisco Inn on Galena...
A friendly family-operated European-style B&B hotel in downtown Frisco. Well recommended if you are looking for a full-service mountain experience as opposed to a home rental experience. They fix the breakfast so you don't have to! Remodeled and redecorated in 2010, the Inn has 15 rooms, with stunning mountain views, WiFi, TV, and other modern amenities. For more information please refer to the Frisco Inn website...
Anna Suggests Timber Ridge 321...
This cozy 3 bedroom 3 bathroom home sleeps 9. Sit by the fire and enjoy the panoramic view. Head over to the clubhouse to play a game of pool, soak in the hot tubs or swim in the pool. Easy driving distance to Keystone, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin. For more information please refer to Timber Ridge VRBO listing...
ANNA'S AREA Practicalities Winter Driving...
Summit Stage Bus...
Groceries...
There is a lot of snowfall here in the winter, often very heavy. The Colorado Dept of Transportation and local governments do a great job with road maintenance, but still when there is a blizzard there will be snow and ice on the roads. Slow down, take it easy and you'll be fine. As usual, common sense should prevail!
The Summit Stage is the free bus system. It's much quicker to have your own transportation, but you (or your teenagers) can get around the county on the Summit Stage as well. It can be fun to take the bus into Breckenridge or Frisco to have dinner out without needing to drive there yourself.
The closest and least expensive grocery store is the City Market in Dillon. This is a Kroger owned chain. Safeway and Whole Foods are located in Frisco. Staple items can also be picked up at Target in Silverthorne, or from Walmart in Frisco. Don't worry about finding your favorite ingredients.
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