More Than a Vacation
Every year, visitors come to Summit County for a week of skiing or summer hiking. Some never quite shake the feeling they get here—the clarity of mountain air, the pace of life oriented around seasons and weather, the community of people who prioritize experiences over possessions.
For many, that vacation eventually becomes a relocation. The adventure lifestyle that draws visitors becomes a way of life.
What Defines the Mountain Lifestyle
Living in a mountain community means organizing life around outdoor pursuits. Workdays end early when powder dumps overnight. Summer schedules flex around hiking windows and afternoon thunderstorms. Neighbors plan social gatherings around trail conditions.
- Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
- Spring offers mud season adventures and early hiking
- Summer provides hiking, biking, fishing, and festival season
- Fall delivers spectacular colors and uncrowded trails
The Community Connection
Mountain towns attract people who share similar values—appreciation for nature, willingness to trade convenience for quality of life, and enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits. This creates tight-knit communities where strangers become friends on chairlifts and trailheads.
This adventure-oriented lifestyle extends beyond Colorado's mountains. Coastal communities share similar values, where life organizes around waves and weather. Sites like capture this same spirit—the aloha lifestyle of surfing communities mirrors what we experience here in the Rockies. Different terrain, same appreciation for nature's rhythms.
Adventure Activities in Summit County
Winter Adventures
- World-class skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain
- Backcountry skiing and splitboarding
- Snowmobiling through pristine wilderness
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Ice skating on frozen lakes
Summer Adventures
- Hiking fourteeners and alpine trails
- Mountain biking on legendary trails
- Fishing in high country streams and reservoirs
- Whitewater rafting nearby
- Rock climbing and mountaineering
Making the Move
Transitioning from visitor to resident requires planning. Mountain living comes with trade-offs: higher cost of living, limited career options, challenging winters. But for those who prioritize outdoor access, the trade-offs prove worthwhile.
Many newcomers start with seasonal jobs or remote work arrangements, testing the lifestyle before committing fully. Others visit repeatedly over years before finally making the move permanent.
Experience It Yourself
Curious about the mountain lifestyle? Start by experiencing what Summit County offers. A snowmobile tour through backcountry terrain, a summer hike above treeline, an evening in Breckenridge watching the sunset paint the peaks—these experiences help you understand what draws people here.
Whether you visit for a week or decide to make the mountains home, the adventure lifestyle awaits.