Traveling to Summit County

HYDRATION: Symptoms of altitude sickness can be debilitating. We want everyone to be able to enjoy their long-awaited vacation to the high country. This is why we recommend taking precautions while becoming acclimated to the high alpine environment. To reduce the effects of altitude sickness, experts advise everyone in the high country to drink 3-4 quarts of water per day and make sure about 70% of your calories are coming from carbs. At 10,000 feet above sea level, the air is thin in oxygen and moisture content. Also, remember that caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics (meaning they dehydrate you).  If you choose to use them, we recommend going easy on both of these substances for the first couple of days in the high country in order to gauge how your body reacts to them in this environment. 

HEATING: Many properties in Summit County are equipped with radiant and/or baseboard heating.  While radiant heating is very efficient it can take many hours and sometimes overnight for the property to heat up after the thermostat has been adjusted.  We recommend making small adjustments and giving it several hours.  It is most comfortable if you keep the heat set between 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit.

SNOW PLOWING & SHOVELING: Driveways are plowed and decks/stairs/walkways shoveled when there is significant snowfall within a 24-hour period.  Snow removal may occur at different times of the day due to schedules, weather conditions, and priorities.  If your property has a garage, it is best to park inside the garage or on one side of the driveway if a storm is forecasted.  This will allow the plow driver to plow as much of the driveway as possible, if at all.  Most single-family homes and townhomes are equipped with snow shovels for guest use. Not all alternate decks/stairs will be shoveled on a regular basis. DO NOT park in roads as towing is enforced and/or you may be plowed in.

HIGH ALPINE ENVIRONMENT: All-wheel drive vehicles are always recommended in the winter due to variable conditions which may include heavy snow, ice, low-visibility and high winds.  We strongly recommend 4WD and AWD vehicles as properties in Summit County may not be easily accessible during or after storms with traditional 2WD vehicles. Snow and ice buildup is a constant challenge in Summit County. Please be aware that decks, stairs, entrances, sidewalks and patios may be slippery as ice-buildup occurs rapidly; use caution at all times. Slips and falls are a constant hazard. Be cautious of roof overhangs where snow and ice are likely to build up. 

GARAGES: If your property is equipped with a garage, please keep the garage and any interior utility room doors closed as the pipes may freeze and cause extensive damage. 

FIREWOOD: For properties with wood fireplaces and fire pits, it is the responsibility of the guest to provide their own firewood.  Firewood may be purchased at the Dillon City Market or Frisco Safeway. Please be aware that county-wide fire-bans may be in place which may restrict or prohibit the use of fire pits.

BBQS AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE/EQUIPMENT: BBQs, furniture and other outdoor equipment may not be accessible during late fall, winter, and early spring months.  We do our best to keep areas clear, but with over 30 feet of snowfall per season this is not always practical.  Hot tubs will remain open and clear year-round.

DRIVING: Driving during the winter months can be challenging. During winter storms, or when conditions require, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will implement the Traction Law. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have EITHER:

1. 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth
2. Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth 
3. Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth 
4. Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth
5. Chains or an AutoSock®

During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, also known as a Code 16 — this is the final safety measure before the highway is closed. During a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law, every vehicle on the roadway is required to have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).

For more information on road conditions and traction laws, please refer to the CDOT website here.

WEATHER & CLIMATE: Summit County is located at over 9,000 feet above sea level and is considered a high alpine environment. Summer daytime highs can reach into the 70's/80's °F, with humidity typically 10-20%, and overnight lows in the 40's/50's °F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; if possible, schedule outdoor activities for the morning and early afternoon to avoid getting caught in the weather. Wear layers as weather changes without much warning. The storms usually clear out for the evening. The sun is very strong at high altitude; UV rays are 40% stronger here than they are at sea level. It is recommended to use SPF sunscreen and lip protection every day.

HYDRATION: Symptoms of altitude sickness can be debilitating. We want everyone to be able to enjoy their long-awaited vacation to the high country. This is why we recommend taking precautions while becoming acclimated to the high alpine environment. To reduce the effects of altitude sickness, experts advise everyone in the high country to drink 3-4 quarts of water per day and make sure about 70% of your calories are coming from carbs. At 10,000 feet above sea level, the air is thin in oxygen and moisture content. Also, remember that caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics (meaning they dehydrate you).  If you choose to use them, we recommend going easy on both of these substances for the first couple of days in the high country in order to gauge how your body reacts to them in this environment. 

AIR CONDITIONING: Properties in Summit County do not come equipped with air conditioning as the area has a very mild climate due to the elevation. In the hottest months, the daytime highs rarely reach above 80°F and the overnight lows in the 40's/50's °F. Guests are encouraged to open windows and enjoy cool evening breezes. For added comfort, properties are equipped with fans and humidifiers.

OUTDOOR GRILLS/BARBECUES: If your property has a gas grill, an additional propane tank may be provided by our staff should you run out. Properties in condo complexes may or may not have a small barbeque depending on the complex/HOA rules – often condo complexes provide shared outdoor grills for guest use.

WILDLIFE & TRASH: Summit County is home to a variety of wildlife including bear, fox, porcupine, moose and much more. Do not feed wildlife intentionally or unintentionally – i.e. please keep garage doors CLOSED during the day and night, as animals will break into the garbage cans. Do not put trash out to the curb – garbage will be retrieved from the property after guest departure.

LAWNS & LANDSCAPING: Summit County is located in a high alpine environment. The natural landscape is emphasized and for the most part, there are no manicured yards or lawns, no mowing or professional landscaping.