Breckenridge / Keystone vs. Winter Park for a 2nd house

[sunsprit]

Fraser sits out in an exposed location, and the wind chill factor along with the cold air temps can make this area seem very cold.

Since there's not much in the way of developed recreation in the area, you would mostly limited to the outdoor activities there that might be of interest to you ... fishing, hunting, horseback trail riding, ATV riding, hiking ... at the local lakes and on the public lands.

I've ridden my motorcycle through that area on summer days when it was otherwise warm and sunny through the mountains, and had to stop in Fraser to put on an extra layer or two of clothing ....

[suzco]

Originally Posted by drkc

Thanks everyone. It's definitely a lot to think about. I am looking into Fraser - is it really THAT cold? Colder than WP?

There's a reason it's fondly called Freezer, CO. According to CSU extension services, Fraser averages 9 frost free days annually Colorado Gardening: Challenge to Newcomers.

Check out this article in the International Herald Tribune

Towns in Colorado and Minnesota face off over claim to be America's 'ice box' - International Herald Tribune

Towns in Colorado and Minnesota face off over claim to be America's 'ice box'
The Associated Press

FRASER, Colorado: A feud between two U.S. cities over who owns the trademark "Ice Box of the Nation" is heating up.

Fraser, Colorado Town Manager Jeff Durbin said the Minnesota town of International Falls has replied to a lawsuit filed by Fraser with a countersuit.

Fraser officials say their town has used the phrase since 1956, and officials in International Falls say they have used it since 1948. The dueling lawsuits ask city officials to prove it.

[BillRadio]

Originally Posted by drkc

Thanks everyone. It's definitely a lot to think about. I am looking into Fraser - is it really THAT cold? Colder than WP?

Yes, significantly colder than WP. However, cold is cold. While it may be 25 in Denver overnight, WP would be 10 and Fraser would be -10. While Fraser is fighting for the handle "Icebox of the Nation", their statistics are colder than International Falls, MN. The main street is "Xerex", yes, as in the anti-freeze.

It does warm up to the same temperature as WP during the day, the extreme cold is only a night-time phenomenom. Summers in Fraser are acceptable. The developments up the hill from town (Meadow Ridge, Winter Park Highlands, etc.) are much warmer. Fraser is where the workers for WP live. That makes for a livelier bar/restaurant at the Crooked Creek.

Keystone has a reputation of attracting beginning skiers and often tops the list of injuries at Denver hospitals. Since they opened their terrain toward the south, it is much better, but you need to time your approach. Get on the Gondola and go all the way back to start your day and don't return to the "front" except for lunch, and take the Gondola back down at the end of the day. Avoid the north slope (Keystone Mtn) at all costs. It's OK for night skiing, there are few beginners.

Arapahoe Basin, Copper and Breck also have 'problems', but not like Keystone. That might make for some real estate bargains there.