Breckenridge / Keystone vs. Winter Park for a 2nd house (Denver: condo, trip)

[drkc]

We recently moved to Denver and would like to buy a second house in the mountains. We are thinking about the pros and cons of Winter Park vs. Breckenridge/Frisco/Keystone area.
I have done some research already and it seems byuing in the Breck area would allow access to multiple ski resorts but also is more expensive than Winter Park. On the other hand, Winter Park looks like an easier commute since we wouldn't have to deal with traffic on 70 (but not sure how bad 40 gets in the winter). We like to ski but also enjoy summer activities such as hiking, horse riding, sailing, swimming, golfing. We'd like to use the house year round. Can anyone provide more insight into this? I am primarily interested in comparing recreational opportunities, investment value, commute, and possible weather differences (and anything else I forgot ) . Thanks for your input.

[Nique]

I don't know much about Breck/Keystone/Frisco, but can speak a little to Winter Park.

Commuting in and out of WP requires driving Berthoud Pass. Not that big a deal in good conditions, but a huge pain if there's a big storm. Sometimes the weather on one side is totally different from the weather on the other side, too.

[BillRadio]

I would say your evaluation is right on the money. I have property in each area and over the years have favored the one with the nicer amenities nearby. Our Winter Park condo is much larger and nicer, but we use it less because, other than skiing, Grand County has less to offer.

Pro Winter Park:
-No matter what the weather, the trip to WP is usually easier and the road has been widened.
-Property prices are so much better in WP you can get a lot more for your money. Many properties are newer.
-Easy to afford property within a block of town.
-One of WP's charms is its small size. Summit can be quite crowded at times.
-More mountain biking trails

Pro Summit County:
-More skiing options
-More off-season activities
-More price appreciation (but higher prices)
-Lake Dillon has more amentities
-Wal-Mart
-More dining choices
-More suppliers of everyday services and products

BTW, Keystone is one our least favorite ski areas.

[drkc]

Thanks! This is VERY useful info. How are the amenities on Lake Granby? Is it possible to swim there or is the water too cold?
Why is Keystone your least favorite?

[mdp_az]

Keystone is one of my least favorites, too. I've found conditions on the main part of the mountain get worse much more quickly than other ski areas, possibly from the night skiing. I also find the run-out from the bowl long, flat and painful. It also seems terribly crowded compared to other mountains.

If I were buying, I'd give WP a good look. I'm a peak-bagger though, so Summit's proximity to 14ers would have to enter into the equation for me. WP is a bit isolated for access to 14ers.

[Fuzz]

Keystone has some VERY good terrain, but you have to know where to go. Otherwise it can be boring, crowded, and icy on the beaten path, as others have stated.

The one downer of Keystone is the relatively less snowfall. But at least there are several ski areas close by.

[sunsprit]

If you are seeking year-around activity and use, then Summit County is the hands-down winner, IMO. You've got ready access to many ski areas for the winter season, and many more activities, dining, shopping, services, etc., in the area for the rest of the year.

Granby is a mountain lake, and way too cold for swimming. OK for fishing and sailing, but I prefer the sailing on Dillon (I'm a sailboat racer ... and there's more activity on Dillion). Sailboat facilities at Granby are somewhat limited compared to the hoist at Dillon, although I sail both keel boats and centerboarders (which can be ramp launched).

Prices may be higher in Summit County, but there's a lot more value and possible upside than WP's area.

[jazzlover]

As another thread on the forum is reporting, just don't expect to see very many trees around any of those placed listed within a few years . . .

[High Altitude]

For year round use I would get something in Frisco or Breck.

[drkc]

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