STR Owner Resource
Summit County Vacation Rental Guest Guide: What Every Host Should Share Before Check-In
Altitude, bears, parking, I-70 conditions, fire restrictions, and emergency contacts. Answered in one place and ready to send.
Every Summit County STR host knows the messages. The ones that come in at 9pm on a Saturday. Where do we park in Breckenridge? Is it going to snow tomorrow? My husband has a headache. Is that normal? We saw something large by the trash cans.
These are not bad guests. They are guests who drove up I-70 from Denver and arrived at 9,000 feet without fully registering what that means. Summit County is one of the most visited mountain destinations in the country, but familiarity with the ski resorts does not mean guests understand the altitude, the wildlife, the road conditions, or the fire rules. The questions are predictable because the experience is predictable, and most hosts answer them one at a time, every week, from scratch.
This is a resource built to change that. Copy it into your welcome book. Drop the link in your check-in message. Share it with guests before they arrive. Everything below is factual, locally specific, and ready to use.
A note for hosts
Feel free to copy any section of this guide directly into your Airbnb or VRBO listing, welcome book, or pre-arrival message. The more your guests know before they arrive, the better the stay and the better the review.
How high is Summit County?
Breckenridge, the county seat, sits at approximately 9,600 feet. Frisco and Dillon are around 9,000 feet, and Silverthorne is just under 9,000 feet. If you are staying near a ski resort or in the mountains above town, your property may be at 10,000 feet or higher. The ski areas at Breckenridge reach nearly 13,000 feet at the top of Imperial Bowl, higher than most guests have ever been.
What should we expect from the altitude?
Most guests feel some effect from the elevation, especially in the first 24 hours. Common symptoms include headache, mild fatigue, shortness of breath during activity, and disrupted sleep. These are normal and typically resolve on their own as your body adjusts. Drink more water than you think you need, avoid heavy alcohol consumption on the first night, and take it easy on physical activity your first day. Guests coming directly from sea level or low-elevation cities should be especially mindful.
Drink water before you feel thirsty. Altitude dehydrates faster than most guests expect.
When should we be concerned about altitude sickness?
Mild symptoms are common and typically pass within 24 hours. If symptoms are severe (confusion, inability to walk straight, persistent vomiting, or chest tightness), descend to a lower elevation and seek medical attention. St. Anthony Summit Medical Center is located in Frisco and is the primary hospital for Summit County. For serious emergencies where descent is not possible, call 911.
Will my phone work in Summit County?
Cell service in the main Summit County towns (Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon) is generally reliable. Coverage becomes more limited on mountain roads, in backcountry areas, and in some neighborhoods above the main corridors. Verizon tends to have the strongest overall coverage, followed by T-Mobile and AT&T. If you are driving in from Denver, coverage through the Eisenhower Tunnel and on I-70 is typically fine.
Download your maps offline before leaving Denver in case you lose signal on side roads.
Does the cabin have WiFi?
Check your listing for WiFi details. Most Summit County properties have reliable internet service. Some more remote properties use Starlink satellite internet. Internet speed and reliability can vary with weather conditions. If your cabin does not have internet service, that will be noted in the listing.
What if we have an emergency and no cell service?
If your cabin has internet service, you can reach 911 via WiFi calling on most smartphones. Make note of the cabin's physical address before you arrive. Emergency responders need a street address, not a GPS pin. Summit County Sheriff dispatch can be reached at 970-453-2232 if you have any signal.
What is the weather like in Summit County?
Summit County weather is highly variable and changes quickly. Summer mornings can be warm and clear with afternoon thunderstorms arriving by 2pm. Snow is possible in every month of the year at higher elevations. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero at night. Whatever season you are visiting, bring layers, as temperatures can shift 30 degrees or more in a single afternoon. Afternoon thunderstorms at elevation can produce lightning, hail, and rapid temperature drops even in July and August.
What about I-70? Can it close?
Yes. I-70 through the mountains can close due to accidents, avalanche control, rock falls, or severe weather, sometimes for several hours. The Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel at 11,013 feet can also close in extreme weather. Before you drive in or out, check real-time conditions at
cotrip.org or call 511. If there is a storm forecast, build extra time into your travel plans.
Check I-70 conditions before you leave. A closed highway can add hours to your drive home.
Do we need four-wheel drive or an AWD vehicle?
For visits during dry summer months on paved roads, a standard vehicle is typically fine. In winter and early spring, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is strongly recommended throughout Summit County. Colorado law requires traction tires (or chains) on I-70 through the mountains during winter traction laws. Check signs on the highway. If your cabin is accessed by a side road or neighborhood road above the main corridors, 4WD is advisable year-round.
Are there bears in Summit County?
Yes. Black bears are active throughout Summit County, particularly from spring through fall before hibernation. Bears are commonly reported in and around Breckenridge and in neighborhoods near the Dillon Reservoir. They are attracted to food, garbage, and scented items. Keep all food stored securely inside the cabin. Never leave food, coolers, or trash outside overnight. If your property has a bear-proof trash container, use it every time.
A bear that finds food at your cabin will return. Secure everything, including dog food, birdseed, and grills.
What do we do if we see a bear?
Stay calm. Do not run. Make yourself appear large, speak in a firm voice, and back away slowly. Never approach a bear, and never get between a mother and her cubs. If a bear enters the cabin, do not try to corner it. Open a door or window and give it a way out. Report aggressive bear behavior to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-870-2197.
What other wildlife might we see?
Summit County is home to elk, mule deer, moose, coyotes, foxes, and a variety of raptors. Moose are frequently seen around the Dillon Reservoir, the Blue River corridor, and marshy areas throughout the county. Elk are often visible at dawn and dusk in open meadows and forest edges. Mountain lions are present in the county but rarely encountered. Enjoy all wildlife from a safe distance and do not attempt to feed any wild animal. It is illegal and dangerous for both you and the animal.
Where can we get groceries?
Summit County has excellent grocery options compared to many mountain areas. City Market in Frisco is open 24 hours and is the most centrally located full grocery store in the county. There is also a City Market in Silverthorne and a Walmart Supercenter in Silverthorne for bulk supplies. Natural Grocers in Silverthorne has organic and specialty items. Breckenridge has smaller markets in town for convenience items. During peak season weekends, plan to shop before Friday evening when lines can be long.
Is parking difficult in Breckenridge?
Yes. Parking in downtown Breckenridge is limited and fills quickly on ski days and summer weekends. Free parking is available at the Gondola Transit Center lot with a free shuttle into town. The Summit Stage bus connects all Summit County towns at no cost and runs frequently. If your cabin is near Breckenridge, strongly consider parking once and using the free bus rather than driving back and forth to town. Do not park on the street overnight where signs prohibit it. Summit County enforces snow removal rules aggressively in winter.
The Summit Stage bus is free and runs between Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Keystone. Use it.
Is there a gas station and pharmacy nearby?
Yes. Gas stations are available in Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge with regular hours. Frisco and Silverthorne each have a City Market pharmacy. A True Value hardware store is located in Breckenridge and an Ace Hardware is in Silverthorne. For urgent prescriptions, call ahead to confirm hours and availability before making the drive.
Can we have a fire outside?
Outdoor fires in Summit County are subject to seasonal fire restrictions that change based on drought and fire danger conditions. Before lighting any outdoor fire, check the current fire restrictions at
summitcountyco.gov or call the Summit County Sheriff non-emergency line at 970-453-2232. Restrictions can change quickly, particularly in summer. Violations carry significant fines.
When in doubt, do not light it. Fire danger at elevation can escalate in hours.
Can we bring our own firewood?
No. Colorado law prohibits transporting firewood from outside the local area to prevent the spread of bark beetles and other invasive pests that have devastated Colorado forests. Use only the firewood provided at the property or purchase locally sourced firewood in Summit County. Do not move firewood from one county to another.
How do we use the wood stove or fireplace?
Your host should have instructions specific to the fireplace or wood stove at your property. In general: use only dry, seasoned firewood. Never use accelerants. Ensure the damper is fully open before lighting. Never leave a fire burning unattended or while sleeping. Make sure ash is completely cold before disposing of it, as ash can stay hot for 72 hours.
Emergency and Essential Contacts
Summit County Sheriff (non-emergency)
970-453-2232
St. Anthony Summit Medical Center (Frisco)
970-668-3300
Poison Control
1-800-222-1222
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
970-870-2197
Road Conditions
cotrip.org or dial 511
Summit County Road and Bridge
970-668-4210
Summit Stage (Free Bus)
970-668-0999
Timberline Properties
We Keep Summit County Properties Guest-Ready.
Turnover cleaning, hot tub maintenance, and property services for STR owners across Summit County and Park County.
Learn More