Preparing for Your Stay

Local Weather Conditions

Weather in Summit County and across Colorado can change quickly so please keep an eye on the weather and road conditions.

I-70 Road Conditions

There is some major road construction on I-70 between Denver and Summit County at Floyd Hill which could disrupt your drive. Please check for daily closures and updates on the link below. 

If you're headed to Denver from Summit County from November to February (after daylight savings ends), please note that I-70 sun glare safety closures can occur east bound between 6:30am and 8:30am from about US6 (mile marker 244) to Beaver Brook (mile marker 248). Closures can last 45-60 minutes depending on conditions. Yes, it is a real thing -- the sun's angle can create blinding sun glare! 

Check COtrip.org for up to date info on I-70
Sign up for TEXT & EMAL ALERTS for the I-70 mountain corridor to receive advance notification

What should we pack in Winter?

If you are traveling for ski season, keep in mind that Winter and early Spring can be some of our coldest weather AND best skiing conditions. Dillon and the ski towns around are a casual, adrenaline-seeker’s paradise and very family friendly!  Whatever scene you’re seeking, these packing lists will take you comfortably from first chair to dinner out to last call. Here are a few must-have essentials for any wintertime visit to the mountains:

• THE BASICS:  Layering with moisure-wicking materials is key!  When your top goals are to stay warm, stay dry and be comfortable, the key element is "layers".  A solid set of baselayers to wear under ski gear (or even jeans if you’re out walking around town on a brisk day). Functional under-layers designed for winter sports. Always avoid cotton. Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet. Wool is a great go-to and anything with the words moisture-wicking is a smart option for activities where you might work up a sweat. Tight fitting and breathable is great.

• Waterproof snow pants are important to have even if you’re not planning on hitting the slopes. They’ll come in handy for snowshoeing, sledding and just exploring the rugged natural landscapes (plus they are warmer than regular pants!).

• For happy feet, pack polyester or wool socks and try to wear socks designed for the day’s activities. It may sound a little high maintenance, but there’s a science behind it. Thin socks made of synthetic fabric are best for ski boots; thicker socks tend to disagree with tight boots and constrict circulation, making feet colder in the end.

• Snow boots! You'll probably be walking through inches (or maybe feet) of snow or wet slushy smelted snow so tennis shoes or flip flops would not be a good choice!

• A fleece-lined winter hat will keep your head and ears toasty. Keep in mind you may want a warm hat that can fit under your ski/snowboard helmet. 

• Waterproof warm gloves are essential for all winter sports and everyday walking around. Mittens are warmer and easier to get tiny fingers into than gloves. Look for the kind that Velcro around their wrists or higher up on the arm for extra warmth for the kids.

• Ski goggles with UV protection or sunglasses, sunscreen and SPF lip balm are musts. The Colorado High Altitude is much closer to the sun than most vacation destinations and winter sunburns are the worst. With 300+ days of sun and dry air you’ll want to protect your skin!

• Insulate with a fleece jacket or vest for extra warmth. Seal it all in with a water- and wind-proof winter waterproof jacket. High collars and hoods are chief features. Remember, it’s better to have to shed layers than to be chilled.

• Neck warmers and/or balaclava are great for cold, windy days at the top of the mountain! You'll be happy to have it!

• Hand warmers, toe warmers, hydration backpacks, pocket tissues for runny noses and healthy snacks are also always a great idea to throw in for the ski day!

For a great article with lots of good info, check out this Guide to Winter Layering.

For warm-weather visitors who don't want to invest in ski gear, we've heard Mountain Threads is great for renting gear and clothing!

What should we pack in Summer?

Locals say the winter brings them to the mountains to ski but summer is what keeps them here! Most days are near perfect in the 70s along with sunshine, bluebird skies and beautiful scenic views. Afternoon rain showers are common and evenings cool off considerably, often making a sweatshirt or light jacket mandatory. Here are a few must-have essentials for any summer visit to the mountains:

• SUN PROTECTION: Colorado has more sunny days than San Diego (over 300 days in fact)!  We are also much closer to the sun at high elevation so don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and your hat. 

• BYOB:  Bring your own re-usable shopping bags and water bottles! Most of Summit County charges 10 cents for every bag you "buy" at any store so save some money and some trees and bring your own! Also, help save the earth with a re-usable water bottle, too!  You will definitely need the extra water with your active schedule!

• COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES AND/OR HIKING BOOTS: Whether you choose to spend the day shopping or hiking, you'll be doing a lot of walking so comfortable shoes are key.  Depending on the hiking trails you choose, you probably won’t need hard core, high tech hiking boots but you do want good shoes with grip. Comfy sandals are also great for during the day or if you're on the water. Flip flops are not the best option for active excursions.
  Inside Scoop:  Summit County is very casual so leave the heels and fancy clothes at home. Most locals are very casual unless you choosing fine dining options. 

• RAIN JACKET: Afternoon showers are very common throughout the summer. Even if it looks beautiful when you leave, the weather in the mountains change quickly so bring a rain jacket and umbrella. You will thank us later!
  Inside Scoop:  Start activities early in the day so avoid the afternoon storms. The weather rolls in quickly and usually leaves pretty quickly too.  Keep in mind that the storms in the mountains can be dangerous if you're on the top of a mountain during a thunderstorm and lightening. 

• EXTRA LAYERS: The temperature in the mountains can drop quickly so keep a sweater or light jacket close by.  Shorts and a t-shirt are always a good choice to start your day but throw a sweatshirt, light coat or rain jacket in a backpack. It may sound crazy but a hat and extra socks are also a good idea. Most imporanty, make sure your layers are moisture-wicking materials like polyester or wool. Don't bring cotton -- it doesn’t dry quickly and will make you even colder. 

• SWIMSUIT: If you're planning to enjoy the water activities on Lake Dillon, bring a swimsuit.  You won't be swimming (Lake Dillon does not allow any swimming) but you can get a bit wet depending on what you choose to do for the day...like falling in while SUP'ing! There is also a great pool at the Silverthorne Rec Center, just down the road from the condo, so swimsuits are good for that too! 

• CAMERA: You're in the Rocky Mountains so take photos of those amazing views and capture your memories!

• DAY PACK: Bring a day bag or backpack to carry your water, extra layers and some snacks for that hike. Don't forget the sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat too! 

Where can I get Grocories?

You have several choices for stocking the fridge close to the condo!

CITY MARKET at Dillon Ridge:
300 Dillon Ridge Way Dillon,CO 80435
About 4 minutes from the condo.
This City Market is the closest option to the condo (and our top choice) plus they have Curbside Pick-Up Available!
The curbside service can be unavailable, especially in the busy season, so we recommend placing a curbside pick up order at least 2 days ahead of your arrival. select the Dillon, CO City Market location (zip code 80435). CLICK HERE for directions.

DOS CHILES:

119 La Bonte St, Dillon, CO 80435

A few blocks from the condo.

A small local grocery market with a latin flare of spices, butcher and more.

WHOLE FOODS:
261 Lusher Ct, Frisco, CO 80443
About 4.5 miles from the condo
Located in Frisco, this higher end grocery store offers a wide selection of high quality, natural and organic foods. 

SAFEWAY:
1008 Summit Blvd, Frisco, CO 80443
About 4.5 miles from the condo

TARGET:
715 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, CO 80498
About 2.5 miles from the condo
This target offers all your necessities plus groceries.  They also offer pick-up but in busy season this fills up fast so order early!

WAL-MART:
840 Summit Blvd, Frisco, CO 80443
About 4.5  miles from the condo
This Wal-Mart offers all your necessities plus groceries.

Where can I rent skis or snowboards?

You can find ski rentals all over Summit County and along the foothills on the drive up.  If you're interested in saving some money, it can sometimes be cheaper to rent in Denver but if you don't want the headache of coordinating that, here are a few places you consider if you need to rent skis or snowboards around Dillon. 

Where can I tune my skis or snowboards?

If you need a quick tune or wax, here are some places to check out in Summit County: