Buying a Breckenridge Ski Home as an Out-of-State Owner

By Randy Jeffrey

Are you drawn to the stunning vistas, snow-capped mountains, sunshine-filled days, and crystal clear night skies? Who could blame you! It all resides here: the world’s best ski resorts, extensive hiking and biking trails, a flourishing festival and event scene, a thriving culinary culture, and endless activities for the whole family. It’s no wonder that Breckenridge, Colorado, is as desirable as ever.

If buying a ski home in Breckenridge is the next move for you, consider working with a local broker who has demonstrated a history of success and is an expert in the market. As one of the leading real estate agents in the Breckenridge area, Colorado native Randy Jeffrey helps clients navigate Summit County real estate quickly and confidently. Randy has a deep understanding of Breckenridge real estate and uses a personal approach to help identify your needs and a dream ski home checklist and secure the property that best suits you.

A true dream destination, Breckenridge and Summit County are home to some of the most sought-after properties in the country. Originally inhabited by the White River and Middle Park Ute Native Americans, the town was born as a result of the Gold Rush era. Breckenridge was founded in 1859 to serve the miners working along the Blue River, and as prospectors chased after the precious metal and set down roots, Breckenridge flourished.

As the mining town developed, early settlers laid the foundation for the future, constructing the now-historic Victorian homes and businesses, hotels, markets, and stores. The railroad industry followed the boom, laying tracks and connecting Breckenridge with the rest of the state and westward on. After withstanding the end of the mining era, World War II, and the Great Depression, Breckenridge’s signature spirit and spunk remained intact. In the 1960s, thanks to the development of the Breckenridge Ski Resort and the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel that made it more accessible to and from Denver, the town saw a resurgence and solidified its identity as an alpine paradise and relentlessly charming destination. 

Breckenridge has earned its reputation for being home to the best skiing the country has to offer, and the options for other forms of recreation are seemingly endless; hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, camping, fishing.

The famed Breckenridge Ski Resort is a massive, snow-covered wonderland of over 180 trails and 35 lifts on just under 3,000 acres. Another destination for winter exploration is the Breckenridge Nordic Center, a vast collection of cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowcat trails.

Head in virtually any direction to spend an afternoon on the multitude of hiking trails. Pack your gear and wander Spruce Creek, McCullough Gulch, and Mayflower Lake trails for stunning views of wildlife and crystal clear lakes. Or, cast a line into Blue River, an easily navigable river known as a dependable source for quality trout fishing. 

The climate that allows for such activities is nothing short of ideal — the area boasts an average of 300 sunshine-filled days throughout the year. Breckenridge is arguably at its best in the fall, when the aspens are glowing with their amber-colored leaves, festivals are in full swing, and adventurers are making the most of the trails while the pathways are still clear.

Snow can start to fall as early as October, setting the stage for a glorious and lengthy ski season that runs from November to May. Winters are cool and bright, providing perfect conditions to enjoy the powdery snow and frozen lakes. Abundant sunshine teases the spring season, and summers are mild with temperatures that register in the mid-70s, beckoning residents out of their homes to explore the town, parks, and lakes.

 

Although a passion for the outdoors is ardent in Breckenridge and its residents, it’s not all-go, all the time. When it’s time to wind down, locals know how to do it right. Relax and indulge at many local establishments. Start the day off at Cool River Coffeehouse for a jazzed-up breakfast sandwich, quinoa porridge, or smoothie. Or make a stop at The Crown for a morning cuppa or a morning cocktail, depending on how spicy you feel. Try Mom’s Baking Co. at any time of day, and good luck deciding which freshly-baked pastry to sample first.

 

Once the dinner hour strikes, head to Hearthstone for a luxurious setting inside a 125-year-old Victorian home flanked by aspen trees and an unfussy yet extraordinary menu. The steakhouse serves up classic game, seafood, steak, and produce amplified by local seasonal flavors. For date night or family night out, try Aurum Food & Wine for a contemporary American menu and inventive cocktails. Blue River Bistro is a favorite due to its lively yet laid-back atmosphere, reflecting Breckenridge itself.

 

For a quick escape, take a trip to an area winery for wine produced at high elevation – Continental Divide Winery stakes its claim as the world’s highest altitude winery and is a perennial award winner. Or, stay close to Main Street and sample small-batch brews at local favorite Tenmile Cider Company.

Each season, visitors flock to Breckenridge for year-round festivals that celebrate everything from artwork and beer to Santa Claus and the God of Winter —  Breckenridge knows how to keep it interesting! The festival calendar starts strong in January with one of the country’s best beer festivals, the aptly named Big Beers Belgians & Barleywine Festival.

Come August, artists, and vendors from all over gather for the renowned Main Street Art Festival, a family-friendly attraction that takes over the town. Breckenridge is transformed in December, as the festive month is heralded by the Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas, a tradition that features a race of Santa lookalikes running down Main Street to ring in the holiday season. Later in the month, residents and locals descend on Main Street for Ullr Fest to call upon Ullr, the Norse god of snow and bringer of all snowy delights.

Breckenridge is home to several top-ranked public and private schools in the state, including:

 

The reasons to buy a Breckenridge home are as clear as the Colorado sky, and there are several factors to consider before purchasing for you and your family. Mountain properties are in high demand, and ski-in/ski-out ranks as a top priority. According to the Colorado Association of Realtors, the median price of a single-family Breckenridge home is $2,300,000, up roughly 27% from 2021. Interest in owning a Breckenridge home has grown steadily in the last five years as more families and individuals are drawn to the generous recreational offerings, mild climate, charming downtown, family-friendly environment, and exclusive community.

Owning a ski home in Breckenridge grants easy access to the slopes and the town, with various options for activity, dining, and shopping just steps outside of your doorstep. Homeownership in Breckenridge allows for more than a dream home in one of the most sought-after communities in the United States; it can also function as an income-generator, as rental properties in the area are in exceptionally high demand during ski season and throughout the summer.

For those in the housing market looking to own in Breckenridge, it’s crucial to have an accessible, reliable, communicative, and understanding resource. Contact Randy Jeffrey today if you are interested in exploring Breckenridge, Colorado, real estate. Working with Randy means having access to over 20 years of marketing and real estate experience in the area and the confidence to make the best possible choice for you, your family, your home, and your future.

As one of the leading real estate agents in the area, the Colorado native and Breckenridge resident takes a personal approach to serve his clients. With thorough knowledge of everything from the best Breckenridge ski-in/ski-out to the ins and outs of Breckenridge real estate, Randy will expertly guide you through every step of the real estate process.

_{*Header photo Courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler}