The Colorado Snowbirds Nests

SBINSIDER EXCLUSIVE REPORTING| 6\21\2025

As May approaches, about 30% of SaddleBrooke residents exit for cooler climes. Many of us have a 2nd home in the northern plains of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa etc. Another popular 2nd residence is the greater northwest of Washington, Oregon and even that soon to be the 51st state, Canada! The rest scatter to other environs or take a long cruise.

One of the other popular destination areas is in Southern Colorado. Particularly, the five city area, anchored by Breckenridge and extending into Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon and Keystone. It is estimated that about 80 Saddlebrooke residents spend part of the summer in the area.

“We have been spending summers here for over 10 years and it is terrific. The food, all the entertainment and the variety of activities are tough to match anywhere” said one shy SaddleBrooke resident.

Breckenridge become a hot spot for gold mining in the year 1859 and did well for a number of years in that industry as did other small towns in the same area. But the mines played out over time.

All these areas gradually became popular in winter, as they are at the base of spectacular Rocky Mountain peaks ideal for skiing. In 1961 skiing runs were created in Breckenridge and the boom was on. Starting at about 400 people that year, today the permanent population is closer to 5,200 and swells dramatically for the ski season. The towns are dominated by 4 story condos and with the magic of the internet, owners who only want to use their units part-time, can post and rent them for a day, week, month.

Property prices are now in the same sky-high elevation as many playgrounds of the American upper-middle class. A 700 sq ft condo will cost $900,00 in Breckenridge.

The advent of Arizona heat in June combined with the desire by many residents to temporarily escape makes visiting the “Breck” a popular option. Plus there is a plethora of activities for retirees. Biking, hiking, eating, drinking, fishing plus golf and tennis. Temperatures rise to 80 degrees and drop to 60 degrees or less. Humidity is consistent at about 20% with occasional showers.

Visitors can expect to pay about $150 a night for either a condo rental via VRBO or Vacasa, depending on location. Breck is on the higher side while Keystone trends lower as it is to East of the other cities and smaller.