These days, it feels like the price of everything is climbing faster than a ski lift—but that doesn’t mean your next getaway has to break the bank. Summit County, Colorado, is proof that you can enjoy jaw-dropping mountain views, endless outdoor adventures, and cozy alpine charm without overspending, if that’s your goal. With a little planning (and a few insider tips), you can craft a vacation that’s big on experiences and small on price—leaving more room in your budget for that extra hot cocoa or craft beer. Below, we’ll show you how to enjoy Summit County without breaking the bank.
Free and Affordable Activities in Summit County
- Dillon Reservoir. Walk or bike around this gorgeous mountain-framed lake in Summit County. There are paved trails stretching for 18 miles around the lake, and you can stop to enjoy scenic lookouts like Sapphire Point. You can also paddleboard on the lake – either bring your own if you’re driving to Summit County, or rent a board at the marina for around $60 for 2 hours.
- Hiking. The mountains are calling and you must go! Summit County is a hikers dream, with hiking trails ranging from easy paved lakeside loops in Frisco to challenging treks up nearby fourteeners. Summit County offers some of the best hiking in Colorado, with plenty of options to suit your group’s experience and fitness levels.
- Disc Golf. This low-cost activity is perfect for an afternoon enjoying the fresh mountain air and some friendly competition. Courses in Frisco and Dillon are free of charge and have beautiful views of the lake. Bring your own discs or rent in town.
- Explore Summit County’s charming towns. Stroll around the Historic Main Street in Breckenridge, where you can find an arts district and unique shops. Or head to charming downtown Frisco to explore the quaint streets filled with boutiques and a ton of restaurants. During summer, several Summit County towns also host farmers markets with locally grown produce and artisanal products.
- Gondola Rides. The BreckConnect Gondola offers free rides throughout the year – no lift ticket required! This is a fantastic way to take in panoramic views of the Tenmile Range, access higher elevation hiking trails or ski areas, and visit the restaurants and Epic Discovery summer adventure park at Peak 8.
- Fun in the Snow. You can find inexpensive and free ways to enjoy winter in Summit County. Carter Park in Breckenridge offers free tubing and sledding for some family-friendly fun. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing along local trails can be a budget-friendly option to enjoy winter sports as well, and there are plenty of local rental companies with reasonable prices.
- Local Festivals and Events. Summit County is full of free and affordable events throughout the year, so you’ll have great options no matter when you choose to visit. Winter brings holiday celebrations, Frisco’s Wassail Days and the quirky Ullr Fest in Breckenridge. Spring and summer bring 4th of July celebrations, art installations and street performances at Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, as well as free concert series hosted at the lakeside Dillon Amphitheater and Frisco’s Historic Park Gazebo.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants Around Summit County
With 5 distinct towns (Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper), Summit County has a ton of restaurant options, so naturally there are many affordable dining options to choose from, along with some budget-savvy happy hours. Here are some suggestions for great eats without spending too much! (You can also check out our full Summit County restaurant guide for other affordable and tasty options).
- Blue Moon Bakery (Silverthorne) offers delicious grab-and-go pastries, breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
- The Crown (Breckenridge) is a beloved local spot offering baked goods, sandwiches and coffee to fuel your day.
- Empire Burger (Breckenridge) is a laid-back burger joint with classic American sandwiches, sides and wings for reasonable prices.
- Wildflower BBQ (Frisco) serves scratch-made BBQ with generous portions at budget-friendly prices.
- Downstairs at Eric’s (Breckenridge) serves up casual pub fare in a lively sports bar environment, with arcade games for some extra fun.
- Hungry Dog (Breckenridge) is a local favorite for nights out on a budget, serving up unique hot dog flavor combos and cheap bites during happy hour.
- Dillon Dam Brewery (Dillon) offers up brewpub eats for lunch and dinner, with great happy hour specials.
Tips for Saving on Your Stay in Summit County
- Travel mid-week or in the off-season. Book stays from Sunday through Thursday to avoid peak weekend pricing and choose shoulder seasons like May and early June or late September and October, or post‑spring ski season in April for lower rates and fewer crowds.
- Share a vacation rental. Split a Summit County vacation rental with friends or family to reduce the per-person cost while having access to larger common spaces and great amenities.
- Cook your meals at your vacation rental. Shop at local grocery stores and use the fully-equipped kitchen at your vacation rental to save money on meals.
- Take advantage of happy hour. Enjoy happy hour specials on appetizers and drinks, or split the cost of entrees with your group to get more for your money.
- Book direct. Avoid online travel agency (OTA) fees and service charges through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO by booking directly with Summit Mountain Properties. Vacation rentals booked through our site will show you the all-in price, without any hidden fees or surprises tacked on later.
- Free transit and parking. Skip the cost and hassle of getting around by using the free shuttle buses that connect Breckenridge and Frisco. If you do have a car, you can typically find free public parking at trailheads and lakefront areas if you arrive outside of peak weekend days.
A vacation to Summit County doesn’t have to come with a high price tag! Free activities, affordable meals, and smart savings strategies will help you create a mountain vacation that’s full of fun and easy on your wallet. Start planning your trip today with Summit Mountain Properties – you’ll find a wide range of vacation rentals to choose from, and you’ll save on fees when you book direct.
