On April 13, 1992, the general electorate of the Big Sky area created the Big Sky Resort Area and adopted a 3% Resort Tax to be charged on “luxury” goods and services not deemed necessities of life. The tax is collected by local businesses within the boundaries of the Resort Area. In 1998, the general electorate of the Big Sky Resort Area then voted to create a District which brought the administration of the resort tax from the county to the local Big Sky area. The District is managed by a five-member elected Board of Directors. Resort taxes are collected and remitted monthly and the Board of Directors appropriates the funds to critical local community services on an annual basis.

Once a modest mining and ranching town, Ketchum is now a bustling resort town that became a popular ski destination with the settlement of nearby Sun Valley. Bald Mountain towers above the city and draws world class skiers every year. The surrounding wilderness provides a beautiful escape for hiking, trail riding, hunting and sports. Ernest Hemingway was known to have fallen in love with the valley and made his final home in Ketchum.

Surrounded by wilderness, Basalt sits at the gate of the Frying Pan Valley along the Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers in the White River National Forest at an elevation of 6,610 feet. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy camping, boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, biking, snow shoeing and cross-country and downhill skiing, all within a 15 mile radius. Restaurants and eateries serve everything from picnic lunches to gourmet dinners, galleries showcase local and international artists, and shopping abounds with boutique shops offering great keepsakes and specialty items.

The Town of Breckenridge is located 9,603 feet above sea level in a U-shaped valley on the western slope of the Continental Divide. In 2009, the Town celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Town boasts world-class amenities for residents and visitors alike. Your day can be filled with everything from a class in the Arts District, to a yoga class at our Recreation Center, to a ski at the Gold Run Nordic Center, to a concert at the Riverwalk Center, to a game of hockey at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, to a play performed by the Backstage Theatre- the possibilities are endless. Of course, the Breckenridge Ski Resort continues to be one of the most visited amenities in Breckenridge. But summer is not to be forgotten. Locals always say, “I came for the winters and stayed for the summers.”

Located at the headwaters of the Colorado River and situated on the shores of Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural body of water, the Town of Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Home of the world’s highest registered yacht club, the nation’s highest altitude golf course with grass greens, and Colorado’s premiere summer musical company, Grand Lake offers a unique getaway for all. Also adjacent to Arapaho National Recreation Area, Grand Lake has been dubbed the ‘Snowmobile Capital of Colorado’ due to its access from Town to Colorado’s largest network of groomed snowmobile trails. A year-round vacationer’s paradise for over one-hundred years, Grand Lake welcomes you.

The Town of Pagosa Springs is a scenic community known for “healing waters”, our natural hot springs (“Pagosah” is a Southern Ute word for “healing waters”). They are located thirty minutes west of the Continental Divide and Wolf Creek Ski Area. Pagosa Springs is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and Southern Ute Indian lands. Many recreational activities are made possible by the San Juan River that flows through the heart of town.

They have myriad opportunities for hiking, fishing, all forms of skiing, hunting, four wheel drives, snowmobiling, and numerous scenic drives. With an average of 300 days of sunshine and four definitive seasons, Pagosa Springs is an extraordinary place to live! For more infomation on activites, events, restaurants and shopping visit the Pagosa Springs Town Tourism website.

Think skiers in cowboy hats and you’ll have a pretty good mental picture of Steamboat Springs in northwestern Colorado. Yes, there’s world-renowned skiing here, but with an undercurrent of cowboy culture. The wide-open Yampa Valley brought cattle ranchers here in the 1800s, and the town’s signature store still sells Western wear. Steamboat is known, also, for its long-standing Western heritage — with a more than 100-year-old summer rodeo — and deep-seated ski heritage. The town has two ski areas: Steamboat Ski Resort and Howelsen Hill, the oldest, continuously used ski area in Colorado and home to nearly 90 Winter Olympians.

The City of Gunnison is truly the Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains. As evidenced by the Tenderfoot Archaeological Site overlooking the city, ancient hunters used the area 12,000 years ago as their base camp to hunt the valley’s abundant game. The City was established in 1874, again as a Base Camp. This time it was as the supply center for the surrounding gold and silver mining camps. Ranching followed the mines and the City was incorporated in 1880. Today, Gunnison is used as a base camp by the locals and visitors alike to enjoy the abundant indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. There is no better place to live, visit, or conduct business than the beautiful Gunnison Valley!

Eagle County is made up of many small communities, each as unique and diverse as the people who live there. The county has an incredible geographic diversity from lushly forested Vail, Minturn and Red Cliff to the spacious ranches of Eagle and Gypsum.

This historic mining town is world-renowned for skiing and snowboarding. Three major ski areas – Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and Canyons and the Utah Olympic Parks surround the city while the stunningly beautiful Wasatch Mountains provide a backdrop for an array of other winter activities as well as endless recreational activities in the summer. At times you feel like you’re hundreds of miles from the civilized world yet you’re just 35 easy miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Get away from the crowds and the traffic and explore the gem that is Winter Park – no matter what the season.

Our small town atmosphere combined with world class skiing make us a great place to kick back, relax, and enjoy our year-round recreation, shopping, lodging and dining opportunities. We hope visitors use our site as a starting point for their visit, and residents as a contact point for keeping in touch with the community.

Salida has long been a gateway to outdoor adventures and also a getaway for artists inspired by the scenic mountains, the flowing river and the friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Opportunities for recreation, relaxation and inspiration continually draw visitors from around the state and the world, but it was the 2012 designation of Salida’s Creative District that really put this historic mountain town on the map. Today, dozens of artist-owned studios and galleries fill Salida’s downtown, along with incredible restaurants, specialty shops, breweries, distilleries, healing arts, non-profits as well as a popular farmers market, walking tours and many other successful enterprises. You’ll find it’s easy and fun getting around this bike-friendly town to enjoy all the offerings in Salida’s Creative District and the Highway 50 corridor. For decades, Salida has encouraged travelers to “Follow the Hearts to Salida,” and we believe you, too, will fall in love with this charming mountain town and Follow Your Heart to Salida.

Aspen is one of Colorado’s favorite year-round resort areas. One will not be at a loss for activities ranging from recreation to the arts to culinary delights. During winter or summer, an Aspen vacation is the perfect choice for any season. Aspen sits at the upper end of the Roaring Fork Valley, with the Roaring Fork River, a superb trout stream, running through town. It offers an interesting history, challenging outdoor recreation opportunities, abundant cultural activities, pleasant climate and beautiful natural scenery. Aspen is world renowned for its downhill skiing. Aspen Mountain rises imposingly from town and is one of four ski areas in the valley. Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk mountains all lie within 12 miles of town and offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.

Frisco, Colorado sits right in the heart of Summit County, and, while it may look and feel charming, inside this town beats the heart of adventure! That heart keeps a wholesome rhythm, and pushes pure Colorado Rocky Mountain lifestyle that includes the whole family through our streets and sidewalks. A weekend in Frisco holds many choices: from fishing or white water rafting, to hiking, biking, or camping! In the winter, Frisco is the place to launch family adventures in all sorts of winter activities. Our Main Street is within just a few miles of some of Colorado’s best winter resorts!

Known as the “Heart of the Valley” for its geographic location as well as its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere, Avon is a great place for both residents and visitors. Whether skiing, hiking, paddling the Eagle River or enjoying a leisurely day in town, you’ll find that launching your mountain adventures from Avon is easy and convenient.

With 6,500 year-round residents, plus another 3,500 part-time residents, Avon offers a small mountain town atmosphere with many amenities. The town serves as a gateway to the world-class Beaver Creek Resort and is eight miles west of world-famous Vail. Avon also offers a multitude of recreational opportunities, special events, parks, open space and trails, and a mix of local and national shops and restaurants.

Ouray is a very special community snuggled among some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. Many people in Ouray are first attracted by the picturesque setting of the historic Victorian buildings and the steep mountain background. The Ute Indians, who came here for the spiritual qualities attributed to the hot springs waters, surely appreciated the mountain vistas, too. In the 1800s, people were attracted by the rich ore buried in the hardrock of the San Juan Mountains. Today, many of us enjoy hiking or riding in a comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle to explore these 100-year-old mining structures as we imagine what it was like in the miners’ quarters in the days of mules and long, cold winters at 12,000 feet above sea level.

Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s favourite year-round destination. There’s two majestic mountains with a vibrant base Village, epic skiing and snowboarding, four championship golf courses, unbeatable shopping, restaurants and bars, accommodation to suit every budget, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world.

Located in San Miguel County, Mountain Village is nestled in the heart of the Uncompahgre National Forest, encompasses 3.27 square miles, and has become a vision of alpine elegance. Highway 145 is the major roadway leading to the town’s entrance with Telluride Regional Airport less than five miles away. The towns of Mountain Village and Telluride are two separate, distinct towns with their own government. Mountain Village sits at 9,545 feet and Telluride sits at 8,750. They are joined by a gondola system, which is owned and operated by the Town of Mountain Village. Mountain Village became a home rule municipality on March 10, 1995. Before 1995, it was an unincorporated county area.

Estes Park, Colorado is the base camp for amazing adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park and your favorite mountain getaway destination. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend getaway or the family vacation of a lifetime, Estes Park has the events, lodging and activities to create the perfect escape from the everyday. So, go ahead. Start planning today to experience Estes Park tomorrow.

oab, Utah lies on the southern banks of the Colorado River at the foot of the La Sal Mountains and the doorstep of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Once known for our uranium boom, today we are even more famous for the redrock walls of our public lands. Whether your passion is mountain biking, jeeping, climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, backcountry skiing, music, art, or simply spending time with friends and family in beautiful surroundings, we have something to offer you.

Silverthorne, “the gateway to Summit County”, is only about a one hour’s drive from Denver. Incorporated in the 1960’s, Silverthorne has grown up with the Summit County tourist industry. Silverthorne’s proximity to both Summer and Winter activities make Silverthorne an ideal place to visit. Summit County’s four world-class ski resorts, all within 20 minutes of Silverthorne. Silverthorne’s 62,000 sq. ft. Recreation Center offers plenty of indoor recreation for both residents and visitors alike. Silverthorne is best known for its shopping, which should not be missed! The Silverthorne Factory Stores, with over 70 brand name shops are widely known for exceptional value, quality, and variety.

Teton County is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming. The federal government owns 97 percent of the land, including two national parks–Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The region is mountainous and geologically active and the best-known natural wonders in the county are the thermal, scenic and wildlife features of Yellowstone Park, established in 1872, and the mountains of the Teton Range, the county’s namesake. Teton County’s human history can be geographically divided, similarly, into two sections: Yellowstone and Jackson Hole, which includes Grand Teton National Park. (Around 40 percent of Yellowstone National Park lies in Teton County; the rest is in Park County.) The history of Yellowstone is the stuff of western legend, as it was used and sometimes occupied by all sorts of people from paleo-Indians to trappers and explorers.

Welcome to the Keystone Neighborhood Company (KNC), an umbrella master association oveseeing The River Run mountain village is rich with shopping, dining, family entertainment and is steps from the slopes of Keystone Resort where you can spend the winter months clocking the vertical on your skis or board and the summer months exploring the trails of the Rockies whether it be on foot or on a bike. It is the KNC’s responsibility to maintain the world class River Run Village as well as provide cultural enhancements, recreation, security, special events and oversee Warren Station Center for the Arts for the enjoyment of our owners and guests.

Summit County, is located right in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains about 75 miles west of Denver. With four distinct, world-renown ski resorts within a 20-minute drive of each other, Summit County offers some of the most diverse terrain and best winter amenities available in the world. From the untracked steeps of the legendary Arapahoe Basin, to night skiing at Keystone, to Copper’s naturally divided terrain and Breckenridge’s four unique peaks the region has something to offer every winter sports enthusiast.  However, one of Summit County’s best kept secrets is that there’s even more to do in the summer with hiking, biking, sailing, fishing, paddle boarding on beautiful Lake Dillon, art and music festivals and much more.

Bordering Grand Teton National Park and a mere fifty miles from Yellowstone National Park, Teton Village is the perfect gateway for those visiting the National Parks, the Town of Jackson,and Teton County. Whether it’s summer or winter, there’s so much to do in this quaint mountain setting. From the state-of-the-art Aerial Tram and world famous skiing, to multitudes of hiking and biking trails, to fine dining, entertainment, and shopping there is something for everyone in Teton Village.

This town is at an elevation of 8550 feet (2601 m) and was established in 1904 in anticipation of the arrival of the Moffat Railroad. It was laid out on the western high bank of the Fraser River by George Eastom and originally named for him, but this name did not stick, for the town soon resorted to the name given the original rural post office: Fraser. The origin of the name Fraser cannot be confirmed. Rueben Frazier, an early settler in the area, was well known by most of the locals and it wasn’t long before people started calling the town Frazier. When the US Postal Authority granted a post office they wanted an easier spelling so took the name of the nearby Fraser River. It was the center of the timber industry until the Forest Service headquarters was moved to Hot Sulphur Springs in 1915, and the Ranger Station to Idlewild. The town was incorporated in 1953.

Welcome to the Town of Blue River.  Established in 1964, the Town of Blue River sits along the Ten Mile Range in Summit County, Colorado.  Nestled between Breckenridge and Hoosier Pass, Blue River is a residential community with hiking/biking trails and exclusive use of the Goose Tarn Pasture.