Just 67 miles west of Denver, Summit County is home to the world-class mountain resorts of Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin. Ever heard of 'em? You bet you have. This patch of Colorado rocks year round and with all those mountains to play in. Visitors are never at a loss for things to do. Along with its fabled mountains, Summit County is also home to the towns of Silverthorne, Frisco and Dillon - each with its own special blend of mountain sophistication and rustic charm.

Breckenridge is an old mining town turned ski resort, its rough and ready past embraced by townspeople and visitors looking for a taste of the West as it was. While the mountain is a major attraction, so is the town. Downtown Breckenridge is one of the state's largest National Historic Districts, with 171 structures that date back to the town's mining heyday. Downtown Breck is lined with shops and restaurants, with more than 80 saloons and restaurants and a boutique feel despite the century-old facades.

Copper Mountain is the largest ski and snowboard resort in Summit County and also home to the county's largest growing base area. It's known as the Renaissance at Copper. The base village has restaurants, shops and lodging and summer events are heavily attended.

Keystone is a bit more family friendly with many activities centered around the lake behind the lodge. Vacationing Denver-ites rent canoes or kayaks or take the paddleboats out for a spin. There's a bike path through the Mountain House base and over to the River Run Village area. That's where you'll find a huge, bricked-in plaza with climbing walls, mini-golf and a playground for the young 'uns. If you're doing business, Keystone also has a state-of-the-art, world-class conference center, the largest in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Arapahoe Basin, or merely A-Basin as it's known to folks around here, is the place where skiers and snowboarders can be seen sneaking in the last few spring runs before giving in to summer. Known as The Legend, A-Basin is usually open longer than any other local area, sometimes well into the summer and even the Fourth of July. It is the highest ski resort in North America, with a summit of 13,050 feet, and sits on the western slope of the Continental Divide. Views are stellar during summer.

Summit County is located right along Interstate 70. It's 125 miles from Colorado Springs and about 45 miles from the Eagle Airport, which is west of Vail. You can fly into one of the airports, rent a car, and drive. Or you can take an airport shuttle service such as Colorado Mountain Express, (970-926-9800/800-525-6363); Timberline Express, (719-539-3935), or AmeriShuttle, (877-933-4362).

The Summit Stage is Summit County's free public transportation system, with bus service between towns and resorts. Each area has its own in-county transportation: Summit Stage (970-668-0999); Breckenridge Free Ride (970-547-3140); Keystone Transportation (970-496-4200); and Copper Mountain (970-968-2882).