Summit County offers some of the world's best skiing, just a little more than an hour west of Denver, but the area is also a splendid summer resort destination (see photo, left).

Attractions and towns can easily be visited on day trips from Denver.

Breckenridge National Historic District is a 130-year old gold mining town filled with dozens of colorful Victorian buildings, most of which now house shops and restaurants. There are historic walking tours available. Breckenridge Ski Area is located on the edge of the historic district.

Copper Mountain is a modern ski and summer resort offering all forms of outdoor recreation, from golf and tennis to snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

Dillon is a modern town built on the shores of beautiful Lake Dillon. The area offers factory outlet shopping in over 100 stores with designer-label items priced well below retail. There are also restaurants and services in the town.

Frisco is yet another old Victorian mining town that has been restored but still retains its colorful Old West atmosphere.

Keystone is a modern, year-round resort that offers all forms of outdoor recreation as well as five-star dining, including a wonderful restaurant located on top of a mountain and accessible only by gondola. Another rustic restaurant can be reached only by horse-drawn sleighs.

Vail is just a short drive from Summit County and can also be visited on day trips. The world famous resort offers a pedestrian village that is lined with shops and outdoor cafes, as well as the largest ski mountain in North America. All forms of outdoor recreation, from river running to fly fishing, are available in the Vail area.