FRISCO — John Cantamessa understands why Summit County is considered a ski community. After all, he said, some of the top ski resorts in the world are in the area.

But if someone thought the snowy slopes were all the county had to offer, he’d be quick to correct them.

“Everyone in the county understands that we certainly have some of the best skiing in the world,” he admitted, “but I’m not sure how man people realize that we have some of the best whitewater, too.”

And whitewater is something that Cantamessa knows much about. A Summit resident, Cantamessa is a board member for the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) and owns two outfitters in the county.

Now with summer weather rearing its head in the Rockies, Cantamessa says it’s time to trade the ski poles for rafting paddles. Most rafting companies have already begun guiding for the summer, and both Cantamessa and CROA chair Duke Bradford expect great conditions this season.

“This season is going to be good, because the snowpack was above average for the second year in a row,” said Bradford, who, like Cantamessa, operates two outfitters in Summit. “So, our beginner sections (of river) are going to be beginner, our advanced sections will be true advanced, and our intermediate can be intermediate. With good conditions, you’re able to get your guests in the right place for the entire season.”

In Summit County — and all of Colorado, for that matter — there’s a great opportunity to find that “right place” on the river, Cantamessa said.

“One of the nice things about Summit County is that it’s centrally located,” he said, pointing out that local outfitters have access to the Colorado, Arkansas and Blue rivers and Clear Creek.

“Colorado is really the whitewater mecca,” Bradford said. “With all the drainage that comes off the divide, you have all the whitewater in so many directions. ... If you’re a whitewater enthusiast, you’re coming here from all over.”

Another aspect that may draw more people to the river is the price. Both Cantamessa and Bradford said that average rafting trips tend to be priced around $50 for a half day and $100 for a full day.

“I went to the movies the other night and, by the time I got my tickets and bought some popcorn and (candy), I was looking at more than 20 bucks for a 2-hour movie,” Cantamessa said. “All I did was sit there, and a half-day rafting trip for $50, you’re out there exercising. Beyond being fun, it’s just a great value.”

That may be a reason that

neither Cantamessa or Bradford are expecting any dropoff this season due to the slumping economy. Cantamessa said that he’s already noticed a drop in advanced booking but his last-minute trips are “way up.”

“Maybe people will get out and experience Colorado instead of flying somewhere else,” Cantamessa said. “We might see an increase in business because of that.”

Conditions should stay consistent for much of the summer, both men said, and local outfitters can cater trips to the needs of the customer, whether a beginner or a Class V boater. “We have options for everyone,” Bradford said.

So, if anyone’s looking for a way to enjoy some Summit sunshine now that skiing’s winding down, Bradford said, they can get a unique experience on a boat.

“In rafting, you and I can go together and have the same experience regardless of ability,” he said. “In skiing or snowboarding, that might not be the case.

“When you’re in a raft, you’re a team and you work together. Then we have the same experience. It’s fun, and people really enjoy that type of group experience. That’s unique to rafting.”

Summit County has six local outfitters, all of which are available for summer guiding. Information on rafting in Colorado can be found at croa.org.

Bryce Evans can be reached at (970) 668-4634 or at bevans@summitdaily.com.