Stories in this list received the most page views on SummitDaily.com from Sept. 29-Oct. 5.

1. Breckenridge to move trailhead and parking near popular backcountry skiing spot due to safety concerns

As more and more people continue to use the Laurium Trailhead in Breckenridge to access backcountry skiing spots, the potentially dangerous impacts of the steep grade in its parking lot have become more evident. 

Officials discussed at a Sept. 24 meeting how the 14% grade has caused its fair share of issues in the icy winter months and how it has emerged as a public safety concern. They said local law enforcement has been reporting that as more people use the parking lot to backcountry ski near Bald Mountain, the 15-spot lot can be found overflowing sometimes on weekends. 

Over the past year, Breckenridge has been looking into relocating the lot and got direction on where it should go from Breckenridge Town Council at a Sept. 24 meeting.

— Kit Geary

2. Summit County business owner crowned champion at 2024 CrossFit Games

For the second-straight year, George qualified to the CrossFit Games, this time traveling to Birmingham, Alabama for the masters-level competition from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1.

George, 68, racked up a total of 734 points throughout the four-day competition to be crowned the “Fittest on Earth” in the 65-plus age division. After coming up short in 2023, the accomplishment was a testament of not only George’s perseverance, but also the unwavering support from the Summit County community.

“It was kind of a big deal,” George said. “When you get to my age, the natural thought process tells you that you should be done. It is so cool not to be done. It is kind of exciting. I can still go. … Having that support (Messinger and Josh) there was amazing. I cannot say enough nice things about that.”

— Cody Jones

3. Dillon voters overturn major project in decision that will shape future of town core development

The people of Dillon have overturned the approval of a major waterfront project in a decision that will shape the future development of the town core.

Dillon residents voted 132-229 on a referendum question before them in a special election Tuesday, Oct. 1, according to results posted to the town website. The vote shot down the Dillon Town Council’s earlier approval of a “branded residence” structure with 200 condominium units, three restaurants, retail space, an observation tower and a park that would’ve been open to the public.

Residents opposed to the branded residence project, especially the structure’s height and size, circulated a petition earlier this year setting up the referendum vote. The referendum vote overturns Dillon Town Council’s 4-2 vote in March to approve a planned unit development — allowing variations from the underlying zoning — for the branded residence project.

— Ryan Spencer

4. Rejected in federal court, Summit County homeowners take claims against short-term rental regulations to state court

After its case was dismissed in federal court, a group of homeowners has filed a new lawsuit in state court claiming that Summit County’s short-term rental regulations violate the state constitution and state law.

Summit Resort Homeowners Inc., a group that says it represents 100 homeowners in Summit County, filed the lawsuit against the Summit Board of County Commissioners in Summit County court on Sept. 20. The lawsuit claims that the county’s short-term rental regulations violate the state constitution and state statute related to lawful nonconforming uses.

“The suit is challenging the legality of the short-term rental regulations that went into effect Oct. 1, 2023,” Summit Resort Homeowners director Todd Ruelle said in a phone interview. “Summit Resort Homeowners Inc. have come together to challenge the regulations in Colorado state court because there are a lot of protections in state law for homeowners that have been renting for years.”

— Ryan Spencer

5. Silverthorne plans $2M land purchase to boost its trails, but neighbors of the property express mix of support and concern

A $2 million property purchase meant to increase trail connectivity in Silverthorne is receiving both praise and opposition from surrounding property owners.

Silverthorne Town Council’s scheduled review of the purchase, which was supposed to occur on Sept. 25, was stalled at the request of a neighborhood adjacent to the property. 

The 11-acre parcel, known as the Lowe property, is in between the Willowbrook, Willow Creek Highlands and Ruby Ranch neighborhoods. Officials say the purchase is an important puzzle piece in the town’s longtime goal to create a loop trail that is meant to better connect various natural areas and amenities in and near town. Silverthorne plans to have the trail follow much of the perimeter of the town and offer connections to residential areas. 

— Kit Geary