Editor’s note: Stories in this list received the most page views on SummitDaily.com from Feb. 18-24.

1. Copper Mountain Resort reports several uphill traffic issues as it searches for a resolution

Although most ski areas are known for their downhill ski trails, Summit County ski areas have made an effort to craft an uphill skiing experience over the past several seasons. 

Contrary to downhill skiing, where skiers and riders are often close to one another and forced to navigate lift queues, uphill skiing offers guests solace and the ability to bypass lift lines entirely. 

All of Summit County’s ski areas have made a push to open up access to uphill routes during the hours before or after lifts start running, but Copper Mountain Resort has taken uphill skiing at ski resorts to a new level by offering daytime uphill routes for guests to explore during normal daily operations.

Although Copper’s uphill routes have been widely popular, Bocksch says that ski patrol has had a fair amount of issues regarding uphill safety throughout the 2023-24 winter season with other Summit County ski areas reporting that they have seen some of the same issues on their mountains.

— Cody Jones

2. Letter to the editor: I was horrified to see drug-use references in Breck’s snow sculptures

I recently vacationed in Breckenridge with my family, and we saw the famous International Snow Sculpture Championships. What incredible Artists!

But, I was horrified to see messages regarding drugs (marijuana) as part of the “Einstein” Sculpture. I was shocked to see a group of young people laughing at the snow “clock” that was formed to show the time of 4:20. Yes, I know what that means.

I am a God-fearing Christian raising three beautiful Christian children, and I will not have drugs and drug messages forced on them. Sorry, Breckenridge, my church group will be spending our vacation and our money somewhere else. 

— Justin Ballard, Nederland, Texas

3. Here’s how much property taxes went up on average in Summit County — and what homeowners can do to seek relief

The moment Summit County homeowners have long been bracing for has arrived property tax notices have hit their doorsteps. 

Driven by a surge in home values, property tax bills rose for most Colorado homeowners in 2024, prompting a scramble by the state legislature to pass some form of relief. In Summit County, residential property value increased on average by 63% since the last valuation cycle in 2021. 

But whether that’s translated to a similar rise in property taxes depends on where homeowners live. 

According to Summit County Treasurer Kathy Neal, property tax revenue in 2024 was $195 million, up from $149 million in 2023. That includes taxes on all types of property including residential, commercial and vacant land and represents a 30% increase. 

— Robert Tann

4. Skier dies at Loveland Ski Area following incident on Friday

A female skier is dead following “an incident” on the Double Dip trail at Loveland Ski Area on Friday, Feb. 16, around 1:20 p.m.

The ski area said in a statement that ski patrol was in the area and responded immediately before the skier was pronounced dead at the scene, according to statements provided to Summit Daily News.

— Summit staff report

5. Developer submits plans for redevelopment of Dillon waterfront property showing 3 restaurants and 200 condo units

Plans for a five-story, mixed-use branded residential building with 200 units will be before the Dillon Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday, Feb. 21, according to the upcoming meeting agenda.

Developer Jake Porritt has previously discussed the structure proposed at 626 and 652 Lake Dillon Drive and 153 and 223 W. LaBonte Drive — where the Arapahoe Cafe and Best Western now stand — as part of his plans to redevelop much of the town core.

Porritt is proposing a 485,000-square-foot building with three restaurants — including a rooftop restaurant and bar — as well as condominium units, retail space, a public observation tower and a private pool and terrace, a staff memo included in the agenda packet states. A two-level parking structure beneath the development would reportedly provide 480 total parking spaces.

— Robert Tann