It is that time of year when Summit County is bursting at the seams with visitors. While we should be focusing on hope, joy, peace and loving our neighbors, locals know it can be frustrating dealing with the influx of out-of-town visitors who swarm into Summit County. The long lines at the supermarket and crowded parking lots and ski slopes can test anybody’s patience. The impromptu three-lane change, at the direction of the voice on the navigation device, is downright scary, but I would remind all involved to show some grace.

Like it or not, our economy depends upon visitors. We learned during the pandemic, it is very hard, if not impossible, for many businesses, and many jobs, to survive on revenue from Summit County residents alone. Personally, I get frustrated with extra traffic and folks unsure of where to go, but we need visitors to support our economy and help pay for essential services.

To visitors, you’re on vacation! Locals like people who are relaxed, appreciative and respectfully enjoy Summit County. Don’t be impatient, rude, or litter! If you are a short-term renter — especially in what is obviously a residential neighborhood — we understand that you want to have fun on vacation, but please be respectful of the neighbors who still need to raise a family and get up early in the morning and go to work. Many locals work very long hours this time of year.

When I visit another place, I like to frequent local establishments and businesses to get the feel of living there. I think many who come to Summit County want to have the same experience. The key to good business and fun is that locals and visitors are having fun side-by-side.

Following are some tips for visitors. Locals do not lean on their horns. If you feel the need to honk your horn, you need to go back to the city. If you are in the left lane of a two- or three-lane road and you need to make a right turn in 100 yards, please do not cut everybody off. Drive past the turn and double back.  It’s okay.

At its core, Summit County is a welcoming, generous, and chill community. Many businesses are short-staffed, please be patient, and use “please” and “thank you.” If you don’t like dogs, you are in the minority. Don’t get uptight about dogs in the neighborhood, hardware store or brewery. Do not feed wildlife! Foxes are like house cats here. If you feed wildlife, that animal is likely to end up dead because it got dependent upon human influences. If you see a moose or other large animal, do not approach it to take selfies. If you get gored or trampled, it is your own stupidity, not the animal’s fault.

We know that tipping has become a controversial issue, and requests for tips pop up in unusual places.  Regardless, please understand a large segment of our workforce is employed in the service industry and relies on generous tips to live paycheck to paycheck. Tip a little extra, if you can!

For locals, frustration with visitors is no excuse for being rude or delivering bad service. Be patient. If appropriate, take time to ask where they are visiting from. Offer some local tips and recommendations.  Help with directions. It is a small world. You will discover areas of connection you had not imagined.

My wish for each of you is that you got to spend some quality time with family and friends. If you have young children, enjoy the magic of this time of year. That moment in time does not last long enough, and there is no way to duplicate the pure and innocent excitement of Santa’s visit once that dream is gone. 

Summit County, like all places, has its challenges, but be thankful that you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. To our visitors, enjoy your stay, remember skiing and snowboarding is supposed to be fun, “Jägermeister” is a German word for “spent the night in jail,” and — above all — be safe. Remember to spread a little cheer to your servers and local merchants. Happy new year to you and your family.

Bruce Butler's column "Common Sense Conversations" publishes biweekly on Tuesdays in the Summit Daily News. Butler is a former mayor and council member in Silverthorne, where he has lived for 20 years. Contact him at butlerincolorado@gmail.com.