Winter in Summit County can turn small oversights into costly repairs. If you own a home in Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, or Keystone, you already know mountain storms bring heavy, wet snow, deep cold, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles. You want to enjoy the season, not worry about ice dams or frozen pipes. This simple, local checklist shows you what to do, when to call a pro, and how to keep your home safe and comfortable all winter. Let’s dive in.
Why Summit County winters are unique
At high elevation, winter lasts longer and overnight lows stick around. Storms often bring dense, wind-loaded snow that stacks unevenly on roofs and trees. Freeze–thaw cycles are frequent, so melted snow refreezes at eaves and in small gaps, which can lead to ice dams and water intrusion.
Second homes face extra risk. If you are away, small issues can go unnoticed. A smart plan with remote monitoring and reliable local vendors reduces stress and protects your investment.
Roof, gutters, and ice dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes into the roof deck and melts snow higher up. The meltwater refreezes at colder eaves and creates a dam that can push water under shingles.
Your action steps
- Clear gutters and downspouts in fall so meltwater drains freely.
- Keep attic vents and soffits clear to maintain airflow.
- Use a roof rake from the ground to remove snow near eaves after storms. Avoid climbing on steep or icy roofs.
- Consider snow guards near entrances or walkways to reduce roof avalanches in high-traffic areas. Hire a pro for installation.
- Treat heat cables as a support tool only after you improve insulation and ventilation.
When to call a pro
- If shingles or flashing look loose, worn, or damaged.
- If you see interior staining, icicles paired with ceiling spots, or thick ice that is unsafe to remove.
- For installing snow guards or heat cables on steep or fragile roofs.
Manage snow load safely
Heavy, wind-loaded snow can concentrate in certain roof areas. Excess weight may cause sagging, new cracks, or creaking.
Your action steps
- Use a ground-based roof rake to reduce buildup along eaves after storms.
- Watch for signs of stress inside, like doors sticking or new ceiling cracks.
- Skip DIY clearing on steep, high, or multi-level roofs.
When to call a pro
- If you notice structural distress or heavy, persistent accumulations.
- For safe snow removal on complex rooflines or during multi-day storms.
Protect plumbing from freezing
Pipes in exterior walls, unheated garages, crawlspaces, and attics are most vulnerable. Frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage when they thaw.
Your action steps
- Insulate accessible pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves.
- Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs. Have irrigation systems blown out by a qualified tech.
- Keep indoor temps consistent. For vacancy risk, avoid setting the thermostat below around 55°F.
- On very cold nights, let a vulnerable faucet drip slowly if you will be home.
- For second homes or long absences, either arrange regular checks and remote monitoring or shut off and drain the water system.
- Consider an automatic shutoff valve tied to leak sensors for added protection.
When to call a pro
- For hard-to-reach pipe insulation or rerouting pipes.
- To fully shut down and drain domestic water systems for extended vacancy.
- If a pipe has frozen and you are unsure how to thaw it safely.
Heating systems, chimneys, and fuel
Reliable heat protects your home from freeze events. Furnaces, boilers, woodstoves, and chimneys need seasonal care.
Your action steps
- Schedule annual furnace or boiler service for safety and performance.
- Sweep and inspect chimneys and woodstoves before first use.
- Test thermostats. Consider a smart thermostat for remote control and alerts.
- Fill propane or fuel oil tanks ahead of storms if your home uses delivered fuels.
- Keep exterior vents clear of snow and ice.
When to call a pro
- For HVAC tune-ups, repairs, and combustion safety checks.
- For chimney sweeping and any masonry, liner, or flue issues.
Exterior, landscaping, and drainage
Snow and ice can damage trees and trap meltwater against your foundation. Good site drainage helps protect basements and crawlspaces.
Your action steps
- Trim hazard branches that overhang roofs, driveways, or walkways in fall.
- Aim downspouts away from the foundation and use splash blocks or extensions.
- Store or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and bikes.
- Test exterior lighting and handrails for safe winter access.
When to call a pro
- For large tree work or branches near structures or power lines. Use an arborist or tree service.
Driveways, walkways, and snow removal
Safe access reduces slips, falls, and liability. Early planning pays off during big storms.
Your action steps
- Set up snow removal contracts before winter. Local schedules fill up fast.
- Keep ice melt and sand on hand for steps and high-traffic paths. Choose products suitable for your concrete and landscaping.
- For steep or long driveways, consider professional plowing. Heated options may be useful if feasible.
When to call a pro
- For timely driveway and roof snow removal, especially during multi-day events.
Interior prep for second homes
Vacant or part-time properties face higher risk from undetected leaks, heat loss, and ice damage.
Your action steps
- Choose a vacancy plan: either keep the heat on with remote monitoring or shut off and drain the water system.
- Install water leak sensors and smoke or CO alarms with remote alerts.
- Leave interior doors open for even heat distribution.
- Document your home with photos and keep a list of emergency vendor contacts handy.
When to call a pro
- For full winterization, including draining lines and adding antifreeze in traps where appropriate.
- For installing monitoring systems or automatic shutoff valves.
A simple seasonal timeline
Use this quick, Summit County friendly timeline to stay ahead of the weather.
Late summer to early fall
- Service HVAC and schedule chimney sweep.
- Inspect roof and clear gutters. Repair flashing as needed.
- Trim trees and clear brush.
- Test backup generator if you have one and stock fuel safely.
- Confirm snow removal vendors and contracts.
Mid to late fall
- Insulate exposed pipes and seal attic air leaks.
- Shut off and drain exterior water lines. Winterize irrigation.
- Add weatherstripping, door sweeps, and storm windows if applicable.
- Move outdoor items to storage.
Early winter
- Confirm remote monitoring for second homes.
- Stage ice melt, sand, and safety gear at entries.
- Review your emergency contacts and vendor list.
Winter
- After major storms, rake roof eaves from the ground to manage buildup.
- Check for signs of ice dams or leaks and act quickly if you see them.
- Keep vents, pathways, and entries clear of snow and ice.
DIY or call a pro
Knowing your limits keeps you safe and prevents bigger problems.
- DIY often makes sense for gutter cleaning, basic pipe insulation, roof raking from the ground, and simple weatherstripping.
- Call licensed pros for roof work, heavy snow removal on complex roofs, HVAC and chimney service, major plumbing work, tree removal near structures or lines, and any structural concerns.
How to vet Summit County vendors
Local experience matters at altitude. Use this quick checklist when hiring.
- Verify license and insurance, including workers’ compensation.
- Ask for local references or recent Summit County jobs.
- Request written estimates, scope, and warranties.
- Confirm emergency availability during storms.
- Check relevant certifications, like NATE for HVAC or InterNACHI or ASHI for inspections.
- For structural work, consult the county building permit office to ensure compliance.
Quick checklist to print
- Roof and gutters: Clean gutters, check vents, rake eaves after storms, schedule inspections as needed.
- Attic and insulation: Keep vents open, address air leaks before relying on heat cables.
- Plumbing: Insulate exposed pipes, shut off and drain exterior lines, set safe thermostat levels, plan for vacancy.
- Heating: Service furnace or boiler, sweep chimneys, test thermostat, fill fuel tanks.
- Exterior and drainage: Trim hazard branches, direct downspouts away from the foundation, secure outdoor items, test lighting and handrails.
- Access and safety: Prebook snow removal, stock ice melt and sand, clear vents and pathways.
- Monitoring and vacancy: Install leak sensors and remote alerts, choose a vacancy plan, keep vendor contacts ready.
Preparing early means fewer surprises and more time on the mountain. If you are buying, selling, or maintaining a second home in Summit County, you deserve a plan and a partner who understands local conditions and knows trusted vendors. For a custom winter readiness plan tied to your real estate goals, connect with Christy Watson and schedule your white-glove consultation.
FAQs
When should Summit County homeowners start winterizing?
- Begin in late summer to early fall. Roof work, HVAC service, and tree trimming are easier before storms and freezing conditions.
Do heat cables prevent ice dams in Breckenridge and Frisco?
- Heat cables can help in problem areas, but they do not replace proper insulation and ventilation. Reduce heat loss first, then add cables if needed.
What is the simplest way to prevent frozen pipes in a mountain home?
- Insulate exposed pipes and keep interior temperatures steady. For vacant homes, either shut off and drain the water system or use remote monitoring with automatic shutoff.
How do I know when to hire a professional for snow on my roof?
- If you see sagging, new interior cracks, heavy or wind-loaded drifts, or thick ice, call a contractor experienced with roof snow removal.
Should I book local snow removal and service vendors in advance?
- Yes. Storms book crews quickly. Written agreements set expectations for timing, scope, and emergency availability before bad weather hits.
