Summit County’s October Market: A Glimmer of Hope as Ski Season Begins

October’s real estate numbers were rough, but there’s still activity in Summit County. Buyers are making decisions, inventory has come down, and ski season is giving people another reason to think about a place in the mountains.

In Episode 182 of The Ski Summit Show, Benji and I talk about what that means for buyers and sellers, share a few tips for those first days on limited ski terrain, and visit a chalet at Tiger Run Resort between Breckenridge and Frisco.

Recorded November 3, 2026. Market figures and the featured property price below reflect the episode’s reporting period. The November 6–7 event mentioned in the video is now a past event.

October Was Slow, but Buyers Haven’t Disappeared

The local figures I discuss on the show put October’s new contracts about 25% below October last year. That’s a challenging backdrop if you’re waiting for an offer.

There are also reasons to keep things in perspective. Active residential inventory fell from roughly 850 to 743 listings in the snapshot discussed on the show, a decline of about 13%. That leaves sellers with fewer competing listings, although a drop in inventory by itself doesn’t tell us that demand is improving. Some homes sell; others leave the market.

The episode outline’s October 25 snapshot also shows 204 pending sales, including 51 properties that went under contract during the preceding two weeks. Those are buyers and sellers finding terms that work, even in a slower market.

For national context, the National Association of REALTORS® reported that September pending home sales fell 11.3% year over year and 7.3% from August. Those national figures cover September, while the local new-contract comparison on the show covers October. They provide background, rather than a direct comparison of the same month.

What Should Sellers Do With This Information?

Look closely at the other homes your buyer could choose. How do your price, condition, location and features compare? Then look at recent sales. Buyers are watching those too, and a deal they missed can shape what they’re willing to offer next.

That makes competitive positioning especially important. Good presentation and easy showing access help, but the price also needs to make sense alongside the available alternatives.

Patience matters as well. In the episode, I talk about buyers taking more time to do their homework. A showing that doesn’t turn into an immediate offer doesn’t necessarily mean the buyer has lost interest. Keep an eye on feedback and follow-up activity as you evaluate your next move.

I expect ski-season visitors to bring more exposure to local homes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate jump in contracts. In my experience, more substantial buying activity often comes after the holidays. That’s a seasonal observation, rather than a promise about this winter.

What Does a Slower Market Offer Buyers?

When fewer buyers feel rushed, there may be more room to compare properties, investigate costs and discuss terms. The useful opportunity is finding a home that fits your plans and your budget.

The show’s September figures put cash transactions at about 41%, which is a reminder that mortgage rates affect buyers differently. If you’re financing a purchase, work through the full monthly cost, including taxes, insurance, HOA dues and maintenance. A purchase should make sense with the financing available to you today; a future refinance or an increase in value is uncertain.

If you find a property that works, an informed offer can start a productive conversation. We can look at recent comparable sales, the home’s competition and the terms that matter most to you.

Three Tips for Skiing the Early-Season Ribbon of White

At recording, Arapahoe Basin and Keystone were open, and our conversation turned to sharing a small amount of terrain with a lot of excited skiers. Wherever you’re headed now, check the resort’s current terrain report and operating information before leaving home.

1. Try a midweek visit. If your schedule allows, a weekday can give you a chance to avoid some weekend demand. Available terrain and conditions still matter.
2. Keep your outing flexible. I like getting a few runs in early, before things build, or making a short visit later in the day. A couple of enjoyable runs can be enough for those first outings.
3. Stay in control and stop where you’re visible. Give yourself room, adjust your speed to the conditions and avoid stopping below a blind rise. The National Ski Areas Association’s Responsibility Code also calls for yielding to people downhill, keeping stopping places clear of traffic and respecting closures.

The first days of winter are a chance to find your rhythm again. Enjoy being back outside and leave yourself ready for the next ski day.

From the Episode: Warren Miller at Warren Station

We also previewed Warren Miller’s Days Off at Warren Station in Keystone. The organizer listed the movie weekend for November 6–7, 2026. Those dates have passed; the segment captures some of the excitement around the start of ski season.

Property of the Week: 85 Revett Drive, Unit 69, Tiger Run Resort

If you like the idea of a standalone mountain getaway with resort amenities, this week’s featured property is worth a closer look. 85 Revett Drive, Unit 69 was featured in the episode at $589,000, with two bedrooms plus a loft and a cozy cabin feel.

One of my favorite things about Tiger Run is its location between Breckenridge and Frisco. You can spend time on the slopes, explore Main Street shops and restaurants, and come back to a resort setting. On the show, we also talk about the nearby trails and outdoor recreation that make the area appealing beyond winter.

Tiger Run’s published amenities include a heated indoor pool, two indoor hot tubs, a fitness center, an arcade, and pickleball and tennis courts. It’s a setting with things to enjoy after your ski day and reasons to return in other seasons.

Before choosing a property here, let’s review whether the community’s use rules fit your plans. In the episode, I explain that Tiger Run has restrictions on primary-residence use and consecutive stays. We should review the current governing documents for this property, along with HOA costs and any rental or occupancy requirements. Contact me for the current price, availability and details.

Let’s Talk About Your Summit County Plans

Whether you’re deciding how to position a listing or looking for a mountain getaway, the next step is a closer look at the properties and costs relevant to you.

Reach out through Ski Summit Homes with your questions about the market or this week’s Tiger Run chalet. See you in the mountains soon...