Where to Stay in Frisco, Colorado (Best Areas & Hotels)

4 Best Areas to Stay in & Near Frisco

Frisco is a small Summit County community on the west side of Lake Dillon. Breckenridge is to the south via Highway 9, Silverthorne is northeast along I-70, and places to stay in Keystone are directly east. Copper Mountain, Frisco’s ski resort, is around a 10-minute drive southwest of downtown. 

All of these regions offer lodging, as well as unique benefits. Whether you want slopeside luxury or local charm, there’s a spot for you in Frisco — and I’ll help you find it!

Downtown Frisco

👉 Best Area For Local Charm | ✨ Best Frisco Hotels: Hotel Frisco • Frisco Inn on Galena • Frisco Lodge • AC Hotel Frisco

You’ll find so much of the magic of Frisco on downtown’s Main Street. Mountain views, warm lights, and local charm make it feel like something out of a cozy novel. This is especially true during the holiday season, which brings about its annual Wassail Days celebration. Sip spiced cider while shopping for gifts and warm up inside several restaurants. 

A few of my favorites include Highside Brewing, a popular après ski hangout; and Ein Prosit, a German restaurant set inside a multi-level antique hall. You also can’t miss Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe. Its cinnamon fruit bread French toast tastes even better after a snowy morning hike or cross-country skiing at the Nordic center. 

Come summer, restaurant patios become full and the marina is the place to be. Rent a boat or paddle board to explore coves throughout Lake Dillon, or simply lounge on its sunny mountain beach. An 18-mile paved path circles the reservoir and bike rentals are available on Main. 

I’ve visited Frisco countless times and in every season. There’s plenty to do year-round and most attractions are within walking distance of downtown. Hotel Frisco on Main Street is in the heart of it all and one of the sweetest places I’ve ever stayed. Sip complimentary wine while local musicians perform, play board games in the loft, and bring your pups along for the trip. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Frisco:

• Tons of local charm 
• Walking distance to shops, dining, and attractions 
• Variety of hotels and rentals available 
• Short drive to ski resorts 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Frisco:

• Need a car to access the slopes 
• Can be more costly than other areas 

Copper Mountain

👉 Best Area For Skiing | ✨ Best Copper Mountain Hotels: Cambria Hotel Copper Mountain • West Village Condo • East Village Retreat

I’ve skied at more than a dozen Colorado resorts and in my opinion, Copper Mountain has one of the best layouts. The difficulty of terrain is split into almost three perfect sections: easy green trails above West Village (where you’ll also find the ski and ride school), blue runs above Center Village, and intermediate to advanced trails above East Village. 

Numerous rentals are available in all three of these villages. For those new to skiing, this two-bedroom condo in West Village is a great pick. To be closer to more challenging terrain, consider this spacious and modern retreat in East Village.  

If you have a group with varying abilities, Center Village is a solid choice. Stay at the Cambria Hotel to be within walking distance of the American Eagle lift, which provides access to runs of all levels, as well as some of the best terrain parks in the state. 

Center Village is also the hub of summer activities, like lift-serviced mountain biking, disc golf, go karting, and thrilling rides down the continent’s second-longest alpine coaster. This area also has the widest selection of restaurants, retailers, and gear rental shops, which are all within walking distance.  

Pros of Staying near Copper Mountain:

• Ski-in, ski-out lodging 
• Walking distance to restaurants and shops
• Easy access to year-round activities 

Cons of Staying near Copper Mountain:

• Feels like a ski resort, not an authentic mountain town
• Need a car to access downtown Frisco attractions

Highway 9

👉 Best Area For Quiet Retreats | ✨ Best South Frisco Hotels: Hyatt Vacation Club • Tiger Run Resort • Riverfront Lodge Home

Highway 9 (and the adjacent Blue River Recpath) connect Frisco to Breckenridge, an iconic resort town located around 20 minutes south. While there are plenty of places to stay in Breck, accommodations are often costly. The atmosphere is also quite lively, with lots of tourists and an energetic après scene — which is fun, but maybe not the vibe you’re going for. 

Lodging options between the two towns provide a more peaceful retreat. I especially recommend the glamping cabins within Tiger Run Resort, which sleep two to eight guests. Start each morning with coffee on your private patio and enjoy the resort’s on-site amenities, which include pickleball and sand volleyball courts, a heated pool, and a game room. 

The famous Colorado Trail also runs right through Tiger Run Resort. Pack a picnic lunch or plan to snowshoe in the winter months. Additionally, this area features Good Times Adventure Tours, which offers guided snowmobiling, as well as dog sledding with the cutest pack of pups. 

Pros of Staying along Highway 9:

• Close to attractions in both Frisco and Breckenridge 
• Quiet, away from downtown crowds
• Near several scenic hiking trails 

Cons of Staying along Highway 9:

• Very limited dining options in the immediate area 
• Need a car to get around

Silverthorne

👉 Best Area For Affordable Lodging | ✨ Best Silverthorne Hotels: Hotel Indigo • The Block Hotel & Commons • Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne

Silverthorne is around 10 minutes northeast of Frisco and just off I-70. Because it lacks a ski resort and direct access to Lake Dillon, this sweet town is often overlooked. I’m ashamed to say that I, too, didn’t give it much thought for a long time. 

But after a recent summer getaway to Silverthorne, I can’t recommend it enough. You come across more locals than tourists in this tight community. Many gather at riverfront restaurants, such as Enza’s Delicatessen and Sauce on the Blue, a lovely date night spot. 

With several art installations throughout, the paved Blue River Trail is a great place for a bike ride. Nearby hiking trails are also popular when the weather’s warm. I especially recommend the Ptarmigan Trail and Acorn Creek Loop, where wildflowers blanket the hillsides. You can also rent a paddle board to float at North Pond Park, or go fly fishing on the Blue River. 

Best of all, accommodations in Silverthorne are more affordable than in Frisco and other Summit County towns. Stay in a dormitory or private room at The Block Hotel & Commons for the absolute best deal around. I also recommend Hotel Indigo. It’s a great value with luxurious and spacious rooms, plus quality amenities including a pool, fitness center, and on-site dining. 

Pros of Staying in Silverthorne:

• Affordable lodging options 
• Walkable shops and restaurants 
• Many outdoor activities, especially in summer  

Con of Staying in Silverthorne:

• Smaller downtown district than Frisco 
• Need a car to access ski resorts and other attractions

Tips for Staying in Frisco

Rentals Are Abundant in Frisco

While Frisco has a variety of great hotels, don’t overlook the wide selection of rentals in town. I’ve stayed at this downtown townhouse several times over the years and love its central location and homey feel. Especially in winter, the vibe in Frisco is cozzzy — and with a fireplace, private hot tub, and well-worn board games, this condo delivers just that. 

Eat Well When Visiting

Most rentals in Frisco have equipped kitchens, which is great. But make sure to budget for eating out, too. I may be biased because I’ve tried a lot of the local restaurants. But in my opinion, this town has such an incredible (and underrated) dining scene.

My favorites for breakfast include Bread + Salt and Butterhorn Bakery. When I’m craving a healthy bite, Pure Kitchen delivers. And after a day of skiing, Outer Range Brewing Company can’t be beat. With snow pants and helmet hair, you will absolutely find me drinking an IPA on its heated patio. Its Thai-inspired bowls are also a must. 

Pack For Practically Every Season

The weather can be unpredictable in the high country. I’ve spent days at Colorado ski resorts in both t-shirts and practically every layer I own. The summer can be similar, with sunny mornings often turning to afternoon storms. 

Come prepared for all conditions. Our Colorado packing list will help ensure you don’t forget the essentials.

Plan Ahead for Certain Activities

There are lots of fun things to do in Frisco, but several activities can sell out during peak seasons. 

For example, Frisco Adventure Park is very popular during the winter months. You’ll want to make reservations for tubing well in advance. If you’re interested in a dinner or hot cocoa sleigh ride with Two Below Zero (highly recommend!), book that early on as well.

📚 Related Reading: The Essential Things to Do in Breckenridge

FAQs

What is Frisco known for? 

Frisco is known for its downtown shopping and dining scene, as well as outdoor recreation. Hiking and water sports on Lake Dillon are popular in the summer. Winter activities are available at the Frisco Adventure Park and Nordic center, as well as Copper Mountain. Other ski areas, including Breckenridge Ski Resort and Keystone Resort, are also nearby. 

What is there to do in downtown Frisco? 

Things to do around downtown Frisco include boating at the Frisco Bay Marina, biking along Lake Dillon, tubing at the Frisco Adventure Park, and cross-country skiing at the Nordic center. Visitors can also shop and dine on Main Street. The Frisco Historic Park & Museum is also located downtown. 

What is there to do in Frisco in the winter? 

Things to do around downtown Frisco in the winter include sleigh rides, snow tubing, cross-country skiing at the Nordic center, and the annual Wassail Days celebration. There are also activities and events at Copper Mountain, as well as experiences like snowmobiling and dog sledding along Highway 9 towards Breckenridge. 

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I hope this guide has helped you as you plan your trip! For more nearby attractions, see our article on things to do in Keystone next.