Not sure where you are in California... but I'm just giving my honest opinion even though I'll probably get hated on for saying that it isn't the best place in the world.
Leadville... If you don't want podunk, you don't want Leadville. You can easily get stuck there in regards to the weather. The pass likes to close at night when it's snowing. The rent is cheap, but nothing is going on aside from alcohol and some back country skiers. The back country skiing is good... when it is stable, which this season hasn't been often. In no way is it epic. Epic back country skiing requires a lot of snow and stable conditions. But meh, I guess when that's what you've got, you think it's the best.
Frisco... It's cute. I live here now. There are no women. There are some 18 and 19 year olds, but I don't consider them women. They will remain here for their lives and smoke a lot of weed or peace out back to Connecticut or Missouri by the time they are 22. Last summer there was not a single 25 year old female recorded in the census. There were approximately 100 males. I'm sure there were a few 25 year old females, but they didn't give out their info when it came time for the guestimation. But alas, there really aren't many quality females. If there are, they are already married. There is this weird bromance thing happening because of it. Guys making vows that they wont have girlfriends and other really bizzarr things to me. It really sucks cause guys are either trying to fuck you or be your boyfriend... and I don't really care for either of those options. After that and the lack of women, it just gets a bit lonely. The people I can drink with comes out to about 20. The people that I'd consider actual friends, comes out to about 3.
Food... same price. The skiing... If all you want is park, it's cool. The mountains are pretty mellow. There is steeper terrain at Mt. High. When they get like 8+ inches of their dry snow, it's nice, but it is a rarity. There are a lot of 4 inch days. If you want terrain that is challenging and does get a lot of snow.... Stay out of summit, look to work at a mine in the southern mountains and live at telluride and ski Silverton.
Young population... that's pretty much all there is, except it's different than a lot of places. It lacks motivation. This is ok in a sense, since it is a ski town and that's kinda what being a ski bum is about. But, I tend to get criticized for the fact that I have a legitimate job which requires waking up in the morning. Many people don't seem to understand that it is important to me and that I enjoy my job. I generally get, oh that sucks rather than, thats cool.
Summit county is a great place to move to with a family. Summit county is a great place to move to and be a park rat. Summit county is a great place to move to and party your early 20's away. If that is what you want, then good.
