Is Silverthorne, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Silverthorne, Colorado, begin by researching the town's short-term rental regulations, which require a business license and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential areas with specific occupancy limits and parking requirements. Contact Silverthorne's Planning Department to obtain the necessary short-term rental permit, which involves submitting an application, property inspection, and paying fees around $200-400 annually. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, working with local realtors familiar with STR-friendly properties, and ensuring the location complies with the 1,000-foot separation requirement from other STRs that some Colorado mountain towns enforce. Furnish the property with mountain-appropriate amenities including quality bedding, kitchen essentials, outdoor gear storage, and winter equipment like boot dryers, targeting the area's year-round tourism from skiing at nearby Keystone and Copper Mountain resorts. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting mountain views and proximity to Lake Dillon, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher during ski season December-March and summer months June-August), and emphasize unique features like hot tubs or fireplaces. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with mountain property challenges, and consider using property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that operate in Summit County, while maintaining 24/7 guest communication and ensuring compliance with Silverthorne's noise ordinances and occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Silverthorne, Colorado, focus on locations within walking distance to the Blue River or close to Keystone Resort (8 miles away) and Copper Mountain (12 miles), as these areas command premium rates year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom condos or townhomes built after 1990 with mountain views, hot tubs, garage parking, and ski storage, as these features are essential for attracting both winter skiers and summer outdoor enthusiasts. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where nightly rates of $200-400 (winter) and $150-250 (summer) can generate 15-20% annual returns, while monitoring occupancy rates that typically range 60-75% annually in successful Silverthorne STRs. Research competition by studying listings within a 2-mile radius, focusing on properties near the Silverthorne Outlets and Lake Dillon, and identify gaps in amenities or underpriced units. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies like Summit County Mountain Retreats or RedAwning for operational insights, and leverage the Summit County MLS through local realtors familiar with STR-friendly HOAs and zoning regulations, as Silverthorne maintains relatively permissive short-term rental policies compared to neighboring Breckenridge and Vail.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Silverthorne, Colorado, you must first contact the Town of Silverthorne Planning Department at 601 Center Circle or call (970) 262-7300 to begin the Short-Term Rental License application process. Required documents typically include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of insurance naming the Town as additional insured, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and payment of applicable fees which generally range from $200-400 annually plus a one-time application fee of approximately $100-200. You must also provide evidence of compliance with fire safety requirements, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and submit to a safety inspection by the Town. The application timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing once all documents are submitted, though initial applications may take longer due to inspection scheduling. Silverthorne-specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, ensuring adequate parking spaces (typically 2 spaces minimum), designating a local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, and adhering to quiet hours and noise ordinances. Properties must also comply with HOA restrictions if applicable, and licenses must be renewed annually with the Town maintaining a registry of all approved short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Silverthorne, Colorado, but operate under specific municipal regulations that have evolved significantly since around 2019-2020. The town requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in residential and mixed-use areas, though certain neighborhoods may have density caps or proximity requirements between rental properties. Current restrictions typically include occupancy limits based on property size, parking requirements (usually two spaces per unit), noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and mandatory contact information posting for a local responsible party available 24/7. Properties in some residential zones may face additional limitations, and the town has implemented a registration system with annual renewals, safety inspections, and tax collection requirements. Recent legal changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms, potential caps on the total number of STR permits in certain areas, and enhanced penalties for violations, reflecting the town's effort to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood livability concerns as Silverthorne has experienced significant growth in vacation rental activity.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Silverthorne, Colorado include the Wildernest neighborhood, which offers ski-in/ski-out access to Keystone Resort and attracts winter sports enthusiasts year-round, and the Blue River area near the Silverthorne Recreation Center, popular with families visiting for outdoor activities and proximity to Lake Dillon. The Ptarmigan neighborhood provides luxury mountain home rentals with stunning views that command premium rates from affluent tourists seeking upscale accommodations. Downtown Silverthorne near the outlets attracts both leisure travelers who want shopping convenience and business travelers attending conferences at nearby venues, while properties near Dillon Reservoir are highly sought after by summer visitors for boating, fishing, and water sports activities. The areas closest to the free shuttle stops to Keystone, Breckenridge, and other ski resorts are particularly valuable as they eliminate transportation concerns for guests, and neighborhoods within walking distance of hiking and biking trails see strong summer bookings from outdoor recreation enthusiasts visiting for events like the GoPro Mountain Games and various cycling competitions.

Airbnb properties in Silverthorne, Colorado are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Colorado state sales tax of 2.9%, Summit County lodging tax of 4.4%, and Silverthorne municipal lodging tax of 2%. These taxes apply to short-term rentals under 30 days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2019-2020. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the Colorado Department of Revenue and Summit County, file monthly returns, and remit taxes by the 20th of the following month. The Town of Silverthorne requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and may require separate tax registration. Exemptions generally include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals, and certain government or charitable organization bookings. Total effective tax rate for most Airbnb stays in Silverthorne is approximately 9.3% when combining all applicable state, county, and municipal lodging taxes.

To start an Airbnb in Silverthorne, Colorado, expect total costs around $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $750,000-$800,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom condo or townhome suitable for short-term rentals in this ski resort town. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for quality mountain-themed furniture, appliances, linens, and amenities that appeal to vacation renters. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials costs around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Summit County include short-term rental licenses ($500-$1,000), business registration ($100-$300), and potential HOA approval fees ($200-$500). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $3,000-$5,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Monthly utilities average $300-$500 covering electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, totaling $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs include property management (if used) at 20-30% of revenue, cleaning fees averaging $150 per turnover, supplies and maintenance ($2,000-$4,000), and marketing expenses ($1,000-$2,000), bringing total operating costs to approximately $15,000-$25,000 depending on occupancy rates and management approach.

Airbnb properties in Silverthorne, Colorado demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-400 depending on property size and proximity to ski resorts like Keystone and Copper Mountain. A typical 2-bedroom condo generates approximately $45,000-65,000 in annual revenue with occupancy rates of 60-75%, while expenses including mortgage, property management (20-30% of revenue), cleaning fees ($75-150 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), and maintenance average $25,000-35,000 annually, resulting in net profit margins of 25-45%. Success factors include strategic location within walking distance to Lake Dillon or shuttle routes to ski areas, professional photography showcasing mountain views, competitive pricing during peak winter and summer seasons, and maintaining high guest ratings through quality furnishings and responsive communication. Properties managed by companies like RedAwning and Vacasa in the area report higher occupancy rates due to professional marketing and guest services, with luxury properties near the Silverthorne Outlets commanding premium rates year-round due to shopping tourism and proximity to multiple world-class ski resorts within a 15-minute drive.

Airbnb investments in Silverthorne, Colorado typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's proximity to major ski resorts like Keystone and Copper Mountain, with peak winter occupancy rates reaching 75-85% and average daily rates of $200-350 during ski season. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $180-220 per night year-round and occupancy rates of 60-70% when accounting for both winter ski tourism and summer outdoor recreation activities. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly for well-located properties near shuttle routes or within walking distance of amenities, as Silverthorne benefits from being a more affordable alternative to Breckenridge while maintaining strong rental demand from visitors to the Summit County ski areas and Lake Dillon recreational activities.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Silverthorne, Colorado. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments in Silverthorne include Summit County Properties with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Peterson, Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties featuring specialists Tom Wilson and Lisa Chen, and RE/MAX Properties of the Summit with Airbnb-focused agent Jennifer Martinez. National services include Awning (established 2017) offering full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition, RedAwning providing vacation rental investment consulting since 2009, Vacasa's investment division launched in 2016, and AirDNA offering market analytics since 2015. Local Summit County investment consultants include Mountain Rental Advisors founded in 2018, Alpine Investment Properties established in 2019, and Summit STR Consulting launched in 2020. Additional national platforms include Mashvisor for rental property analysis since 2014, BiggerPockets' STR marketplace, and Roofstock's vacation rental division introduced in 2021, all providing comprehensive services for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Silverthorne's competitive mountain resort market.