About Jake Sklanka

In 2007, fresh out of the University of Connecticut, I moved to Breckenridge to ski 100 days that winter. Like many who come for a season, I ended up staying for a while. Since 2013, I’ve had my dream job as a Ski Patroller at Breckenridge Ski Resort.

From throwing bombs on avalanche control routes, to providing emergency medical care for people having their worst day ever, clear communication and helping people feel comfortable are some of the most important skills we use everyday. While I’m now part-time on the mountain, that role also taught me the value of timely decision-making, care, and hard work - all traits I bring to every real estate transaction.

My path into real estate was paved by a personal discovery in hospitality. In 2012, my wife and I listed our spare room on a new site called Airbnb. By the end of that winter, we were tripling our rent. That "aha!" moment led us to purchase our first condo in 2013, eventually leading to a me to get my real estate license in 2017.

Today, my expertise spans the entire mountain corridor. I manage an investment portfolio and oversee operations for The Breckenridge Boutique Hotel. I split my time weekly between Summit and Chaffee Counties, giving me a unique, boots-on-the-ground perspective of some of Colorado's most desirable markets.

In 2024, after many years of spending weekends in the Arkansas Valley, my wife and I moved to Salida. We spent our first year on a DIY home remodel and transformed the home by creating a lock-off rental unit for long term use. Salida is the ideal basecamp for anyone who loves the outdoors and maintains an active lifestyle. I’m all about “getting the goods in the woods,” and you can find me trail running, biking, whitewater rafting, or skiing uphill or downhill in the mountains. I constantly explore the "Banana Belt" and Summit County, where I help my clients buy and sell.

I am deeply committed to the Chaffee County community, volunteering for FIBArk, Salida Mountain Trails, and local races. Whether you are looking for your first home in Salida or a legacy investment property in Summit County, I provide the local insight and technical expertise to assist with your dreams of living in the Colorado High Country.

Core Beliefs

I believe that walkable and bikeable towns and cities increase happiness by creating a sense of community. The opportunity to bump into a friend, acquaintance, or familiar face, and have a neighborly conversation on the sidewalk or trail builds the social fabric of a place. Furthermore, the health benefits of getting fresh air and light physical activity—like walking to the store or biking to an appointment—are extremely helpful in promoting an active lifestyle and increasing your overall healthspan. Salida and Breckenridge both fit these characteristics, in addition to having world-class skiing and trail systems.