It’s officially time to switch gears to summer season here in Aspen. No matter how much you may miss the snow, there’s plenty to do on-mountain at Aspen this season, and it’s all part of the summer experience. Even if you’re not the sporty type, few things beat a summer’s-day view of the Elk Range from the summit of the Silver Queen (Aspen) or Elk Camp (Snowmass) gondolas.
At both resorts, you save money when you purchase tickets up to three days in advance (they’re normally $20 adult, children 3 and under free), and there are various packages that range from lunch at the Sundeck to Maroon Bells tours and/or cruiser, road, or mountain bike rentals. Prices start at just $30/pp. Even better, most on-mountain activities are free.
Ready to See the View?
Check out these elevated activities on top of Aspen and Snowmass:
Take on the Trails
Take a mellow stroll, or work up a sweat; Richmond Ridge on Aspen Mountain is a local’s fave. FYI, you can bring you dog with you. Bonus: the Limelight is Aspen’s most dog-friendly property.
Bomb Some Single Track
Bring your own wheels or rent- gondola cars are equipped with racks.
Let the Kids Loose
Both resorts offer kid-specific fun. Aspen’s summit has a Eurobungy trampoline and climbing wall; Snowmass has daily activities and entertainment from juggling to sing-a-longs.
Soar the Skies
Adrenalin junkies will want to hurl themselves off Aspen Mountain with one of the USHGA-certified tandem pilots from Aspen Paragliding.
Listen to Live Music
Atop Aspen Mountain, chill to the sounds of free Saturday classical music courtesy the students of the world-renown Aspen Music Festival, weekly at 1pm. Bluegrass Sundays features free tunes from top Colorado and national musicians, noon to 3pm.
Hit the (Sun)Deck
The glam Sundeck Restaurant is the place to be, winter or summer. Fuel up post-hike on grilled or vegetarian dishes, made-to-order pizzas and sandwiches, and more. Chill on the deck with a cold one and enjoy the view 11,212 feet below. Doesn’t suck, does it?
Strike a Pose
There’s free yoga on the Sundeck with purchase of gondola foot passenger ticket). Get your sun salutation on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:30am from June-August.
Get in Touch with Nature
ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) offers free 45-minute walks with one of their naturalists. Daily, on the hour, 11am-3pm at the top of the gondola.
High-Flying Disc Golf
The world’s highest official disc golf course awaits at the top of Aspen Mountain (there’s also one at Snowmass), and it’s free.
*Note that gondola hours and ticket policies differ at each resort. For Aspen details and tickets, click here; Snowmass, here.
