There's a reason locals often say, "Come for the winter, stay for the summer". Although Aspen Snowmass is best known as a winter ski resort, it is the summer season that engages all the senses and influences longer-term decisions like home buying, relocating, and making Aspen a family summer tradition.
From the global appeal of the Food & Wine Classic and the Aspen Ideas Festival to the endless outdoor activities on trails, in rivers, and across the four mountains, an Aspen summer vacation provides a dynamic, multi-dimensional experience that invigorates your mind, body, and spirit. Hike, bike, paddle board, fish, or golf, there is something in Aspen and Snowmass for everyone in the family.
Outdoor Adventure
Summer in Aspen offers idyllic temperatures and a chance to enjoy the beauty of this magical place with longer days and comfortable nights. Here are a few of our favorite things to do outdoors in the Aspen Snowmass area:
Sightseeing and Gondola Rides | Take a ride up the Silver Queen gondola on Aspen Mountain or Elk Camp gondola and chairlift to explore the four mountains in the summertime. With priceless views, fun on-mountain events, and delicious dining opportunities, our gondolas deliver.
Maroon Bells | The Maroon Bells are arguably one of Aspen’s most notable destinations. These iconic twin 14,000-ft peaks offer unbeatable views and a chance to enjoy adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and sightseeing. Numerous trails of varying difficulty populate the area, offering an opportunity for everyone of all ages and skill levels to explore.
If you plan to visit, parking and shuttle reservations are required from May through October. For more information and to schedule your trip, visit the Aspen Chamber website.
The Lost Forest | The Lost Forest in Snowmass Village is an enchanting summer playground nestled in Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain. Tucked amongst the trees are the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, Treeline Trial Challenge Course, and the Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall. In addition to these fun activities, the Lost Forest is a home base for fishing, hiking, and disc golf.
Open daily from June 21 through September 6, and the weekends of September 10 through October 3, the Lost Forest is an epicenter for summer exploration. Find more information and ticket prices here.
Snowmass Bike Park | Cyclists can enjoy 25 miles of purpose-built, diverse trails that offer everything beginner-friendly and flowing singletrack to adrenaline-inducing downhill. The Snowmass Bike Park extends almost 3,000 vertical feet from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift down to Snowmass Base Village.
Snowmass offers bike rentals and gear as well as lessons and clinics to help you improve your skills and techniques. Special events like Bonus Bike Nights and bike races also show why Snowmass is a cycling community to the core.
Events and Activities
At Aspen Snowmass, the mountains are your playground, with vast wilderness to explore and an exciting lineup of events throughout the summer season. These are some of our favorites:
The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen | This culinary event is a must-visit experience and is often considered the unofficial kick-off for summer in Aspen. The 2024 FOOD & WINE Classic is set to run from June 14–16 and is sure to be another amazing epicurean adventure. The FOOD & WINE Classic offers three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine & spirit tastings, and panel discussions led by world-class chefs and beverage experts. Attendees range from culinary leaders and innovative wine experts to game-changing beverage connoisseurs, all gathered for a spectacular dining adventure set against the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
The FOOD & WINE Classic offers celebrity chefs, exciting cooking classes, and a multitude of delicious tastings. Guests are encouraged to explore Aspen’s incredible restaurants and shops as well as attend interactive sessions and wine dinners hosted by the best in the restaurant business.
Learn more about the 2024 FOOD & WINE Classic and this year’s schedule of events.
The Aspen Ideas Festival | The 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival is a week-long event scheduled from June 23–29 that prides itself on gathering intellectually curious people who have stepped back from the day-to-day to delve deeply into a world of ideas, thought, and discussion. 2024 also celebrates 20 years of the Aspen Ideas Festival, all set in an amazing, awe-inspiring setting of big thinkers and chance meetings.
The festival gives the public opportunities for deeper dialogue on a variety of topics, as well as exceptional chances to interact with public officials, artists, scientists, authors, business executives, scholars, economists, foreign policy specialists, entrepreneurs, and leaders of all kinds.
To learn more about The Aspen Institute and the Aspen Ideas Festival, check out their website and schedule of guest speakers for this year’s event.
Aspen Music Festival & School| Celebrate 75 years of music at the Aspen Music Festival & School with this summer’s events from June 26 to August 18. 2024 honors Aspen’s impact on the musical and personal development of thousands of important musicians over the past 75 years with the theme Becoming Who You Are. Attendees can participate in educational activities such as lectures, recitals, classes, and workshops.
Click to learn more about the Aspen Music Festival and this important anniversary celebration of events.
Aspen Saturday Market | Starting in mid-June and running through mid-October, the Aspen Farmer’s Market runs on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The market offers Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, cheeses, flowers, and homemade crafts from local vendors. The market also offers live music, food trucks, and other activities throughout the day.
Support local farmers and artisans with the Aspen Saturday Farmer’s Market’s amazing selection of locally-grown produce and artisanal products! Or simply enjoy a beautiful summer morning at one of our favorite ways to spend the weekend.
Learn more about the market and vendors on their website.
Bluegrass Sundays | Set against the backdrop of the stunning Elk Mountain Range, Bluegrass Sundays are held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm every Sunday during the summer. Gather with locals and visitors and enjoy live music and activities on the lawn of Wagner Park. A gondola ride to the top of the mountain is available along with food and drink on the Sundeck.
For information on the Aspen summer 2024 lineup and information on the gondola rides, click here.
Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series | Celebrate 31 years of the Snowmass Free Concert Series every Thursday evening this summer from June 15–August 24 on Fanny Hill. Enjoy some of the best live bands in the country with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Doors open at 5:30 pm with music starting at 6:30 pm. Click here for more info and to view the summer 2024 lineup.
Snowmass Rodeo | The Snowmass Rodeo celebrates 50 years in 2024 with 10 rodeos! Every Wednesday night from June 19–August 21, guests are welcome to join in the fun and be a part of the long-standing rodeo tradition in Snowmass.
Tickets sell out, so make sure to plan ahead and get yours here.
John Denver Sanctuary | The stunning gardens of the John Denver Sanctuary offer a chance to enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain range alongside winding trails, meadows, forests, and an abundance of local flowers and plants. Several monuments dedicated to John Denver’s life and work are present throughout, while the nature trail features educational signs of local flora, fauna, and ecology.
Learn more about the sanctuary here along with John Denver’s legacy and connection with Aspen.
Join Us this Summer in Aspen Snowmass
Are you ready to plan your Aspen summer getaway? Let us help you! Start by browsing our vacation rentals and peruse our Summer Activity Guide to begin planning your Aspen adventures.
Explore our vacation rentals in Aspen and Snowmass to find the perfect place to stay for your ski vacation. Guests of Frias Properties receive airport transfers, concierge services, health club access, front desk check-in, housekeeping, and 24/7 maintenance and support with their vacation rental.