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16 Apr 2014
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Aspen Snowmass Vacation Blog

Both Snowmass and Aspen have great on-mountain events and activities for Summer 2014! With options ranging from breathtaking gondola rides to hiking and biking, there’s something for all skill levels and ages. This week, our blog team takes a closer look at some of the most popular on-mountain adventures offered in 2014.

SUMMER GONDOLA RIDES The Silver Queen Gondola, downtown Aspen - The centerpiece of Aspen, Colorado, is world-renown Aspen Mountain, located right in the heart of town. “Ajax,” as the locals call it, offers a plethora of activities and adventure during the summer.   The easiest way to access the mountain is by riding the Silver Queen Gondola to the top. The gondola will sweep you from downtown Aspen to the top of Aspen Mountain in only a few minutes. The views are breathtaking! The gondola is open daily this summer from June 21 through Sept. 1. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last gondola down at 4:30. Ticket required to ride the gondola. For more information, visit a ticket window at the gondola plaza in downtown Aspen, or click here. The Elk Camp Gondola, Snowmass - Elk Camp Gondola offers quick, easy access to Snowmass Mountain and its wide array of activities; everything from hiking and biking to paintball! For added adventure, take the Elk Camp Lift even higher - to the summit at 11,325 feet. Amazing views! Kids will enjoy a climbing wall and a Eurobungy trampoline (additional charges for both activities). The Elk Camp Gondola is open daily during the summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last ride down at 4:15. The gondola will be open this summer from June 21 through Sept. 1. (Weather permitting, will be open weekends in September 2014 as well.) Ticket required to ride the gondola. Learn more about Elk Camp Gondola.

HIKING AND BIKING IN ASPEN Take the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for the best biking, hiking and walking trails. Take a self-guided tour or plan something more in-depth. (Ticket required for gondola.) See great views of Aspen and Aspen Mountain by hiking Smuggler Mountain, located on the north end of town. FREE! No tickets required, and the trail is pet-friendly. (Be cautious for bikers and hikers of all skill levels as this is a popular trail.) Aspen also has a number of in-town hiking and biking trails, like the Rio Grande Trail - which stretches the entire valley, beginning at Rio Grande Park. FREE! (Again, be cautious and courteous as this is a popular trail!) HIKING AND BIKING IN SNOWMASS Take the Elk Camp Gondola and the Elk Camp Lift - with your bike! Tap into Snowmass’ amazing network of trails, rated beginner to expert. Start in Base Village; ticket required to ride gondola. Aspen/Snowmass is offering downhill mountain biking clinics in 2014. Clinics cover stance, braking, cornering and other downhill maneuvers. Skill-based learning makes this clinic perfect for all ages 16+. (Kids Clinic available for ages 8 to 15.) For more information, call 970-923-1227. CAMPING Experience the outdoors! Aspen has some of the best camping in all of Colorado, located in the heart of the White River National Forest. (For more information, or to make reservations at one of the below sites, call 970-925-3445.) Here are some of the local hot spots for camping:

  • Difficult Campground
  • Lincoln Gulch
  • Silver Bell
  • Silver Queen
  • Weller

DISC GOLF The growing sport of disc golf is available at both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain. Snowmass is the only place in Colorado to have two 18-hole courses! Lift ticket required to access course. Open 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. this summer. Ages 4+. And, Aspen Mountain boasts the highest official disc golf course! Challenge yourself on this 18-hole course. The back 9 is infamous! Discs available at Four Mountain Sports shops in Aspen and Snowmass. For more information, call 970-923-1227.

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