Summer Family Activities in Snowmass

Activities, Aspen Events, Events, Snowmass Events, Vacation Prep

With its moderate temperatures, amazing alpine scenery, and abundance of family-friendly activities, Snowmass is a great place to visit in the summer. Whether you are looking to go on a mountain biking adventure, a breathtaking hike, or participate in some of the fun family events, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy all summer long.

HIKING

Snowmass is truly an outdoor playground with over 50 miles of trails for all ages and skill levels. With panoramic views, fields of wildflowers, and dense forests, nature lovers will enjoy the area’s picturesque beauty along the expansive trails. Hikers of all skill levels–from avid adventurers to curious explorers–will be able to trek through 80 miles of diverse terrain in the Snowmass area, surrounded by over two million acres of the White River National Forest.

From hour-long walks to day-long excursions, the opportunities to explore Snowmass’ terrain are truly endless

Easy Hikes

Ditch Trail is probably the best hike around if you are looking for an easy to moderate stroll with spectacular views of Mt. Daly and the Maroon Snowmass Wilderness area. It’s also one of the several trails that can be accessed via the Elk Camp GondolaSnowmass Village Nature Trail is another hike worth checking out for those looking for something less challenging and family-friendly for smaller kids, while the awe-inspiring Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is one of the most photographed locations in Colorado and always worthy of a visit.

Challenging Hikes

For a more challenging hike, try the Government Trail, which traverses nearly 14 miles from Snowmass to Aspen over bumps and stumps, across streams, and through aspen groves and alpine meadows. This hike offers some of the best natural diversity in the area. Rim Trail South is a Roaring Fork classic hike with magnificent mountain views and a mix of a more strenuous climb with easier hiking. The area is popular, but you will be rewarded with a stunning spectacle of wildflowers throughout.

Guided Hikes

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) offers guided hikes on Snowmass 

Mountain. These programs are a great opportunity to learn about the ecology and natural history of the area from an ACES naturalist while enjoying the beauty of the area.

BIKING

With over 50 miles of trails, Snowmass Village is a cycling community at its core, and home to some of the best cross-country, freeride, and downhill mountain biking trails in Colorado. From gentle cross-country cruisers to adrenaline-filled downhill courses, the mountain biking options for families in Snowmass are endless. 

Downhill Mountain Biking

With some of the best downhill biking that Colorado has to offer, mountain biking in Snowmass is a great activity for the whole family. With various levels of trails, from gentle cross country to more technical runs, it’s easy to find something for every skill level.

Take advantage of the Elk Camp Gondola to ride up to the top to enjoy more downhill cruising without the strain of biking up.

Road Biking

Paved paths are available if you prefer road biking to mountain biking. Ride from Snowmass to Woody Creek or Aspen on paths like the Rio Grande Trail. If you are up for the challenge, you can also take the more difficult route to Maroon Bells for heart-pumping elevation gain with awe-inspiring views.

Snowmass Bike Park

Winding from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift all the way to Snowmass Base Village, Snowmass Bike Park offers some of the Valley’s most beautiful trails for every skill level. The diverse trails range from beginner-friendly singletrack to challenging downhill, all with the on-mountain experience expected from a Gold Level Bike Park.

Beginning in late June, later nights at the Snowmass Bike Park are enjoyed through the summer. Lift-served biking by the Elk Camp Gondola continues into the evening until dusk.

Summer Bike Camps

Kids and teens can work on improving their bike skills in single or multi-day bike camps on the trails of Snowmass Bike Park. Professional coaches and pros teach camps to help with skill development, bike etiquette, safety, and bike maintenance to help kids grow their love of the sport.

ON-MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES

Explore the many things available to do and see on the mountain. Ride the gondola to take in the breathtaking views or to reach other opportunities for adventure. Whatever you choose, the mountain is rich with activities for everyone.

Lost Forest

Tucked in the trees on the mountain is Lost Forest, the picture perfect summer playground and adventure park for the family. This must-see attraction includes the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, Treeline Trial Challenge Course, Canopy Run Zipline, and Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall miles , of hiking trails, the trout hook fishing pond, disc golf, and more.

Paintball

Open daily from June-October, outdoor paintball on the mountain is located just outside of Lost Forest. Bring the family for a fun and adventurous time using your skills to launch paintballs while running through the natural surroundings of Snowmass Mountain.

Sightseeing and Gondola Rides

Take a ride up the Elk Camp Gondola to experience the incredible views and additional on-mountain activities available at Snowmass. Soak in the cool mountain air at Elk Camp Meadows and enjoy the mountain vibe on the grass lawn, or delight in a farm-to-table dining experience at the Elk Camp Restaurant.

OTHER EVENTS

In addition to all of the opportunities to explore and entertain on the mountain and around Snowmass, there are special events in the summer that are fun ways to be entertained. 

Activities at The Collective

Snowmass Base Village is home to The Collective, which includes The Rink, the Collective Hall, the Game Lounge, and the Selfie Den. There are many activities available at The Rink during the summer, including lawn games, live music, and yoga. 

The Rink is also host to Movies Under the Stars in Snowmass Base Village. This nighttime cinematic experience runs July through August and begins at dusk.

Free Concert Series

Be a part of this long-standing summer tradition held on Fanny Hill at 6:30pm every Thursday evening from mid-June through August. Enjoy a variety of live music including soul, pop, funk, rock, country, and bluegrass with family and friends

Snowmass Rodeo

The Snowmass Rodeo is the longest-running rodeo in Colorado. Throughout the summer months, this authentic western experience offers competitions such as saddle bronc and bull riding, team roping, and barrel racing. Kids are welcome to participate in the Calf Scramble and Mutton Busting.

Come early and enjoy the barbecue dinners and drinks, or enjoy a live performance and demonstrations on the stage. Western Wednesdays are held June through August, from 5 through 7.

MAKE SNOWMASS YOUR FAMILY VACATION DESTINATION

At Alpine Property, we offer rentals in Snowmass that can accommodate any group size. We have a variety of rentals with features such as private hot tubs, daily housekeeping, media rooms, cozy wood-burning fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and incredible mountain views.

Browse our rentals to find a vacation home for you and your family. When you are ready to book, call us at 1-866-209-1540.

Get in touch with us