While it is true that up here in the mountains in the spring-time bikes come out of storage, they do not yet fully replace ski/snowboard and skinning gear. For May showers can easily turn into a foot of pristine powder and fresh tracks await those who are willing to hike to get their turns in. Come June though loafers, flip flops and espadrilles replace ski boots and all the spring moisture quickly transforms the surrounding wilderness into a vibrantly green playground crowned in creamy white snowcapped peaks.
Do you hear the mountains calling? Rev up your summer adventures by planning a vacation around these upcoming events and combine health and wellness with peace, serenity and just a wee bit of wildlife (both outdoors and in).
SNOWMASS MAMMOTH FEST (June 12th – 14th)
Once known as The Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brew Fest, this quickly growing sister festival to Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is now dubbed Snowmass Mammoth Fest in celebration of the juvenile Columbian mammoth bones that were discovered when bulldozer operator Jesse Steele was working on the expansion of Ziegler Reservoir in October, 2010.
But never fear, you can still expect to expand your palate dimensions to new horizons as savory chili and premium microbrews remain the mainstay of the weekend, along with indie folk and bluegrass with a pinch of rock music. If you are with the family, be sure to bring your kids for there is plenty of fun to be had for all with inflatable bouncy castles, hula hoops and games throughout the festival weekend. Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult but the fun can continue even after the kiddies are asleep, the gondolas run until 2:00am.
As reported by 9 News, “ A festival that’s very Colorado has announced the most Colorado lineup ever. The Tedeschi Trucks Band will headline the Snowmass Mammoth Fest, along with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Doyle Bramhall II, Greensky Bluegrass (who play pretty much every Colorado outdoor concert), the Cave Singers, Jamestown Revival and more.”
This event takes place at the Snowmass Town Park in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Follow #MammothFest and @SnowmassFest on Twitter and Instagram. While in Snowmass be sure to visit the Ice Age Discovery Center with your kids and touch mastodon and mammoth teeth and bones.
COCHON HERITAGE FIRE & GRAND COCHON (June 19th – 20th)
Visit Aspen/Snowmass for this season’s finale spotlight of 10 Chefs competing in a head-to-tail, winner-takes-all culinary showdown. The “Tour Finale” Grand Cochon culminates a 10-city culinary tour in Snowmass at The Viceroy Snowmass.
The event includes more than 1200 pounds of heritage breed pork showcased by the best 30 dishes that won regional competition and passage to Aspen. Guests will also enjoy premium brews, reserve wines, artisan spirits, a butcher demo, tartare bar, oysters, cheese tastings, jars of bacon, an ice cream social, and an award ceremony to announce the winner. The top toque will be chosen by the audience and a panel of 20 expert judges.
As reported in the L.A. Times, “Cochon is a competition as well as a pork-intensive party, an event where vases on each table hold crisp rashers of bacon instead of flowers, and it is possible to drink German riesling as well as beer and boozy punch served by men wearing fake mustachios. ” Click here to purchase tickets. Follow #GrandCochon and #HeritageFire on social media channels and @Cochon555 on twitter.
Click here to view properties on Wood Road, the same road that The Viceroy is located on.
Big Mountain Enduro (June 27th – June 28th)
Catering to all types of riders in an entertaining atmosphere the Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro Series presented by Shimano, is an authentic multi-stage, multi-day annual Enduro series showcasing some of the best trails in North America, while hosting many of the top all-around mountain bikers from across the globe.
The 2015 Big Mountain Enduro Series encompasses over 50,000 vertical feet of descending world-class single track and bike park terrain. Each course specially designed to give participants a unique riding experience, including high altitude trails and big descents that test athlete’s pure strength, endurance and bike handling skills. Click here for more information and to enter. Follow @BigMtnEnduro on twitter. Click here to discover over 50 miles of Snowmass mountain biking trails, primarily accessed via the Elk Camp Gondola and Elk Camp lift.
Wanderlust Aspen-Snowmass (July 2nd – July 5th)
Needing a mind, body and soul spiritual getaway in a natural resort with a magnificent mountain backdrop? Wanderlust Aspen Snowmass is a four day celebration of mindful living bringing together a remarkable group of yoga and meditation instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists, and chefs for a transformational retreat.
As reported in the Chicago Tribune, “If you were going to pick a place to be transformed, this would be a pleasant one. In Aspen and Snowmass in midsummer, everything living is glowing green, wildflowers dot the slopes, and rows of violet mountains fade in the distance come dusk. Many of Wanderlust’s yoga classrooms are open-air with gorgeous views of the Rockies, and everywhere, people partake in wholesome activities like hiking and biking.” Click here for more information and to purchase festival tickets. Follow #Wanderlust2015 on social media channels and @WanderLustFest on Twitter.
Ragnar Relay Colorado (August 7th – 8th)
Are you a runner? If so, sign up for this Copper Mountain Ski Resort to Aspen/Snowmass race and take your running to new heights. This challenging run climbs up to 10,000 feet and traverses over 200 miles of bike paths, single-track trails and backwoods roads as well as through four world-famous Colorado ski towns.
Discover the Colorado Rocky Mountain Range and White River National Forest on foot and find your inner wild among sweeping vistas, glittering waterways and larger than life mountains. Medal lust, craft beer, and a party will pull you towards the finish line at Snowmass Resort where you’ll celebrate together and share stories of a lifetime.
Where to Stay While in Aspen/Snowmass:
Alpine Property offers a variety of luxury vacation rentals for your visit to Aspen and Snowmass. From 2-bedroom Aspen vacation rentals to 6-bedroom vacation rentals in Snowmass Village, families both big and small can find their perfect getaway with Alpine Property.
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