Summer Activities

Our status as a top-tier winter destination is legendary, but what you may not know is that summers here offer just as much fun, exhilaration and adventure.

A Rocky Mountain summer vacation is a truly memorable experience. Colorado has more sunny days per year than California, with an average temperature between the mid 70's to mid 80's and humidity that hovers around 2 percent. With a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures, plus educational and cultural activities, Aspen/Snowmass is also the nation’s premier mountain resort for families. Since it doesn’t get dark until 9 p.m., you and the kids will have plenty of time to explore the natural beauty surrounding Snowmass Village. Spending time in Aspen/Snowmass combines all the best qualities of your ideal summer vacation!

At the Silvertree Hotel, summer entertainment in Colorado is practically limitless. Here are some additional summer activities in Aspen/Snowmass, to help you plan your family’s next summer vacation.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center: An internationally known artist’s colony, dedicated to creativity and growth through visual arts, Anderson Ranch features a variety of gallery shows and creativity workshops for artists of all ages. They offer free tours on Tuesday afternoon, starting at 4pm, plus lectures, workshops, and other events.
Ashcroft Ghost Town: Take a first-hand peek into the history of the old west. The Ashcroft Ghost town is located10 miles south of Aspen on the Castle Creek Road, and offers guided tours during the summer months, and self-guided tours are available anytime of the year. Call 925-5756 to confirm tour times. $3 admission for adults, children under 10 admitted free.
Aspen Art Museum: The Aspen Art Museum features exhibitions with emphasis on contemporary art. The museum’s public programs and community activities create engaging and thought-provoking experiences of art, culture and society. Open 10 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday – Saturday, Noon – 6 p.m. on Sundays, and 10 – 7 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is free.
Aspen Center For Environmental Studies (ACES): Located near the heart of Aspen, on the 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, ACES features a variety of natural history displays, classes, educational workshops, nature tours, and special activities for those who love the outdoors. Visit ACES at 100 Puppy Smith St. in Aspen, located behind the Post Office.
Aspen Historical Society: Wheeler/ Stallard Museum archives offer a glimpse of the history of the Roaring Fork Valley. Plan an educational walking tour or children’s program for you and your family, available by appointment only. 620 East Bleeker Street.
Aspen Music Festival & School: Started in 1949, the Aspen Music Festival & School is a world-famous classical music program that features daily concerts, classes, and events for the music lover in all of us. AMFS offers a variety of music programs, including weekly private lessons and extensive performance opportunities. For more information, call (970) 925-3254.
Aspen Recreation Center: A multi-use sports facility housing a 32-foot climbing tower, pro-size ice arena, locker rooms, youth center, playing fields, and aquatic center complete with lap pool and recreation pool with a “lazy river”, slide, and sprayers. Day use admission, punch passes, and memberships available. (970) 544-4100
Campfire Dinners: Enjoy an evening jeep excursion and dinner at the historic Burlingame Cabin on Snowmass. Savor sprawling vistas of Mount Daly and a delicious dinner hot off the grill. A campfire, live music, s’mores and a golden sun setting against the magnificent Elk Mountains complete this ideal dining adventure for families or groups. Save when you book your campfire dinner at the same time you book your lodging at the Silvertree!
Camp Aspen/Snowmass: Adventure is the spirit! Camp Aspen/Snowmass provides hours of excitement for kids as young as two, to young adults in their teens. Your kids will take part in thrilling activities including mountain-boarding, skateboarding, rafting, paintball, rocket camps, and much more! Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available from June 1 – Sept. 4. Group and private lessons are available for all ages. Ask about new Family Days program at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Cost: Program-specific. For more information, call (970) 923-1227.
Concerts: Aspen/Snowmass comes alive with music during the eclectic Thursday Night Free Concerts on Fanny Hill concert series. Lauded as one of the best free music series in the country, these concerts run from July 1–August 19, 2010. For more information, see our Calendar of Events.
Disc Golf: Challenge yourself on our 18-hole on-mountain disc golf course. The course snakes from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola all the way down to Base Village. Score cards and course maps are free and available at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola. Discs are available for rent or purchase at Four-Mountain Sports. Hiking shoes and plenty of water are recommended. The course is open from May–Oct. (depending on snowpack) and the cost is free! (Elk Camp Gondola ride requires lift ticket purchase.)
Family Trout Fishing: Experience the thrill of landing a Rocky Mountain rainbow trout on a private guided fishing trip. Cost includes transportation, equipment, snacks and drinks. Guided fishing trips begin June 1, daily at 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., size limit: 6. For more information, call our concierge at 1-800-837-4255.
Fly Fishing: The Snowmass area is surrounded by countless “Gold Medal” rainbow and brown trout streams. For rules, equipment rental and to purchase a fishing license, contact one of the area’s local outfitters. For those with limited fishing experience, lessons are available. Choose between full and half day fishing trips. For more information, contact our concierge at 1-800-837-4255.
Golf: Tee off on the newly re-designed Snowmass Club Golf Course. Designed by James Engh, this world-class golf course features 18 holes of challenging terrain, surrounded by stunning views of Mt. Daly and the Snowmass Ski Area. The Snowmass Club isn't the only game in town. Located just minutes from Snowmass Village is the Aspen Golf Club, the 21st ranked municipal golf course in America. This 7,156 yd course features a PGA award winning pro-shop, a driving range and full locker facilities, all in the shadow of the Rockies. Aspen/Snowmass is also home to River Valley Ranch, the Roaring Fork Valley’s newest public golf course. Ask our concierge about scheduling tee times.
Gondola Rides - Aspen: The Silver Queen Gondola travels 2½ miles to the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain in just 18 minutes!, Be sure to bring your camera to capture the spectacular, birds-eye views of the Elk Mountains and the town of Aspen. Daily, dates, cost, and times TBD. For more information, contact our concierge at 1-800-837-4255.
Gondola Rides, Snowmass Ski Area: Offered daily, you (and your bike!) can ride the Elk Camp Gondola to mid-mountain reaching nearly 10,000 feet and enjoy miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. ACES nature walks, disc golf, climbing wall, fishing, and special programs offered for adults. Friday through Sunday, take the Elk Camp lift to the 11,300-foot summit where you can soak up breathtaking views of the famed Maroon Bells or enjoy a hike back down to the Elk Camp Gondola on our new Summit trail. After you've worked up an appetite, have lunch on-mountain at Elk Camp Cafe. Mountain bikes are available for rent at Four-Mountain Sports. Elk Camp Gondola runs daily: June 19 – September 6, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (last ride down 4:15 p.m.). Elk Camp Lift runs Friday – Sunday, June 25 – September 5 & Monday, September 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (last ride down 3:15 p.m.). Tickets at the gondola station in Base Village. Sky Cab Gondola offers FREE rides from the bottom of Fanny Hill to the Snowmass Village Mall, June 18–September 6, 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Thursdays, July 1–August 19, 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Hiking: Explore the majesty of the Rocky Mountains one of Snowmass’ countless hiking trails. Whether you are an experienced hiker, or prefer leisurely nature walks, Snowmass has a trail for every skill level. Visit our concierge for area maps and trail recommendations. Guided hiking tours of the Snowmass country-side are also available.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy a variety of trail rides, for all skill levels, at Aspen Wilderness Outfitters or T-Lazy-7 Ranch, plus wagon rides, pony rides, and more.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: You haven’t seen the luster of the Snowmass Valley until you’ve viewed from a vantage point above the clouds. Start your morning off soaring amongst the beautiful peaks of the Elk Range, followed by a delectable champagne brunch with a Hot Air Balloon sightseeing package from Above It All Balloon Company or Unicorn Balloon Company. Whether you’re planning a romantic escapade, celebrating a special occasion or taking the family on an unforgettable adventure, a Hot Air Balloon ride in the Rocky Mountain dawn is a truly magical experience.
Ice Skating: Hit the ice at the Aspen Recreation Center's Aspen Ice Garden, for some year round skating fun! The Ice Garden is a full-sized, enclosed skating facility that features public skating, skate rentals, private lessons, and more. For more information including hours and cost, contact the Aspen Recreation Center at (970) 544-4100.
Independence Ghost Town: Witness local history first hand when you embark on a self-guided tour of an authentic 1879 mining town. The Independence Ghost Town located 13.5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. Open daily for self-guided tours, from June through September. The tour is free for children 12 and under, but the Historical Society kindly asks that adults donate $3.
Guided Jeep Tours: A Guided 4WD tour from Blazing Adventures can take you where others fear to tread! See the Colorado country side, high-mountains, historical ghost towns, and more breath-taking scenery you can’t see from a paved road. With 36 years of experience, Blazing Adventures is Aspen & Snowmass' leading outdoor adventure company. Save when you book your jeep tour at the same time you book your lodging at the Silvertree!
Kids’ Krafts: The magic and mystique of the Rocky Mountains is sure to inspire young, creative minds as they conjure up unique creations, at this free crafts hour. Parents can join in on the fun or drop off their children to fashion hand-crafted vacation mementos such as hats, backpacks, treasure boxes and bird feeders. Kid’s Krafts takes place every Thursday, from June 25–Aug. 27, at 4–5 p.m. at the Snowmass Ticket Pavilion. FREE!
Maroon Bells Bus Tours: Take a scenic half-hour tour to the most photographed peaks in North America. Located in the scenic White River National Forest, the 14,000 Maroon Bells tower like sentinels over the valley floor. The park is closed to automobile traffic during peak summer hours, but is accessible by all non-motorized forms of transportation, as well as bus tours sponsored by the Roaring Fork Transit Authority. RFTA riders can hike and explore the White River Valley, or bask in the splendor of the majestic Maroon Bells. RFTA buses depart from the base of Aspen Highlands. For more information, contact (888) 649-5982.
Mountain Biking: Whether you're looking for an exhilarating mountain biking adventure or a leisurely ride through the Colorado country side, Snowmass Village has the perfect mountain biking trail for you! Bring your own bike, or rent your equipment from one of the many local bike shops in the Snowmass/Aspen area. Shuttle service may also be available upon request. Ask our concierge for the Snowmass Biking & Hiking Map.
Nature Walks & Hikes (On-Mountain): Learn about local wildlife while you drink in spectacular mountain views, refreshing alpine forests, and meadows blanketed with Colorado wildflowers The Aspen Center for Environment Studies (ACES) feature naturalist-guided hikes through the Snowmass country side. Averaging around two hours, these tours are an ideal introduction to Snowmass’ extensive trail system. Since the weather can change rapidly, please dress appropriately. Nature walks are offered daily, starting at 1 p.m. and depart from the Ticket Pavilion at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall. All Nature walks are FREE with a valid lift ticket.
Nature Trail Walk: Get in-touch with nature on a two-hour, guided walk along the peaceful, kid-friendly Snowmass Nature Trail. A naturalist from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) shares tips on the different species of Colorado wildflowers, how to identify animal from their tracks and information on native birds. Nature walks are offered daily, and depart at 10 a.m. from the Ticket Pavilion at the end of Snowmass Village Mall. Free!
Paintball: Join us for a wild game of outdoor paintball! Book your own private group or join us in a fast-paced public game.
Available Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, June 19–September 6, 2010 (not available July 8–11), 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations required. Meet in Snowmass base village at the Elk Camp Gondola Ticket Office.
Paragliding: Soar amongst scenic peaks, with an USHGA-certified pilot, on a tandem paragliding flight. Take off from a launch point near the summit of Aspen Mountain with Aspen Paragliding! No prior experience necessary.
Rodeo: Witness real cowboys roping and riding at the Snowmass Rodeo! This first-class rodeo provides a glimpse at authentic western heritage at its finest, and is fun for the whole family! Experience the excitement of live saddle bronc riding, team roping events, barrel racing and more! For times and ticket information, call (888) 649-5982.
Snowmass Recreation Center: Challenge yourself with an exhilarating workout, or relax and refresh at the Snowmass Recreation Center. The 16,000 square foot recreation center features state-of-the-art amenities including: Matrix cardio equipment, a fully equipped weight room, and four outdoor pools with water features for kids, an adult hot tub, and a variety of fitness and exercise classes, suitable for the whole family. The Snowmass Recreation Center is open seven days a week, and located on Brush Creek Road, across from the Snowmass Club golf course.
Tennis: The Snowmass Club's tennis facilities provide an unrivaled playground for tennis enthusiasts of all skill levels. Enjoy access to 11 outdoor and 2 indoor courts, the latest tennis equipment and apparel at our tennis pro shop, plus a team of experienced instructors, led by former U.S. Olympic coach Gayle Godwin. Semi-private and groups lessons are available. Tennis courts are also available through the Aspen Recreation Center and at the Aspen Golf & Tennis Club.
Theatre Aspen: Located in the heart of Rio Grande Park, Theatre Aspen is Aspen’s only professional theatre, featuring an eclectic mix of programs, plus Broadway caliber performers and local artists alike!
Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center: This amazing 25,000 sq. ft. facility, located in Base Village, shares the wonder of the mountain environment in tactile, fun, and educational ways for every family to enjoy. The Treehouse includes six age-specific, interactive, nature-themed rooms created to bring the outdoors inside.
West End Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in Aspen’s vibrant history on Aspen Historical Society’s West End Walking Tour. This leisurely stroll through Aspen’s Victorian West End begins at the historic Hotel Jerome and ends at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, and provides a glimpse into Aspen’s days of yesteryear. Tours operate from Tuesday to Saturday and costs $15 per person.
Whitewater Rafting: Find out first-hand why the Aspen/Snowmass area is regarded as one of the top ten whitewater rafting areas in the entire country. Select from calm float trips to hair-raising rapids and just about everything in between! Half day and full day trips are available from Blazing Adventures. Save when you book your rafting trip at the same time you book your lodging at the Silvertree!

For more information about The Silvertree Hotel, area activities and events, or to book your