The Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Summer Activities
Many of Colorado’s best winter ski resorts, including Telluride, offer extensive summer activities.
Photo by Cole Marshall on Unsplash
Colorado is renowned for its majestic mountains and world-class ski resorts, drawing winter enthusiasts from around the globe. However, these resorts offer far more than just snow-covered slopes.
During the summer months, these mountain retreats transform into vibrant playgrounds, providing a well-rounded array of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. In this article, we’ll explore the best Colorado ski resorts for summer activities, highlighting their unique offerings and demonstrating why they are great destination choices for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Aspen Snowmass offers extensive hiking and mountain biking opportunities during the summer.
Aspen Snowmass
Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Aspen Snowmass stands as a premier destination for summer adventures. Boasting four mountains, namely Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, this famous destination caters to a wide range of interests.
Highlights
Hiking enthusiasts will revel in the breathtaking views and varied terrain found along the numerous trails near town and in more remote areas. Fly-fishing, paddleboarding, and rock climbing are also popular activities for visitors. The town of Aspen is also renowned for its cultural events and festivals during the warm weather months.
Aspen Snowmass is especially ideal for mountain bikers. Visitors can partake in mountain biking on over 80 miles of trails, including the top-notch Snowmass Bike Park with all levels of features, including some gnarly expert-level lines.
Drawbacks
Aspen Snowmass can be crowded during peak summer months, leading to longer wait times for activities and crowded trails. Additionally, the resort's popularity contributes to higher prices for accommodations and dining options, which might deter budget-conscious travelers.
Nearest airports:
Aspen (15 mins), Denver (4 hrs)
An evening town view of Breckenridge with snow-capped mountains.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge, famous for its winter skiing, also offers a vibrant summer atmosphere with a host of outdoor activities and events.
Highlights
The Epic Discovery Park provides a gratifying experience with its alpine slide, zip lines, and a challenging ropes course surrounded by Breckenridge’s striking peaks. Visitors can explore the alpine surroundings by embarking on cross-country and downhill mountain biking adventures, taking advantage of the vast trail network. The Blue River is ideal for fly-fishing, while the nearby Lake Dillon allows for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Breckenridge’s town, dynamic yet not overly moneyed, is dotted with boutique shops, art galleries, and a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and breweries. The town hosts festivals, concerts, and events throughout the summer, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Breckenridge can be quite busy during the summer, especially during weekends and holidays, leading to crowds and limited availability for certain activities. Parking can also be challenging, and accommodations within the resort area tend to be pricier than in nearby towns. In addition, Breck’s downhill mountain bike park isn’t as extensive as some competitors, and the altitude may be overwhelming for some.
Nearest airport:
Denver (2 hrs)
Telluride’s Free Gondola carries passengers between the town of Telluride and Mountain Village during the summer (and winter) months.
Telluride
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a striking destination that offers an abundance of summer activities.
Highlights
The Via Ferrata, a thrilling rock-climbing experience, allows visitors to navigate breathtaking cliffside routes while attached to a safety cable. Hikers will find themselves immersed in stunning landscapes, including the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall. Mountain biking enthusiasts can relish in the world-class downhill and cross-country bike park that caters to advanced-level guests.
Telluride is also renowned for its summer festivals, such as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Jazz Festival, which bring together music lovers from near and far. The town of Telluride boasts awe-inspiring natural surroundings alongside a vibrant atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Accessibility can be a challenge in Telluride, as it is located in a very remote area. Limited flight options and a longer drive from major cities may deter some visitors. Additionally, accommodations and dining options within the town can be expensive, impacting the overall affordability of the trip.
Nearest airports:
Montrose (1.5 hrs), Albuquerque (6 hrs), Denver (6.5 hrs)
Steamboat offers a range of lively outdoor activities during the summer.
Steamboat
Famous for its aspen tree skiing in the winter, Steamboat Springs unveils a wealth of other alpine activities during the summer months.
Highlights
Steamboat's bike park offers an extensive network of trails suitable for all skill levels, ranging from downhill expert lines to scenic meandering routes. The Yampa River provides opportunities for tubing, kayaking, and fly-fishing, while the surrounding forests invite visitors to hike amidst striking, isolated wilderness. For a unique experience among Colorado mountain towns, visitors can take part in hot air ballooning, offering breathtaking views of the Yampa Valley.
The lively downtown area of Steamboat Springs adds to the charm of the experience, featuring boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Drawbacks
Steamboat Springs can experience unpredictable weather during the summer months, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. This can affect outdoor activities and limit the time available for exploration. Additionally, while the downtown area is lively, it can become modestly crowded during peak tourist seasons.
Nearest airports:
Yampa Valley Regional (30 mins), Denver (3 hrs), Salt Lake City (6 hrs)
Winter Park especially stands out in downhill mountain biking during the summer.
Winter Park
Known for its excellent skiing in the winter, Winter Park transforms into a well-rounded summer retreat with tons of possibilities for adventure.
Highlights
Winter Park boasts one of the best mountain biking setups in the state. The resort's Trestle Bike Park caters to riders of all skill levels, featuring jumps, berms, and technical features. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in over 600 miles of trails, ranging from smooth and scenic paths to extremely challenging downhill tracks.
Hiking trails abound, leading visitors through breathtaking alpine meadows and offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Additionally, Winter Park boasts a vibrant music and arts scene, with live concerts and festivals taking place throughout the summer.
Drawbacks
Due to its Continental Divide location, Winter Park can experience occasional afternoon thunderstorms, which may disrupt outdoor activities. The area’s popularity can result in crowded trails, particularly on weekends and holidays. Additionally, the resort's amenities and services may be more limited compared to larger ski towns on this list.
Nearest airport:
Denver (2 hrs)
Vail’s walkable town turns into a vibrant thoroughfare with art festivals and events during the summer.
Vail
Vail is renowned worldwide for its top-tier skiing, but its summer offerings are extremely impressive as well.
Highlights
Surrounded by the White River National Forest, Vail provides a wealth of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Mountain bikers can explore a vast network of trails, ranging from leisurely rides along the valley floor to advanced-level downhill descents. Hiking enthusiasts will love the alpine landscapes, with trails meandering through wildflower-filled meadows and leading to pristine mountain lakes. For a unique experience, visitors can enjoy scenic gondola rides that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
The nearby Gore Creek is ideal for fly-fishing and whitewater rafting, while the Vail Golf Club provides a prime alpine setting for a round of golf. Vail also hosts a variety of summer events, including art and music festivals, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Vail can be crowded during peak summer months, leading to longer wait times for activities and potential congestion on trails. Accommodations within the resort area tend to be expensive, impacting the overall affordability of the trip. And just as during the winter, parking can also be limited and costly.
Nearest airport:
Eagle County (30 mins), Denver (2.5 hrs)
Keystone’s town isn’t as lively as some others in Colorado, but there are plenty of outdoor activities during the summer.
Keystone
Keystone is more of a low-key summer destination among Colorado ski towns, but it offers an array of activities that cater to all interests and ages.
Highlights
Mountain bikers can explore the resort's extensive trail network, including exhilarating downhill routes, cross-country paths, and family-friendly options. The Keystone Bike Park provides thrilling features such as jumps, berms, and wooden features for riders of varying skill levels. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, scenic bike rides along the shores of Lake Dillon offer breathtaking views.
Hiking trails showcase breathtaking vistas and pristine forests. Fly-fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the Snake River, known for its trout-filled waters, while Lake Dillon offers opportunities for sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Golf enthusiasts will be delighted by Keystone's two championship golf courses, while the resort's Adventure Center provides an array of family-friendly options, including rock climbing, mini-golf, and bungee trampolines, ensuring that visitors of all ages can find something to enjoy.
Drawbacks
The resort can become crowded during peak summer months, especially on weekends and holidays, leading to longer wait times and limited availability for activities. Additionally, while Keystone offers a range of activities, it may have fewer options compared to larger resorts, limiting the variety for those seeking diverse experiences. Parking can be challenging, particularly during busy periods, adding an extra inconvenience for visitors.
Nearest airport:
Denver (2 hrs)
Beaver Creek offers the same ultra-luxury accommodations it’s known for in the winter during the summer season.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a very upscale Colorado ski resort that offers an impressive array of equally upscale summer activities.
Highlights
Beaver Creek’s striking mountain setting provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore a variety of trails, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging downhill courses. Scenic hiking trails wind through breathtaking alpine meadows and dense forests, offering captivating views at every turn.
Beaver Creek also offers fly-fishing opportunities in its pristine rivers and streams, allowing anglers to test their skills against trout-filled waters. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the highly-regarded Beaver Creek Golf Club, known for its challenging fairways and panoramic mountain vistas.
Drawbacks
As a more upscale resort, Beaver Creek may not cater to budget-conscious travelers as much as other destinations. While the resort offers a variety of summer activities, the range may not be as extensive as some larger resorts, limiting options for those seeking diverse experiences—especially when it comes to in-town festivals and events.
Nearest airport:
Eagle County (30 mins), Denver (3 hrs)
Final Thoughts
While the snow might be gone during the summer months, Colorado's best ski resorts provide a wealth of outdoor activities and natural beauty that offer more than enough for vacation planners to do. There’s no doubt that all of these towns are best known for their winter experiences, but they offer equally impressive experiences when it comes to activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and fly-fishing. Moreover, while summer flights may be pricier, the cost of hotels tends to be lower, and these summer activities are often much more affordable compared to ski resort lift tickets.
For more information on planning a trip to Colorado, check out our state-level ski resort rankings for 2023.
