Last updated on February 3rd, 2022 at 12:32 am
A Colorado vacation can be an exciting and fun-filled experience like no other. The state is known for its rich history, scenic natural beauty, as well as a wide array of local attractions and activities. If you are seeking Colorado vacation ideas, Snowmass Village is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado to visit. Undoubtedly, the nearby Aspen is more famous; however, this historic town in western Colorado is a must-see hidden gem. To illustrate, in this Colorado vacation in summer guide, we are sharing 38 exciting things to do in Snowmass Village.
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1. Experience the Snowmass Balloon Festival (Colorado Vacation must-do)
The Snowmass Balloon Festival is a highly anticipated 3-day event held in late summer. It is certainly the highest altitude balloon event in the country.
Walk around a forest of glowing hot air balloons by night, or take in the sights of pops of hot air balloon color in the sky by day. We greatly enjoyed our inaugural Snowmass Balloon Festival! Needless to say, we will be back!
2. Spa, Swim, and Lunch Day at Viceroy
During your Colorado vacation, enjoy a massage at the 7,000 square-foot Viceroy Snowmass Spa and fitness center. The spa will wrap you in a world of holistic wellness experiences, from Ute Indian-inspired therapies to contemporary beauty rituals.
This sanctuary provides six luxurious treatment rooms, a meditative relaxation lounge surrounded by the soothing sound of falling water from an infinity pool, as well as a waterfall that centers the spa. Services provided include massages, thermal wraps, exfoliation, facials, grooming and hair removal, and more.
We enjoyed a relaxing couples massage, followed thereafter by more rejuvenation at the spa’s relaxation lounge.
Following your spa treatment, relax poolside at the Viceroy’s Snowmass all-season outdoor heated pool and cabanas.
For lunch, NEST’s light, healthy lunch fare won’t disappoint. Dine al fresco and enjoy a fresh take on classics including the NEST burger, lobster roll, lemongrass coconut ribs, cobb salad, shakes, and more. Viceroy is a great place to relax and unwind overall as part of your Colorado vacation itinerary.
3. Embark on a Hiking Adventure
Directly accessed from Snowmass Village, nature lovers can explore over 80 miles of hiking trails. You can choose from a selection of easy, moderate, and challenging hikes.
Expect to see aspen groves, wildflowers, grassy meadows, and natural wonders during your summer hike. Without a doubt, as far as perfect places for a Colorado vacation go, Snowmass Village is the best thing ever!
Get detailed hiking information here.
For interactive mobile mapping,
For more trail information
4. Go Mountain Biking or Road Biking
Biking is yet another fun outdoor activity. Altogether, there are over 300 miles of high-quality singletrack to explore in Snowmass Village. Specifically, there are options for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders for mountain trails and road rides.
You can rent bikes at the following locations:
5. Venture Out on a Scenic E-bike Cruise
In a similar fashion, add e-biking to your Colorado vacation itinerary. Particularly, ride the Brush Creek Trail starting in Lot 4. It is adjacent to the Snowmass Village Mall and runs parallel to Brush Creek Road.
This smooth ride has great views with a scenic setting next to a river. You can rent an e-bike from Four Mountain Sports.
Tip: E-bikes are only allowed on paved trails. They are NOT allowed on dirt trails.
6. Enjoy a Horseback Riding Session
Given that Snowmass has over 23 miles of equestrian trails, horseback riding is an option to consider for outdoor fun. Summer months are especially a great time for this.
Explore the national forests and lush meadows on your own, or on a guided trip. One to five hour, full-day and overnight trips are available. Ride options range from the first-time rider to the advanced.
Guided horseback rides are available through the following: Snowmass Creek Outfitters and Blazing Adventures.
7. Experience the Snowmass Rodeo
A Snowmass tradition for almost 5 decades is the Snowmass Rodeo. It is on every Wednesday in the summer at the Townpark Station. Enjoy country music, livestock, and overall family fun.
8. Jam With Jazz Aspen Snowmass
Another fun Snowmass activity is the Jam Jazz. Jazz Aspen Snowmass hosts a variety of concerts and festivals.
9. Go on a Mountain Climbing Adventure
Outdoor activities like mountain climbing are also a fun Snowmass Village experience. You have the option of independent rock climbing, or with a local guide.
10. Explore the Snowmass Art Walk
The Snowmass Art Walk showcases art installations, murals, and sculptures of local artists. Specifically, they can be found around the Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Base Village, the Brush Creek Trail, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. This is a map of the locations.
11. Try Out Mountain Disc Golfing
There are two 18 hole mountain disc golf courses in Snowmass Village. This activity is FREE, but a lift ticket is required for the Elk Camp Gondola.
Golf discs are available for rent at Four Mountain Sports in Snowmass Base Village. Additionally, course maps are available from the summer rangers at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.
Tip: Note that disc golf is available daily, only from mid-June through Labor Day.
12. Sightsee on a Summer Gondola Ride
Make the most of days of sunshine while in Snowmass Village. Ride above forests and trails aboard an 8-seater Elk Camp gondola.
Enjoy stunning views as you ascend the mountain. Note that lift tickets are required to ride the Elk Camp Gondola.
13. Ride the Alpine Coaster (Colorado Vacation Must-Do)
Ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster through the forest above Elk Camp. It is a 7-9 minute adrenaline rush ride that will without a doubt allow you to explore the mountain in a unique way.
14. Experience a Ziplining and Treelining Adrenaline Rush (Colorado Vacation Must-Do)
Take in spectacular aerial views of Snowmass. Top it off with an adrenaline rush when you zipline in Snowmass. There are seven different ziplines of various lengths and heights.
Note that Snowmass boasts the only diagonal rappel in the nation!
15. Go on a Colorado Vacation Fishing Adventure
Snowmass is known for its stunning rivers, streams, and lakes. Specifically, you can indulge your fishing habit in the Roaring Fork Valley.
16. Play Games at Elk Camp Meadows
Elk Camp Meadows is also one of the most popular places in Snowmass Village. Ride the Elk Camp Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy a relaxing grass lawn with yard games and a large deck at Elk Camp Meadows.
17. Go on a Guided Jeep Tour
So as to further explore hidden gems within Snowmass, go on a guided jeep tour. Expect to see the area’s local wildlife, scenic mountain views, and meadows on your tour.
Note that you can book your tour through Blazing Adventures.
18. Get Centered with Yoga
Equally important is zen activities while in Snowmass Village. You can sign up for yoga classes that combine healing practices with music to help you find a balance between body and mind.
19. Attend a Free Summer Concert Series
You can also enjoy a free summer concert series. These are held every Thursday evening from June to August. Held on Fanny Hill, enjoy tunes from live bands.
20. Go on a Guided Walk
Choose between a Snowmass Wildflower Walk or a Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Walk (or both). Specifically, you can learn about the local environment,
21. Check Out The Snowmass Village Recreation Center
The rec center has the only outdoor, heated saline pools in Aspen Snowmass. Additionally, there are state-of-the-art cardio machines, a weight room, and a group exercise studio. Also, a gymnasium, a climbing wall, a basketball court, and a bouldering cave.
Take a fitness class like Pilates or yoga, enjoy a personal training session, play indoor basketball, or a soak in the hot tub with stunning mountain views.
22. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride (Colorado Vacation Must-Do)
Hot air balloon rides are another fun Snowmass Village activity. Sign up for a morning sunrise hot air balloon ride and take in expansive views of Mount Daly, Capitol Peak, and the Elk Mountains. It is the best way to see wildlife like elk, and deer. Foxes are often visible from the balloon as well.
Float with a knowledgeable FAA-licensed commercial balloon pilot up to breathtaking heights for about an hour before returning to the ground for a champagne brunch.
23. Explore and Purchase Art at Anderson Ranch Center
Nestled among the pristine peaks of the Rocky Mountains is the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. The campus comprises 14 ranch buildings on five beautifully kept acres.
Meet the artists on campus and browse the ArtWorks Store, which offers an excellent selection of unique gifts and art supplies. Take a self-guided tour and catch a glimpse of the Ranch’s historic past, while visiting its state-of-the-art studios.
24. Play Games at Collective Snowmass Game Lounge
The Game Lounge is also a fun public play space. Enjoy a variety of games including foosball, tube table tennis, air hockey, and also board games. Additionally, there is an interactive wall mural, full-size pin art, the selfied den, lounge area to chill, etc.
25. Bowl at Snowmass Lanes and Lounge
Snowmass Lanes and Lounge bowling alley has 6 bowling lanes, professional billiard and Foosball tables, dartboard, 300-inch projection screens surrounded with cushy leather couches, delicious food and drinks as well as the best wood-fired pizza!
26. Go Colorado Vacation Golfing at Snowmass Club
Snowmass Club is a private entity; however, the golf course is open to the public during select tee times. Note that you will need to call 970.923.5700 (summer only) or 970.923.5600 at all other times for reservations.
27. Climb Walls in Snowmass during your colorado vacation
The Limelight Hotel Snowmass has a five-story climbing wall with three self-belay routes. Specifically, a lower one for beginners, and two that will scale the entire wall. Certainly, staff will be on hand to give pointers, ensure safety, and help with harnesses and climbing shoes.
Note that it is open daily from 5pm- 8pm. Additionally, it is free for Limelight Hotel guests. For visitors, climbing is $10 per person for up to 30 minutes. Call 970-924-5130 to make a required reservation.
Alternatively, check out the wall climbing at Snowmass Village Recreation Center.
28. Experience the Snowmass Craft Beer Rendezvous
The Snowmass Craft Beer Rendezvous is an annual 3-day event held every summer in Snowmass. Enjoy 3 days of action including Live bands and DJs, pop-up bars featuring cold craft beverages, and also outdoor games, etc.
29. Unwind at the Snowmass Wine Festival (Colorado Vacation Must-Do)
The Snowmass Wine Festival is an annual event that is hosted by the Rotary Club of Snowmass Village. It features incredible food and flavors from local providers and wine vendors.
30. Take Photos at Notable Spots
Easily hire a local photographer to capture special moments in Snowmass Village’s scenic sights and by landmarks. (Snowmass chair, Snowmass mural)
31. Catch Happy Hour at Limelight Lounge
The Lounge at The Limelight Hotel is known for Snowmass’ longest happy hour (3p-7p), Also available are a mix of small plates, entrees, and pizzas to fill any appetite.
The Limelight Hotel and Lounge features a wide-open community-style living room with comfortable couches, cozy fireplaces, flatscreen televisions, table & board games, and plenty of room to just hang out.
32. Take an Art Class at Straight Line Studio
Straight Line Studio is an experimental art gallery and studio space located in Snowmass Base Village. They offer rotating artist exhibitions and tailored art classes. www.straightlinestudiosllc.com
33. Go on a Shopping Spree during your colorado vacation
Indulge in a shopping experience at Snowmass Village Mall. There are a variety of shopping options for clothing, souvenirs, gifts, etc.
34. Embark on an Art Walk Journey
The Snowmass Art Walk showcases the unique galleries, majestic murals, and off-the-beaten-path sculptures around Snowmass Village, up the mountain, and on the trails.
35. Discover the Ice Age While on your Colorado vacation
The Snowmass paleontological site is the richest Ice Age ecosystem found at a high altitude. In 2010, a construction crew unearthed a single tusk of a young female mammoth while digging at Ziegler Reservoir.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science took over the site and went on to find 6,000 bones of 10 mammals and over 30,000 small bones from small vertebrate animals– 42 species in all. Mammoths, mastodons, camels, horses, sloths, and other species, as well as insects, and plant life were found.
36. Play the Snowmass Mountain Mission
The Snowmass Mountain Mission is an app-based, village-wide scavenger hunt designed to challenge creativity and test Snowmass knowledge.
Download the Eventzee app from the App Store, enter an email, username and password, and the event code: Snowmass.
37 Go on a Colorado Vacation scenic drive
Enjoy the undeniably beautiful landscape in Snowmass via a scenic drive. You can rent a car from the airport (ASE). Find affordable rental car rates here.
38 Take a Colorado Vacation day trip to nearby Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is a little bit of a drive from Snowmass Village, but it is well worth it. It is about 31 minutes away from Snowmass Village and is known for its bubbling hot springs. Find affordable car rentals here.
Are you ready to explore a Colorado Vacation in Snowmass Village?
To conclude, Snowmass Village is one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Surprisingly, for a small town, it sure does pack a punch! Friendly locals, outdoor adventure, hiking trails, biking trails, and more fun things to do, make Snowmass Village a year-round destination. Moreover, it is an affordable vacation that can be a weekend getaway or a longer stay. To that end, hopefully, this guide has inspired you to add this mountain town to your must-see Colorado vacation spots list.
For more about traveling to Snowmass Village (in detail) and where to stay, check out our Ultimate Snowmass Village in the Summer Travel Guide.
In the event that you choose not to stay at a hotel, check out vacation homes here. They offer easy access to the best of Snowmass Village.
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Lastly, happy travels, friends!