A Very Colorado July: Holiday Weekends, Mountain Music, and Slopeside Summer Fun

By July, Colorado’s mountains have fully entered summer mode. Skis are swapped for hiking boots and chairlifts carry view-seekers over fields of wildflowers. Music fills base areas while bike parks pick up speed, and mountain communities are prepping for Fourth of July celebrations worth building a weekend around. Below are a few July events and offerings that make a strong case for heading uphill:

Find Live Music at Higher Elevation

Arapahoe Basin kicks off summer operations July 2, followed by a July 3 concert with Todd Sheaffer & CORAL CREEK. A-Basin’s July calendar also includes yoga, brunch at Black Mountain Lodge, and tons of other summer programming throughout the month (see below). Summer music continues throughout the month at Aspen Snowmass with free and ticketed programming across the resort and community. Copper Mountain, Granby Ranch, Winter Park, and Powderhorn also have consistent July music programming.

Try a New Summer Mountain Activity

Mountain biking is a major draw at Powderhorn, where July serves up bike park operations, learn-to-bike programming, mountain bike camps, and downhill events. At Purgatory, group rides and the Total Archery Challenge bring a mix of biking, mountain adventure, and skills-based events to the San Juan Mountains. Arapahoe Basin will offer summer activities including yoga, hiking, biking, and Via Ferrata, giving guests a different way to experience one of Colorado’s highest-elevation ski areas. At Winter Park, be sure to check out TheBigWonderful Beer Fest & Bluegrass and Revel in the Park, along with the resort’s broader summer activity lineup.

Plan Ahead for the Season

Summer is a smart time to get ahead on winter planning. Check your favorite resort’s website and social media channels for updates on passes/tickets, mountain projects, and early details for the season ahead. Our guide to current deals and offerings is also a great resource.

Head for the High Country

July is a wonderful time to make a day of it in Colorado Ski Country USA. Glorious views, cooler temps, a calendar full of events, and unique outdoor activities provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy some mountain time. Event schedules can shift with weather and operations, so be sure to check directly on each ski area site before you head up.