Are You in College and Want to Have a Fun and Cheap Summer?

As a college student in Colorado, it can be difficult to balance the desire to do all the things with the reality of having limited funds. Especially when scrolling through Instagram can induce so much FOMO. 

The good news is that you don’t always have to sit out on the adventure! Below are some ways you can save money this summer while also getting out to the mountains to explore.

The key here is to book your activities in advance whenever possible. With a little advanced planning, there’s no reason to miss out.

Arapahoe Basin

• Summer Concert Series– Enjoy drink specials and free live music from 1- 4 p.m. on Saturdays
• Free Disc Golf – Bring-your-own discs or pick some up at Arapahoe Sports. Be sure to check the website before you go. The course opens after all the snow has melted.
• Scenic lift rides – Save $5 booking lift tickets online.

Aspen Mountain/Snowmass

• Lost Forest – Lost Forest is the activity park at the Aspen/Snowmass resort. Booking 7 days in advance will save you 20% on activities like wall climbing, gondola rides, and zip lining.
• Maroon Bells – Maroon Bells are two majestic mountains set behind a lake outside of Aspen. Take a shuttle, for $8/person to the Maroon Bells trail head. Or, you can bring your bike for an 8-mile ride from Aspen to the trail head.
• Free live music – Who doesn’t love live music? Check out the bands playing at Snowmass on Thursday Nights.

Copper Mountain

• BOGO Day Pass – Split a BOGO day pass with a friend and try the zip line, climbing wall or the Wrecktangle (a Ninja-style obstacle course).
• Food specials – Toast & Co. is offering a free mimosa with a brunch entrée.

Granby Ranch

• Farmer’s & Artisan Market – Checkout downtown Granby and snag some handmade crafts or fresh produce while you’re there! The Market runs from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Mountain Biking – Bring your mountain bike and get a day pass to the mountain bike course plus a lift ticket for $35.

Purgatory Resort

• Save $10 by buying a day pass online for activities at the resort. For $69 you can get unlimited access to ziplines, high ropes course and the bike park.

Katie Weiseman

Katie is a graduate student studying International and Intercultural Communication at the University of Denver. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she still remembers her first-time laying eyes on the Rocky Mountains and falling in love.  In addition to exploring mountain trails, Katie enjoys checking out Colorado’s craft breweries and scouting the Front Range for the best scoop of ice cream.