Beat the Summer Heat with Water Activities at Colorado Ski Resorts

It’s a scorcher out there. Are you looking for a way to beat the summer heat and cool off in Colorado waters? From white-water rafting and fly fishing to sunbathing on the beach, ski areas offer a variety of summer water activities to help you chill out and enjoy the Colorado summer.

Aspen Snowmass

• The Lost Forest includes an extensive zipline canopy tour, a ropes challenge course, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, a climbing wall, hiking trails, trout pond and disc golf. 

Copper Mountain

• Lake Activities. Copper Mountain’s West Lake hosts a variety of family-friendly activities include bumper boats, hydrobikes and a two-person zip line.

Granby Ranch

• Fly Fishing. Fishing at Granby Ranch is an experience unlike most locales in Colorado. Located on a private three-mile stretch of the Fraser River and nestled between mountain ranges, the views are quintessentially Colorado. Anglers can expect to catch brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout in this gold-medal tributary of the Colorado River.

Purgatory Resort

• Paddle Twilight Lake. The perfect size lake for a fun family adventure for all ages, Twilight Lake is a serene alpine lake flanked by 13,000 foot mountain peaks. Guests can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, inflatable boats and pedal boats. Fishing is also available at Twilight Lake.

Steamboat

• Burgess Creek Beach. Find your beach at the base of Steamboat Ski Area in the cool, clear waters of Burgess Creek. You’ll find a perfect depth for splashing around and opportunities to sunbathe on nearby Adirondack chairs.  
• Paddle sports. Steamboat offers several methods for exploring Colorado’s rivers and lakes including whitewater rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
• Fishing. Well-kept-secret fishing spots are abundant in Steamboat Springs. Enjoy the outdoors with our expert guides, fishing on one of the many rivers or lakes.
• Water Sports. Water sports adventures are offered at Stagecoach Reservoir. Spend a day on the lake enjoying wakeboarding, wake skating, wake surfing, water skiing, tubing or knee boarding in Steamboat Springs

Telluride

• Fly Fishing. Within casting distance of Telluride are countless high country lakes and more than 200 miles of trout streams. From the freestone San Miguel to the glassy Dolores, the beauty of the surroundings is matched only by the variety of fly fishing opportunities.
• Horseback Rides. You may find some of the best views in Colorado are while riding the trail on horseback at Circle K Ranch. This method of travel provides for a peaceful, yet adventurous experience during your stay. The most popular, Rio Lado Creek, ride allows for a short ride along the Dolores River and then up the trail through old growth spruce and aspen groves.
• Paddleboarding. Stay cool and get on the water this summer with a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Meander through the town of Telluride on the slow moving San Miguel River, or take your SUP out on the glassy, clear waters of one of Telluride’s high-altitude lakes.

Winter Park

• Whitewater rafting. Explore action-packed Colorado whitewater rafting trips suitable for everyone from thrill-seekers to families and children.
• Guided tours. Beyond the slopes, Winter Park Resort offers many incredible ways to Venture Out. Discover breathtaking views, secret trails, and maybe even meet some of the local wildlife through their variety of tour options made for every level of adventurer.