As the country prepares for the biggest celebration of the summer, Colorado Ski Country resorts are enticing guests to experience the Fourth of July Weekend in Colorados Rocky Mountains. This summer, the Fourth of July falls on a Thursday, giving visitors the opportunity to take an extended vacation in resort communities and sample the many events and activities taking place.
Crested Butte_Alex Fenlon
Between different races to family-friendly BBQs, traditional Main street parades to serene yoga sessions and jamming concerts, Colorado resorts have each created their own unique atmosphere within their natural surroundings. The cooler mountain temperatures serve as a relief to the sweltering heat of summer, and the multitude of activities are the perfect cure for summer boredom. Below is a list of all the events and activities taking place during the long holiday weekend.
Arapahoe Basin
On Sunday July 7, the 2nd annual Arapahoe Basin Trail Run takes place. Runners are invited to test their bodies and stomachs against the altitude. The race will start at almost 11,000ft above sea level and will end with a mid-mountain BBQ, pig roast, and live music. For those who are not running enthusiasts, there is an alternative event that consists of a morning trail race followed by an all-you-can-eat BBQ and live music. Guests can ride the lift up and cheer on the competitors before filling up with platefuls of BBQ. The Black Mountain Express will begin shuttling guests to mid-mountain at 10:15 a.m., and live music from local favorites High Five on the Black Mountain Lodge Deck begins at 11:00 a.m. The race is split into two divisions: Summit Division and Mid-way Division. The former begins at 10:30 a.m., the latter at 10:45 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each division, and the top three youth in each division. The entry fee for both divisions is $15. For more information visit http://arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/mountain/calendar.aspx.
Aspen/Snowmass ******* DUE TO DRY CONDITIONS THE FIREWORKS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED**********
The summer in Aspen is jam-packed with events and the Fourth of July holiday is no exception. The fun kicks off with the annual Boogie’s Buddy Race to support the Buddy Program. Participants can choose between a challenging but festive five mile race with cash prizes or a family and canine one mile walk. The Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade is an exciting highlight and is followed by the AVSC Fourth of July Picnic in Koch Park where volleyball, and ice cold beer can be enjoyed all while supporting the largest youth non-profit in the Valley, Aspen ValleySki & Snowboard Club. The Firework Extravaganza over Aspen Mountain will light up the night around 9:15 p.m. to wrap up the festivities.
Aspen_Jeremy Swanson
Guests can continue to enjoy the holiday weekend with access to Bike Snowmass a network of downhill and cross-country mountain biking trails. The gondolas are open on both Snowmass and Aspen Mountain to service a number of family-friendly activities and more. Aspen Mountain is host to Classical Saturdays and Bluegrass Sundays at the Sundeck accessed by a scenic 14-minute ride on the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain. For more information visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com/en/summer-recreation.
Aspen_Jeremy Swanson
Copper Mountain
From July 4 7, Copper Mountain will feature Wanderlust once again. Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world’s leading yoga teachers, top musical acts and DJs, renowned speakers, top chefs and winemakers all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty in the Rocky Mountains. This summer, Wanderlust coincides with Copper Mountains Fourth of July celebration and artist MOBY headlines the musical line-up. Wanderlust is family-friendly, and features activities for everyone to enjoy. More information can be found by visiting www.wanderlustfestival.com.
Wanderlust_Copper Mountain
Crested Butte
Guests are invited to attend the Crested Butte Fire & EMS Departments Pancake Breakfast from 7 10 a.m. at the fire station downtown on July 4.A food court opens at 10 a.m., plus there are numerous restaurants and coffee shops to satisfy a wide range of tastes. Several kids activities, including face painting, also start at 10 a.m.
The 45th annual Gothic to Crested Butte Run, Walk or Crawl 1/3 Marathon begins at 8 a.m. in Gothic, winding through the aspen woods and meadows to Mt. Crested Butte and ending in downtown Crested Butte.Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), a private, nonprofit scientific research and education institution based in Gothic. Online registration and more information are available at www.active.com or at www.rmbl.org. There is a cap of 500 participants.
The 4th of July Parade begins at 11 a.m. It features outrageous costumes and a block-long water fight complete with a fire truck.
Live music follows the parade, and games continue through the afternoon. Music from Dr. Robert, Boston Brass, and Amber Leigh lead up to the choreographed firework display which begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. A final set from Amber Leigh caps off the night with the Peak Light shining on the iconic Butte.
Music continues during the weekend in Crested Butte for the fourth annual Bluegrass in Paradise presented by Crested Butte Music Festival on July 6 7. Headliners for the weekend include Sam Bush and Drew Emmit with the Paradise All-Star Band. Free tent camping is available for concert-goers. For tickets and more information, visit: www.bluegrassinparadise.org.
Crested Butte_Alex Fenlon
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
Guests can enjoy all the resorts summer activities during the holiday week and catch the resort shuttle to Silverton to watch the spectacular firework display illuminate the sky on July 4.The Silverton and Durango area is bustling with fun festivities, including parades, fun runs, ice cream socials and other events.
Summer Sunset_Durango Mountain Resort
Visitors can then finish the day with live music under the stars at Durango Mountain Resorts Summer Concert Series at Dantes, which kicks off on Friday, July 5, at 6:30 p.m.Sponsored by Ska Brewing, guests can enjoy live music by Farmington Hill in a beautiful mountain setting.Tickets are $5 per person (5 and under are free). For information on all the holiday festivities, visit http://www.durangomountainresort.com/events/july-4th-festivities/.
Summer Concert Series_Durango Mountain Resort
Ski Granby Ranch
The Strawberry Jam fun race takes place on July 6. Racers wind their way down the new Strawberry Jam trail, and have three hours to complete as many laps as possible. Before the race, from 10 11:30 a.m., riders have the opportunity to ride with the Trail Builder, and the race then takes place from noon until 3 p.m. Prizes are awarded to competitors with the most laps. First place receives a 2014 bike season pass. Second place and third place receive a $50 and $25 gift card respectively to Granby Ranch. Additional prizes are handed out to riders with the best costumes celebrating the holiday, and for the most laps completed by boys and girls under 13. Entry is free for participants 13 years old and under, and $15 dollars for 14 and up. Participants must have a bike ticket or season pass to enter. For more information visit http://granbyranch4.reachlocal.net/.
Steamboat
The holiday weekend kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at Little Toots Park, sponsored by the Steamboat Springs Lions Club. Morning races include the 7th annual Cross Country/Nordic Combined Roller Ski Race, and the 21st annual Steamboat Sprint. Although its the height of summer, winter is not forgotten in Steamboat, and the Independence Day Ski Jumping Extravaganza and Nordic Competition at Howelsen Hill starts at 12:30 p.m. Before the fireworks, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo series takes place in Romick Arena at 6:30 p.m. and continues throughout the weekend. The night finishes with a fireworks show on Howelsen Hill starting at 9 p.m.
The weekend continues with a free concert by Sam Bush on Friday, July 5, at the Howelsen Hill Amphitheatre, and the Strings Music Festival showcases Pink Martini on Friday, and Gypsies & Harp on Saturday evening. Saturday features the Mountain Madness Half Marathon and 10K in the morning and a Luau Party and Pig Roast at the Steamboat Grand from 6 8 p.m. For more information, visit: http://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/summer-activities.aspx.
Telluride
On the Fourth of July, the town of Telluride will host its Firemens Fourth of July. Then, on July 6, in honor of Tellurides Historic Sheridan Opera House turning 100 years old, the opera house will hold a Speakeasy Gala.
Winter Park
The Fourth of July Celebration takes place in the Winter Park/Fraser Valley from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and includes kids activities, a community picnic, live music by DJ Michael, and fireworks at Fraser Valley Sports Complex.
The Run for Independence is presented by Grand Park on July 6. The race benefits the Childrens Hospital of Colorado. The five-mile race starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Vintage Hotel at Winter Park Resort. Competitors wind their way through the Village at Winter Park, down the Fraser River Trail, through green forests and open valleys, through the Town of Winter Park and finish in Fraser. Registration is $30 for adults, $25 for those 18 and under, or $60 for families.
The Village Uncorked Festival_Winter Park
July 6 also features The Village Uncorked. This one-of-a-kind festival features local Grand County artists showing off their wares, as well as more than 50 types of regional wines and an assortment of cheeses that will be available for sampling and sales.From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Village at Winter Park will be transformed into an art gallery complete with live music, and hands-on interactive “Learning Tents,” which will feature adult and youth art classes and demonstrations, cheese workshops, and a wine and cheese pairing course. Purchase one-of-a-kind photography, stained glass, jewelry and more. The unlimited wine tasting is $25 per person. For more information, visit http://www.winterparkresort.com/events-and-activities/events-calendar.aspx.
The Village Uncorked Festival_Winter Park
July 6 also features the first of two SolShine Music Festival weekends at Hideaway Park in the town of Winter Park. From 6 9 p.m. guests can enjoy free admission and watch the sunset to music from The Samples and Leftover Salmon.
