This summer, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts are hosting a variety of events that will appeal to guests of all ages and interests, including several unique activities that wont take place anywhere else. Summertime provides the perfect opportunity for guests to escape the heat of the city and head to the mountains for cooler temperatures and a litany of events.
Wanderlust_Copper Mountain
Despite the fact that Colorados ski season is still winding down as Arapahoe Basin readies for their last weekend of the season, resorts have prepared for the summer months by packing activities and events into a fully loaded schedule through Labor Day, including festivals, wine tastings, dirt biking, mountain-side yoga and multiple races. Below is a roundup of fun family activities and events that are taking place this summer amidst Colorado Ski Countrys beautiful mountain scenery.
Arapahoe Basin
July 7 Arapahoe Basin Summit Challenge
This trail run on the mountain is followed by a barbeque and live music at Black Mountain Lodge. The barbeque and concert are open to the public. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.
Cost: Trail run and lunch
– Pre-reg: adults $30, 12 and under $25
– Day-of: adults $40, 12 and under $35
Cost: Lift and lunch
– Adults $20, 12 and under $15
Cost: Lunch (hike up or 13/14 season pass holders)
– All ages $15
July 11, July 25 and August 8 Yoga on the Mountain
Guests can hike to mid-mountain for a one-hour yoga session and spa luncheon. The cost is $40 for each session or $105 for all three sessions. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.
July 19 Wildflower Dinner
This unique event is an all-Colorado feast at Black Mountain Lodge. Guests are invited to hike up through wildflower fields or take the lift. Reservations are required, and the cost is $82 per person. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.
August 1 Music on the Mountain and Wine Tasting
Guests can hike and take in a chamber music concert with wine tasting at Black Mountain Lodge at mid-mountain. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.
August 11 Brunch at Black Mountain Lodge
Guests are invited to join friends and family at the Basin for an unlimited buffet Sunday Brunch at Black Mountain Lodge from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a lift-served event. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.
Aspen/Snowmass
July 12 14 Master of the Mass
This four-stage, three-day mountain biking race in Snowmass will be hosted July 12 14.The Enduro Mountain Bike Race demands that riders conquer a variety of terrain including chainless downhill, cross-country, downhill and super-downhill stages. However, the ultimate challenge is that all racers must ride on one bike for all four disciplines. www.aspensnowmass.com/master
August 3 Power of Four Mountain Bike Race
The Power of Four Mountain Bike Race takes place Saturday, August 3.This race combines the four ski areas of Aspen/Snowmass Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk into one challenging course. www.aspensnowmass.com/poweroffour
Power of Four_Aspen Snowmass_Jeremy Swanson
August 4 Power of Four 50k Trail Race
Aspen/Snowmass has announced the newest addition to the Power of Four race series, a 50k ultra trail running race that will cover all four area mountains. The race will be held on Sunday, August 4, and it joins the already popular Power of Four Mountain Bike Race and the winter classic, Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race. www.aspensnowmass.com/power-of-four-50k
Saturday Classical Music
Guests are invited to take in the beauty of Aspen as students of the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival perform a repertoire of their own choosing. Free performances begin at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, July 6, and run through August 10.
Bluegrass Sundays
Guests can enjoy free performances by top bluegrass musicians from around Colorado and the country. These concerts are held from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sundays, June 16 September 1.
Summer Yoga on Aspen Mountain
Scenic yoga sessions atop Aspen Mountain will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning June 17 August 23 at 10:20 a.m. Each participant must reserve a spot, have a current ticket for the day and get a yoga voucher at the ticket window the day of the yoga session.
Valhalla Nights
Snowmass will open for evening activities with Valhalla Nights, an extension of the popular Ullr Nights that debuted this winter at Elk Camp on July 12 and 19 and August 2, 16, 23 and 30. The Elk Camp Gondola will run until 7 p.m. for biking, hiking, dinner and drinks, a bonfire, live music, movies, a Stryder Park and a kid’s playground.
Camp Aspen/Snowmass
Camp Aspen/Snowmass provides a fun, dynamic environment for ages 1 through teens. Age appropriate activities include mountainboarding, skateboarding, paintball, mountain biking, theme and nature days, horseback riding, swimming, overnight camping and more. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 4 p.m., June 3 August 30. www.aspensnowmass.com/camp.
For more information on summer activities in the Aspen/Snowmass area visit www.aspensnowmass.com or call 1-800-525-6200.
Copper Mountain
June 28 30 Colorado Running Festival
The Colorado Endurance Race Series, Colorados largest trail race series, stops at Copper Mountain for a three-day running and multi-sport festival. With some of the best terrain and abundant mountain scenery, Copper Mountain brings together more than 4,000 runners and athletes from around the Rocky Mountains. This is so much more than a running festival with more than 30 local and national vendors promoting their goods and services to the running community.
July 4 7 Wanderlust at Copper Mountain
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 of the Rocky Mountains. This summer, Wanderlust coincides with Copper Mountains 4th of July celebration. Guests are invited to bring the whole family as musical artist MOBY headlines this progressive festival. Artist interviews are available upon request.
July 22 24 Courage Classic
The 24th Annual Childrens Hospital Courage Classic returns to Copper Mountain for three days of cycling over three Rocky Mountain passes. More than 2,000 riders hit the roads to raise money for the Childrens Hospital in Denver. This season, all starts and finishes are based out of Copper Mountain making Center Village the hub for entertainment throughout the tour.
July 27 Hike MS Colorado
Hikers can lace up the hiking boots, fill up the hydration pack and grab friends and family to hike for a great cause. Join Hike MS at Copper Mountain this summer and climb for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Hiking routes vary from two to ten miles to accommodate all abilities.
August 3 Copper Triangle
The famous Copper Triangle has long been considered one of Colorados classic alpine road rides featuring breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three iconic climbs; the Copper Triangle exemplifies cycling in the Colorado Rockies. The Copper Triangle is a 78-mile ride with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet over three mountain passes: Fremont, Tennessee and Vail.
August 9 10 Guitar Town
The world’s best guitarists come together for the 9th annual Guitar Town Festival, featuring free guitar workshops, free live music, the ArtGuitar silent auction and kids’ music activities. Past performances include Tommy Emmanuel, Joe Satriani, Dickey Betts, Buddy Guy, Marty Stuart and Jimmie Vaughan.
August 16 18 Warrior Dash
The worlds largest obstacle race series, the Warrior Dash is a one-of-a-kind racing experience. With obstacles named Muddy Mayhem, Giant Cliffhanger and Vicious Valley, athletes are put to the ultimate physical and mental test as they run their way through this unique 5k course. Warrior Dash has hosted over 150,000 participants and has collectively raised over $5 million for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital with partnering events through Red Frog Events.
August 23 25 Genuine Wine and Jazz
This event, in the beautiful backdrop of Copper Mountain, showcases talent from Smooth Jazz and Fusion to Mainstream Jazz, delighting the senses. Known for its scenic splendor, internationally renowned talent and diverse wine selection, Genuine Jazz & Wine delivers a unique, fan-based experience that attendees talk about throughout the year. Those in attendance can meet, mingle, and get autographs and photos with jazz stars. This stellar line-up of headliner caliber national jazz talent, plus wine tastings, adds up to a smooth mountain getaway.
August 30 Sept. 1 Copper Country
Copper Country is a free Labor Day festival tradition celebrating the best of the American spirit. Incredible live music, arts festival and Copper Kids Arts & Crafts come together to make this Labor Day weekend event ideal for the entire family. This years lineup includes Savannah Jack, The Long Players, Michael McDonald, Texaco Country Showdown and headliner Kenny Rogers. Interviews with artists available by request.
Crested Butte
June 26 30 Crested Butte Bike Week
Since the 1970s, when locals started retrofitting old Schwinn paperboy bikes with multiple gears, Crested Butte has helped write the history of mountain biking and is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Today, some of the sports most thrilling chapters are still unfolding in the Gunnison Valley, with both classic and cutting-edge events on the planets most legendary singletrack trails.
Crested Butte Bike Week_Alex Fenlon
Events during this week include the Fat Tire 40 mountain bike race, the infamous Chainless race, Rippin Chix / Crested Butte Mountain Guides clinics with Alison Gannett & Friends, a BIG concert, a Bike Industry / Media Party, shuttles to group rides around the area and much more. For more information, contact the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (970) 349-6438 or visit www.cbbikeweek.com
July 6 7 Bluegrass in Paradise at Mt. Crested Butte
For fifteen years, the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) has turned Crested Butte into one big concert hall in the summer, with music resounding from outdoors venues, hotels, stunning private homes, churches and barns. This summer, for the first time, CBMF will host Bluegrass in Paradise, a two-day festival for one of the most popular musical genres in the American West. From July 6 7, both traditional bluegrass and “newgrass” will be showcased in a range of events: a three-day camp for kids, workshops for adults, jam sessions, children’s performances and six top-level bands.
July 10 August 28 Live From Mt. Crested Butte Concert Series
Presented by the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association, the Live from Mt. CB music series returns for the summer of 2013 with an exciting lineup of amazing musicians.Guests are invited to join the fun every Wednesday between July 10 and August 28 for an evening of free music at the base of Mt. Crested Butte. All shows will take place at the Red Lady Stage in Mt. Crested Butte from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. www.livefrommtcb.com.
This year’s lineup:
July 10- Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real (Rock)
July 17- Pato Banton and the Now Generation (Reggae)
July 24- Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds (Soul)
July 31- Sierra Hull (Bluegrass)
August 7- Dangermuffin (Roots Rock)
August 14- Mingo Fishtrap (Motown)
August 21- The Drunken Hearts (Americana/Jam)
August 28- The Pimps of Joytime (Funk)
August 2 4 The 41st Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival
Open-air booths line the five-block center of Crested Butte’s National Historic District from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. on August 3 and 4, featuring 175 artists who are selected through a very competitive jury process. In addition to the well-loved “Art Alley” for kids ages 2 12, the festival features an artist demonstration tent, food court, beer and wine pavilion, live entertainment, art auction and culinary demonstrations all weekend.For more information call (970) 349-1184 or visit www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com.
Friday Night Pedal n’ Groove at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
From 4:30 p.m.to 7 p.m. every Friday throughout the summer, guests can ride the Red Lady Express lift for free. This includes access to the lift-served biking in the Evolution Bike Park and the ability to hike the lower areas on designated trails throughout the mountain. Afterwards they can enjoy a refreshing beverage and live music on the 9380 deck, with nightly happy hour and outdoor grill specials.
Howelsen Hill
All summer long at Howelsen Hill, the city of Steamboat will host its free concert series. A complete line up can be found at http://steamboatfreeconcerts.com/current-season.
Sunlight
Horseback Tours
Starting on June 5, guests are invited to escape to see the beautiful colors and the cool heights of the western Rocky Mountains on horseback. Gentle mountain breezes set the mood at Sunlight Mountain, and a serene backdrop of the colorful aspen groves, majestic pine trees, abundant wildflowers and a variety of wildlife make this a one-of-a-kind experience. For more information call 970-945-7529 or visit www.sunlightmtn.com to book.
Beginner and Intermediate horseback riders have the chance to enjoy the same spectacular experience as more advanced horseback riders. With a brief orientation to the horses and riding, and with the resorts trained tour guides, this experience is sure to give even the most timid rider a new found confidence. The family-friendly guided trail ride starts at the Sunlight Stables, adjacent to Sunlight Mountain Resort, high in the beautiful White River National Forest.
Winter Park
June 22 Winter Park Chocolate Festival
The Winter Park Chocolate Festival will include chocolate samples and fine chocolates for sale from a wide variety of regional vendors. Special guests and a full-day’s event schedule including live music and entertainment round out the fun. Admission is free to the public. Guests may purchase Taste Tickets to get multiple samples.
June 22 Trax-N-Trails
A fundraiser for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), the inaugural Trax-N-Trails is a mountain bike race for all skill levels held on the amazing trails at Winter Park Resorts Trestle Bike Park. In addition to an Elite Race and a more leisurely Recreational Ride, festivities include a bike decorating contest for kids and a parade, music and great food, all while raising funds to support therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports programs.
July 6 The Village Uncorked
Guests can stroll through The Village at Winter Park from 11 a.m. 6 p.m. and visit with local Grand County artists as they show off their talents in this one-of-a-kind arts festival. Regional wines and cheeses will also be available for sampling and sales. The hands-on interactive “Learning Tents” will feature adult and youth art classes and demonstrations, cheese workshops, and a wine and cheese pairing course. Guests can purchase unique photos, stained glass, jewelry and more.
July 25 28 Colorado Freeride Festival
One of the premier mountain biking events in the country, the Colorado Freeride Festival is a four-day event that showcases some of the best mountain bike athletes in the world battling for $45,000 in prize money. Events include slopestyle, Enduro World Series racing, air downhill, cross country, and pond crossing, providing excitement for competitors and spectators. The Festivillage will also play host to the biggest brands in mountain biking and action sports as well as providing an opportunity to demo some of the best downhill bikes in the world.
Colorado Freeride Festival_Winter Park
August 24 25 Winter Park Chili Festival
Chili chefs from all over the country will come to Winter Park to compete for $25,000 in prize money and a spot in the World Competition in Palm Springs, California. In addition to chili tasting, the festive atmosphere will include live music.
August 30 September 2 Zopp Circus
The Zopp Circus returns to Winter Park Resort, welcoming guests into an intimate 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story (as opposed to individual acts) that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation.
September 7 Whiskey & Wings Festival
Guests can sample the best whiskey and wings in Colorado, as this event features a variety of styles and flavors that are sure to delight every palate.Local restaurants present their best wings as they vie for the Peoples Choice Award for the Best Wings.In addition to the competing, the festival includes whiskey tasting and live music.
