Summer in Colorado Ski Country USA doesn’t slow down when the weather warms up. The high country is the perfect place to spend a day—or a week—when things heat up. Stay cool and connected with friends and family with our long list of summer activities, events, and adventures at resorts throughout Colorado Ski Country USA. Many activities are free or low-cost, making a mountain escape a budget-friendly way to spend the summer.
Short answer: a lot. Longer answer: scenic lift rides, wildflower hikes, mountain biking trails, ziplines, alpine slides, mountaintop yoga, disc golf, fishing, paddleboarding, live music, outdoor festivals, and even go-kart tracks.
Colorado ski resorts have something for everyone all season long. Just swap skis for sneakers, and let the adventure begin.
If you’re tired of triple digit heat, welcome to your high-elevation escape plan. Summer temperatures in Colorado’s mountains are often 10–20 degrees cooler than along the Front Range, ideal for everything from heart-pumping outdoor activities to laid-back lunches with a view.
Sun-drenched days and cool mountain breezes? Yes, please.
You don’t have to spend big to play big in Colorado Ski Country USA. Many resorts offer free or low-cost activities like hiking trails, live music, nature programs, and kids’ camps. Whether you pack a picnic or opt for mountaintop dining, it’s easy to spend a full day in the mountains at a pace—and price—that works for you.
Ready to explore? Check out our long, long list of summer activities. Then pack some layers, grab your sunscreen, and get on up there!
Ski lifts keep spinning throughout the summer at many Colorado resorts, so you can trade powder days for picturesque panoramic views. Scenic lift rides are available at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Howelsen Hill, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, Telluride, and Winter Park.
From mellow cruisers to technical descents, ski resorts in Colorado offer bike trail networks that turn summer into a season of speed and scenery. Mountain biking is open at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Granby Ranch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, and Winter Park.
Few things beat a summer hike surrounded by wildflowers and cool alpine air. Trails at resorts across Colorado are perfect for a laid-back stroll or an all-day trek. Go for a hike at Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Granby Ranch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, Telluride, and Winter Park.
With good vibes and live tunes, Colorado resorts turn up the volume in the summer with concerts that range from intimate acoustic sets to full-stage festivals under the stars. Enjoy live music at Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Granby Ranch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, and Winter Park.
Twist, turn, and zoom your way down the mountain, no snow required. These gravity-powered rides are a summer thrill for all ages. Up your adrenaline at Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Howelsen Hill, Purgatory, and Winter Park.
High-elevation golf means longer drives, cooler temps, and stunning backdrops for your best round yet. Play golf at Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Granby Ranch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, and Winter Park.
Art shows, beer fests, food trucks, and full-blown mountain celebrations keep the calendar packed all summer long. There’s always something happening in Colorado Ski Country USA at Aspen Snowmass, Ski Cooper, Copper Mountain, Granby Ranch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Steamboat, Telluride, and Winter Park.
Glide above the treetops and take in the views from a whole new angle. Zipline at Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, and Telluride.
Balance, climb, and scramble your way through ropes courses that challenge both kids and grown-ups. Test your skills at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, and Winter Park.
Perfect your technique or just have some fun, these resort climbing walls offer a great way to scale new heights: Aspen Snowmass, Telluride, and Winter Park.
Ascend to new heights with mountaintop yoga set against sweeping alpine views. Yoga is offered by Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, and Copper Mountain.
Cast a line in crystal-clear streams or still mountain lakes and soak up the kind of quiet you can’t find in town. Fishing is available at Aspen Snowmass, Purgatory, and Telluride.
With wild fairways and stunning views, disc golf at altitude is easy to pick up and hard to put down. Play a round at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Granby Ranch, and Sunlight.
Speed things up with a few laps around the track. Go-kart courses at Colorado resorts add a little friendly competition to your mountain day. Go on racing at Copper Mountain, and Purgatory.
Cool mountain water is never far, and it’s perfect for paddling, skipping rocks, or just dipping your toes in. Enjoy the water at Purgatory, Steamboat, Telluride, and Winter Park.
Summer camps at ski resorts turn free time into forest time, with nature-based activities kids love. Available at Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Steamboat, and Telluride.
Saddle up for a slower, scenic way to explore the trails at Steamboat and Telluride.
Head off the beaten path with guided Jeep tours and ATV adventures that go beyond the pavement. Buckle up at Purgatory, Steamboat, Telluride, and Winter Park.
With secure cables, dramatic heights, and sweeping views, Via Ferrata routes offer a safe and guided way to experience alpine climbing. Offered by Arapahoe Basin and Telluride.
Looking for a backdrop that does the heavy lifting? From mountaintop weddings to team retreats, Colorado ski resorts turn events into experiences you’ll never forget. Available through Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Granby Ranch, Loveland Ski Area, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, and Winter Park.
Image courtesy Aspen Snowmass
