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By: Heather Balogh Rochfort
Tucked away in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, Snowmass Village is known for its world-class skiing—but the outdoor opportunities don’t end when the snow stops falling. There’s a local saying among valley residents: “Come for the winter, but stay for the summer.” My family has lived here for over five years, and I cannot imagine a more idyllic place to spend summer days as a family.
Whether you’re ascending singletrack on a mountain bike, trekking through a wildflower-strewn meadow, or enjoying western fun at the iconic Snowmass Rodeo, there’s plenty to do for every family member. Here are my favorite outdoor activities for making the most of this summer destination.
If your family includes older kiddos with a need for speed, look no further than Snowmass bike trails. The Roaring Fork Valley boasts the only International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) gold-level designation in Colorado, so you’re getting the best of this thrill-seeking sport. There are over 300 miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails for the whole family, regardless of their experience level. Try Powerline, a classic and quick downhill trail that showcases the beauty of the surrounding environment, revealing why we have that coveted gold-level distinction.
Pro tip: Don’t sweat it if you have young kids in tow. Verde Trail is a 3.25-mile downhill trail designed for first-time riders, providing plenty of opportunities for little ones to work on their fundamentals.
If sunbathing and splashing about sounds more up your alley, consider the Snowmass Rec Center. There are four outdoor saltwater pools, including a main pool with a zero-depth entry for little ones, dumping buckets, an enthralling waterfall, and a water slide. And don’t forget the views—I like to let our kiddo splash and play in the water while I admire the mountains from the hot tub.
For families wanting a battery-powered assist on their vacation adventures, an e-bike is one of the best ways to cruise around Snowmass Village. You can rent e-bikes at the Snowmass Mall or Snowmass Base Village. Then, head downhill towards the rec center, where you can cruise along the paved 5.7-mile trail. The trail is beautiful, winding around Sky Mountain Park with epic views of Mt. Daly under typically blue skies. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some wild elk in their natural habitat.
Mountain biking is one of my favorite weekend activities, and Sky Mountain is my go-to spot. A good amount of climbing is required (e-bikes aren’t allowed on unpaved trails), so be prepared to get your heart pumping and bring plenty of water. I start at the Rodeo Lot and head up the Viewline Trail before connecting at the Skyline Trail, a delightful ridge romp that affords lovely views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. You can return the way you came or create a loop by descending Cozyline and climbing back on the paved Brush Creek Bike Path.
Snowmass Village has plenty of trails, but many involve lots of climbing. For younger kiddos or families wanting a leisurely stroll, head to the Nature Trail and the Ditch Trail. You can join the Nature Trail from Snowmass Village and meander through scenic Aspen groves until you hit the Ditch Trail and continue your trek. These hikes are peaceful, beautiful, and a fantastic way to get the kids outside.
If you have older kids, journey to the North Rim Trail instead. You’ll navigate some decent climbing on the way up, but those sweeping views are worth the effort.
We can’t talk about Snowmass Village in the summer without sharing a valley-wide favorite—the Free Concert Series. Every Thursday evening on Fanny Hill, there is a live showcase of music from bands like the Young Dubliners and Huntertones. While doors typically open at 5:30 p.m., the concert series is expanding this year with an early pre-show for those who want a head start on the festivities.
You can arrive early with a picnic blanket and cash for a cocktail or beer, or bring your empty water bottle and use the water filling station to hydrate while watching your kids jam out.
Snowmass was primarily a ranching community until the ski resort came around in the 1960s—this year is a special celebration for the 50th anniversary of this beloved Snowmass tradition. Every Wednesday night, the Snowmass Rodeo honors its Western heritage by celebrating ranch life with events like barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping. We join a few families and make a night of it, never missing the Mutton Bustin’. The barbeque starts at 5:00 p.m., and the rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m., but the late night is worth it for the long-lasting memories we make every time. Heads up: it does sell out, so snag your tickets in advance.
Late September brings the Snowmass Balloon Festival, which is easily one of our favorite fall events! This three-day festival showcases over thirty hot air balloons launching at dawn, but we especially love the Friday evening “night glow” session, where you can see the vibrant balloons lit up in the dark sky. Pack a picnic and a blanket and settle in for the show—and good luck containing the kids’ excitement.
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