Summer Activities

Nothing compares to Aspen in the summertime, when the resort comes alive with outdoor adventure, wildflower blossoms and endless sunshine. There is something for every taste, age and ability. For information, ideas or reservations for any of the activities listed below, please contact our hotel concierge.

Outdoor Adventures

Golf
The Snowmass Club golf course—an 18-hole, par-72 courses designed by award-winning architect, Jim Engh—offers fun and challenging holes for golfers of all abilities. The semi-private club features a learning center, practice area and clubhouse with full-service restaurant and bar. Call 800-525-0710 for information on greens fees and tee times.

The Aspen Golf & Tennis Club
An 18-hole, par-72 course with numerous water features and impressive views of the surrounding Maroon Bells and Continental Divide. Call 970-925-2145 for information on greens fees and tee times.

Whitewater Rafting
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting or kayaking on the crystal clear waters that pour from the spine of the Rockies. From lazy floats to mild rapids to wild whitewater, there is something for all ages and fitness levels. Full- and half-day trips allow you to discover Aspen’s beautiful Roaring Fork River, the renowned Arkansas River and the mighty Colorado River as it winds through majestic Glenwood Canyon.  

Hot-air Ballooning
Watch the sun flood the valley and bathe the surrounding Elk Mountain peaks in morning light from the basket of a hot-air balloon. Soar above the treetops through this stunning valley, and then complete your adventure with a champagne toast and fresh pastries.

Fishing
Beginners and experienced anglers alike will enjoy discovering the gold medal trout waters of the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers, long considered some of the best fishing waters in the Rocky Mountains. Local outfitters offer everything from casting classes to drift boat trips into some of the Roaring Fork Valley’s best fishing spots. Kids’ lessons—where professional guides take young anglers to some of the area’s secret mountain ponds—are available for children ages 4 to 12.

Horseback Rides and Cattle Drives
Explore the Aspen/Snowmass wilderness by horseback and see the valley in a whole new light. Guides offer trail rides through the Elk Mountain Range and on Snowmass Mountain, with its breathtaking views of Mount Daly and the Snowmass Creek Valley. Local ranches provide equestrian thrills ranging from trail breaking to real cattle drives. And the area’s competitive and field riders offer fox hunts, polo, jumping and dressage events throughout the season.

Jeep, Hummer and ATV Tours
Join an experienced guide on a ride through the beautiful Colorado high country in a comfortable four-wheel-drive Jeep or Hummer. Visit old ghost towns, mining towns, forested mountainsides and flower-filled meadows. Want to do the driving yourself? 4WD ATVs are available to rent so you can explore the secrets corners of this wild valley on your own.

Hiking/Walking
The top of Aspen Mountain is a gateway to some of Colorado's best alpine hiking and walking trails. Choose from easy self-guided strolls to more ambitious treks. Stop by the gondola ticket office at the bottom of Aspen Mountain for a summer trail map. There are numerous trails in and around Aspen as well for all abilities. Contact the hotel concierge for more information, trail suggestions and packing lists.

If you prefer to hike with a guide, join a naturalist from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, which leads free 45-minute walks along Richmond Ridge at the top of Aspen Mountain, and learn about the native flora and fauna that call this high-alpine environment home.

Mountain Biking and Road Cycling
There are endless places to ride in and around Aspen—whether you’re after an endless stretch of aspen-fringed single track, a quiet trail ride through town or a lung-busting road ride up a nearby mountain pass. From beginner to advanced, from scenic tours to hard-core climbs, the Roaring Fork Valley has something for everyone.

At Snowmass, you’ll find miles of trails, ranging from gentle roads to challenging single track. Grab your bike and take the Burlingame chairlift up the mountain, where you can drop into the resort’s extensive network of mountain bike trails. Or, for an even more challenging workout, forego the lifts and bike up one of the mountain’s cat tracks instead.

Snowmass welcomes mountain bikes, mountain scooters and mountain boards. Mountain biking and mountain boarding lessons are available for ages 6 and up at Camp Aspen/Snowmass, located at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall.

Mountain and Road bike rentals are available in Aspen. For details, talk to our concierge.

Paragliding
Experience the thrill of paragliding high over Aspen and its surrounding peaks. Tandem flights, in which you can soar with an experienced USHGA-certified tandem pilot, depart from the top of Aspen and Snowmass mountains.

Chairlift and Gondola Rides
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola 2.5 miles and more than 3,000 vertical feet from the heart of Aspen to the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain. At the top, bask in the spectacular views of Aspen and the Elk Mountain Range, dine at the Sundeck, and then hike, mountain bike or find your own mountaintop adventure. For families, there are a variety of on-mountain activities for kids, including a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, disc golf, obstacle course and silver nugget dig.

Free On-mountain Concerts
Relax at 11,000 feet in a glorious alpine meadow overlooking Mt. Hayden and the Rockies, and enjoy live performances that will certainly take your breath away. On Saturdays, visitors and locals alike come together to enjoy the Classical repertoire by students from the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival and School. Then on Sundays, top bluegrass musicians from around Colorado take the stage for an unforgettable experience. Concerts take place on top of Aspen Mountain and can be reached by gondola (tickets must be purchased at the base of the mountain). Picnic lunches are available on-mountain at the Sundeck. Saturday performances begin at 1 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 12 p.m.

Aspen Scenic and Historic Tours
Comfortably seated in a luxury four-wheel drive vehicle, let some of Aspen’s most knowledgeable guides take you for a scenic and/or historic tour of Aspen.

Aspen Historical Society Tour
Discover the history of Aspen on a self-guided tour through downtown Aspen and the historic West End. Maps are available at the concierge desk.

Aspen has long been recognized one of the most vibrant cultural capitals in the world—where exceptional cultural events, activities and foundations come together for iconic programs such as:

• Aspen Music Festival
• Food & Wine Magazine Classic at Aspen
• Aspen Filmfest
• International Design Conference
• Theatre Aspen
• Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
• Aspen Institute
• Aspen Art Museum
• Anderson Ranch Art Center
• Jazz Aspen Snowmass
• Wheeler Opera House

Indoor Indulgences

Cooking School of Aspen
Join local and international chefs as they demonstrate and teach participants how to make some of their favorite recipes. Day and evening classes are approximately three hours long, and are available for adults and children. No experience necessary.

Aspen Club & Spa
After a day on the slopes, rejuvenate sore muscles at the exclusive Aspen Club & Spa, a world-class 77,000-square-foot club offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, lap pool and spa treatments ranging from body wraps and massages to facials and salon services. Hotel Jerome guests enjoy club privileges for a nominal daily fee. Complimentary transportation to and from the club is provided by the hotel.

Shopping
There are more than 100 world-class art galleries, boutiques and luxury stores within an easy stroll from the hotel. You can shop for the best of everything—from paintings and clothing to jewelry and sports equipment in this vibrant, classic shopping district.