The best of the west: Colorado ski towns in summer

A few years ago, I spent a winter living and working in Breckenridge, one of the most popular ski resort towns in the country. In getting to know the locals, many of whom had planned to spend just one season living the mountain lifestyle, I heard one phrase over and over: “I came for the winters, but stayed for the summers.” If you’ve ever visited Colorado ski towns in summer, you’ll know why this sentiment rings true.

While the dream of knee-deep fresh powder may bring the majority of annual visitors to the slopes of destinations like Breckenridge, Steamboat and Aspen, it’s the mild temps and endless options for outdoor adventures that beckon visitors to Colorado ski towns in the summer months. Here’s a look at some of my favorite places to plan a Rocky Mountain vacation when you’ll be packing your shorts instead of your skis.

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Breckenridge
Who says you can’t hit the slopes in the summer? In this historic mountain town you can “slide” down the ski run on its Alpine SuperSlide, with your choice of three 2,600 foot long tracks. Or race down the mountain on the Gold Runner Coaster, on 2,500 feet of elevated track through the forest. These are both part of the Breckenridge Mountain Resort Summer Fun Park, which also features the new TenMile Flyer Zipline and 4×4 open-air safari-style tours up Peaks 7 and 8 with spectacular views of the Ten Mile range. For a slower pace, explore the mountain by foot on a guided hiking tour, take an off-road Segway tour, or putt your way around one of the world’s most scenic mini golf courses. Kids will also love trying to beat the clock through Colorado’s largest human maze, and experiencing the history of this town firsthand by panning for gemstones.

Keystone
Just 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport, the ease of getting to this family-friendly destination is just one of many things to love about coming here during the summer. From Keystone Mountain Biking Clinics to half or full day guided fly fishing tours, if you’re up for trying something new, you won’t run out of options. Get the family together for a GPS scavenger hunt, then hop in the gondola for a scenic lift and enjoy the views from 11,640 feet. Rent an ATV and head off the beaten path, slip away for a mountain top yoga class or experience the back country while letting someone else do all the work, via guided horseback riding tours at the Keystone Stables. Kids will dig the mountain resort’s Kidtopia Play Park and won’t even mind that they’re learning on vacation (gasp!) at the Keystone Science School Day Camp.

Aspen
Don’t let winter prices at this star-studded destination scare you away from its summer delights. The quiet summer charms of this gold-rush town is worlds away from its high profile ski season. While there’s a wealth of ways to spend your day outdoors in this western Colorado gem, it’s the events and festivals the town hosts that make this season special. Among the most popular – and most likely to sell out – are the Aspen Food & Wine Classic and Jazz Aspen Snowmass, celebrating its 25^th year this season. The Wanderlust Festival brings a weekend of yoga, meditation and music over July 4^th weekend, and the Aspen Music Festival & School presents more than 300 musical events during its eight-week summer season. Families will find great outdoor educational opportunities at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies where kids can meet the resident golden eagle and learn about the local wildlife through hands-on activities. From cultural events to guided mountain adventures to five-star dining and shopping, there’s something for everyone’s summer vacation in this beautiful Roaring Fork Valley community.

Steamboat Springs
If you’re looking for the flavor of a true cowboy town, grab your boots and head to Steamboat. Here you’ll find the spirit of the West alive and well with an extra wide Main Street to accommodate cattle drives and working ranches surrounding the town. Catch some bull riding during the 10-week long Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series or sit horseback and be a part of a morning cattle drive yourself. Then celebrate Steamboat with a soak in its historic Old Town Hot Springs in the heart ofdowntown, with two water slides, a climbing wall and even an inflatable obstacle course. If biking is your sport, you can cruise the 7.5 miles of paved Yampa River Core Trail, hit the Steamboat Bike Park with over 50 miles of downhill and free ride terrain, or enjoy hundreds of miles of single track that will even take you to the top of the Continental Divide.

Tagged: Family time