Aspen And Snowmass Village Highlight 12 Iconic Experiences Not To Miss This Summer

Swap your skis for your sunnies and head to Aspen and Snowmass Village for a summer of adventure in the Rocky Mountains. Discover 12 of the best ways to experience these Rocky Mountain towns from white water rafting and wildflower hikes to the Snowmass Rodeo and e-biking expeditions.

1. E-bike to the Maroon Bells: E-bikes are a great way to explore more of an area in a sustainable and mindful manner. Aspen and Snowmass Village host a wide variety of trails that are suitable for e-biking with the most popular being a relaxing ride up to the iconic Maroon Bells. Pick up a sandwich in Aspen from Jour de Fête or in Snowmass from JUS and set off on the relaxing ascent up to the bells on quiet roads lined with shimmering aspen groves. Leave your bikes on the bike rack in the carpark and take the Maroon Lake scenic trail, a leisurely 1.9 mile loop that follows winding rivers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Bikes are available to rent from Aspen Bikes or Snowmass Sports. 
2. Taste the iconic burger and truffle fries at Ajax Tavern: One of the most popular mountainside dining spots for both visitors and locals, Ajax Tavern is located in five-star, five-diamond The Little Nell Hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain and is renowned for its signature Ajax Wagyu double cheeseburger and truffle fries. During the summer months, indulge in hearty mountain food on the sun drenched patio or catch a mountainside movie as the sun goes down behind Aspen Mountain. 
3. Ride the Roaring Fork River with Blazing Adventures: For those seeking a thrill, Blazing Adventures offers a variety of adventures including exhilarating rafting tours ranging from family-friendly rides with amazing views of the Glenwood Canyon, to full day rafting expeditions on class III and IV whitewater through one of America’s newest National Monuments. Pick up to, and from, major hotels in Aspen and Snowmass Village can be arranged, as well as lunches on longer experiences.
4. Lounge around at the Limelight Hotels: With locations in both Aspen and Snowmass Village, the Limelight Hotels are ideal for any type of traveller, family or couple looking for a laid-back accommodation close to the action. Both hotels provide the perfect base to explore the towns and the surrounding areas offering a range of adventures such as rock-climbing, poolside yoga and paddleboarding. Kick-back and relax in the lounge whilst listening to live music and digging into a delicious wood-fired pizza. The Limelight Snowmass is home to two pool spas with spa-side cabanas and a cosy fireplace whilst the Limelight Aspen boasts a pool, hot tubs and a gym.
5. Walk through the wildflowers with ACES: Head out on a free immersive guided wilderness walk accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). With multiple walks to choose from in both Aspen and Snowmass Village, your guide will teach you about the area's diverse flora and fauna as you take in your spectacular surroundings. In Snowmass, join the ‘Snowmass Wildflower Walk’, departing daily at 10am, to learn about vibrant wildflowers, animal tracking, birdwatching and more. Alternatively, the ‘Aspen Mountain Walk’, beginning at 11am, will teach you about wildlife, wildflowers and the area's rich mining history.
6. Wind through Snowmass Bike Park: The epicentre of biking culture in Colorado, Aspen and Snowmass Village are perfect for every biking ability level. A locals’ favourite and the first Gold-Level IMBA Ride Center in Colorado, Snowmass Bike Park features 25 miles of pristinely maintained downhill trails extending almost 3,000 vertical feet, from beginner-friendly singletrack to adrenaline-inducing downhill. Situated at the top of Elk Camp Chairlift all the way down to Snowmass Base Village, it is open daily from 21 June – 2 September. 
7. Enjoy world-class art and rooftop views at Aspen Art Museum: The iconic Aspen Art Museum has been exhibiting some of the newest and most important artworks from around the world for 45 years. Explore innovative and timely exhibitions, educational programmes, immersive activities and community events with thought-provoking experiences of art, culture and society. The museum also offers artist talks, screenings, performances and family-friendly events, and is free to visit. Head to the brand new Swedish Hill Rooftop Café for scrumptious baked goods and the best views in town.
8. Channel your inner cowboy at the Snowmass Rodeo: Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this summer, the iconic Snowmass Rodeo returns this June with authentic cowboys and cowgirls competing in all the rodeo classics, including barrel riding, saddle bronc and bull riding. Expect unique acts at each rodeo to celebrate its 50th year, with this summer also seeing the unveiling of the new rodeo arena and grounds. The Snowmass Rodeo takes place on Wednesdays at 7pm, rain or shine. Doors open at 5pm for a BBQ Dinner and activities. 
9. Try out one of Aspen's new spas: RAKxa Wellness Spa has opened at the prestigious St. Regis Aspen Resort following a complete renovation and redesign. The new spa, from Bangkok-based wellness brand, RAKxa, allows you to immerse yourself in a sanctuary of serenity where state of the art wellness facilities and expert therapists await, with holistic healing treatments and personalised wellness programmes. Alternatively, the new Base State Longevity Spa, founded by Aspen locals, offers an immersive wellness experience and believes in unlocking energy and enhancing longevity. The spa offers advanced health and longevity treatments developed by researcher William Sealy Hambright to help people live healthier lives. 
10. Clear your mind with mountaintop yoga: Take a scenic ride on the Silver Queen Gondola up to the summit of Aspen Mountain and take part in a yoga experience like no other. Every summer from June to September, the experienced Aspen Shakti team runs an hour-long open-air Hatha yoga session on a stunning deck overlooking the dramatic scenery of the Rocky Mountains for every level of experience. For those wanting a challenge, take the 1.5 hour hike following the gondola up to arrive at the top of Aspen Mountain. Costing roughly £15 per class, sessions run from Monday to Friday at 10:30am with a portion of all profits going towards supporting the Caring for Community Fund mental health programme. 
11. Listen to classical music amongst the aspens: Founded in 1949 and celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Aspen Music Festival and School is esteemed as one of the top classical music festivals in North America. Renowned for its concerts and musical training programmes, the festival hosts over 400 classical music events and opera performances throughout the year, with an eight week summer season of events. Enjoy ticketed events every Sunday at the elegant Benedict Music Tent, surrounded by Aspen trees, or catch student performances throughout town, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere.
12. Explore the Lost Forest during Sunset Tuesdays: Sunset Tuesdays are back at Elk Camp this summer with Elk Camp Restaurant, Snowmass Bike Park and Lost Forest opening for extended hours on Tuesday evenings from 25 June - 6 August. The experience includes a complimentary ride up the Elk Camp Gondola from 5pm-7:30pm to the restaurant where you can enjoy locally-sourced ingredients in a farm-to-table inspired à la carte dinner with outdoor family activities and live music on the deck. Enjoy access to the Lost Forest Base activities such as the epic Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, zipline, ropes courses, a climbing wall and more.