Family in the wildflowers on Aspen Mountain

Family Guide for Summer

We've got you covered with this guide to Snowmass and Aspen Mountain, things to do in Aspen in the summer for all ages, and attractions beyond the mountain resort.

Because of snowpack and our high elevation, summer in the Rocky Mountains begins in earnest after Memorial Day, with peak wildflower season occurring in late June through late July.

Ahh, summer. This is the season that keeps the locals local. As much as we love powder and fresh tracks, we also love open trails and wildflowers just as much. In fact, many of the same summer activities for families your family loves about Aspen Snowmass in winter—easy access, excellent accommodations, an endless array of things to do in Aspen with kids—apply in summer as well.

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Silver Queen Gondola in the summer with pink wild flowers in the foreground

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Lost Forest

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Snowmass

Snowmass in the summer.

Snowmass Bike Park

Looking to satisfy your teen's thirst for adrenaline? The Roaring Fork Valley is one of only 7 IMBA Gold-Level Ride Centers in the world, so you can't go wrong mountain biking throughout the area. Take your teens to Snowmass Bike Park, which features lift-served downhill biking trails that weave their way from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift to Snowmass Base Village — a thrilling descent of 2,893 feet. In total, Snowmass offers more than 50 miles of mountain biking trails with various degrees of difficulty, making it perfect for all ages.

Ways to Save: Purchase a clinic and rental package together to go big and save big.

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Camp Aspen Snowmass

The long days of summer in the mountains of Aspen Snowmass are packed with opportunities for discovery. Launch your kids and teens into a season of exploration with endless options for adventure at Camp Aspen Snowmass. Our programs include geocaching, excursions, bike camps, climbing wall, mountain skill building, fishing, rocket building, mountainboarding, arts and crafts, hiking, ropes courses and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster!

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On-Mountain Activities

A single gondola ride takes you and your whole family to the epicenter of mountain fun at Snowmass. Centered on the Lost Forest — where you'll find the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, a challenge ropes course, a climbing wall, and a trout pond — Snowmass also includes hiking trails, a disc golf course, nature programs, and an abundance of cuisine choices at Elk Camp Restaurant. Ways to Save: The new Family Lost Forest Base Package covers lift access, the Alpine Coaster, and the Climbing Wall for up to 2 adults and 4 kids

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On-Mountain Dining

Brunch on Snowmass Two great options for a mid-mountain meal on Sundays. Elk Camp hosts Champagne Brunches at the top of the gondola — breakfast classics, a full buffet, and big Elk Range views. For something more casual, hike or bike up to The Cabin, Snowmass' mid-mountain retreat, where Sunday brunch in July comes with live music and a lively outdoor atmosphere. Book Elk Camp Brunch | The Cabin

Summer Restaurants

Paintball

Outside the Lost Forest, groups can launch strategic campaigns in our paintball arena. Each player has washable and biodegradable paintballs to take out the opposition, and plenty of man-made and natural features to utilize. Available to groups or kids ages 8 and up, our organized and supervised paintball course creates endless adrenaline rushes and thrills.

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Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain with the Elk Mountains at sunrise.

Family Dining with a View

The aptly named Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain has a wide array of lunch options, satisfying even the pickiest eaters with its offerings. And few places in Colorado can match its top-of-the-world view. On Saturdays, the Sundeck hosts Champagne Brunches, including breakfast classics paired with champagne, mimosas, and bloody marys at 11,212 feet. Ride the Silver Queen Gondola up and make a morning of it

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Hiking

Like Snowmass, Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola allows you to get a jump on the elevation gain of several hiking trails. In July, the summit of Aspen Mountain and the adjacent forest is flush with wildflowers, particularly lupine. Join the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies for a free guided hike daily.

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Ice Cream at Aspen Collection

Cool treat, mountain style. Swing by the Aspen location in Gondola Plaza for a scoop of locally loved ice cream—about six rotating flavors are available daily from 8am to 6pm. While you're there, fuel up at the café, browse the retail shop, or gear up with premium bike rentals, all under one roof.

Aspen Collection Café