Top Colorado Ski Resorts for Summer Adventures

When the summer sun melts the snow, the mountains don’t close down; instead, they transform. The zip lines come out, roller coasters turn on, and gondolas keep rolling. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of festivals, live music, scenic hikes, and breathtaking views.

While Colorado’s ski towns are renowned for their winter powder, they are just as delightful for summer vacations. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy summer activities at Colorado’s iconic ski resorts without needing to ski.

The Mountain Bike Uplift, Purgatory Ski Resort

This experience enhances mountain biking by replacing the uphill struggle with breathtaking views. Take the gondola up Purgatory Ski Resort while bringing your mountain bike to access miles of fantastic singletrack trails, including the popular Divinity Flow Trail.

Purgatory also provides biking lessons for both beginners and those looking to sharpen their skills.

With the Mountain Bike Uplift, which is included with your Total Adventure Ticket, guests can choose from numerous warm-weather alpine activities, such as a mountain coaster, ropes course, or bungee trampoline.

Get Zen on a Mountaintop, Aspen/Snowmass

Ascend Aspen Mountain via the gondola to participate in Mountain Yoga and meditation sessions that occur every weekday throughout summer. Each open-air class lasts an hour, set against a spectacular backdrop with an elevation of 11,000 feet.

Classes cater to all skill levels and are quite affordable, though don’t forget to factor in the cost of the gondola ride. After class, consider a scenic wildflower hike or lunch at the Sundeck.

For those wishing to save some money and get in more exercise, hiking to the yoga deck is an option that typically takes one to two hours, based on your pace.

Go Mountain Scootering, Purgatory Ski Resort

Mountain scooters are not confined to streets—at Purgatory, you can rent a Diggler “mountain scooter” to tackle rough terrains. These scooters emulate the handling of bikes more than traditional scooters, making them ideal for families and beginners.

If mountain biking feels too demanding, give a Diggler a try for two hours to enjoy the views without the exertion of biking.

Hitch a Free Lift, Copper Mountain Ski Resort

For budget-conscious travelers, Copper offers free rides on the American Eagle chairlift, taking you up to 11,375 feet above sea level between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day (weather permitting). This makes Copper the only ski resort in the nation that provides complimentary lift rides.

Note that a $12 purchase in Copper Village is required to obtain your free pass.

Beyond the gondola, Copper offers numerous summer attractions, including Summit County’s sole go-kart track, a ninja obstacle course, and disc golf.

Go on a Monster Zip Line, Crested Butte

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, visit Crested Butte for an exhilarating zip line course that encompasses five zip lines connected by towers and suspended bridges. This guided tour lasts 90 minutes to two hours, offering magnificent views of the mountains.

For the less adventurous, consider a soothing hike among the trees to enjoy a peaceful summer in Colorado.

Watch Movies on the Mountain, Steamboat

Colorado’s splendid summer weather sets the stage for outdoor movies. In the summer, Steamboat Springs hosts movies every Saturday night at sunset in Gondola Square. The Movies on the Mountain event is family-friendly—just remember to leave your pets at home. Bring a picnic blanket along with cash for snacks and drinks.

Another popular event in July is the Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo.

Climb Colorado’s Largest Outdoor Wall, Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain offers a variety of summer activities, from go-karts to bumper boats, but it is particularly noted for its impressive climbing wall—Colorado’s largest outdoor climbing wall. It’s designed with routes for all skill levels.

Having an outdoor climbing wall next to the mountains may seem unusual, but it serves as excellent practice for those eager to tackle real rock climbing.

Ride Horses to Dinner, Vail

Game Creek, an exclusive restaurant in Vail, can only be reached via snowcat in winter. During summer, guests can access it through a romantic horseback ride, a hike, or a four-wheel-drive shuttle.

Perched near the Game Creek chair lift, Game Creek boasts five-star American cuisine in an ambiance reminiscent of a European chalet. This exceptional dining experience shines particularly in summer when Sunday brunch is available, though dinner is served Thursday through Saturday only.

Apart from Game Creek, Gail’s Adventure Ridge offers a multitude of summer activities, including zip lines, disc golf, guided nature hikes, bungee, and leisurely strolls for families. Expect breathtaking views from Vail Mountain’s peak accessible via gondola ride without strenuous hiking.

Simply walking through downtown Vail is also an entertaining endeavor, with shopping opportunities and visits to a local distillery and chocolate shop.

Slide Down the Mountain, Winter Park

Summer at Winter Park unveils stunning landscapes, especially while zipping down the state’s longest alpine slide, which extends over 3,000 feet.

Ride the Arrow Lift to the mountain summit to experience a thrilling 610-vertical-foot plunge. The alpine slide mimics a bobsledding experience, where you ride a sled equipped with a brake for added control.

During summer, Winter Park also features an 18-hole putt-putt golf course, a human maze, climbing wall, bungee activities, and disc golf.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, indulge in a day at the spa, with options including the luxurious Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa.