Summer In Colorado Ski Country: Events & Operating Dates

Summer season has arrived in Colorado’s high-country and Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts are ready to welcome guests of all ages and interests.

Summer in Colorado means bluebird days, breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for adventure. Mountain resorts are significantly cooler than other Colorado and non-Colorado locations during the summer and fall season. This summer CSCUSA resorts will offer something for everyone including mountain coasters, alpine slides, scenic chairlift and gondola rides, downhill mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, white-water rafting, ziplining, paragliding, festivals, events and more.

See below for the most exciting events at each ski area this summer, plus summer operating dates for CSCUSA member resorts. More specific summer offerings and information can be found at www.coloradoski.com.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Summer Concert Series

Arapahoe Basin will host free live music on Saturday afternoons all summer. Guests will enjoy family-friendly musical entertainment with genres spanning bluegrass, funk, rock and jazz. Each concert will feature drink specials and rotating food options from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Mountain Goat Plaza. Concert dates will include June 30; July 7, 14, 21 and 28; August 4, 11 and 25; and September 1. For more information, visit www.arapahoebasin.com.

Aspen Snowmass

Audi Power of Four Races Series (July 28-29)

The Power of Four Trail Run and Mountain Bike Race are part of a premier endurance race series utilizing the unique and amazing terrain of each of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains. Each race is designed to test the limits and skills of both elite and recreational athletes. The weekend will feature several running options including 10K, 25K and 50K races, plus a unique 33-mile mountain bike race. For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com.

Cooper

Fridays on the Mountain (July 20, August 3)

Cooper will celebrate the summer season with two dinner events including delicious chef-prepared fare and live music. On Friday, July 20 Cooper will host guests for a steak dinner and live blues music. On Friday, August 3 Cooper will pair seafood with jazz music. Fridays on the Mountain will offer an opportunity to enjoy the warm evenings and beautiful views at Cooper. For more information, visit www.skicooper.com.

Copper Mountain

Copper Crush Wine Fest (August 17-19)

A brand-new event at Copper Mountain, the Copper Crush Wine Fest is designed to take the “frou frou” out of a wine festival. Guests are welcome to wear jeans and get ready to stomp grapes, sample wines retailing at approachable pricing, and enjoy events like a candy bar and wine pairing, live music and more. For more information, visit www.coppercolorado.com.

Crested Butte

CB Unplugged

CB Unplugged is a free music series which features nationally touring artists in an intimate setting. Guests can head to Butte 66 at 4 p.m. for live music, food and drinks. Sponsored by the Town of Mt. Crested Butte, CB Unplugged will feature three free concerts in the late summer and fall months with an extremely talented lineup. Dates include the last weekend in August, September 1 and October 6. For more information and the full lineup, visit www.skicb.com.

Granby Ranch

Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)

Granby Ranch will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with food, games, live music, face painters, a bouncy house and a variety of family-friendly activities taking place on the Base Lawn. For more information, visit www.granbyranch.com.

Howelsen Hill

Steamboat Free Summer Concerts

The Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series is celebrating 25 years of free music. The series is a family-friendly gathering for locals and visitors alike and features five concerts a year with nationally recognized artists in the genres of pop-rock, reggae, bluegrass, blues and funk. For more information, please visit the Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series website.

Kendall Mountain

Silverton’s Annual Fourth of July (July 4)

This event, hosted by the Town of Silverton, is known throughout the region for its old-fashioned family fun and the biggest fireworks display on the Western Slope. Kendall Mountain Recreation Area will be open for camping through the holiday, provides great views of the fireworks, and is within walking distance of all downtown festivities including the parade and carnival in Memorial Park. For more information, visit www.silverton4thofjuly.org.

Powderhorn Resort

Gears & Beers (August 25)

A Grand Mesa favorite, Powderhorn’s third annual Gears & Beers festival is a day of scenic lift rides, live music, downhill mountain biking and the beautiful fall colors on the Grand Mesa. The event will also include local breweries, giveaways and family-friendly fun. For more information, visit www.powderhorn.com.

Purgatory Resort

Grand Prix Pro Mountain Bike Gravity Tour (August 20 – September 2)

Known for its deep downhill roots with the first UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 1990, Purgatory Resort is proud to host the Grand Prix Pro GRT over Labor Day weekend. Top mountain bikers from across North America will descend on Purgatory Resort for the final stop of the USA Cycling Pro Mountain Bike Cross-Country Tour. The event is an International Cycling Union (UCI) Category 2 race and will also have categories open to non-UCI-elite riders. For more information, visit www.purgatoryresort.com.

Steamboat Resort

Balloon Glow (July 14)

On Saturday after the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo & Art in the Park, the fun won’t stop when the sun goes down. Guests can head back to Steamboat Ski Resort on Saturday night for an evening of sensory delight as six magnificent hot air balloons will illuminate the Mountain Village. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or bring camp chairs and watch from the slopes of the mountain. For more information, visit www.steamboat.com.

Sunlight Mountain Resort

Orpheus Music & Arts Festival (August 31 – September 1)

Hosted by Sunlight Mountain Resort, Orpheus Music & Arts Festival is a single-stage music festival dedicated to DIY creativity, sustainability and the great outdoors. Featuring independent bands, artists and vendors from Denver and Glenwood Springs, Orpheus will encourage festival goers to engage with young talent, local business and Mother Nature. Each day of the two-day festival will feature music and vendors for nearly 12 hours, with a mid-day break to allow attendees to explore downtown Glenwood Springs or hike the nearly 25-miles of on-venue trails. For more information, visit the Orpheus Music & Arts Festival.

Telluride Resort

Live Longer Retreat

Telluride’s Live Longer Retreat is poised to be a game changer for this summer’s long list of wellness retreats across the country. Telluride Ski Resort and The Peaks Resort & Spa will host a series of wellness retreats (June 3-9, July 15-21, Aug. 19-25, and Sept. 23-29) designed to provide attendees with cutting-edge knowledge and tools to revolutionize your lifestyle. Led by renowned physician Dr. Alan Safdi, the Live Longer Retreat program boasts a prestigious team of wellness, nutrition, bodyworks and fitness experts. For more information, visit www.thepeaksresort.com.

Winter Park Resort

Village Uncorked (July 7)

Winter Park Resort’s 8th annual Village Uncorked Wine, Art and Cheese Festival pops on Saturday, July 7 with over 40 wines and a variety of delicious cheeses available to sample. Seminars will also be available throughout the day offering tips for what to look for while sampling wine, the best cheese pairings, and general wine knowledge. There will also be live music and local artists displaying their hand-made works of art. For more information, visit www.winterparkresort.com.

Summer Operating Dates: