SUMMER ADVENTURES
When summer rolls around, a whole new set of adventures become available. Regardless of the exertion level — from a mellow traipse through the woods to an epic climb over the Elk Mountains — our guests are often after the same thing: beautiful scenery, fresh air and a profound connection with nature.We're here to help. Here are some of the highlights of the summer season at Aspen Snowmass. As always, our concierge staff will be available to help make any arrangements you need.
Snowmass Bike Park
With more than 50 miles of lift-served trails for freeride, downhill and cross-country riding, the Snowmass Bike Park is one of Colorado's premier places for mountain biking. Here, the highlights can be found on a trio of trails that require technical riding: Viking, Vapor and Valhalla. On-mountain clinics can get you up to speed, and bike rentals are available at the nearby Four Mountain Sports. Best of all: its just a gondola-ride away from your guest room at the Limelight.
The Lost Forest
Snowmass' newest summertime feature is a collection of challenges known as The Lost Forest. Take to the Treeline Trial Challenge Course, zip on the Canopy Run Zipline, climb the Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall or yelp with glee on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. When paired with Elk Camp's disc golf course, paintball and trout fishing, you can make a whole day of adventure right out our backdoor.
Maroon Lake & Maroon Bells
They have become the icons of Colorado: the Maroon Bells. Standing at 14,163 feet (Maroon Peak) and 14,019 feet (North Maroon Peak), the pyramid-shaped, zebra-striped mountains are instantly recognizable, and located a mere 45-minutes from Snowmass Village. To get there in the summer, you need to take a shuttle to Maroon Lake, which perfectly reflects the mountains on calm days. Learn more about visiting the Maroon Bells with this helpful guide from our friends at Aspen Snowmass.
Hiking
Interested in lacing up your boots and hitting the trail? You've come to the right place. Right out our back door, several trailheads offer access to the mountain, the White River National Forest and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area beyond. The Elk Mountains' have a unique soil that is particularly fertile for wildflowers, which makes the month of July a bonanza of color in the backcountry.Inquire with our concierge for hiking trail ideas.
Fly Fishing
Anglers have long considered the Roaring Fork Valley the best of the best in Colorado. That's because the fisheries on the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan and Crystal Rivers are particularly adept at fostering brown and rainbow trout to trophy sizes. Additionally, they are some of Colorado's prettiest rivers.Learn more about fishing guides and local fly shops from the concierge.
Rafting & Kayaking
Within close distance to the new Limelight Hotel Snowmass you will find the mighty Colorado River at Glenwood Springs, where it flows out of the majestic Glenwood Canyon. For decades, the river has been a popular place for whitewater rafting and kayaking. While some stretches are wild and thrilling, others are mellow enough for stand-up paddleboarding. Closer to Snowmass, the Roaring Fork River is also navigable in summer, particularly for kayakers and drift boat fly-fishing,Inquire with the concierge to learn about local outfitters.
Golf
Is it true that golf balls travel further at altitude? Why yes, yes it is. It's also true that they hook and slice less, too (because the ball doesn't spin as much). So if you are a golfer, teeing up in the Rocky Mountains is a bucket-list worthy endeavor. Several golf courses in the Snowmass and Roaring Fork valleys are open to the public, boasting scenic views, challenging layouts and — you guessed it — long drives.Inquire with the concierge for tee time ideas.