The Summertime Guide to Aspen

It’s no wonder that Aspen is a world-renowned ski resort, with more than 400 inches of snow this winter alone, an unrivaled nightlife, and a cowboy sensibility that keeps visitors coming back for more. But Aspen is just as amazing when the mountains are green as it is when they are white.

Aspen’s Summer Events 2008

In its 26th year, the Food & Wine Classic (June 13-15) brings the industries’ finest chefs, sommeliers, TV personalities, and wineries to downtown Aspen for three days of tastings, seminars, and cooking demos. While tickets for this year’s decadent festival have long sold out, we recommend that foodies check out our favorite footage from last year’s Food & Wine to get excited for this year's event.

The summer in Aspen is alive with the sound of music as the Aspen Music Festival and School boasts more than 350 concerts performed by the School’s talented students and teachers. Classical music-lovers can watch these virtuosos play outside Paradise Bakery at night, on top of Aspen Mountain, the Benedict Music Tent (we just love the Sunday afternoon concerts at the Tent’s lawn), and all around town June 19-Aug. 17.

The melody doesn’t stop there as Bluegrass Sundays take place at the Sundeck on top of Ajax Mountain from noon to 3 p.m. June 23-Aug. 18. Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) also keeps the beat going when they present their June Festival from the 19th to the 22nd, which brings such acts as Bebel Bilberto, Anita Baker, and Los Lonely Boys to downtown Aspen. If you miss JAS’ June Festival, then head to Snowmass Aug. 28-Sept. 1 for their Labor Day Festival which boasts four days of music from Xavier Rudd, John Fogerty, Yonder Mountain String Band, back to back nights of Widespread Panic, and more.

The 2008 Aspen Ideas Festival brings some of the world’s most powerful and forward-thinking writers, decision makers, business people, educators, and more to Aspen for a week full of thought-provoking conversations. This year’s Ideas Fest is sold out, but Plum will be live on site to report all the action.

One of Aspen’s favorite summer traditions is the Saturday Market, where you can not only find local and organic fruits and vegetables, but organic meat, handmade pasta, handmade jewelry, extravagant flowers, delectable sauces, and more. From June 14 through Oct. 25, you can stroll down Hunter and Hopkins every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and find delicious treats, listen to live music, and run in to familiar faces.

Hiking

With more trails than you can count, the Roaring Fork Valley boasts amazing hiking for all levels and abilities. While locals and visitors looking for a casual workout flock to Smuggler Trail, hikers looking to break a serious sweat can make tracks on Hunter Creek Trail and the Ute Trail to name a few. But be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and the appropriate footwear as nothing ruins a good hike more than blisters.

Biking

Aspen is a mountain biking Mecca and avid bikers are sure to find a range of terrain, which boasts breathtaking views. Novice riders will love Lincoln Creek Road for its double track and spectacular scenery, while some of the best single-track rides can be found on the Rim Trail and Sunnyside Trail. Those looking to go the distance can get their legs burning on Government Trail East and Richmond Hill.

Rafting

Nothing says summer in Colorado quite like rafting. Aspen-based companies such as Blazing Adventures and Aspen Whitewater Rafting can get you in some rapids on the Lower and Upper Roaring Fork, Colorado River, Shoshone Rapids, Triple Shoshone, Brown’s Canyon, Slaughterhouse, Fractions, Cemetery, and Numbers. We guarantee that after an adrenaline-packed day on the water, you won’t be able to stop smiling.

Golf

Wonderfully warm temperatures and nonstop sunshine make the golfing in our mountain town truly amazing. Aspen Golf Club, River Valley Ranch Golf Club, Glenwood Springs Golf Club, and Lakota Canyon Ranch Club (New Castle) are not only very reasonably priced public courses, but are also open seven days a week. While Aspen Glen (Carbondale), Maroon Creek Club (Aspen), and Roaring Fork Club (Basalt) are private courses, they also offer some opportunities for nonmembers.

Fly-fishing

Looking for some peace and quiet? Fly-fishing is one of the best, and most relaxing outdoor activities in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you choose Aspen Fly Fishing, Aspen Anglers, Aspen Outfitting Company, Taylor Creek Fly Shops, Frying Pan Anglers, or Aspen Trout Guides to take you on a guided trip or simply to teach you the trade—there is no going wrong. Or, if you are fly-fishing savvy, head out on your own with a tackle box and some waders and enjoy the tranquility of being out on the water.

There may not be snow, but there is no shortage of things to do in Aspen during the summer, so get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.