When you stay at a mountain resort, you don’t just admire the beauty of the mountains—you become part of it. While these destinations are often celebrated for their snow-covered splendor in winter, they reveal an entirely new kind of magic when the seasons change. In summer, mountain resorts transform into vibrant sanctuaries of adventure and relaxation.
Imagine charming alpine villages brimming with cozy cafés and boutique shops, scenic gondola rides offering panoramic views, rejuvenating spas, and a world of outdoor activities waiting just beyond your doorstep. Every moment invites you to breathe deeper, explore farther, and reconnect with the wonder of the natural world.
Here are the best places to visit.
Aspen Snowmass offers the best of both worlds—glamour and wilderness. In Aspen, indulge in upscale shopping, world-class dining, and mountaintop yoga at 11,200 feet. Just down the road, Snowmass Village invites you to connect with nature through scenic hikes, gondola rides, and even hot air balloon adventures over the White River National Forest.
Channel your inner daredevil at the Woodward WreckTangle, a ten-part obstacle course including a climbing wall, zip line, and ropes course. Hit the trails on your mountain bike or diggler off-road scooter, or careen down the 5,800 feet of tracks on the resort’s alpine coaster.
Steamboat Springs is one of the best summer Colorado resorts for families traveling with young kids. Enjoy the charming downtown area, including Steamboat Celebrations, where the little ones can take art classes, play 1980s arcade games, snack on retro candy, or pick out a new favorite toy. Splash in the Yampa River or visit Old Town Hot Springs, complete with fun kid-friendly waterslides and relaxing soaking pools for the adults.
When it comes to romantic getaways in Colorado, Vail is hard to beat. Book a horseback riding tour through the mountains or explore beautiful hiking trails at golden hour, when the light is just perfect. For a romantic sunset dinner with mountain views, Tavernetta Vail is the place to be. Or you can taste to-die-for French cuisine and wine at the Left Bank. Afterward, you can stroll arm in arm through the Swiss-style streets of Vail Village just as the stars come out.
Bikers, rejoice: Keystone Bike Park is your ticket to singletrack bliss. Enjoy lift-serviced downhill mountain biking, featuring bridges and drops for an exhilarating day. Road cyclists can tackle the bike path around Dillon Reservoir, an 18-mile loop with over 1,000 feet of climb. Several breweries dot the road along the reservoir, including Outer Range Brewing, where you can reward yourself with a well-earned pint of local ale.
Breckenridge (or Breck, as the locals say) is your ticket to outdoor adventure. Enjoy an easy day on the Iowa Hill Mine hiking trail, where you can meander through an 1800s mining site. Or you can head deeper into nearby Rocky Mountains National Park for more rugged terrain, then afterwards have dinner in one of many restaurants on Main Street.
In the summer, Winter Park’s beginner ski trails become a world-class, 20-hole disc golf course surrounded by gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. Just hop on the Arrow lift to start, and when you’re finished, you can jet down the alpine slide (the longest in Colorado) to the base. There’s also an 18-hole putting golf course on the mountain, for the true golfers in your group.
It’s time to get on the water. At Beaver Creek, you can book an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting with Lakota Guides. For the truly adventurous at heart, they offer overnight and two-day rafting excursions. For a more serene experience, you can spend an afternoon fly fishing on the Eagle River, Gore Creek, and beyond. If you need to rent gear or want to plan a guided trip, Gore Creek Fly Fisherman makes an excellent choice.
Telluride is a historic mining town tucked in the San Juan Mountains. The nearest stoplight is 45 minutes away, and with no chain restaurants or shops, there’s a friendly local vibe. Popular summer activities in Telluride include attending a number of music festivals, from jazz to blues to indie rock, and even a hot air balloon festival. Telluride is known for its amazing culinary scene, so don’t forget to check out the local restaurants during your stay.
Purgatory Resort transforms into a summer haven nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. Race through twists and turns on the Inferno Mountain Coaster or explore miles of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Twilight Lake offers a serene retreat for paddleboarding or kayaking, while the Village Plaza buzzes with charming shops and dining options.
No matter what kind of summer escape you’re dreaming of—be it adrenaline-pumping mountain adventures, serene days by alpine lakes, family-friendly fun, or romantic moments under a canopy of stars—Colorado’s mountain resorts deliver.
Each destination offers its own unique blend of natural beauty, memorable activities, and local character to help you create the perfect getaway. So pack your hiking boots, grab your sunscreen, and start planning your unforgettable summer retreat in the heart of the Rockies.
It’s entirely possible that you’ll see a snow flurry or two during your stay, especially at higher-altitude resort towns. There can be snow on some hiking or biking trails year-round, so be sure to plan your adventures accordingly and bring proper gear.
Yes! Almost all of Colorado’s ski resorts offer specialized summer activities to get you outdoors. You’ll also find plenty of things to do in town, like shopping, dining, spas, art galleries, and more.
Yes, you can hike Colorado’s ski resorts in the summer. Many are also great for mountain biking and horseback riding.
