Most people associate Snowmass with skiing, and that's understandable. But locals will tell you that summer is their favorite season. The days are long with golden light on the Elk Mountains, wildflowers carpet the meadows from late June through July, and the temperature hovers in the comfortable seventies during the day. Summer is also when Snowmass's event calendar comes alive.
The Lost Forest: Summer Epicenter
Located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, the Lost Forest is an on-mountain activity center nestled in aspen and spruce forests. The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is the signature attraction — a rider-controlled coaster that winds through the forest. The Canopy Run Zipline offers a guided forest canopy tour. The Treeline Trial Challenge Course is a multi-level ropes course for all ability levels. You could easily spend an entire day up there, and many families do — riding the gondola up in the morning, working through the activities, and having lunch at Elk Camp Restaurant.
Hiking: From Village Strolls to High-Alpine Epics
The Rim Trail is the classic Snowmass hike — a moderate loop with panoramic views of the Elk Mountains. Snowmass Lake is the marquee backcountry hike — a challenging out-and-back to an alpine lake beneath Snowmass Peak. At roughly 18 miles round trip, it's a full-day adventure best suited for experienced hikers, but the payoff is one of the most stunning alpine settings in the Elk Mountains.
Mountain Biking: IMBA Gold-Level
The Roaring Fork Valley is one of only seven IMBA Gold-Level Ride Centers in the world. Snowmass Bike Park offers lift-served trails with 2,897 vertical feet of purpose-built routes from beginner flow tracks to advanced technical descents.
Events and Festivals
The Snowmass Free Concert Series runs every Thursday evening from June through August on the Fanny Hill Stage. The Snowmass Rodeo happens every Wednesday evening from June through August — an authentic Western rodeo with barbecue dinner. JAS Aspen Snowmass hosts the Labor Day Experience music festival. New in 2026: Mountainside Music Festival in June, three days of free concerts on Fanny Hill.
The Summer Value Proposition
Summer lodging rates are significantly lower than winter, and many of the best activities are free. A summer week in Snowmass can deliver as much adventure as a winter trip at a fraction of the cost. The beauty of staying in a condo during summer is the same as in winter: flexibility. A full kitchen means you can eat on your own schedule, and the extra space means you can spread out after active days.
Stonebridge Condominiums is open for winter and summer seasons, with the same one- to four-bedroom condos, heated pool, hot tubs, and concierge services at summer-friendly rates. Like most Snowmass properties, the rental office closes briefly in the spring (from ski closing day through the first weekend of June) and fall (third week of September through Thanksgiving). Plan your summer getaway →
