A Guide to Traveling in Colorado
Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts are ready to welcome guests to Colorado’s high-country this summer. Summer in Colorado Ski Country will feature the activities Colorado’s ski areas are famous for, but with significant COVID-19 guest education efforts and a major emphasis on social distancing and sanitation. Ski area operations will be adjusted to address COVID-19 risks, but Colorado’s ski areas will be welcoming guests of all ages to enjoy scenic views, on-mountain and non-mountain activities and more.
Ski areas have been working with local health officials to implement a range of health procedures to promote both guest and employee safety this summer. Guests visiting Colorado’s high-country will find sanitation stations, markers to remind guests to be socially distant and special signage noting updates and changes to operations. Face coverings will be required in certain locations at ski areas so guests should plan ahead.
Colorado in the summertime promises bluebird days, cool summer nights, Instagram-worthy scenery and exciting activities that are sure to bring a smile. CSCUSA resorts will offer something for everyone including mountain coasters, alpine slides, scenic chairlift and gondola rides, downhill mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, dining and more.
See below for the summer operating dates and enticing activities at CSCUSA ski areas this summer. More specific summer offerings and information can be found at www.coloradoski.com.
Top Row (L-R): Aspen Snowmass; Copper Mountain, Curtis DeVore
Bottom Row: Arapahoe Basin; Purgatory Resort
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area: Summer operating dates: July 2 – September 13
Arapahoe Basin will be opening to guests on July 2 with mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, yoga and dining options. Those visiting Arapahoe Basin will find themselves off the beaten path and enjoying higher elevations of between 10,780 and 13,000 feet.
Aerial Adventure Park- Opening Mid-July
Arapahoe Basin's aerial adventure park offers seven different courses, including two just for little kids (ages 5-6), and is a unique outing for families, friends, groups and corporate events. Arapahoe Basin's aerial adventure park is like a ninja course in the trees that will test balance, physical and mental strength. All bookings must be done online in advance and multiple COVID-19 precautions are in place. For more information, visit https://www.arapahoebasin.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Arapahoe Basin, visit https://www.arapahoebasin.com/summer-covid-19-precautions.
Aspen Mountain: June 13 – September 7
Aspen Snowmass: June 21 – September 7
Fun in the sun is already happening this summer season in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley. Food and beverage options are available on the Sundeck Patio on Aspen Mountain, at Elk Camp on Snowmass as well as outside at Ajax Tavern during normal operating hours. Mountain coasters, obstacles courses, fly fishing, shopping, golf, dining and much more are waiting at Aspen Snowmass and Aspen Mountain.
Roaring Fork Valley Mountain BikingThe Roaring Fork Valley, home to the towns of Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and Snowmass Village, including the Snowmass Bike Park, has been designated a Gold-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). The Gold-Level IMBA Ride Center™ designation is the first in Colorado, and the fifth in the United States. With more than 300 miles of high quality single-track to explore, the Roaring Fork Valley provides a wide breadth of trails for both local and visiting riders. For more information visit https://www.aspensnowmass.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Aspen Snowmass, visit https://www.aspensnowmass.com/safety/covid19-operating-procedures.
Copper Mountain Summer operating dates: July 4 – September 27
Guests heading to Copper Mountain this summer will find chairlift rides, golf, mountain biking, hiking, small socially distant gatherings and dining. Copper Mountain’s Center Village offers more than just the typical mountain village experience. Bring the family for an unforgettable summer experience with Woodward offering summer lessons in skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, BMX and scootering.
Retro Reels
Copper will offer a family friendly drive-in movie series every Saturday beginning on July 4 running through September 26. Classic films will be featured throughout the summer and attendees are encouraged to dress-up in the theme of the movie. The event is presented by YETI and is free to attend, but guests are encouraged to reserve a spot as there is a 40 car max. Snacks and beverages will be on sale for movie goers. For more information, visit https://www.coppercolorado.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Copper Mountain, visit https://www.coppercolorado.com/the-mountain/mountain-safety/covid-safety.
Powderhorn Resort Summer operating dates: June 12 – October 6
The Flat Top Flyer chairlift at Powderhorn Resort will operate Thursdays & Fridays from 11am-4pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 10am-4pm. Visitors can hop on the chairlift or hit the trails with ease and then relax at the Sunset Grill or the Umbrella Bar this summer. Guests who choose to recreate in the crisp mountain air on the Grand Mesa will enjoy the Grand Valley’s wonderful outdoor assets.
Powderhorn Bike Park
The Powderhorn Bike Park was built to complement the natural terrain of the mountain and create an exhilarating experience for all. Powderhorn's bike park offers multiple trails that can challenge the most experienced rider and provide easy terrain for those just starting or looking to improve their skills. New this year, Powderhorn's latest beginner downhill mountain bike trail, Ramble On, will open top-to-bottom. For more information, visit http://www.powderhorn.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Powderhorn Resort, visit https://powderhorn.com/covid-19.html.
Purgatory Resort Summer Operating Dates: June 20 – October 4
Visitors can enjoy Purgatory’s summer activities from 9am-4pm daily through August 16 and weekends only through October 4. A Mountain coaster, alpine slide, bike park, chairlift rides and treasure panning can be found this summertime.
Shangri-La Bike Trail
Shangri-La bike trail will open for the 2020 summer season. This trail provides access to new terrain for riders of all skill levels. Starting mid-mountain, Shangri-La is accessed by the intermediate 7th Heaven trail, and winds around the front of the mountain before sending riders back down to the base area. Shangri-La offers a wide variety of terrain including berms, progressive turns, smooth single-track, a tunnel and several wooden bridge features. For more information, visit https://www.purgatoryresort.com.
Steamboat Resort Summer operating Dates: June 26 – September 7
Soak up some Steamboat sun this summer by enjoying a beverage on the Oasis Sun Deck or on the Burgess Creek Beach Friday through Sunday from 10am-5pm.
Outlaw Mountain Coaster
The Outlaw Mountain Coaster is the longest coaster in North America at more than 6,280 linear feet. The track near Christie Peak Express descends more than 400 vertical feet, rises up to 40 feet above the ground, and features dips, waves, and 360-degree turns. For more information, visit https://www.steamboat.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Steamboat resort, visit https://www.steamboat.com/media-center/coronavirus-information.
Sunlight Mountain Resor tSummer operating dates: May 29 – Fall
The Sunlight Ski and Bike shop is open daily from 9am-5pm and offers shuttle service up the Roaring Fork Valley with bike rentals available for all skill levels. Visitors to Sunlight Mountain this summer can enjoy hiking and mountain biking in one of nature’s best outdoor playgrounds.
The Sunlight Showdown - July 18-19This COVID-19 safe race is one of the toughest half marathons in the state. The 13-mile course weaves through open meadows, pine and aspen forests and stream crossings all with the backdrop of Mt. Sopris. The bike race will happen on July 18 and promises fast descents and challenging uphills. The run will happen on July 19 and offers a 3,000-foot vertical gain. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. For more information, visit https://sunlightmtn.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Sunlight Mountain Resort, visit https://sunlightmtn.com/tickets-passes/your-visit-our-assurance.
Telluride Resort Summer Operating Dates: Thursday-Sunday June 25 – September 27
Open with some limitations, Telluride offers guests five restaurants, four lodging options and a plethora of outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained. This summer, guests can stay at the beautiful Peaks Resort and enjoy delicious food at Allred’s after a fun-filled day of golfing, biking or enjoying the views from the Telluride Gondola.
Telluride Bike Park
The park will be open 4 days/week, Thurs - Sun, from 10am-6pm, until September 27. The ticket windows will be open Thurs - Sun from 9am-6pm. The new Telluride Bike Park is a completely unique lift-served experience with a variety of interconnected trails (Freeride, Technical & Cross-Country), clinics and guides for all abilities. Visit TellurideSkiResort.com for more information.
For COVID-19 specific information at Telluride Ski Resort, visit https://www.tellurideskiresort.com/summer2020-operating-schedule/.
Winter Park Resort Summer operating schedule: June 27 - Fall
With a variety of events, activities, shopping and dining options, there’s something for everyone in Winter Park this summer. From scenic gondola rides to mountain biking at the Trestle Bike Park, guests will find ample opportunities to distance themselves outside.
Cruise for Views – Mountain E-Bike Tour
For those looking to recover from a hard day of hiking, or save energy for the next Winter Park adventure, the Mountain E-Bike tour is the perfect fit. The guided tour will provide guests with views of the mountains as they make the trek from Sunspot Lodge to Lunch Rock. E-bike tours will be limited to groups of 10 to maintain social distancing. Tours must be booked 48 hours in advance. For more information, visit https://www.winterparkresort.com.
For COVID-19 specific information at Winter Park Resort, visit https://www.winterparkresort.com/summer-updates.