What activities do ski areas and mountain resorts offer during the summer?
DENVER (KDVR) — While there may not be enough snow for skiing or snowboarding in the Colorado high country during the summer, there are still plenty of things to do and reasons to take a trip to the mountains.
Some areas of the mountains are not accessible for more than half of the year because of winter safety road closures, which means Coloradans only have a few months to check out the nature and activities in those areas.
These mountain attractions are only accessible in summer months
Ski areas and ski resorts offer a variety of summer activities for families and adventurers, from guided hikes and horseback riding to roller coaster rides and obstacle courses. And if you have a ski pass, chances are the resorts offer a discount on the activities.
Here are five summer activities that many Colorado ski areas and resorts offer during the summer months.
Gondola rides
It’s hard to find a better mountain view from anywhere but the mountains — and luckily, there are lots of gondolas in Colorado. It’s a great way to take in the beauty of the high country without having to keep your eyes on the road or watch your step.
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Plus, the gondola ride is a convenient mode of transportation offering a way to travel to the mountaintops and even between mountains. Many gondolas bring riders to other destinations worth adventuring or access points for hiking and biking trails.
Riders must purchase a ticket for some gondola rides, but many are free too.
In some cases, a ticket is only necessary for the way up the mountain, and the ride down is free. In that case, you might take a hike up the mountain to get a close, immersive look at the wildlife and flora, and let the gondola take you back for a relaxing, satisfying aerial view of the terrain you just hiked on.
Here are the six Colorado gondolas that Tripadvisor recommends:
Telluride Mountain Village Gondola: Telluride
Estes Park Aerial Tramway: Estes Park
Silver Queen Gondola: Aspen
Steamboat Gondola: Steamboat Springs
Monarch Scenic Tramway: Salida
Eagle Bahn Gondola: Vail
Ziplining and other high-speed fun
Even without powder to ski down the mountain, there are ways to fulfill a need for speed in the mountains.
If the wind in your face isn’t enough, you might consider ziplining. Many resorts have zip lines that give riders a view of the mountain scenery while almost literally flying through the air.
For skiers and snowboarders, it may be fascinating to see the land below the snow you use for winter snow sports. While there are seemingly endless zipline adventures in Colorado, they are not limited to ski areas and resorts.
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If you need the speed but don’t exactly want it while sliding down a cable in a harness, alpine slides and mountain roller coasters are great options. Roller coasters will give you the ride and thrill without having to do anything other than strap in. Alpine slides are like massive slides that run down the mountain, but riders use carts and control the speed and steering on the way down.
Obstacle courses
Skiing and snowboarding are challenging activities, but the challenge doesn’t stop when the snow melts in Colorado. Some ski areas and resorts have obstacle courses, many of which are intended for people of all skill levels and ages.
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These obstacle courses often include zip lines, rope climbing, wall climbing and balance beams that go from one tree to another.
However, before you bring the family to conquer an obstacle course, double-check that the obstacle course you have in mind allows children. For example, Arapahoe Basin only allows those 15 and older to go through the obstacle course without adult supervision.
Mountaintop yoga
If you are looking to relax, ground and center yourself with nature, what better place to do it than the top of a mountain?
While yoga enthusiasts can take a hike and do some mountain yoga anywhere, some ski areas and resorts offer classes and group flow sessions led by a yoga expert, including but not limited to:
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Disc golf
While the skiers and snowboarders are away, the disc golfers get to play. Many slopes become challenging disc golf courses in the summer, with the bonus of a mountain view.
Disc golf is essentially golf but with a frisbee — the goal is to throw the disc into the “hole,” which is typically a tall metal structure with chains to halt the disc’s velocity and a basket to catch the disc.
Last summer, the blog website UDisc named the disc golf course at Arapahoe Basin as the second-best in the world. The course at A-Basin has 20 holes and is free to use, as are many.
Other resorts also have disc golf courses, including but not limited to:
Before you go, note that many courses do not have discs to provide and players must bring their own. Additionally, some are only accessible via gondola, so even courses that are free to play on might not be free to get to.
Know before you go: Stay updated on weather conditions
Colorado has some of the hardest weather to track, and some storms can be unexpected. Be sure to check the forecast and prepare for whatever weather conditions the day may have in store before you hit the road to adventure.
Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information:
The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day.
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