By Jenny Wilden
Aspen and Vail are two popular Colorado locations where skiing remains king. However, snow’s not the only draw. With towering mountain peaks and surging rivers, there are plenty of outdoor activities to entice you in these two legendary cities all year round.
If a trip to either Aspen or Vail is in your vacation future, see all the fun you can experience* all 12 months of the year.
Skiing, Wildflowers, and Fishing
Nestled on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is an outdoor adventurers’ paradise. Once the snow starts falling, visit the nearest mountain for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Beyond the slopes, you can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling in this winter wonderland.
When spring showers bring wildflowers, you can take to the hills for hiking and mountain biking along Aspen’s world-class trails. If you’re ready to get wet, spring runoff season also brings incredible guided white-water rafting conditions on the Roaring Fork, Arkansas, and Colorado rivers.
Channel your inner cowboy in Maroon Bells, where horseback riding pairs with wildflowers, alpine lakes, and mountain vistas. And if you want to reel in a trophy trout, you can go fly fishing on Aspen's 45 miles of Gold Medal waters.
Aspen also hosts world-class events throughout the year, including celebrating snow at Wintersköl (January) and listening to a range of music at the Aspen Music Festival (late June through mid-August).
Fresh Powder, Hiking, and Biking
In the center of Vail is its pedestrian-friendly, Bavarian-style village. While this Colorado Rockies town is best known for its skiing, it's also beloved for year-round recreation on its peaks, lakes, rivers, and trails.
When snow blankets the ground, you can carve fresh turns down powdery bowls or simply take in the view with a winter gondola ride up the mountain peaks.
Ready to venture into the woods? Rent a pair of snowshoes to explore untracked, snowy terrain. Head to the Vail Nordic Center for cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing on its daily-groomed winter trails.
Winding paths through the wilderness are popular with mountain bikers and hikers alike during summer and fall. And while less experienced cyclists may want to hire a guide (or at least grab a map), hikers can venture on their own to Booth Falls for valley views and a cascading waterfall. Or you can book a llama-led hike through Vail Valley for a one-of-a-kind tour. Just remember: Llamas are not for riding and serve only as guides and to carry supplies along the route.
Beyond the Mountains
Vail is also known for its on-water experiences. Find some of Colorado’s best wilderness fly fishing on the trout-laden Piney River or visit Nottingham Lake for calm stand-up paddle-boarding amid Vail vistas. The rivers come alive as the snow melts, and you can book river rafting trips for every adventure level on the nearby Eagle, Colorado, and Arkansas Rivers.
Vail hosts a range of events throughout summer and festive gatherings into fall. Catch tunes at the summer Bravo! Vail music festival (late June through early August) or sip German beer amid glowing autumn leaves at Vail Oktoberfest (mid-September).
When planning your next mountain vacation, explore Aspen, Vail — or both — and you’ll enjoy unlimited outdoor pursuits.