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ASPEN/SNOWMASS IN SUMMER AND FALL DESCRIPTION

Snowmass Village and Ski AreaSnowmass Village lies about 10 miles west of Aspen. It was incorporated in 1967 and has a permanent population of about 1500 residents.We moved to Snowmass Village in June of 2004. We knew we wanted to be here in the winter to ski but what we didn't realize was how beautiful it was in the summer and fall and how much there was to do. Woodbridge Condo PoolWe live in the Woodbridge Condominiums, in a 2 BR, 2nd story unit. The complex has a pool (heated in the winter) and jacuzzi and a laundry facility which is right across from our unit. There is a free shuttle bus which runs every 20 minutes to take us to the grocery store/post office or the mountain for skiing or hiking.

Fred on Mayfly TrailWe have a great view of the ski area from our living room window. There's a creek that runs just below us and a short, but pretty trail (the Mayfly Trail) that runs along side it. Ditch TrailThere are numerous hiking and biking trails that crisscross the Snowmass Ski Area. One of our favorites is the Ditch Trail which leads to awesome views of the Snowmass Valley and Mt. Daly.

 

 

In the summer, the hillsides are covered with wildflowers.Oxeye Daisies

 

Columbine with Aspen Tree

 

 

Bandstand from chairliftA chairlift takes passengers and mountain bikes up the mountain for hiking or biking.Every week, there are free concerts at the base of the mountain. Everyone brings blankets/chairs and picnics to listen to the music.Bikes go up the mtn

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred on Government TrailThe trails around Snowmass are even more beautiful in the fall when the Aspen trees turn to gold.Path around Golf course

 

 

 

 

Golf Cart Path

 

 

Barb on Rio Grande TrailBesides trails for mountain biking, there are numerous bike paths in the area - both paved and dirt. One of our favorites is the Rio Grande Trail which runs along the Roaring Fork River from Aspen all the way to Basalt.

 

 

Engraved Marker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Near Aspen along the trail is the John Denver Sanctuary. This is a beautiful spot overlooking the river.View from SanctuaryThe words to some of his songs are engraved on the granite boulders that cover the hillside

.Words of Song Engraved on boulder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowmass Golf CourseThe Snowmass Golf Course is one of several in the area. It is very challenging and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Just remember that the town of Snowmass Village lies at 9000 ft above sea level with the top of the mountain over 11,000 ft. The good news is that golf balls go further at this altitude. The bad news is that it takes a while for our bodies to adjust to the thinner air while doing any kind of exercise.

 

 

Balloon FestivalIn the fall, there is a Balloon Festival. Every morning the colorful balloons lift off over the golf course. Extreme GolfThe town also holds an Extreme Golf Tournament. A course is laid out on the mountain and golfers tee off in the dirt, trying to place their ball in the "hole" which is a circle drawn on the grass further down the hill. Part of the challenge is also to find your ball in the trees and grass that cover the hillside!

 

 

 

 

Picnic on Richmond RidgeRichmond Ridge, along the top of Aspen Mountain offers great views of Independence Pass - a perfect place for a picnic. You can get there via the Gondola or 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Of course there are plenty of places to go fishing around the Snowmass/Aspen area. The many Gold Medal rivers like the Roaring Fork and the Crystal Rivers offer the challenge of fly fishing for Trout. While Ruedi Reservoir offers a place to launch a boat or fish from shore.Fred fishing at Ruedi Reservoir

 

 

To learn about other activities in the immediate area, see descriptions for Glenwood Springs, the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and Redstone. See Aspen and Snowmass in Winter for information about wintertime activities.

 

To view more photos from this area click here: Snowmass/Aspen Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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