While winter and summer are popular times to visit Snowmass, there is something special and unique about fall. It’s called Colorful Colorado for a reason—let September here make the case for it. In fact, Snowmass was recently named one of the Most Colorful Small Towns in America.
Nothing beats daytime fall temperatures in the mountains with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and blue skies. After a busy few months of summer travel, September is a quieter month in Snowmass. Take advantage of the autumn air and head for the trails, whether you’re pedaling, hiking, or running.
Tamara Susa photo.
Hiking and biking through golden aspen groves on routes like Tom Blake or Government Trail is nothing short of magical. If you’re looking for panoramic views, head up to Spiral Point or Sky Mountain Park. For a guided experience, take a hike with an ACES Naturalist Saturdays and Sundays in September at 10:00am and 1:00pm, leaving from the info cart on the Snowmass Mall.
Prefer taking in the colors from a comfortable seat? Ride the Elk Camp Gondola and enjoy the golden and orange canopy from above. If you’re feeling adventurous, ride the Alpine Coaster or do the zipline in the Lost Forest, then enjoy a cool beverage on the Elk Camp Restaurant Patio.
Looking for even more fun? Check out the awesome events we have happening this month, from hot air balloons to stein holding contests.
*Elk Camp and the Lost Forest are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in September.
Jeremy Swanson photo.
Wine lovers, rejoice! The Rotary Club of Snowmass Village and its partners are hosting Snowmass’ beloved and long-lived wine festival. Enjoy a curated, global selection of wines and spirits, as well as culinary delights from local restaurants, music, and a silent auction. The festival kicks off on Friday evening at Viceroy Snowmass with a four-course Greek wine dinner, and the Grand Tasting is held at Snowmass Town Park on Saturday.
*Proceeds from the event go towards scholarships as well as local and international grants through Snowmass Rotary.
Hal Williams photo.
Wake up early and see over 30 colorful hot air balloons during one of the most scenic balloon festivals in the Rockies. The Snowmass Balloon Festival is a photographer’s paradise — on Saturday and Sunday, Snowmass Town Park is saturated in color with dozens of hot air balloons. Come early on Friday night when the balloons are aglow and tethered, and meet some of the pilots. The free, signature event is a regional favorite and is suitable for the whole family.
Tamara Susa photo.
Known as one of the most beautiful races in the country, the Golden Leaf Half Marathon’s scenic trail begins in Snowmass and ends in Aspen. The majority of the race is along winding singletrack through aspen groves, starting on Fanny Hill and ending at Koch Park in Aspen. With its challenging terrain and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s a bucket-list race for trail runners and a perfect way to cap off a summer of alpine adventures.
*Registration for this event is sold out, but spectators can still cheer runners on from the start and finish lines.
Tamara Susa photo.
A great event for the kiddos, there will be a pumpkin patch, caramel apples, and festive fall fun. Check out the fall colors on the gondola ride up, and get a few laps in at the Snowmass Bike Park for its last weekend of fall operations! Celebrate the end of summer and usher in the fall season with drink specials on the patio and live music, too.
Don your dirndl or lederhosen for this Bavarian-style celebration, with the backdrop of Snowmass Ski Area, Mt. Daly, and a sea of fall colors. Snowmass Oktoberfest brings traditional German beer, pretzels, live music, a costume contest, and more festivities to the village. It’s perfect for a fall weekend getaway with your friends!
Greta Brown photo.
Whether you come for the events, the foliage, or just the quiet mountain time, September in Snowmass delivers. It’s a time to slow down, soak in the beauty, and experience Colorado at its most colorful before the snow starts falling!
Hal Williams photo.
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