Aspen Signature Properties

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Aspen Attractions and Activities

Everything You Need to Know About Aspen River Rafting

The rushing rivers of Colorado are just one of the many aspects of our stunning landscape that make it special. Melting snow from the winter season feeds these rushing rapids making Aspen river rafting one of our favorite activities to enjoy during the summer. Start planning your ultimate summer vacation today when you get a copy of our complimentary Travel Guide!

Get the Travel Guide

3 of the Best Companies for Aspen River Rafting

1. Aspen Whitewater Rafting

Aspen Whitewater Rafting caters to every possible skill level. Choose from mild to wild trips, each curated to be entertaining and as adrenaline-inducing as you wish. Each guide is certified and has years of experience, so you know you’ll be in good hands. It’s an excellent option to see the beauty of our area in a unique way. Opt for a Private Rafting Trip for an excursion created just for you! Customize your trip based on your level of expertise and what you are looking to get out of your day out on the river.

2. Blazing Adventures

Blazing Adventures is an outstanding adventure outfitter in Aspen and Snowmass. You can experience everything from jeeping to whitewater rafting with these expert guides! They know the area inside and out, so they are a great option to enjoy Aspen river rafting with. Blazing Adventures was actually the first whitewater rafting company in the area, and they have been providing excellent service since 1973.

3. Elk Mountain Expeditions

Elk Mountain Expeditions specializes in small, personal trips. Their rafting excursions range from Class I & II rapids to Class IV! You can let a guide take you down the river on a raft or you can opt for a different experience on a stand-up paddleboard or an inflatable kayak. Let the adventure begin!

Let Our Concierge Plan the Perfect Aspen River Rafting Trip

Guests of Aspen Signature Properties can be sure to have a stress-free getaway. Whether you’re looking to go Aspen river rafting or want a special picnic under the stars, our concierge service can make it happen. All you need to do is let us know what you’re looking for in your stay and we will handle the rest.

the observatory rental homeBook Your Aspen Getaway Today

Summer in Aspen is a magical time of the year, and we want you to experience it with us. Whether you’re looking for a rental to call home for the entirety of the season or just for a week or two, we can accommodate you with our exclusive properties. Browse our rentals to start planning your stay; we have everything from a penthouse in the center of town to an extraordinary home set back amongst the mountains. Book your stay with Aspen Signature Properties today.

Snowmass Summer Events

JUNE 6th and JUNE 7th, 2025

Snowmass Summer Events start with the The Ragnar Trail Snowmass Race.  This is a two-day relay race that takes place in Snowmass Village. Run during the day and through the star-filled night with your team of friends and/or family. There are three different tiers of competition you may choose from. You are able to have teams of either 4 or 8 people. Don’t miss out on this life-changing experience! Sign up are now closed, but you can still get on the waitlist.

Are you a beer lover? The Snowmass Rendezvous Festival is a two-day event that features over 30 craft beers from local Colorado breweries! Walk around the Snowmass Mall and sip some of your favorite beers during the day. Head to Fanny Hill and jam out to live music with family and friends! Buy your tickets now before the event sells out.

aerial view of crowd at festival

JUNE 12th thru AUGUST 21st, 2025

This summer will be like no other! Join us as we celebrate 32 years of the Snowmass Free Concert Series. This may be the best way to enjoy some of the country’s best live bands. A relaxed atmosphere with a spectacular mountain backdrop. 5:30pm-8:30pm | Fanny Hill | Free

JUNE 18th thru August 20th, 2025

The Snowmass Rodeo has been nominated by USA TODAY for the 3rd year in a row for one of the best national rodeos!! Get ready to ride again starting every Wednesday night beginning on June 18th at 7:00PM rain or shine!

men grilling foods with fire

JULY 4th and AUGUST 2nd, 2025

Spend a Saturday evening than outside in the cool Colorado summer air, with live music and a beverage in hand. On Saturday, July 5 and Saturday, August 2, the Americana Music series will take place at the Rock Garden Stage at the end of the Snowmass Mall. Bring the whole family or enjoy a date night with free, live music.

small American flag with sparkler in background

JULY 19th, 2025

The Audi Power of Four Trail Run is a 50k, 25k and 10k race in Aspen Snowmass. Saturday, July 19th, is the day. Conquer all four mountains by running the 50k course starting at the base of Aspen. Or,  conquer three of the four mountains by running the 25k course which starts at Buttermilk.  They are offering are a 10k course as an option for those who aren’t ready for the 25k or 50k course. That race will start at the Elk Camp Restaurant on Snowmass Mountain.

JULY 26th, 2025

Join the Action: Audi Snowmass 50 Mountain Bike Race
Aspen Signature Vacation Rentals is excited to welcome you to the Audi Snowmass 50, formerly the Power of Four MTB Race—an epic ride through 25 miles of Snowmass Village’s best singletrack trails.

With 5,000 feet of elevation gain and terrain ranging from high desert to lush forest, this race is a must for mountain biking enthusiasts. Ride hard, take in the views, and make a weekend of it with a stay at one of our premier vacation rentals.

AUGUST 29th to August 31st, 2025

JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience is one of the biggest summer events in Aspen Snowmass. The three-day music festival has taken place since 1991 and has shown tremendous growth over the years. Celebrate the end of summer by jamming out to Imagine Dragons, Cannons, Lenny Kravitz, Luke Combs and much more at the Snowmass Town Park!

crowd looking at outdoor stage

AUGUST 16th, 2025

Check out Cidermass which takes place in the Snowmass Mall from 2:00pm to 5:30pm on Saturday, August 16th! Enjoy the best ciders with your family and friends. Schilling, Anna’s Cider, Stem’s Cider, and 2 Towns Ciderhouse, just to name a few of the 20-25 attending vendors, will be on site for some delicious hard-cider, beer, wine and cocktail tasting.

SEPTEMBER 12th thru SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2025

Started in 1975, the Snowmass Balloon Festival fills the sky with tons of colorful hot air balloons with over 30 pilots! The iconic Snowmass Balloon Festival returns to Snowmass Village for its 50th year. This year, spectators are encouraged to drive in, hike up, bike around or walk right up to take in the sights right from where the balloons take flight! After you’ve seen the balloons in all their beauty, stroll the Snowmass Mall or Base Village to enjoy breakfast or brunch.

The balloons will launch into the air from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and the popular Night Glow will return on Friday evening.

Hot Air Balloon

SEPTEMBER 12th and SEPTEMBER 13th, 2025

Head to Snowmass Village the weekend of September 14th for the annual Snowmass Wine Festival and indulge in fine wines and food.  This two-day event kicks off Friday evening at the Viceroy Snowmass with an incredible reception and four-course wine dinner featuring Greek wines!

The Grand Tasting takes place Saturday afternoon from 1:30pm – 5pm, bringing together a beautiful venue, music, cuisines from local restaurants and of course, lots of wine and spirits. Whether you are an avid wine aficionado or someone who enjoys a glass from time to time, there’s something for every attendee to enjoy.

SEPTEMBER 27th, 2025

The Golden Leaf Half Marathon is known to be one of the most beautiful half marathons in the country! The race starts in Snowmass Village then traverses through gorgeous mountains trails and the golden Aspen leaves with gaining elevations of 970 feet up to 9,400 feet in elevation. Reserve your spot soon! This race fills up quickly.

exterior of rental home

Aspen Hiking: Aspen to Crested Butte

Aspen to Crested Butte Hike

If you’re looking for a true Aspen hiking experience, complete with mountain passes, wildflowers, and some serious elevation gain, consider the nearly 11-mile thru-hike from Aspen to Crested Butte. Thanks to the incredible views, contrasting red rock and Colorado blue skies, and beautiful flora along the hike, it’s a summertime Aspen Signature Properties staff favorite.

The Trail from Maroon Lake

Beginning in front of the towering Maroon Bells at Maroon Lake (elevation 9,580’) just outside of Aspen, the trail climbs and winds for nearly 6.5 miles to the top of West Maroon Pass (elevation 12,465’). You’ll hike through thick aspen trees, across rock fields and past scenic Crater Lake before reaching the apex of your hike. If you’re looking for a classic Colorado photo op, overlooking both the Aspen and Crested Butte trail sides at the top of West Maroon Pass is your place.

After a short break at the top, head down into the meadow toward Crested Butte and be prepared for what may be the most incredible display of wildflowers in all of Colorado. From here, it’s nearly all downhill as the trail meanders for about 4 miles toward the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead at 10,448’.

What to Know

This is not an easy Aspen hiking trail, but it is rewarding. At about 10.45 miles from trailhead to trailhead, it’s a solid hike with steep switchbacks and a lot of exposure, even below tree line. It averages about 8 hours to complete, depending on the fitness of your group.

Summer weather in the mountains around Aspen often features afternoon thunderstorms, and it can quickly change from warm and sunny to downright cold and snowy at our high elevations. We highly recommend hitting the trailhead early in the day. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs must be kept on a leash. Don’t forget to practice “Leave no trace” guidelines, pack out what you pack in and read up on the full trail description or reach out to us before heading out on your adventure.

Trail from Aspen to Crested Butte

What to Bring

This hike is going to be a good workout. Bring snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, layers, a rain jacket, first aid kit and a topographic map, which you can pick up at the Ute Mountaineer. Don’t forget your dog bags and extra water for dogs.

Aspen to Crested Butte Trail Shuttle

Unless you’re planning on camping for a night during your stay in Aspen, we suggest one of the shuttle services that will pick you up at the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead and bring you back the 3 hours by road to Aspen, such as Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle.

Have more questions about this hike or others? Just ask us! We’d be happy to give you more details and help in your planning.

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The Insider’s Guide to Aspen Gay Ski Week

Every January for almost four decades, giant rainbow flags fly from lampposts all along Aspen’s Main Street to celebrate Gay Ski Week, with the whole town coming out (so to speak) for the party—and it is one hell of a party. Rainbow flags aside, it’s one of the most colorful weeks of the ski season by far. Now in its 41st year, this year’s event is bound to be great!

Gay Ski Week Banner

We caught up with our resident Aspen local for the inside line on the best parties, can’t-miss events, and how to pace yourself through a week of non-stop go-go-go (or just go-go if you want to jump on the tables and dance).

Here’s the lowdown

Hydrate or Die
Not only is the altitude a killer (warning: 2 drinks = 4) but you’ll be sweating it out at the parties so you have to drink something besides, well, drinks. I tell all the flatlander boys to drink at least one large bottle of Evian per day, and not a bad idea to chase down a couple Ibuprofen with that while you’re at it (or what we mountain men like to refer to as “Vitamin I”) to mitigate altitude sickness. (By the by, you can blame almost anything on the altitude, from your less-than-stellar workout to the severity of your hangover).

Instead of “Can’t Miss Thursday TV” check out …
The most overlooked party by far is Bianca Del Rio’s Comedy Cabaret & Dance Party on Thursday night. It’s always the most fun but lots of people miss out. Another little fun Aspen fact: Thursday nights are traditionally a big party nigh in Aspen. I’m not sure if it’s because of the “work hard/play hard mentality” or the fact that (let’s be honest) our little Tinsel Town is overrun with trust funders who don’t really have to work, but it’s a great vibe regardless so you don’t want to miss out on Thursday night’s event if for no other reason than to be out on the town.

Let’s go Drag

Don’t be a drag, go drag.
Hands down one of the best, can’t-miss events of the week is the Downhill Costume Party and Competition at the base of Aspen Mountain. The whole town comes out to celebrate and cheer on the competitors in this wild (and somewhat racy) race. I highly recommend buying a table for this. It’s always a blast and loads if fun, so you might as well have a front row seat. You’ll make loads of new friends and maybe even find your Friday night date!

Pool Party

Get wet and wild: saving the best for last.
The Saturday Night Pool Party is the big, er, climax of the week and should rquire a little primping. If you forgot your favorite Keihl’s or want to get a facial to look your finest, drop by the Cos Bar on Galena for all your beauty needs. The pool party is a must do but take as little as possible because locker space is at a minimum. Less is more: All you need is your swimsuit and a coat darling!

Can’t Miss Events

COMEDY SHOW
Thursday, January 18
Come for a very special night of comedy and raunchy entertainment at the Belly Ip Aspen. After the slopes, take in some comedy realness, with comedians and entertainers selected by Drag Queen royalty. Expect unexpected moments and some very special surprises. Comedians include Julie Goldman and Justin Sayre. Get your tickets now and be ahead of the game. $75 general admission and $95 for reserved seating for both shows, including a late-night dance party with DJ Guy Scheiman following the comedy show.

WHITE PARTY AT THE SUNDECK (TOP OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN)
Friday January 19
We are returning to the top of Aspen Mountain for our Friday Night Dance Party with DJ Dylan! Dress in your winter white, and enjoy complimentary cocktails starting at 9 p.m. from Budweiser and Woody Creek Vodka. Tickets are $150 in advance, and there is a special VIP section for Patrons and PatronsXL passholders.

DOWNHILL COSTUME CONTEST & PARTY
Saturday, January 20
The costume content will be hosted by Sister Helen Holy (Paul J. Williams) and will be judged by a “roster of personalities.” Tables for this event are sold out, but contestants are still needed! If you are interested in competing, please email info@gayskiweek.com for more information and to register. Prizes are First Place ($1000), Second Place ($500), and Third Place ($250).

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Official Aspen Gay Ski Week web site.