1. Ski in Aspen
Millions of visitors travel to this town in central Colorado each year for its ideal ski conditions and massive slopes. Aspen Snowmass is one of the country’s largest ski resorts and one of Aspen’s most popular attractions. The resort offers multiple chairlifts and 150 miles of trails, making it a prime ski destination for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are also some trails for beginners, as well as many opportunities for lessons; past visitors lauded the helpful instructors at this mountain resort. If Aspen Snowmass is too overwhelming, opt to ski the 44 trails at Buttermilk or the 76 trails at Aspen Mountain. Even if you’re not a fan of skiing, the après-ski scene makes Aspen worth a visit. You’ll find skiers flocking to the town’s lounges, taverns and upscale eateries after a day on the slopes. There are several award-winning hotels in the area – such as The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection – where guests can stay close to the slopes, making for an extra easy ski day.
2. Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
A trip to Red Rocks Amphitheatre will take any concert experience to the next level. The bleacher-style seats are built into a cliff and are surrounded on three sides by towering sandstone structures. Visitors rave about the venue’s acoustics, saying it’s one of the best and most unique places to witness a live performance. Concerts are usually scheduled between April and November, and you can check out the event schedule to see when your favorite artist is performing. Even if you can’t make it for a show, Red Rocks is still a great place to visit during the day. There are several hiking trails around the concert area, including the easy Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles) and the intermediate Red Rocks and Morrison Slide trails (3 miles). Plus, from high up in the stands, you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding area. On some summer nights, the venue even presents drive-in movie events. Be sure to make time to wander through the Red Rocks Hall of Fame to see the famous artists who have taken the stage here. The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is also located at the venue, which is conveniently situated about 15 miles southwest of Denver.
Address: 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465