During the summer months the mountains of Aspen and Snowmass Village, Colorado provide the perfect backdrop for a range of wellness experiences fit for every kind of traveller. From rejuvenating mountainside yoga and meditation gardens, to live relaxing music and endless hiking trails, here are six ways to practise wellness in these two beautiful Rocky Mountain towns.
- Attend the Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival: The 2023 Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival in Snowmass Village, taking place 7-9 July, explores the symbiotic connection between music, yoga and the outdoors. Visitors can fully relax and nurture their wellbeing with scenic mountain surroundings with yoga classes, incredible hospitality, lectures and a live music line-up highlighting some of the top artists of downtempo electronic chill and house music. The three-day festival will feature yoga masterclasses and workshops from renowned yoga artists who will share their passion through a series of restorative classes, helping people to reconnect with themselves and the environment.
- Visit a Snowmass Village spa: Experience total rejuvenation at the Lupine Spa at the Viewline Snowmass Resort in Snowmass Village. With a range of different services to choose from, each treatment aims to enrich the soul and restore energy after a long summer day. Choose from a revitalising body scrub, soak or wrap or indulge in a customised combination of aromatherapy, hot stones and CBD oil. Head to the Spa at Viceroy Snowmass for a holistic spa experience with unique treatments that include signature rituals inspired by ancient Ute, Nordic and Asian ceremonies and culture. The 7,000 square-foot spa will leave visitors feeling revitalised, relaxed and at one with nature.
- Classical Saturdays and Bluegrass Sundays at Aspen Mountain: This July and August, head up to the summit of Aspen Mountain for Classical Saturdays where visitors can sit back and relax in a beautiful meadow whilst listening to the sweet sounds of classical music performed by students from the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival & School. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic or browse the menu at the Sundeck restaurant. On Sunday’s catch some of Colorado’s best bluegrass bands at the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain, surrounded by incredible views with Bluegrass Sundays. Both events are free, and offer the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer's evening with family and friends.
- Take a mountaintop yoga class: Take a scenic ride on the Silver Queen Gondola up to the summit of Aspen Mountain and take part in a yoga experience like no other. Every summer from June to September, the experienced Aspen Shakti team runs an hour open-air Hatha yoga session on a stunning deck overlooking the dramatic scenery of the Rocky Mountains for every level of experience. With a stunning backdrop of wildflowers, blue skies and plunging valleys, there is no better way to start your day. For those wanting a challenge, take the 1.5 hour hike following the gondola up to arrive at the top of Aspen Mountain. Costing roughly £15 per class, sessions run from Monday to Friday at 10:30am with a portion of all profits going towards supporting the Caring for Community Fund mental health programme.
- Head out on a hedonistic hike: With endless miles of hiking trails to explore, Aspen and Snowmass Village offer everything from short, relaxing strolls to epic multi-day adventures where visitors can get out into nature and clear their heads. One of the most scenic spots accessible from Snowmass, Snowmass Lake is perfect for visitors in search of a full day hike. Accessed via the Maroon-Snowmass trailhead starting at the end of Snowmass Creek Road, Snowmass Lake is reached after roughly eight miles with scenic vistas and wildflowers, paired with several water crossings and challenging gains in elevation.
- Meditate in the John Denver Sanctuary: Situated next to Rio Grande Park in the heart of Aspen, the John Denver Sanctuary is a peaceful oasis where you can connect with both nature and music. The Song Garden features a series of native river boulders placed in a perfect circle, all with lyrics etched into the stone to reflect the circle of life. Also to be explored in the sanctuary is one of the largest perennial flower gardens as well as man-made wetlands and winding streams that work as an innovative stormwater filter system. A favourite local spot, visitors can enjoy the serenity of the crowd-free gardens that provide the perfect spot for meditation.
