Colorado is famously a top ski- and snow-lover’s destination, but don’t let the season stop you — this locale boasts more summer festivals and warm-weather fun than your family might know what to do with.
Why Go Now
For culture seekers and music lovers, Snowmass Balloon Festival kicks off Sept. 6–8, 6:30a.m.–12 p.m. This all-ages, free event splashes Snowmass Village, Colorado, with vibrant-colored balloons, filling the sky with only rolling mountain tops to contend with in the distance. Take advantage of the free shuttle services transporting guests to and from nearby hotels, Septemberfest and Cidermass, both easily accessible and fun-filled events, making the 6:30 a.m. start time all the more worth it.
Maroon Peak, sunrise. Photo: Hotel Jerome
The following weekend, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival hosts a three-day celebration Sep. 13–15, for all the music lovers in your crew. Enjoy funk, jam bands, indie, rock, bluegrass, gospel, soul and a slew of performances with the kids. Enjoy local craft brews, music and atmosphere while summer comes to close.
Where to Stay
For all this activity, your family will need somewhere to rest at night. For a classic Aspen stay and easy access to the hot air balloons, Hotel Jerome is a 5-star experience. With luxe furnishings, city-meets-wild-west vibes and elevated dining and services, Hotel Jerome is for the family seeking comfort in the country. Check out seasonal promotions and specials for additional savings.
Living Room. Photo: Hotel Jerome
Leaning toward staying in Telluride? Madeline Hotel & Residences is a great family stay in an even better locale. With 4-star services, luxury amenities and leisure pursuits all under one roof, while in the heart of Telluride with adventure and outdoorsy excursions at your beck and call, this hotel stay is a must. Check out more adventure opportunities here.
Madeline Hotel & Residences
What to Do
While the hotels are cozy enough to entice your family to stay in, a region this beautiful can’t be ignored for long.
Both regions and adventure-ready hotels offer enough outdoor activity to occupy the whole family. Take in the region’s rugged beauty on leisurely walks, al fresco dining locales, open-air festivals and at your own relaxing pace, or get into the wild with whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing and even boot camp.
Madeline Hotel & Residences
Take the history route along the Aspen Smuggler Mine Tour and discover the 19th-century mine with the kids. See the sights like a prospector, including the largest silver nugget ever found. Don’t forget to visit Telluride Historic Colorado Avenue, as the quaint, charming main street is surrounded by the Rockies and a quintessential Telluride moment.
Expect Victorian homes, boutique shops and a rebellious history, as you’ll walk along the same avenue where Butch Cassidy’s first bank heist took place.
Courtyard. Photo: Hotel Jerome
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