Ahhh-summertime! Snowmass is the perfect destination for a Colorado getaway. In late July, I was hosted by Limelight Snowmass (limelighthotels.com), along with my husband Ron and pup Gracie, for a three-day escape that is a 4-hour drive from the Pikes Peak region.

Day 1

We cruised through Buena Vista, up-up-up over Independence Pass, through Aspen and into the lovely Roaring Fork Valley where Snowmass Village is located. I never get tired of these scenic mountain drives highlighting the majesty of the state of Colorado. We found Limelight Snowmass to be an upscale, year-round property with an energetic vibe. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the amenities cover every detail for a seamless stay.

Snowmass Village offers a plethora of activities including top-level mountain biking, hiking, shopping, dining and all kinds of outdoor activities in an energetic, family friendly atmosphere.

In the hotel lobby we met Abby Birdsall, assistant manager — Aspen One Corporate and Brand Communications. She emphasized the advantages of visiting Snowmass, including a slower pace, being family oriented, excellent financial value and the availability of a multitude of Colorado adventure activities.

Birdsall accompanied us up the mountain, via the Elk Camp Gondola, for the Sunset Tuesday festivities at the Elk Camp Restaurant and Meadows: bikes and dogs welcome. This summer event is popular with visitors and locals alike, and we found a joyful crowd enjoying cocktails, dining, music and family-focused activities.

Day 2

We spent all day engaged in a sampling of Snowmass offerings. After breakfast we hiked from the hotel along the Rim Trail South to Spiral Point. This 4-mile out-and-back route was an easy ramble, showcasing spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, valleys and reservoir below.

Next up we were fitted for e-bike rentals at Aspen Collection. We took off down the valley on the paved Brush Creek Trail where the scenery is on steroids, zooming through forest groves and across verdant meadows.

We met Sara Stookey Sanchez, Snowmass public relations manager, for lunch at the iconic Woody Creek Tavern, a quirky casual eatery popular with locals and visitors for over 40 years. Sanchez explained that many consider Snowmass to be the little sister of nearby Aspen. Incorporated in 1977, the area called Snowmass Mall was the original base. Expansion continues in the Base Village area where Limelight Snowmass opened in 2018. Snowmass continues to find its identity as a casual, laid-back, 4-season destination. After dropping our bikes back at Aspen Collection, we took advantage of the complimentary, curated selection of libations, sipping chardonnay on the patio.

The summer Snowmass rodeo is not to be missed. A free shuttle zipped me from the hotel to the rodeo grounds. The first thing I noticed was the fashion show. Just about everyone was dressed in their best Western bib and tucker. Every style and color of boots and hats were on display; from pink sequined cowgirl boots, to wide-brimmed stetsons decorated with silver and turquoise. Suede and leather, fringe, denim, string ties and neckerchiefs were all part of the fashion parade.

Rodeo-goers lined up to order BBQ and beverages, to be consumed at the many picnic tables or sitting in the bleachers. Activities such as the mechanical bull ride, bouncy house, petting zoo and chicken poop roulette rounded out the party atmosphere of high-energy Americana.

Soon it was time for the pageantry of the grand entry flag ceremony. A comely cowgirl on horseback raced around the arena carrying the flying Stars and Stripes, as “Proud to Be an American” by Lee Greenwood played. I challenge anyone to not get a bit misty-eyed hearing this American patriotic song followed by the national anthem. Subsequent events included bull and bronc riding, barrel racing and a calf scramble and mutton bustin’ for the kids: all good American fun and sport.

Back on the pleasing patio of Limelight Lounge, dusk fell as Ron and I feasted on an almost-perfect dinner of roasted tomato soup, steak frites with chimichurri and Dubai chocolate cake.

Day 3

Before heading home we took the Sky Cab Gondola (nicknamed Skittles, because of the candy-colored conveyances) to peruse Snowmass Mall, home of unique and upscale shopping and dining opportunities. Bright sunshine and bluebird skies accompanied us as we traveled back over Independence Pass, stopping to mosey around Independence Ghost Town and to trek up the paved pathways to the summit of Independence Pass marveling at the fantastic 360 views.

A stop for an early creekside dinner at Wines of Colorado in Cascade rounded out a perfect 3-day adventure. Where to next? Stay tuned!