Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1519536
An Aspen summer is thick with events—some many decades old— that somehow never lose their luster. To wit, this summer ushers in the 75th season of the legendary Aspen Music Festival and School. Renowned for drawing both the classical music world's top talent as well as its most promising young musicians, the festival showcases grand per formances in the Michael Klein Music Tent—née the Benedict Music Tent—as well as casual concerts, free to the public, at the top of Aspen Mountain. (And when you're inevitably in line for an evening ice cream at the beloved Paradise Bakery, you're almost always guaranteed an impromptu student concert.) Jazz Aspen Snowmass's summer roster kicks off with the June experience—a whopping 40 performances across 12 Aspen venues from June 20 to 23. Come Labor Day, JAS presents its festival in Snowmass Town Park, this year featuring headliners Brandi Carlile, Tim McGraw, and Sting. And every Thursday, from mid-June through August, Snowmass hosts the Free Concert Series on Fanny Hill. Music-lovers gather on the grass to mingle, imbibe, and take in the views—at 8,500 feet—with a backdrop of bands playing everything from rock and reggae to country and funk. For those whose outdoor pursuits are more about breaking a sweat, hike the Smuggler-Hunter Loop, an approximately five-mile excur- sion that traverses wide meadows, scenic vistas, and 150-year-old cabins. Or, try the steep and arduous hike up Aspen Mountain, best completed by starting on the Ute Trail, whose trailhead lies just east of downtown. The vertical gain is significant, and the calories burned will be impressive—all the more reason to kick back with a beer and a snack at The Sundeck at the summit, a restaurant with views as delicious as its food. (Head up on a Sunday and be rewarded with a Bluegrass con- cert on the deck that overlooks Highland Bowl.) If biking is more your speed, rent one at any of the town's many outfitters, such as Aspen Bikes, and enjoy the rolling, picturesque Rio Grande Trail to the legendary Woody Creek Tavern, where you'll be welcomed by campy décor (it was Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson's primary hangout) and potent margaritas. The divey atmosphere is intended, and the food is top-notch. If you're an avid road cyclist, the rides to Ashcroft Ghost Town up Castle Creek Road or to the Maroon Bells (said to be the most photographed mountains in North America) up Maroon Creek Road are great workouts, with scenery to reward your effort. If Aspen earned its reputation as North America's top mountain town for pristine winters and epic skiing, it has garnered its most loyal devotees for magical summers. I know because I am one, having spent a good portion of my adult life living in the town set at 7,908 feet. While Aspen's summer is short, it reveals what locals have long known: It's a town rich in history, intellect, philanthropy, culture, and endless outdoor pursuits. No matter how you choose to engage in Aspen's summer, it promises to be an experience unlike any other. Where else can you ascend a 3,000-foot vertical rise, see world-class art, catch a major musical performance, and indulge in a world-class meal w ith an equally unparalleled view—all in the same day? If you aren't already a convert, follow this guide, and we promise you will be by the end of the season. Headed to Aspen this summer? Local Sari Anne Tuschman shares a comprehensive guide to Aspen's green season. WANDERLUST The spectacular Maroon Bells, said to be the most photographed peaks in North America. THE CLASSIC EXPERIENCE ALL ABOUT THE ALTITUDE " IT'S A TOWN RICH IN HISTORY, INTELLECT, PHILANTHROPY, CULTURE, AND ENDLESS OUTDOOR PURSUITS. " 42 BAL HARBOUR MAY 2024 SPECIAL EDITION P H OTO BY DAV I D B E N H A I M