Outfitter-Led Activities with Elite Athletes

Activities are $100 each including bag lunch except Outside Adventure Filmmaker School, which is $749 (details below). All activities are scheduled from 9 am – 2 pm. Please arrive at Base Camp at Gondola Plaza by 8:30 am to check in and meet your guide.You may book activities for up to four people at a time. Register for one activity and receive admittance to Welcome Party Friday, 8pm , Apres Pool Party on Saturday at 5pm, Athlete Symposium on Sunday at 3pm, and all Base Camp festivities, Saturday and Sunday 8-4. Register Today!

Rafting // Kayaking // Climb a Fourteener // Stand-up Paddle Boarding // Mountain Biking // Road Biking // Rock Climbing // Hiking // Trail Running // Fly-Fishing //Adventure Dog Workshop // Adventure Filmmaking // Kids Nature Corner // Outward Bound Volunteer Trail Project

RAFTING (no experience or gear required)

(Beginner/Intermediate) UPPER ROARING FORK. This section features beautiful scenery and exceptional whitewater. Class III water, good for beginners as well as experienced rafters. This is a MUST trip if you’re in the Aspen area early in the summer season.

Minimum age:  8-12, depending on water level.  (Includes refreshments). Length: 4-5 hrs

(Advanced) SLAUGHTERHOUSE – MOST DIFFICULT! Magnificent, awe-inspiring, spine chilling, non-stop action. This river peaks in June and is a true Class IV experience. Not for the timid. Features some of the most technical boulder gardens in Colorado. Continuous paddling required and previous experience recommended. Located in Aspen’s backyard and a locals’ secret, this is what rafting is all about. Minimum age 15, depending on water level. (Includes refreshments). Length: 4-5 hours
Offered by: Blazing Adventures and Aspen Whitewater Rafting.

Back to Top

KAYAKING (no experience or gear required)
Beginner/Intermediate (with Pro Kayaker Ben Stookesberry –see athlete bios).
Beginner paddlers start out at the Nature Preserve on the Roaring Fork River 5 minutes above town. We take students on three beautiful sections, each slightly more challenging. They provide a perfect progression for the novice paddler and quick and easy access for a workout or roll session for intermediate and advanced paddlers.

Advanced (with Pro Kayaker, Brad Ludden) paddlers enjoy the Slaughter House section of the Fork 5 minutes downstream from Aspen. Intermediate kayakers play in the Toothache rapids 15 min. from town. We also have access to 4 more sections of the Fork and the Colorado River.
All gear, transportation and A.C.A certified instructors included.

Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 6 participants per guide. Minimum age: 12 Length: 4-5 hours
Offered by: Aspen Kayak Academy

Back to Top

CLIMB A FOURTEENER –SATURDAY ONLY (no experience or gear required)
Intermediate (with Pro Athlete & TV personality Ryan Sutter; see athlete bios) Weather and snow permitting, we’ll climb Castle Peak a moderate hike requiring only good shoes and a moderate level of fitness. The Elk mountain range surrounding Aspen contain six peaks above 14,000 feet and are some of Colorado’s most rugged and beautiful mountains. The Elks provide relatively easy access to a superb mountain playground. At 14,265 feet, Castle Mountain is the highest in the Elk Range. With a 4-wheel-drive road to 12,800 feet, it is a relatively easy hike and a good introduction to the Elks. This peak also provides excellent spring skiing on a fourteener. The trailhead is located up Castle Creek Rd, past Ashcroft. Because of the length of the hike and because alpine weather can turn bad in the afternoons, we’ll start meet at base camp at 6am to head to the trail head. All gear, transportation and A.C.A certified instructors included.

Should conditions on Castle Peak be unsuitable due to snow-pack, another peak will selected by Aspen Alpine Guides.

Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 6 participants per guide. Minimum age: 12 Length: 6-7 hours                                           Offered by: Aspen Alpine Guides

Back to Top

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING (no experience or gear required)
(no experience or gear required)
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced (with Charlie McArthur, see athlete bios)
A new passion for the Academy is the sport of stand up paddling (SUP) in the river. Charlie started SUP in Fiji in ’03 on his honeymoon and soon brought a surfboard and paddle to the rapids of Colorado. Now using specialized shorter, thicker and wider boards, with the help of C-4Waterman based in Oahu, Hawaii, the Academy is now offering instruction in SUP on the river! It is an amazing thrill and an incredible core workout as well. Beginner paddlers start out at the Nature Preserve on the Roaring Fork River 5 minutes above town. We take students on three beautiful sections, each slightly more challenging. They provide a perfect progression for the novice paddler and quick and easy access for a workout or roll session for intermediate and advanced paddlers. All gear, transportation and A.C.A certified instructors included.
Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 6 participants per guide. Minimum age:  12 Length:  4-5 hours
Offered by: Aspen Kayak Academy

Back to Top

MOUNTAIN BIKING (no experience or gear required)
(Beginner-Intermediate) Jeep Road with some single-track. Designed for the beginner to intermediate rider, to gain basic skills, focusing primarily on optimal shifting, braking, body positioning, bike handling, and visual focus. Rides will take place on Lincoln Creed Road (rolling Jeep road) and Smuggler Road (steeper uphill Jeep road) or Hunter Creek (Jeep and single-track). Includes full suspension bike rental, water, and helmet, if needed.


(Intermediate to Advanced)  Single Track; designed for the intermediate to advanced rider.  Experience some of the Valley’s renowned single-track trails. This is the “classic single track” point to point riding in the Aspen/Snowmass area. Starting at Snowmass ski area, riders will experience mile after mile of wilderness, Aspen groves, and challenging single-track riding. This ride will provide bikers with many exciting moments and beautiful scenery. Gain more technical knowledge while surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Trips take place on either the Government, Tom Blake or Rim Trail. Includes full suspension bike rental, water, and helmet, if needed.

Minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 participants per guide.
Minimum Age:  12
Length: 4-5 hours
Offered by: Blazing Adventures

Back to Top

ROAD BIKING with Tyler Hamilton (advanced; see athlete bios)

Strong Intermediate/Advanced Road Biking  clinics specifically designed for riders looking to build strength at altitude and who love to ride in the hills and on mountain passes.

Tyler will choose from the following 3 rides to lead the clinic on Saturday and Sunday.

Tour de Aspen: Start at Base Camp with a ride out of town and down Cemetery Lane. Cross the Slaughterhouse Bridge and climb up and out McClain Flats Road. Ride up Brush Creek Road towards Snowmass Village, then turn left and start a slightly false return to Aspen via Owl Creek Road to the roundabout where we will pick Maroon Creek Road and make a final ascent to 9580 ft. The now final return leg back to Base Camp will be an easy downhill cruise.

Independence Pass:  Tyler will lead a group ride from Base Camp in Aspen up to Independence Pass (+/- 20 miles / over 4000 ft of vertical gain / total riding distance of 40 miles). This classic road bike climb holds the distinction of being rated in the 100 most difficult road bike climbs in the US as well as being in the top 5 highest elevation attained roads, topping out with a 12,126 ft pass.

Castle/Maroon: Tyler will lead an afternoon clinic with a concentration on rolling mountain roads. This ride combines two fantastic routes into one great endurance clinic. The first leg of the ride starts at Base Camp in Aspen and heads out of town up Castle Creek Road to Ashcroft to literally the end of the pavement. Return on the same road to the roundabout and continue with a climb up Maroon Creek Road and a final ascent to 9580 ft to a view of the famous Maroon Bells. Road and. The return leg is an easy downhill cruise back to Base Camp.

Minimum age 18 (exceptions can be made for those with a race resume)

Clinic size 5 to 10 participants

Guide to Participant Ratio 1:5

Required gear: A well-tuned bike, helmet, water, and weather appropriate bike clothing/gear.

Offered by: Aspen Alpine Guides

Road Bikes can be rented in advance by contacting Aspen Velo Bike Shop
970-925-1495, http://www.aspenvelo.com/
“Outside in Aspen” participants will receive a 20% discount on bike rentals

Back to Top

ROCK CLIMBING (no experience or gear required)
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced (with Pro Athlete Jake Norton)

Experience the fun and ease of rock climbing. With an emphasis on safety and enjoyment, certified  guides will take you on a fun and unforgettable experience from the ground up! 

For the complete novice student or the experienced climber who requires additional training, you will receive the full spectrum of state-of-the-art professional instruction. Our informative teaching progressions and low student-to-guide ratios assure the maximum attention that each individual deserves.

  The location will be Independence Pass, a beautiful canyon surrounded by granite crags. Independence Pass offers ideal climbing for beginners to experts with easy top-roping to challenging multi-pitch routes.

Includes: Certified guide, transportation, all rock climbing equipment (shoes, harness, helmet, ropes, climbing hardware). Guide ratio – 4 students to 1 guide. 
Length:  3.5 hours.

Min. age 7

Offered by: Aspen Expeditions or Aspen Alpine Guides

Back to Top

HIKING AND HIGH-ALTITUDE TRAIL RUNNING
Beginner/Intermediate: Hike to Cathedral Lake. This popular day hike traverses
through Aspen trees and scree fields to an alpine lake at 11,866 ft. just above tree line. Round trip hike of less than 6 miles and 200 feet of vertical gain.

Minimum age: None as long as fitness is there. Clinic size 4 to 8 participants. Guide to
Participant Ratio 1:4  Length:  4-5 hours

Advanced: Trail Running with Pro to  Snowmass Lake. The Maroon Snowmass trail run has an uphill element (2580 ft. gain), but is primarily an endurance run on a narrow hikers trail for 7.6 miles one way.

Minimum age 18 (exceptions can be made for those with a race resume) Clinic size 4
participants; Guide to Participant Ratio 1:4 Transportation to / from Trailhead Included
Length:  4-5 hours including transportation and lunch
Offered by:  Aspen Alpine Guides

Back to Top

FLY FISHING Sorry–cancelled due to extreme runoff

(no experience or gear required) Additional cost $75
Colorado Fly Fishing at its best.  Join us for guided wade fly trips on local waters. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Aspen, the Roaring Fork River is designated as a GOLD MEDAL fishery.  This river offers some of the finest fly fishing in North America. Regardless of your level of experience, our thoughtful and attentive guides will ensure that you enjoy your day on the river. Anglers will find summer on our trout streams to be a very special time.

Guide Ratio – 2 anglers to 1 guide.
Includes all gear, transportation and refreshments.
Length – 4-5 hours
Minimum Age:  12
Offered by:  Aspen Outfitting Company

Back to Top

ADVENTURE DOG WORKSHOP
One day workshop 9am-2pm
Takes place Saturday 6/11 and Sunday 6/12

Meet at Outside In Aspen Adventure Base Camp. Guide will walk with participants and their pets to a nearby park where we’ll focus on developing a compatible adventure dog, perfect for any outside activity or destination.  Specific training and techniques for enjoying the following activities with your dog:

Hiking/jogging
Mountain biking
Watercraft
Campsite manners at fireside during meals.
Trail assistance

In addition there will be instruction on obedience, steadiness, all the elements necessary for trail manners, and a few tips on canine first aid, nutrition, health care, and extended overland travel. We’ll also have a presentation on our Adventure Dog Certification program. It is not necessary to have your dog present to participate in the workshop.

Maximum participants: 12.

Minimum age: 18

Required Gear: Participants will need to bring: Lead, collar, tote or backpack, water, a bowl for the dogs (or they can drink out of the nearby pond or stream)

Presenter: Mike Stewart of Wild Rose Kennels
For more information,  visit www.uklabs.com

Back to Top

ASPEN ADVENTURE FILMMAKER WORKSHOP
June 9-12
A blend of workshops, an in-field demonstration, portfolio reviews and critiques. Workshop attendees are privy to the knowledge, skill, and insider information that both renowned adventure filmmaker Michael Brown and Outside Magazine Photographer Pete McBride have acquired during their very successful careers. $749. For details and itinerary, click here.
Offered by:  Outside Adventure Film School (303) 440-8101

Back to Top


KIDS NATURE CORNER — PRESENTED BY ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ACES)

For kids:
FREE At Gondola Plaza at the ACES Booth
Birds of Prey Program with live owl and Reptile Program with live snake and turtle
10 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 2 pm

For kids, families and adults:
FREE at Gondola Plaza – Meet at the ACES Desk on top of Aspen Mountain
Naturalist-guided hike atop Aspen Mountain. Enjoy incredible views of the snow-capped peaks and learn about the local wildlife, trees and flowers.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Meet at 10:50 the ACES Desk on top of Aspen Mountain – board Gondola at 10:30 am)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Meet at 12:50 at the ACES Desk on top of Aspen Mountain – board Gondola at 12:30 pm)
Note: Participants must purchase a Gondola Foot Pass from the Gondola Ticket Office.
The Sundeck Restaurant atop Aspen Mountain will be open.

2 pm Autograph signing with First Ascent pro athletes Melissa Arnot, the only woman to have summited Everest five times; Jake Norton, Everest guide and adventure photographer; and Ben Stooksberry, professional kayaker. AT ACES KIDS NATURE CORNER tent in Gondola Plaza.

Back to Top

OUTWARD BOUND UTE TRAIL VOLUNTEER RESTORATION PROJECT.  June 12 10-2. FREE.

June 11th is National Get-Outdoors-Day, and there is no better way to celebrate the day than by lending a hand conserving the extraordinary natural environment that we hold so dear here in Colorado. Outward Bound, the world’s most foremost experiential learning organization, will be teaming up with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers to engage the Community and Outside in Aspen events’ participants as well in this trail-restoration project. We will be working on the Ute Trail Sunday morning of the June 12th from 10 am – 2 pm, meeting at the Outward Bound Tent in Basecamp at 9:30 am. All must register beforehand at the Outward Bound tent in Basecamp on Saturday, June 11th between 8 am-4 pm. We look forward to another year in beautiful Aspen, and are excited to have you all join us in giving back. Parents must sign waiver for any participants under 18. www.outwardbound.org. Contact: Katie Loughran – 415-994-2178.

Back to Top