Access the Best of Colorado’s Off Season
The Club’s VP of Finance, Olga Mesiats, lists six reasons why autumn is the ideal time for family fun in the Colorado mountains.
Every fall, Olga Mesiats packs up the family car for a road trip from her hometown of Denver to tackle the trails and parks of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Be it Aspen, Snowmass, Telluride, Beaver Creek, or Vail, a fall trip winding through the state’s most majestic national parks and wilderness areas never disappoints. And when traveling in late autumn, expect fewer visitors, which means nature is yours for the taking. “I love the outdoors,” Mesiats says, “and we’ve done all types of trips, including a family trip to Steamboat Hot Springs and an adult backpacking trip to the Conundrum Hot Springs near Aspen.” She’s done challenging mountaineering trips with groups of girlfriends, yet most enjoys alpine escapes with her husband and young children. Here’s her list of why Colorado will become a favorite fall escape for you, too.
Peace and Quiet
“There’s something so natural about fall that promotes unplugging and contentment,” Mesiats says. Fall is a mountain town local’s favorite season. As the summer crowds wane and the weather whispers of winter, alpine havens are primed for festive long weekends, “and everything is within driving vicinity of The Club's residences,” she adds.
Fall Colors
The aspen trees are in full glory, which equals endless photographic opportunities. Top spots to test your iPhone or Nikon skills include the Maroon Bells in Aspen/Snowmass, Dallas Divide near Telluride, McClure Pass (along the route from Aspen to Telluride), and Bear Pass near Steamboat Springs.
Local Events
Once leaf-peeping is on full display, each Colorado resort hosts some of the most anticipated events of the year. Highlights include the Snowmass Balloon Festival, Telluride’s Blues & Brews Festival, and Vail’s Oktoberfest.
Enjoyable Weather
Tackle hiking and biking trails sans crowds. “You will be competing mostly with Colorado natives,” jokes Mesiats. Yet whether wanting to traverse the 12-mile trek from Aspen to Crested Butte or enjoy a leisurely stroll along a riverbank, you’ll enjoy Colorado’s wilderness almost all to yourself. “It’s also a great time to introduce your kids to hiking at your leisure (nobody likes screaming toddlers on trails!),” she adds.
Child’s Play
“Vail is a great place to go if you have younger kids as many playgrounds are next to awesome restaurants. Your kids can play while you sit down to a coffee or cocktail with friends,” Mesiats says. The town’s Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (the highest altitude botanical garden in the U.S.) features a massive playground with space to enjoy a family picnic. “The Pirate Ship Park is my kids absolute favorite,” Mesiats says. “It’s adjacent to the heart of Vail village and Gondola One.”
Farmers Markets
Weekly alpine markets extend into off-season and are fun for the entire family. “Bring some cash for bouncy castles, freshly made tacos, handpicked apples, yummy pastries, or ice cream,” Mesiats says. Top markets include the Aspen Saturday Market (every Saturday through October 5), which features Colorado produce, craft stands, live music, and even adorable puppies up for adoption.
Family-Friendly Alpine Residences
Beaver Creek: The Club’s four- and five-bedroom luxury residences are just a quick five-minute ride to the base of Beaver Creek Resort and a short walk to incredible hiking and biking trails.
Steamboat Springs: Recently refurbished four-bedroom alpine retreats at One Steamboat Place put Members steps from the slopes and après outdoors amenities, including three outdoor hot tubs. Complete with two amazing Game Rooms at the club house, kids will never want to leave the resort premises!
Telluride: Heritage Crossing, conveniently located in Mountain Village, sits just 10 yards from the complimentary gondola and the Village Express Lift for unbeatable ski-in/ski-out access. In the summer, countless hiking trails are just steps away.
Aspen/Snowmass: Family-friendly luxury alpine residences offer easy access to Snowmass Mountain and all the amenities of The Timbers Club. The resort lift is a five-minute walk from your front door and after a day of adventure unwind at the resort’s heated pool, hot tubs, spa, and fitness center.
Vail: Three-bedroom family-friendly vacation homes are located right next to the gondola. Sit fireside between hikes and stare at epic mountain views. You'll also have access to the spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub.
