Colorado’s mountain towns are known worldwide as an incredible wintertime paradise for skiers and snowboarders, but in summer, the same high-altitude ski towns become gorgeous playgrounds for outdoor adventure and family fun.

When the powder melts, popular slopes turn into verdant hiking and mountain biking trails and nearby rivers and lakes rise to new levels, ideal for fishing and boating. Colorado’s ski towns are not just about communing with nature — there is plenty for those who prefer less of a workout. The summer months welcome dozens of festivals celebrating music, food, art and more. From luxurious Aspen to historic Durango, take a look at some Colorado ski towns that shine in the summertime.

Sun salutations in Aspen

Head to luxurious Aspen for a total mind, body and spirit retreat this summer. Enjoy the fresh air and valley views with a session of mountain-top Hatha yoga at 11,000 feet, then cap off your mountain getaway with a mind-blowing body treatment at Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen, voted #1 spa in the world by Travel + Leisure.

Travel back in time in Durango and Silverton

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through the same tracks settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Today, tourists climb aboard the historic locomotive for a 45-mile trip through the still-wild San Juan Mountains to Silverton, where they can lunch and shop before re-boarding for the trip home. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet to Silverton and the high mountain air will be on average about 10 degrees cooler than in Durango, so remember to pack layers and drink plenty of water before this high-altitude ride.

Go local in Breckenridge

Head to local watering hole Breckenridge Brewery & Pub for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, a relaxed patio atmosphere, refreshing beer and delicious Colorado comfort food. Located in the charming and historic mountain town of Breckenridge, this favourite hotspot is worth traveling for. Since 1990, local Breckenridge Brewery has grown into one of the most successful craft beer and restaurant companies in the USA. After dessert, stroll down quaint Main St., catch some live music and shop-till-you-drop at some of Colorado’s best local boutiques.

Fill your creel in Steamboat Springs

The Yampa River begins in the Flattops Mountain Range and moves through downtown Steamboat Springs, providing easy access to almost endless flat-water. The river is one of the best northern pike and smallmouth bass fisheries in the U.S., so warm up the BBQ and cast your line. Excellent fishing opportunities can also be found in one of the most plentiful trout fisheries in Colorado just upstream from Yampa River State Park.

Two-wheel adventures in Keystone

Nestled between three mountains, Keystone is perfect for summer visitors looking for a world-class mountain biking adventure. Keystone Bike Park is the ultimate mountain-bike destination, offering 57 trails across 88 kilometers of terrain. The infamous Drop Zone, rated one of the best in the country, has progressive terrain for all riders. With rock gardens, drops, and high-speed features there is never a dull moment on your bike. There are also more than 100 miles of single track for touring. Or, for a more relaxing afternoon, take a cruiser ride or road bike along miles of paved bike path. Have I missed one or two other attractions that are must-see-must-do? Drop your ideas in the comments section below. For the Silo, Melissa Medeiros.

When pushed for a theory on what is causing these events David is reluctant to offer one and instead maintains that his role is to continue to collect and organize the vast numbers of cases and wait for an answer to come from an external source.

Perhaps even from someone like you or me…..

Missing Persons Cluster Map North American Distribution Pattern

Historical records reveal that missing persons have occurred in North America for hundreds of years and what connects these cases is both frightening and confusing. David has discovered geographical connections that include- national park locations, urban locations near bodies of water, boulder fields, mountain elevations and other seemingly ‘safe’ locations.

He has found that there are vast differences in distance between reported disappearance and body discovery (or in rare cases when the missing person is found alive). Often mysterious events occur prior to the disappearance such as indications of strange behaviors or distress. In one case a man had reported repeatedly via cell phone that “people were outside” and in another case a man had fired a weapon as if in self defense.

Many times personal items such as clothing are found but not bodies or not complete bodies. In some cases clothes are found in organized piles- as if they have been left behind carefully folded. Even more confusing is that this may occur during the Winter or at an elevated location where the idea of removing clothing simply does not make sense.

David Paulides Lecturing University Of Toronto

David’s research has shown that oddly, many missing persons in these cases are highly intelligent and healthy individuals that include doctors, scientists and marathon runners. In other cases the victims are hunters or seasoned hikers- people who would actually be most likely to prevent outdoor mishaps.

During the question and answer period, David was quick to rebuff any suggestion of paranormal causes such as ‘alien abductions’ or ‘bigfoot’.

He works hard to ensure that his research is taken very seriously and shows absolute respect for surviving family members and that’s when the eerie reality set in: there does not seem to be any explanation as to what is happening and families are being torn apart with no hope of closure.

Check out David on YouTube or pick up one of his books from Toronto Book Shop conspiracyculture.com to learn much more. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

The Silo

Tag Archives: Mountains

High Altitude Fun This Spring and Summer In Colorado Mountain Towns