Each summer, on the Roaring Forks River, the Colorado or the Arkansas River, last year’s winter snows make one final appearance offering recreators in the Snowmass Village and Aspen one more ride before the water heads down the mountain and out of the Rockies. Typically, the summer kayaking and rafting season has to wait for heavy snowmelt to pass before one can safely cast the kayak in and enjoy the water. However, this year’s unseasonably mild winter and spring promises an exceptionally early and long kayaking season.

Every year the press announces with gusto the laundry list of awards and rankings that Aspen and Snowmass Village rake in for their ski resorts, spas and tennis clubs; however the great outdoors surrounding the towns is quietly garnered acclaim in its own right. Aspen/Snowmass.com states Aspen and Snowmass Village are among the top ten places in the country to kayak and river raft.

There are a variety of guided tour options in the area offering a wide range of white water experiences.  Local rafting companies like Blazing Adventures and Aspen Whitewater Rafting offer rafting packages for beginners to expert rafters. In trips from a half-day to one day to multiple day trips, these companies offer experiences of a lifetime. Not only do they offer safe transport through the rapids and scenery only available to those willing to brave these rapids, they also offer their clients the opportunity to hike, rock climb, bike and camp along the shores of these magnificent rivers. Kids camps and family packages are available as well. Some adventures even include sunset dinners and babysitting.

Aspen Kayak & Sup (Stand Up Paddleboard) has created a kayaking school based in the Nature Preserve on the banks of the Roaring Fork River.  The complete course at Aspen Kayak & Sup allows beginner kayakers to progressively advance from basic kayaking to more complicated and advanced paddling. Although this company has a twenty-year history of safely instructing kayakers, it is also open to new advances within the whitewater industry.  Since 2003, when Aspen Kayak & Sup founder Charlie MacArthur, visited Fiji, he has offered stand up paddling courses. After experimenting with the concept in the white water context vs. the ocean, MacArthur was able to adapt technique and style to make stand up paddling possible for his customers. He has also made minor adjustments in the equipment, shorter, thicker, wider boards, to make it possible to stand up to paddle in the Rockies just as well as in the Pacific Ocean.  Aspen Kayak & Sup offers kayaking summer camps for children, teens, and women as well. Guided tours can last anywhere from part of the day to multiple days, including delicious food and side trips along the beautiful local rivers of Aspen and Snowmass Village.

The rush of water filling the ears, cool mist spraying the face – these are just a few of the unforgettable sensations of kayaking the rivers in and around Aspen and Snowmass Village. The action-filled and invigorating lifestyle found in Aspen and Snowmass Village has even more to offer!

Around every bend in the river, over every rapid is a new experience waiting to change your life. Click here to see homes, condos and residences in and around the Aspen/Snowmass Village area and start your adventure today!