You Don’t Have to be an Über-Athlete to Enjoy these Summertime Ski Area Events
Two ski areas in Colorado and Oregon have taken a decidedly more chill approach to spend time outside up high this summer.
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Colorado’s Copper Mountain and Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor teamed up with 10 Barrel Brewing—which started in Bend, Ore., and now has a satellite brewery in Colorado—to create a selection of low-key summertime events that involve music, astronomy, and, of course, beer.
“At Copper Mountain, we like to play hard and celebrate our endeavors usually with a cold beer in hand, which is why we have a number of great programs that encourage guests to make the most of their time on the mountain,” says Copper Mountain communications manager Taylor Prather.
Perhaps the most unique event at Copper Mountain this summer is Ales and Astronomy, which takes place on July 23, August 13, and September 3, 2021. A local astronomer will be on hand to explain and share facts about astronomical events taking place during each of these evenings, including the conjunction of the moon and Saturn in July and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower in August. All of which can be enjoyed with tasty brews high above the light pollution of Colorado’s Front Range.
Registration to attend Ales and Astronomy is $30 and can be done on Copper’s website.
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Mountain travelers who enjoy food will be happy to know that both Copper and Mt. Bachelor will be hosting a number of Beer Pairing Dinners this summer. Each includes a four-course meal paired 10 Barrel Beers. Copper will host two more dinners this summer on August 27 and September 24, 2021. Mt. Bachelor has yet to release dates for their Beer Pairing Dinners, but they should be coming soon on the ski area’s website.
For those looking to explore the great outdoors in daylight and enjoy a beer in the backcountry (or on the dance floor), Copper’s 10 Barrel Backcountry Brew Pub and Bachelor Beats are just the ticket.
On August 21 and September 5, 10 Barrel will host a pop-up bar somewhere on Copper Mountain. While those who like to earn their beer can hike or ride to the special spot, the smart ones will figure out they can take a chairlift to find a free drink, food, lawn games, and comfortable chairs to enjoy the great views. Get details on Copper’s website.
On July 16, 30, and August 6, 13-15, 20, and 27, 10 Barrel will also sponsor a DJ at the base of the ongoing summer Gravity Races at Mt. Bachelor. Attendees can cheer on the bike riders and boogie at the same time.
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Bachelor also teamed up with Bend, Ore.-based Sun Country Tours to create “Raft ‘N Brew” trips on the Upper Deschutes River. Chase some whitewater in the afternoon and be rewarded with a beer tasting at the take-out. Oregon is no stranger to great craft beers, and there is still space to sign up with local breweries like Crux Fermentation Project, Cascade Lakes Brewing, and Immersion Brewing.
“From hiking up to our 10 Barrel Backcountry Brewpub, to enjoying a clear night stargazing with Ales & Astronomy, day or night, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors this summer,” continues Prather. And, if you’re smart, none of them have to involve breaking a sweat.