Colorado's iconic ski resorts figured out a long time ago that you don't always have to have snow on the ground to attract visitors. Over the last 75 years, several ski resorts in Colorado developed fun summer activities to keep guests coming back to the Rocky Mountains all year long.

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One feature that has brought the masses to places like Snowmass, Purgatory, Vail, and Estes Park during the summer months was the invention of the Alpine slide.

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Where is Colorado's Best Alpine Slide?

Colorado's Winter Park Ski Resort opened in 1940 about an hour away from Denver. At over 3000 acres, it quickly became one of Colorado's most popular resorts. Fast forward to 1980, when Winter Park opened up its famous alpine slide. Summer fun activities at Winter Park are open from June to September. Access to the slide costs $20 for adults and $6 for kids

How Big is the Winter Park Alpine Slide?

Thrill seekers can enjoy a scenic six-minute ride on the Winter Park chairlift before riding down 3000 feet of track to the base of the lift which features a 600-foot vertical drop. The slide measures more than a half-mile in length making it the longest alpine slide in Colorado. The alpine slide at Winter Park runs at an average speed of 15 to 20 mph depending on the rider.

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Notable Alpine Slides in Colorado

Some of Colorado's most notable alpine slides include Purgatory Resort Alpine Slide which includes a half-mile descent, the 2400-foot Howler Alpine Slide in Steamboat Springs, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Snowmass, the 2500-foot-long Gold Runner Coaster in BreckenridgeForest Flyer Mountain Coaster at Vail, and Mustang Mountain Coaster in Estes Park. 

LOOK: 15 Free Colorado Activities to Enjoy Before Summer Ends

Colorado's leadership may have turned it into one of the most expensive places in America to live, but that doesn't mean its citizens haven't figured out a ton of ways to enjoy it for free. Stick it to the man by enjoying the many free activities around the state they have yet to figure out how to charge us for.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 10 Life Hacks to Beat Colorado’s Late Summer Heat

Grand Junction reached triple digits for the first time this summer back on June 12th, 2024. Since then there has been little relief from the heat and the dog days of summer are still ahead. We're sharing ten tips in the gallery below that will help keep you cool as we endure the August heat in Western Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: 12 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Colorado

People visiting Colorado for the first time often fall victim to many of the same mistakes. If you know someone who wants to enjoy the Rocky Mountains for the first time, make sure they take a look at the twelve mistakes below that are easily avoidable with a little preparation.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams