When the temps begin to rise in our mountain community, you may think that people flee the area. But stick around past the popular resort season, and you’ll find that the region comes alive with plenty of things to see and do.
While we’re practitioners by purpose, we’re adventurers at heart. So we’ve pulled together our list of the top summer activities to enjoy in Vail and Summit County (and ways to make sure you stay safe and healthy while doing so!)
Have a physical therapy or rehab need that requires an expert touch? Trust our team of advanced certified physical therapists at Axis Sports Medicine to get you back to the activities you love. Contact us today!
The Top Summer Activities in Vail and Summit County:
- Downhill Mountain Biking at the Ski Resorts
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Avon and Lake Dillon
- Whitewater Rafting on the Upper Colorado River
Downhill Mountain Biking at the Ski Resorts
One of our favorite summer activities? Taking over the ski resorts for some incredible mountain biking.
Vail Mountain’s 47 gondola-accessed trails offer everything you could want for a day on a bike: wildflower-lined cruisers to technical descents. Over at Keystone Bike Park, you can take on any of the 28 trails that’ll put your skills to the test.
A pro tip from our PTs: Mountain biking can be tough on your joints. We see plenty of riders in our clinics, and we always recommend pre-season strengthening to prevent injuries.
Already nursing a biking battle wound? Our sports rehabilitation programs will have you back on the trails before you know it.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Avon and Lake Dillon
There’s just something… special about getting out on an alpine lake.
One of our favorite places to visit in the summer is Nottingham Lake in Avon. It’s a great place for a peaceful paddle (and it’s perfect for families and beginners). If you want a bit more adventure, Lake Dillon’s island-hopping SUP tours are a blast.
Here’s what we love about SUP from a PT perspective: it’s a killer core workout that can also help you work on your balance.
We often recommend paddleboarding to patients who want to get outside and work on their balance or strength without a ton of risk. Plus, it’s low-impact, making it perfect if you’re recovering from a lower-body injury.
Whitewater Rafting on the Upper Colorado River
If a slow day on a paddleboard isn’t quite enough for you, we get it. Nothing beats the rush of the rapids.
This summer, check out the stretch near Vail, which offers a great mix of difficulties. Plus, the scenery is absolutely spectacular and well worth a few risky rapids.
Fair warning: you’ll feel it in your shoulders and back the next day! Rafting is a serious upper-body workout, so make sure you have a game plan for how to recover the next day.
Stay in the Game All Summer Long
These are just a few of the many things you can do and see in the region during the summer. And the best way to see and do it all is with a strong and healthy body. Whether you’re taking on bike trails or river rapids, our team at Axis is here to keep you moving.
With locations in Avon, Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne, Axis Sports Medicine is here to help you take on anything summer throws your way.
From injury prevention and functional movement screenings to recovery and performance optimization, we’ve got your back (and your knees, shoulders, and everything else).
Ready to make this your best summer yet? Give us a call to schedule your appointment. And let us know how you plan to spend the best summer of your life in the mountains!
Contact Axis Sports Medicine Today
