Inaugural summer picnic on Aspen Mountain already a hit

Even though Pitkin County Senior Services’ free Picnic on the Mountain is almost two weeks away, there’s already a waitlist for the brand-new event.

The high-altitude lunch gathering for those aged “60 and better” will take place at the Wedding Deck on the top of Aspen Mountain on Aug. 26. There will be live music from local favorite Dan Sheridan throughout the event. Check-in will take place at the base of the mountain from 11:30 a.m. to noon to pick up Gondola passes and lunch wristbands. Lunch pick-up will begin at 11:45 a.m. near the Wedding Deck.

“We’re always looking for new ways to connect older adults with the joy of living here,” Lisa Guida, Pitkin County Senior Services’ community enrichment coordinator, said in a press release. “A mountaintop picnic with music and lunch? That felt like a no-brainer. Aging well means staying connected, staying curious, and occasionally having lunch 11,000 feet in the air.”

Senior Services is producing the event in partnership with Aspen One. Both organizations have already been partnering for over three decades for an annual Senior Ski Day on Aspen Mountain in February.

“When I was up there this past year with all of our older adults and chatting with different members from Aspen One, an idea floated into my head about doing something in the late summer or early fall to take in more of the mountain,” Guida told The Aspen Times. “It’s already proving to be a very popular event.”

The event is limited to 100 people due to availability of to-go lunches, courtesy of the Senior Services’ chef. Guida confirmed the waitlist is already 30 people deep.

“We’re really excited about this partnership expanding in the summer,” said Hannah Berman, sustainability and philanthropy senior manager for Aspen One. “We bring several thousand people onto the mountain for free every year. When we’re inviting nonprofits and schools and seniors onto the mountain, we believe that’s just a part of who we are.”

Attendees are reminded to bring a water bottle, although drinks will also be available for purchase at the sundeck, a blanket or folding chairs, a hat, and sunscreen.

A short walk on a path and a few stairs are required to reach the Wedding Deck, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

“I think it will be a joyful time,” Berman said. “The more we can connect with community and be in common, beautiful spaces out in nature, the better.”