There’s something about autumn in the mountains — the way the sunlight turns honey-gold, the way the air holds a gentle chill, the way communities come alive in celebration before winter settles in. Across five Exclusive Resorts destinations, the season’s beauty is matched only by the vibrancy of its festivals — where you can sip, savor, listen, and wander among golden leaves. These are the moments worth traveling for.

As summer lingers at the edges of crisp mountain mornings, fall quietly takes center stage. In this in-between season — not yet winter, no longer summer — a different kind of magic unfurls across the high-altitude towns and alpine valleys Exclusive Resorts calls home. The air sharpens. The landscapes glow. And in lieu of beach towels or ski boots, Members reach for scarves and stemware.

From film festivals in Telluride to wine weekends in Lake Tahoe, these five destinations are at their best in the golden shoulder season — when locals host their favorite events and Club travelers can savor the moment without the crowds. Whether you’re sipping Syrah slopeside or drifting beneath hot air balloons, here’s where autumn is served with a side of celebration.

Lake Tahoe, California

Fall arrives slowly in Lake Tahoe — first with the early dusk, then with a gentle breeze off the lake. The region’s famed pines keep their color, but the air shifts, inviting long sleeves, open fires, and the simple joy of a chilled glass of red on a warm afternoon. While the ski crowd has yet to descend, locals embrace the quieter months with culinary festivals and craft-forward gatherings that pair just as well with mountain air as they do with Merlot.

Tahoe Wine + Feast: September 18 – 21, 2025

An elevated culinary and wine experience hosted at Tahoe Blue Event Center. Expect 300+ wines, 50 chefs, immersive seminars, tastings, and exclusive dinners — all with a backdrop of crisp alpine air.

Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival: September 27 – 28, 2025

An adrenaline-filled celebration of outdoor adventure, this festival takes over the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater with mountain bike big-air competitions, live music, and a high-energy vendor village. With panoramic views, crisp fall air, and an all-ages atmosphere, it’s Tahoe’s most action-packed way to ring in the season.

Made in Tahoe Festival: October 11 – 12, 2025

This grassroots artisan fair is a love letter to the Lake Tahoe community. Hosted in the Village at Palisades Tahoe, it brings together regional makers, musicians, food trucks, and distillers. Come for the craftsmanship, stay for the small-town charm.

Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley reveals itself differently in autumn: quieter, more relaxed, and somehow more indulgent. It’s a season best spent drifting between slope-side tastings, golden hikes, and warm bites under cool skies. Park City’s rich culinary scene takes center stage, and the region’s alpine elegance is heightened by its hush — a short, delicious pause before the snow arrives.

Deer Valley Mountain Beer Festival: September 13 – 14, 2025

Ride the Silver Lake Express lift to a mountainside celebration of craft beer and panoramic views. Featuring dozens of local brewers, hearty alpine fare, and live music, this is a true top-of-the-world tasting.

Park City Wine Festival: October 3 – 5, 2025

Spread across Park City’s most iconic venues, this three-day festival brings together winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers for scenic hikes, intimate dinners, and curated tastings.

Dine About Park City: Mid to Late October 2025 (Dates TBA)

An insider favorite. Park City’s best restaurants roll out two-course lunches and three-course dinners at set prices — ideal for tasting your way through town without the winter rush.

Jackson, Wyoming

Here in the shadow of the Tetons, fall takes on an almost cinematic quality. The trees turn gold. The elk begin to bugle in the distance. And the streets of Jackson come alive with artists, chefs, and musicians. This is a season of layered charm — where Old West meets new luxury, and where harvest dinners and gallery nights are as common as flannel shirts and felt hats.

Fall Arts Festival: September 3 – 14, 2025

A cornerstone of Jackson’s cultural calendar, this 12-day festival includes gallery walks, plein air painting, auctions, and culinary events. It’s a deeply local expression of Western refinement — creative, bold, and perfectly in tune with the landscape.

Snow King Mountain Oktoberfest: September 28, 2025

Gondola rides. German beer. Alpine views. This mountaintop Oktoberfest offers bratwurst, steins, and a festive spirit with one foot in Europe and the other in Wyoming.

Farm to Fork Festival: October 3 – 4, 2025

Held in downtown Jackson, this intimate harvest celebration champions Wyoming-grown produce, locally raised meats, and farm-driven menus from the region’s most thoughtful chefs.

Telluride, Colorado

In Telluride, fall is less a transition than a transformation. The aspens set the canyon ablaze. The skies deepen. And the town’s festival scene reaches a final crescendo before snow claims the peaks. Known for its indie spirit and cultural clout, Telluride in autumn is where artists, musicians, and automotive aficionados gather — all beneath one of the most dramatic skylines in the Rockies.

Telluride Film Festival: August 29 – September 1, 2025

An elite yet low-key kickoff to awards season, this iconic festival draws filmmakers and cinephiles for sneak previews and post-screening dialogue — all in a town where casual and celebrity coexist.

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival: September 12 – 14, 2025

A legendary weekend of craft beer, funk, soul, and roots music framed by golden foliage and the soaring San Juans. Pack layers — and dancing shoes.

Telluride Autumn Classic: September 26 – 28, 2025

Where horsepower meets heritage. Vintage cars and luxury machines take center stage with rallies, exhibitions, and design showcases in the heart of town.

Snowmass, Colorado

Less polished than Aspen but equally charming, Snowmass in the fall is playful, scenic, and just a little bit surreal — especially when the sky fills with hot air balloons. The shoulder season brings families, music lovers, and outdoor adventurers together in an easy rhythm of sunshine, cider, and crisp mountain air.

Snowmass Wine Festival: September 12 – 13, 2025

A two-day celebration of fine wine and alpine charm, this signature event pairs over 300 wines with gourmet bites, live music, and mountain views. From the Friday night dinner at Viceroy Snowmass to Saturday’s Grand Tasting in Town Park, it’s a flavorful toast to fall in the Rockies.

Snowmass Balloon Festival: September 13 – 15, 2025

Each morning at dawn, the festival launches 30+ balloons into the sky, casting long shadows over the valley and filling the horizon with color. It’s a photographer’s dream — and a child’s delight.

Fall Fest at Elk Camp: September 27 – 28, 2025

Ride the gondola to Elk Camp for a full afternoon of kid-friendly games, local eats, seasonal treats, and just enough altitude to feel like you’ve left it all behind.