Originally designed as an eco-friendly ski village, Snowmass has evolved into a year-round winter resort. It boasts the largest collection of ski-in/ski-out lodging anywhere in Colorado, and it’s a quick 10 minutes from downtown Aspen.
It doesn’t receive huge amounts of fresh snow every season, but it does get enough to keep its slopes mostly empty for most of the day. This makes for a less crowded experience than Aspen, Buttermilk, or Highlands, and you’ll often snag first tracks here.
Skiing
With an average of 300 inches of snow per season, Snowmass is one of the larger ski areas in Colorado. With a range of terrain from wide cruisers and family-friendly glades to burly steeps, endless bumps, jumps and groomers, you’ll find something for everyone.
You’ll also find plenty of skiing options if you’re looking for more advanced terrain. The Aspen/Snowmass mountain complex includes four mountains that vary in character and difficulty, so you’ll likely visit a different mountain each day of your trip.
Located within the Aspen/Snowmass complex is the quaint mountain village of Snowmass Village Colorado, which hosts a number of restaurants, drinking holes and shops. This former ranching community has become an year-round destination with an active music scene in the summer.
Snowboarding
Snowmass Colorado is an all-terrain mountain that caters to a broad range of riders and ability levels. There are family friendly runs, mellow beginner slopes and wide open groomed cruisers for intermediates.
There are also mogul runs, gladed terrain and plenty of double blacks for advanced skiers and snowboarders. And, if you’re really into shredding, Snowmass has three terrain parks for all abilities.
Located just minutes from Aspen, Snowmass is a great choice for families and those seeking a more relaxed and quaint resort experience. It offers ample shopping, dining, and apres activities and is home to a full-service grocery store and US Post Office.
Lodging
Snowmass Village is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with ski-in/ski-out accommodations for beginners and experts. There’s also plenty to do outside of the slopes, like biking, hiking and golfing.
Whether you’re looking for traditional lodges with a friendly vibe, modern hotels with an onsite climbing wall or world-class spas, there are lots of options to choose from.
The Limelight Hotel is a can’t-go-wrong option in Base Village, a short walk from the Elk Camp Gondola. It’s well-rated by families and offers a hearty breakfast buffet, hopping lobby bars and crackling outdoor fire pits.
Destination Residences has an extensive inventory of condos, from economy studios to ultimate luxury ski-in/ski-out properties, and everything in between. These slope side condominiums offer the comfort of home with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, high speed wireless internet and a wide range of amenities.
Dining
After an exciting day on the slopes, enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world. Snowmass Colorado has a restaurant to satisfy every taste.
Stroll over to the Westin Snowmass Resort to discover a delicious blend of flavors and fresh local ingredients at Snowmass Kitchen. Or, enjoy shareable gourmet appetizers, imaginative entrees and an extensive drinks menu at Vue Lounge – a great slope-side locale for casual evening dining.
Zane’s Tavern is a popular local hangout that is known for their huge burgers with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheddar or mushroom and swiss cheesesteaks. Then there are the baked pretzel rolls and Ranger Nachos that pair perfectly with New Belgium Ranger Margarita or the Juicy Haze IPA!
Apres
Apres ski at Snowmass Colorado is the perfect way to end a day of skiing or snowboarding. From swanky upscale hot spots to laid-back, unpretentious bars, there’s something for everyone in this small mountain town.
While apres ski in Aspen is famous for its champagne parties, Snowmass Village has more options for those looking to keep it low key and enjoy some post-ski fun. From a mellow bar with a pool table to a cozy beer hall with a new vibe, these are the best places for apres in Snowmass.
The new Limelight Hotel Snowmass recently opened, and it’s offering guests exclusive experiences like private dining igloos and an exclusive ski-in/ski-out experience with Owl Creek Day Chalet. The Limelight is also bringing a new public plaza with signature s’mores and an ice skating rink.