Snowmass is best known for skiing and snowboarding, but the majestic mountain getaway offers plenty of other winter activities.
According to Base Village Director of Plaza and Event Venues Sarah Sanders, this season will again feature a packed schedule of programs in the area. Returning favorites include community bingo, curling competitions, a winter holiday market and the Snowmass Live Comedy Series.
Dogsled Tours
Dog sled tours are fun for all ages and a great way to see the Colorado wilderness. Most tours are an hour or two and include hot cocoa to drink along the way.
Krabloonik Fine Dining & Dogsledding operates 1.5-2 hour sled rides through the Snowmass/Aspen wilderness, pulling a sled that carries two adults and one child, guided by an experienced musher. Each ride also comes with a meal from the on-site restaurant specializing in game dishes.
The Krabloonik operation was a local favorite for decades, but the town recently notified them to leave because it’s out of compliance with its lease. The company had submitted a plan to change its dog breeding and record keeping practices but the town said it wasn’t effective enough.
Snow Tube
Winter is a popular time to visit Aspen Snowmass, with plenty of unique ski and snowboarding experiences available. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re a family looking for a fun activity, consider a snow tube tour. It’s easy to access from Snowmass Village and there are 3 different slopes to ride down plus a magic carpet to get you back up to the top easily.
Another unique winter experience in Snowmass is a dog sled tour. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the mountain while taking in some of the best views in the area.
There’s also a rink at the Collective in Snowmass Base Village for free skating and skating lessons with a private instructor. It’s a great place to have fun with your kids or to socialize with friends while enjoying a glass of wine.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling tours are a fun and unique way to enjoy the mountain vistas during your visit to Aspen or Snowmass. Tour operators in the area offer two to four hour trips, with a lunch provided for longer tours.
T-Lazy 7 Ranch offers snowmobile tours near the Maroon Bells and up Independence Pass, as well as a scenic lunch at a remote cabin. Trips take about 2 hours and depart twice daily.
Another local guiding company, Western Adventures, leads snowmobile tours from their headquarters in Woody Creek, a small town down valley from Aspen. They offer a variety of snowmobile trip lengths to suit family vacationers, with two hour, three hour and half day trips available.
A high-adventure snowmobile tour is an ideal activity for travelers of all ages and experience levels. The two-hour High Adventure Tour offers a fast-paced spin through the Gunnison National Forest, and participants report that the guides are knowledgeable, entertaining and friendly.
Maroon Bells Tour
One of the most popular winter activities in Snowmass is a visit to the Maroon Bells. With their snow-capped peaks rising above a reflective lake, they’re among the most iconic mountains in North America.
There are several ways to experience these peaks, from hiking in the wilderness to climbing them and even taking a tour of the Maroon Bells’ summit. But before you embark on a trip, make sure you have the right gear and are prepared for the weather.
During the summer and fall, the path to Maroon Lake is very easy to hike and the views of the peaks are stunning. During the winter, however, you’ll need to do more planning and preparation, as the road is closed during the winter months.
There are three main ways to visit the Maroon Bells: shuttle bus, car and bike. All of these options require reservations.