While skiers and snowboarders flock to Snowmass Colorado every year for the powdery slopes, there are plenty of winter activities that non-skiers can enjoy too.
There are 96 trails, terrain parks and pipe runs to explore. And with a world-famous ski school for beginners, you can learn to ski at a pace that’s right for you.
Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is a great way to experience the snowy mountain scenery of Aspen Snowmass. It is located next to the Elk Camp Restaurant in Snowmass Village and is open during both summer and winter seasons.
This thrill ride is a bobsled-like vehicle that takes up to two people on each side and is controlled by the driver, who is able to monitor their speed as they wind their way through a mile of forest track. Riders can reach speeds of up to 28 mph on this elevated track, but it’s up to them to control their braking.
The coaster is part of the Lost Forest park which also features a canopy tour, ropes course and climbing wall. It is operated during the summer and winter and has lights for night operations.
Mountaintop Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is one of the most popular winter activities in Colorado. It’s a great way to cool off and enjoy the scenic views.
It’s also an inexpensive activity that is available year-round. However, you should check the weather forecast before heading out to any sledding hill.
The Keystone Resort’s Mountain Top Tubing offers several thrilling lanes to snow tube down. The hill is open daily until early evening during the winter season.
To avoid slipping on the snow, it’s important to wear waterproof snow gloves and warm boots that fit properly. Moreover, you should also bring a ski helmet to keep yourself warm and safe.
Snow tubing at Aspen Snowmass is a lot of fun. On select nights during the winter peak season, the resort hosts Ullr Nights festivities where visitors can tube late into the evening.
Dogsledding
Dogsledding is a great way to get a different perspective on the Snowmass Mountains during your winter vacation. During an hour-long ride, you’ll be pulled by a team of eight to ten Alaskan huskies and guided by a musher.
You’ll experience a true taste of the backcountry, as well as the history of the sport, during this adventure-packed excursion. It’s a unique experience that’ll have your whole family excited about the next time you visit!
Krabloonik Fine Dining and Dog Sledding offers a two-hour sled trip that takes you through the pristine Snowmass wilderness. Each sled can carry two adults and a child (up to 415 pounds) and is accompanied by a professional musher.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport in Snowmass Colorado. It offers a quiet, serene way to enjoy the outdoors and is less expensive than downhill skiing.
It’s also a great way to spend time with your family and children. Kids can ride sleds while parents ski, or parents can use front packs and backpacks to carry infants and toddlers along the trails.
You can find Nordic centers at most ski resorts, dude ranches and free trails throughout the state. In addition to groomed trails, many Nordic centers offer lessons, races, clubs and nonprofit organizations.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great option for those seeking a low-impact, high-reward winter adventure. It’s also an excellent way to see Colorado’s wild side in a unique way, especially since it offers a variety of trails and terrain that skiers and snowboarders simply can’t access.
For starters, there are plenty of options in and around Aspen and Snowmass for snowshoeing tours. These are perfect for first-time snowshoers who want to see some of the area’s most beautiful vistas without having to do it alone.
To make the most of your snowshoeing experience, you’ll need snowshoes and poles. You can rent them from several local shops in Aspen, such as Ute Mountaineer, or you can also get a snowshoe rental package from a local resort or dude ranch. You’ll also need to dress warmly, preferably with snow-resistant or water-resistant clothing.