Snowmass Colorado is an awe-inspiring mountain town nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s often overlooked by visitors who flock to nearby Aspen, but it’s a skier’s paradise that’s also a great spot for summer recreation.
Snowmass offers terrain for all ages and abilities, from mellow beginner slopes to double blacks. The resort also has a number of terrain parks and pipe, plus tree runs for the expert rider.
Winter
Snowmass is a winter wonderland, renowned for its glistening slopes and the variety of activities available to residents and visitors. Skiers and snowboarders from around the world come here to experience the best in powdery, white-knuckled fun.
If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to bring your warmest winter clothing and snow boots to stay comfortable on the slopes. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to fall well below freezing during the night, so a ski coat or insulated jacket will keep you warm and cozy as you take in the beautiful views from the mountain tops.
When to Visit in the Winter
The snowy season lasts from mid-December through April, with the heaviest crowds during the holidays and spring break. While these are the most popular times to vacation in Snowmass, it’s important to book your accommodations and passes ahead of time.
During the spring, winter sports like tubing and snowshoeing are still popular, but there are also more opportunities for hiking and biking. The summer months are also a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Snowmass.
The average temperature in Snowmass Village during the winter is in the low 30s with a few days in the high 40s. It’s not unusual for Snowmass to receive an average of 200 inches of snowfall, which makes it the perfect destination for winter adventures.
Summer
Summertime in the mountains is especially glorious: It’s filled with festivals, crisp air and plenty of outdoor adventures. It’s also the perfect time to explore Snowmass Colorado’s pristine mountain peaks.
A ski-in ski-out mountain resort town, Snowmass offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Stay at a luxury resort with spacious guestrooms and a relaxing spa, or opt for a more rustic lodge experience.
Enjoy a mountain-view lunch at Venga Venga, a fun restaurant in Snowmass Village that serves up fresh Mexican fare and specialty margaritas. Or try a craft cocktail and bite at The Collective’s Game Lounge, featuring arcade games, ping pong tables, foosball and a “Selfie Den.”
When you’re ready to relax after a day on the slopes, head for the Viceroy Snowmass spa. Located slopeside, the 7,000-square-foot property is home to a wide range of spa treatments and yoga classes.
The nearby Lost Forest on Snowmass Mountain has an alpine coaster, zip line tour and challenge course. The park is open year-round and features a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
As the sun sets and the snow melts, visit the Fanny Hill Concert Stage in Snowmass Village for a free concert series each Thursday evening from June through August. This popular summer event is a 30-year tradition and features musicians of all genres.
Fall
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Snowmass, with fewer crowds than summer or winter. The best leaf-peeping spots see fewer visitors than in the summer, and many popular hiking trails are nearly empty.
Hiking is an excellent way to see the fall colors in the Roaring Fork Valley, and there are a variety of trails to choose from that will provide you with incredible views of the golden aspen trees. The Yin Yang Trail, which starts at the top of Snowmass Village, is a short 1.3-mile hike that offers a stunning view of the village and surrounding mountains.
Aspen’s iconic Maroon Bells and nearby Cathedral Lake are also popular spots for fall foliage viewing. The peaks of the Maroon Bells are 14,000 feet high, and during a fall visit, they reflect the brilliant yellow aspen leaves surrounding them.
You can see them even better from the bus that travels to Maroon Bells during weekends. The drive is scenic and informative, and you’ll get great photos as the trees change color along the way.
Aspen’s a great destination for any season, but the fall is special. The yellow aspen trees are at their peak, and the fall air is brisker than in the summer or winter. There are a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by all ages in the fall, from skiing and snowboarding to biking and rafting.