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Snowmass, home to the largest of the four ski mountains in the Aspen Snowmass area, and surrounded by breathtaking peaks and 2.8 million acres of wilderness, is one of the most iconic winter destinations in the world. It boasts a ski experience you’ll find nowhere else. In fact, the treeline may be the only line you see all day since Snowmass averages just two skiers per acre. Then at the end of a day full of skiing and winter activities, come back to the Village to enjoy aprés-ski and dining at more than 30 restaurants before unwinding at your slopeside accommodations. Snowmass is simply a winter destination like no other.
Explore our travel guide below and start planning your winter ski trip to Snowmass.
Skiing In Snowmass
It’s all in the name. Snowmass is a massive ski mountain—larger than Aspen’s three other mountains combined—totaling more than 3,300 skiable acres (1,000 of which is expert terrain), 98 trails, and 4,400 feet of vertical. It has an incredible 150 miles of terrain, from groomers to deep powder stashes to glades to terrain parks and much more. Simply put, no other mountain has the variety and vertical of Snowmass. Its size and expanse makes for uncrowded slopes and no lift lines.
More advanced skiers can lap the powder stashes and glades of Hanging Valley, while intermediates can hit endless cruisers. Snowboarders, meanwhile, can enjoy a dozen-plus tree trails and multiple terrain parks and beginners can take advantage of Snowmass’ world-renowned ski and snowboard school.
Off The Slopes
The adventures continue off the slopes. Families can head to the top of the Elk Camp Gondola to enjoy snow tubing from multiple lift-served lanes. Nearby is the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which is a fun, unique adventure for families to do together, as they wind through more than a mile of forest at nearly 30 mph. Guests can purchase tubing-only tickets or combo tickets for access to both tubing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.
Those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy classic cross-country skiing, state skiing, or snowshoeing at the Snowmass Golf Course track. Trail access is free, however, guests will need to bring their own gear or rent it from the Aspen Cross Country Center. Snowmass is also home to 8 miles of groomed fat tire biking at Snowmass Recreation Center.
Once the lifts stop spinning and the sun starts to set, the action moves to Snowmass Village. The “mass” in Snowmass goes beyond just the mountain, as there’s a massive amount of food and drink options in Snowmass, from longstanding casual restaurants like The Stew Pot and Sam’s (on-mountain at the top of Sam’s Knob) to fine dining restaurants like Stark’s Alpine Grill, The Edge, and Toro. Select winter nights bring some incredible food and drink events to Snowmass, including Ullr Nights winter wonderland parties and snowcat dinners at The Cabin.
Plan Your Trip
- Getting there. Flying into Aspen Pitkin County Airport (ASE) means that it’s just a 10-minute drive to Snowmass. There are direct flights from San Francisco, L.A., Phoenix, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver.
- Getting around. Once you’re to Snowmass, you don’t even need a car. A seamless bus system, free shuttles, a walkable slopeside village, and taxi and car-share services make it easy to get around.
- Ski passes. Ikon Pass holders can enjoy seven days in Snowmass, while those who have The Mountain Collective Pass can enjoy two days (and 50% off thereafter). Otherwise, lift tickets can be purchased online, which includes access to all four mountains.
- Where to stay. An incredible 95% of the lodging in Snowmass is slopeside. Explore accommodation options on the Snowmass website.
Header image ©Snowmass, Colorado, Photographer: Jeremy Swanson
December 11, 2024
