Snowmass: The World-Class Mountain That Begins at Your Doorstep

Sponsored by Snowmass Tourism

Welcome to Snowmass, where, with an average of just two skiers per acre, the treeline may be the only line you see all day. Snowmass is consistently ranked among the world’s best ski resorts. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies and home to the largest of Aspen’s four mountains, it’s surrounded by breathtaking peaks and 2.8 million acres of wilderness. Guests can stroll the Village after a day of adventure to enjoy après-ski and dining at more than 30 restaurants before unwinding in their slopeside accommodations. 

Skiing In Snowmass 

There’s a moment when the sheer scale of the mountain takes your breath away. Snowmass totals more than 3,300 skiable acres (1,000 of which is expert terrain), 98 trails, and 4,400 feet of vertical, and is larger than Aspen’s other three mountains put together. 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 make for the kind of uncrowded slopes and minimal lift lines that you’ll find nowhere else. Good luck trying to ski it all. 

More advanced skiers can lap the powder fields and glades of Hanging Valley, while intermediates can hit endless cruisers like Noon Groom. Snowboarders, meanwhile, can enjoy a dozen-plus tree trails and multiple terrain parks. Are you a beginner or first-time skier? Don’t be overwhelmed by Snowmass’ size and reputation; take advantage of Snowmass’ world-renowned ski and snowboard school. New this year, receive a discounted lift ticket with the purchase of a kids group lesson, ages 7-17. 

What To Do Off The Slopes  

The adventures just begin on the slopes of Snowmass. Enjoy snow tubing, near the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, from multiple lift-served lanes or take a thrilling ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, winding your way through more than a mile of forest at nearly 28 mph. Guests can purchase tubing-only tickets or combo tickets for access to both tubing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Don’t miss tubing or riding the coaster under the lights during Ullr Nights on select evenings during the heart of winter.  

Adventurers looking for a slower pace can enjoy classic cross-country skiing, skate 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 sun goes down, enjoy free skate rentals and ice skating under the lights at the Snowmass Base Village plaza. Afterward, warm up fireside by the outdoor fire pits, which complete the winter wonderland ambiance. 

Experience Snowmass Village 

Once the lifts stop spinning and the sun starts to set, the action moves to Snowmass Village, one of America’s best après-ski destinations. You’ll find it all, from longstanding casual restaurants like The Stew Pot and the Limelight Lounge to fine dining restaurants like Aurum, Kenichi, and Toro. Select winter nights offer incredible food and drink experiences in 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 15-minute drive to Snowmass. There are direct flights from many U.S. cities, including San Francisco, L.A., Phoenix, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Denver.  

• Getting around. Once you’re in 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 Aspen Snowmass mountains, including Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands.  

• Where to stay. An amazing 95% of the lodging in Snowmass is slopeside. Explore accommodation options on the Snowmass website. 

Header image ©Jeremy Swanson