There is simply no way to describe the sheer size and expansive views available at Snowmass in the beautiful state of Colorado. I have skied all over the United States, and nowhere else compares. With 4,406 vertical feet in elevation and 98 trails, there are plenty of runs for the whole family (check out the trail map here). From easy green runs that still feel long and offer picturesque scenery to a wide range of challenging black diamonds, Snowmass is the best place to ski and snowboard in North America. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long-term stay, this is an adventure seekers' paradise.
We skied Snowmass in January, and the powder was perfect while the nightlife was fantastic. So be sure to read on for all of The Travel's insider tips on how to get the most out of your Snowmass vacation.
10 Fly Into Aspen, But Hit The Slopes In Snowmass
Why Snowmass? Why not Aspen’s other ski areas where celebrities go? For starters, Snowmass is larger than Aspen’s three other ski areas (Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Ajax) combined. Combined! The sheer size of the skiing acres–at 3,342 acres–means Snowmass averages just 2 skiers per acre. It’s easy to feel like one has the mountain to themselves when cruising on the slopes. In the entire time we stayed at Snowmass, we never encountered a line at a ski lift. We simply skied right up to the chair and were on our way.
9 From Beginner To Expert, Snowmass Has It All
It can be tricky trying to strike the right balance when skiing with a group of friends or family. Everyone has different levels of abilities to consider, from children just starting out to teenagers trying out jumps, as well as parents daring on the vertical drops. Snowmass has a run for all skill levels, with the levels split as 5% easiest, 48% more difficult, 17% most difficult, and 30% expert. The longest trail is 5.3 miles long! There are terrain parks and half pipes for snowboarders to try out tricks, with plenty of rails and half pipes to enjoy. And whether a beginner or an expert, Snowmass offers lessons at their widely praised Ski & Snowboard School, with some of the top ski instructors in the country.
8 Eat Your Way Across Snowmass Mountain
It's easy to work up an appetite when hitting the slopes all day. Luckily, we have put together the best places to eat at Snowmass. At the base of the mountain in Snowmass Village, be sure to stop in The Crepe Shack for one of their delicious crepes. And for those who don't want to interrupt their skiing adventures, there are plenty of dining options on the mountain to drop in for a cozy lunch and get right back on the lift. For Italian cuisine with stunning views, ski into Sam's restaurant, which sits atop the Village Express Lift. For Alps-inspired cuisine, head to The Alpin Room atop the Alpine Springs Lift. Located at 10,486 feet, this cozy spot offers classic dishes like French Onion Soup and Chicken Schnitzel. And after a full day of fresh powder, head back down to the base and stop in Mawita, the Latin-inspired restaurant run by Chef Mawa McQueen (she also runs The Crepe Shack!). With a vibrant atmosphere and inspiring meals, this is the perfect spot to end a day on the mountain.
7 Ski, Snowboard, And Bike--Yes, Bike--Down Snowmass
You can ski to your heart's content, snowboard till you touch the sky, and yet still, there are more adventures to be experienced. Snowmass offers Snowbike lessons for those who have ever wanted to experience the sheer joy of whipping down a steep snowy mountain on a bike. There is also Fat Biking, the popular sport that features tires that can gain traction over just about everything--including snow. Snowmass is the perfect place to Snowbike or try Fat Biking, so get ready to pedal your way over snowy terrain.
6 Warm Up With Free S'mores
After the lifts close, head to the firepit to the left of Snowmass Base Village to roast s'mores. Every day folks gather near the s'mores trailer while a friendly staffer hands out a graham cracker, chocolate, and a marshmallow on a stick. Roast a marshmallow (and warm yourself up too!) around the toasty firepit--and if one is too crowded, head to another, as there are several firepits throughout Snowmass, each neatly spaced out so one can never get too chilly.
5 From Game Of Stones To Free Ice Skating
Every Friday evening in Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink, be sure to check out Game of Stones, a free curling tournament where teams compete for the title of Master of Stones. And for families or folks looking to get out on the ice and twirl around, there is free ice skating daily. So if the slopes haven't tired the kids out, all the delightful (and free!) ice skating surely will.
4 Snowmass Luminescence
For a little beauty under a blanket of stars, be sure to head outside and enjoy Snowmass Luminescence, interactive art, and light display. After the lifts close, these dazzling works of art and light feel magical and a bit surreal. Especially stunning is The Electric Dandelions, which represent dandelions during the day and bursting fireworks at night. Bring your sense of wonder and your camera for these truly magical (and Instagram worthy) light sculptures.
3 Delight In Local Arts At Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Tucked away amidst the trees in Snowmass is the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a renowned destination for artists to work together in a wide range of mediums, learning from each other and engaging in thought-provoking discussions on art and the role of artists in society. Inspiring and vibrant, The Ranch features events throughout the year that are open to the public and hosts workshops for artists--from those looking to grow an artistic passion to internationally-renowned artists. Make sure to admire their Outdoor Sculpture exhibition. The Ranch is free to visit, while the workshops vary in tuition rates.
2 Ride The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
Some head to Snowmass for the top-notch skiing. Others choose Snowmass for the snowboarding terrain parks. Winter activities have a way of bringing out our inner child, and nowhere is that more apparent than flying down the mountain, wind whipping in your face, on the aptly named Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Snowmass. Strap in and enjoy the views as you head up the mountain, winding through over a mile of snow-covered trees and past expert skiers until you reach the top of the coaster. And what happens then? The rider controls the speed, but for the seriously adventurous, the coaster can go 28mph! The turns are sharp, so for folks trying to record their adventures, hang on.
1 Snowmass At Night: Ullr Nights
There are so many things to do at night in Snowmass, but since you are in the land of powdery snow, it seems only fitting to pay respects to Ullr, the Norse God of Snow. Celebrate with fellow skiers and snowboarders at a delightfully magical party at Elk Camp. Start with an enchanted evening gondola ride up to Elk Camp Restaurant and Elk Camp Meadows, where activities like snowbiking, tubing, and the wildly fun Breathtaker Alpine Coaster can all be enjoyed. Gather round the bonfire and feast on s'mores and hot chocolate. For a truly marvelous Snowmass experience, revel in the Ullr Nights, and take it all in under a blanket of stars.