Snowmass is one of the best ski resorts in the US. It offers slopes for all levels from serene to extreme. Twenty-one lifts deliver you to 4,406 vertical feet, 3,342 acres of terrain, 98 trails, and access to your choice of cruisers, glades, steeps, terrain parks, and halfpipes. But it isn’t just about the size of the slopes at Aspen Snowmass. It’s about the people, the welcoming vibe, and the picturesque village that makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Snowmass is one of the most welcoming ski resorts we’ve ever visited and with 90% slopeside lodging, you can find the perfect place to stay in Snowmass, Colorado. Here are just a few great reasons to add Snowmass to your winter bucket list.
Why Add Snowmass To Your Winter Bucket List
Acreage and Varied Terrain
Snowmass is the largest of the four ski areas owned by Aspen Skiing Company in the region.
A lot of attention is devoted to Snowmass beginner skiing. There are gentle green trails, convenient chairlift access, and a top-notch ski school.
Snowmass provides three beginner-friendly zones on the mountain: Elk Camp, Assay Hill, and Fanny Hill. Each of the beginner ski zones on the mountain have mellow runs that let beginners get comfortable on snow and learn how to ski.
There are green circles on the Snowmass trail map and trails signs, which denote the easiest trails on the mountain. A series of tree runs wind throughout Snowmass that are made for beginners as well.
Lunchline is the best beginner terrain at Snowmass, and a perfect introduction to tree skiing. Other trails, with gentle slopes, like Dawdler and Scooper are textbook places for beginner skiers and snowboarders to comfortably practice their technique and master their turns.
Snowmass’ has 3,300-plus skiable acres and intermediate runs make up nearly half of that total acreage, making it a blue skier’s dream. Intermediates have a never-ending amount of pristine groomers, and gentle, fun glades reserved just for them at Snowmass.
The best Snowmass intermediate skiing can be accessed from three different chairlifts: The Big Burn, Alpine Springs, and Elk Camp. The Big Burn chairlift is a high-speed quad that is surrounded by long, famous groomers and several fun tree runs. Sheer Bliss is another must-ski Snowmass intermediate run in that area, and can be accessed from the Sheer Bliss chairlift.
30% of Snowmass is classified as black/double black diamond, expert terrain. Add 300 inches of annual snowfall into the mix and you find yourself in some of the best double black skiing/snowboarding the state of Colorado has to offer.
Welcoming Staff
From the moment you arrive at Aspen Snowmass, you’ll feel the warmth of the people. I challenge you to find one employee that doesn’t greet you with a smile and a warm welcome. No other mountain offers the same level of “down home” feel that you’ll find at Aspen Snowmass.
Our favorite way to start the day was to walk out of our hotel and be greeted by the employees at the ski storage location. They met us with smiles and kind conversations every time we walked by or stopped to pick up our skis.
Family Friendly
Snowmass area is known for being family-friendly. From a world class children’s ski school to endless kid-friendly ski areas, family-friendly restaurants, and play areas, the whole family will love visiting Snowmass.
Snowmass Village has a very traditional ski village atmosphere, with pedestrian-only streets lined with shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect family-friendly, safe atmosphere.
There are swimming pools, climbing walls, an Ice Age Discovery Center, and a 25,000-square-foot Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center that provides children with a forest-themed basecamp for hot chocolate breaks, lunch, playtime, snacks, arts and crafts, and childcare.
Accommodations
There are tons of accommodation options at Snowmass that allow you easy access to everything that Snowmass has to offer.
Our favorite, and super convenient lodging option, is the brand new Limelight Hotel Snowmass. It anchors the new Base Village, from which the Village Express, Elk Camp Gondola, and Sky Cab ski lifts all depart to the Snowmass ski area. It’s a family-focused, affordable, yet luxurious property.
The children’s play area and an 5-story indoor climbing wall keeps kids busy when they aren’t on the slopes, and the hot tubs are perfect for an après-ski soak. There is even a free ice skating rink next door to the hotel complete with complimentary skate rentals from a vintage airstream trailer.
Limelight Hotel is within walking distance from Snowmass shopping and dining, and the hotel is located just one block from the main hub of the award-winning free bus system. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service around town.
Things To Do
Snowmass offers dozens of non-ski related options for all ages.
There are two free ice skating rinks, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, winter tubing, world-class music, snowshoeing, snow biking, snowmobiling, and even ice climbing.
Additionally, there are over 60 miles of Nordic trails, making Snowmass one of the largest free groomed cross country ski systems in North America.
And my favorite addition to the long list of things to do, is FREE s’mores. Guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores, FREE starting at 3:30pm every day throughout the winter season, presented by Snowmass Tourism. Guests can find branded s’mores carts (which resemble oversized marshmallows) in Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall by Tower Stage and Four Mountain Sports.
Ski And Snowboard Instructors
We are huge advocates for ski lessons. One lesson can completely change your comfort on the slopes, and Snowmass’ ski instructors are some of the best in the country.
Whether you’ve never set foot on snow before, or if you just want a few pointers to improve upon, Private Lessons will always help you enjoy skiing and riding even more with personalized coaching, teaching, and guiding to fit your needs and expectations.