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Snowmass

Snowmass Ski Area

Snowmass is the largest of the four resorts that make up the Aspen Snowmass ticket with 3332 acres (1348 hectares) of mild to wild terrain. In fact, the resort is so enormous that it is billed as the kind of place where you can spend your entire trip skiing and riding without descending the same run twice, and is sometimes nicknamed Snowmassive. The ski area is blanketed in almost 16 feet (5 meters) of snow each winter, with a longer than average season running from the last week in November to the last week in April.

Snowmass is famous for long, blissfully wide blue cruisers that seem to go forever and are perfect for big wide turns. The lengthiest run is 5.3 miles (8.5 kilometres). Beginner facilities are particularly impressive, too, as are the 3 terrain parks designed to suit all levels. But don’t be fooled – the double black diamond terrain here packs a punch, the steepest pitches are up to 40 degrees and there are many thrilling glades off several ridges.

Adding enormously to Snowmass’s appeal is that 95% of accommodation is ski-in ski-out. Condominium-style apartments line the lower reaches of the main slopes, and some of the best hotels in ski country are represented here including The Viceroy and The Westin Snowmass Resort.

There is huge variety in the way of on-mountain dining at Snowmass. With an area this big it is important to ensure visitors cannot possibly go hungry. From High Altitude Pizza, to find food and French champagne at Elk Camp Restaurant, to a casual grab-and-go to intimate restaurants, all are part of the mix of Snowmass’ 7 eateries.

Snowmass keeps the excitement going on the activity side: Elk Camp Restaurant is a centre of night time activity with Ullr Festivals every Friday night, an indoor-outdoor event with live music, food, bonfire, tubing and snow biking. The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is located right next to Elk Camp Restaurant, an exhilarating roller-coaster-style ride that travels at speeds of up to 28mph (45 km/hr) through the forest.

Snowmass Lodging & Accommodation Options

As mentioned, almost 100% of lodging here is ski-in ski-out adding much to the relaxation factor of a vacation here. The Viceroy Snowmass’ 173 suites are the premium accommodation in what is dominated by well-appointed condominiums, plush bed and breakfast style hotels/chalets, many of which are located by the gentle home slope or very close by lifts.

Snowmass Mountain & Ski Terrain

Snowmass covers 3332 acres (1348 hectares) criss-crossed by 96 trails that total 147 miles (237 kilometres) in length. Its 21 lifts include the the 8-passenger Elk Camp Gondola.

Snowmass is built for intermediates and newbies – its seriously good blue groomers and impressive beginner facilities make it one of the best places to learn, build confidence and progress. Turkey Trot, Cascade, Creekside and Lunkerville are some lovely long runs to seek out.

When it comes to black diamond terrain, Snowmass has some beauties to test your technique to the max. Steep trees such as Hanging Valley Glades, Frog Pond Glades, Baby Ruth and The Edge are among those that can result in thrilling heart-in-mouth moments. On another ridge, names like Free Fall and Hang On’s say it all.

The Cirque is the highest point on Snowmass – 12,510 feet (3612 meters) – and has some tricky drops off the High Alpine traverse. The Headwall and Hanging Valley offer cliff jumps and chutes. A word of advice: don’t be fooled by the flat terrain at the entry to The Cirque’s poma lift. While it looks enticingly benign, the Experts Only sign at the entry to the poma lift is there for good reason!

There are 3 terrain parks for all levels. There’s a Superpipe at the Snow Park Technologies-designed Snowmass Park, a quarterpipe at Makaha Park and easier rails to learn the basics in Lowdown Park.

Aspen Snowmass Mountain & Terrain SkiBookings.com

Snowmass Statistics

Skiable Terrain3,362 acres (1360 hectares)
Vertical1,343 m (4,406 ft)
Top Elevation3,810 m (12,510 ft)
Base Elevation2,470 m (8,104 ft)
Intermediate Terrain47%
Advanced Terrain17%
Trails94
Parks3
Pipes2
Winter lifts Total21
Gondolas Trams2
Chair Lifts15
Surface Lifts4
Longest Run8.5 km (5.3 mi)
Mountain Restaurants38
Snowmaking657 ac (266 hectares)
Season Opens22 November, 2018
Season Closes21 April, 2019 (Estimated)

How To Get To Snowmass

Snowmass is located in the Roaring Fork Valley in west-central Colorado. Visitors fly into either Denver International Airport (DIA) from where there are numerous shuttle services from to Aspen Snowmass via I-70 and Colorado Highway 82, or into Pitkin County Airport just 3 miles from Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass. Aspen is 220 miles (355 km) from DIA.

How To Transit Between All Four Mountains

The RFTA or Roaring Fork Transit Authority (which locals simply call “Rafta”) connects riders with all the important points in the valley including between the four ski resorts via it’s 4 Mountain Connector.

For the latest information and timetables – https://www.rfta.com/routes/4-mountain-connector/

Aspen Snowmass To Aspen Airport SkiBookings.com

Snowmass Snowsports & Ski School

The award-winning Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School prides itself on having created specific programs designed to foster people’s love of skiing while helping them progress. There is an abundance of lessons options suiting skiers and riders of all abilities, and terrain is suited for all abilities and lesson types, giving instructors the flexibility to take group and private lessons to the right runs to suit your comfort level.

TheTreehouse Kids’ Adventure Center offers licensed childcare.

Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowsports School SkiBookings.com

Snowmass Things To Do, Activities & Tours

The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is a thrilling downhill descent on a toboggan-like sled affixed to a steel track, and suitable for all ages. On-snow entertainment is a big feature of an evening in Snowmass. Elk Camp Restaurant is the hub of night time activity with Ullr Festivals every Friday night, an indoor-outdoor event with live music, food, bonfire, tubing and snow biking. There are snowcat dinner rides to the Lynn Britt Cabin, which also serves lunch.

Aspen Snowmass Activities SkiBookings.com

First Tracks
Location: The information desk in the Snowmass Ticket Pavilion
Early-morning, first run of the day on freshly groomed snow or powder.
Ph: +1 970-923-0560

Aces Ski Tour
Location: Wapiti Wildlife Center at the top of Elk Camp lift
Take a free tour and learn about our high-alpine environment — wildlife in winter, tracking, avalanches, winter habitats.
Ph: +1 970-925-5756

Aces Snowshoe Tour
Location: top of the Elk Camp Gondola
Explore spruce and fir forests along a babbling creek in the Snowmass Ski Area on this two-hour guided snowshoe tour.
Ph: +1 970-925-5756

Ambassador Tours
Location: Top of the Village Express Lift
Ambassadors lead tours every day on Snowmass. Ambassadors are at your service.
Ph: +1 970-925-5756

Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
Location: Located adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant
Riders will wind their way through over a mile of forest on an elevated track at speeds of up to 28mph.
Ph: +1 866-857-8769

Snowmass Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife

Snowmass has 7 on-mountain restaurants and dozens in the Snowmass Village. On the ski area, Elk Camp is one of the most frequented, and where if you really want to treat yourself (you are in Aspen anyway) the cafeteria’s beverage compartment is known to stock French champagne alongside the American beer and soft drink. On the other side of this enormous ski area sits Sam’s Smokehouse, one of the best places to sample classic American fare such as pulled pork and crispy fried green tomatoes. Huge plates of food here.

Base Camp Bar & Grill is one of the first places you see coming off the slopes and inevitably end up for an apres drink and plate of nachos or artichoke dip. Most of the restaurants here are kid-friendly, whether they be upmarket or not.

Aspen Snowmass Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife SkiBookings.com

Elk Camp
Location: Snowmass, top of the Elk Camp Gondola.
Food: New American market style, grab and go breakfast
Bar: Yes
Open: Breakfast & Lunch
Phone: +1 970-923-0450

Lynn Britt Cabin
Location: Snowmass, just below the midway loading station of the village express lift at the end of Velvet Falls.
Food: Modern American
Bar: Yes
Open: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Phone: +1 970-923-8715

Ullrhof
Location: Snowmass, base of Big Burn Lift
Food: American
Bar: No
Open: Breakfast & Lunch
Phone: +1 970-923-5143

Sam’s Smokehouse
Location: Snowmass, top of Village Express lift
Food: Barbecue
Bar: Yes
Open: Breakfast & Lunch
Phone: +1 970-923-8686

Gwyn’s & Gwyn’s High Alpine
Location: Snowmass, atop the Alpine Springs lift
Food: Continental
Bar: Yes
Open: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Phone: +1 970-923-5188

Up 4 Pizza
Location: Snowmass, top of Big Burn lift
Food: Pizza, Salads, Soups And Cookies
Bar: No
Open: Lunch
Phone: +1 970-925-1220

Two Creeks Café
Location: Snowmass, Base of Two Creeks lift
Food: American
Bar: No
Open: Breakfast & Lunch
Phone: +1 970-923-8636

Snowmass Shopping

There is a huge variety and high number of ski clothing and equipment stores in Snowmass so there’s no problem if you lose a glove or have the urge to buy the latest skis or snowboard. Boutiques, a spa, fine food and wine, souvenirs to sunglasses – all the shops and luxuries are living the Snowmass Village mall.

Aspen Snowmass Shopping SkiBookings.com

Base Village At Snowmass
Location: Next To Elk Camp Gondola
Shop: Includes A Great Selection Of Accessories Such As Helmets, Goggles, Sunglasses, Beanies, Gloves, Lip Balm, Hand Warmers Etc.
Phone: +1 970-923-0430

Elk Camp
Location: Top Of Elk Camp Gondola At Snowmass
Shop: Selection Of Accessories Including: Goggles, Sunglasses, Beanies, Gaitors, Gloves, Lip Balm, Hand Warmers, Etc.
Phone: +1 970-923-0480

The Treehouse Children’s Adventure Center
Location: Base Village At Snowmass
Shop: Clothing For Ages 0 To 14 Years
Phone: +1 970-923-8700

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Gift Items And Tasty Treats Including Assorted Chocolates, Packaged Items, Dreyers Grand Ice Cream And A Selection Of Drinks
Phone: +1 970.923.2875

Snowmass Sports
Location: 100 Elbert Lane, Unit 108 Snowmass Village
Shop: Snowboard Retail & Rental Services
Phone: +1 970.923.3567

Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Location: 5263 Owl Creek Road Snowmass Village
Shop: Artworks Store
Phone: 970.923.3181

Grain Fine Food
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Grocery & Liquor
Phone: +1 970.923.4100

Daly Bottle Shop
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Liquor
Phone: +1 970.923.4100

Quiksilver
Location: 100 Elbert Lane, Unit Dm117 Snowmass Village
Shop: Fashion & Apparel
Phone: +1 970-710-7562

The North Face
Location: 100 Elbert Lane Unit M111 Snowmass Village
Shop: Fashion & Apparel
Phone: +1 970.923.0673

Ajax Supply
Location: 16 Kearns Road, Suite 210 Snowmass Village
Shop: Hardware & Tools
Phone: (970) 429-4329

81615 T-Shirt & Gift
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Fashion & Apparel
Phone: +1 970-429-8305

Gorsuch
Location: 49 Village Run Cir. Snowmass Village
Shop: Fashion & Apparel
Phone: +1 970.923.9673

Accent On Wildflowers
Location: 100 Elbert Lane Snowmass Village
Shop: Souvenirs & Gifts
Phone: +1 970.923.4562

Local Color/Local Rebels
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Souvenirs & Gifts
Phone: +1 970.923.6058

Stay Tuned Ski & Sports
Location: 16 Kerns Rd #114 Snowmass Village
Shop: Ski Retail & Rental Services
Phone: +1 970.429.4908

Enjay Boutique
Location: 5 Village Sq. Suite 212 Snowmass Village
Shop: Fashion & Apparel
Phone: +1 970.923.9268

Sunglass Panache
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Sunglasses
Phone: +1 970.923.5886

Sundance Liquor & Gifts
Location: 16 Kearns Rd. Snowmass Village
Shop: Grocery & Liquor
Phone: +1 970.923.5890

Snowmass T-Shirt Company
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Fashion & Apparel
Phone: +1 970.922.0404

Surefoot
Location: Snowmass Village Mall
Shop: Snowboard Retail & Rental Services
Phone: +1 970.923.2131

Snowmass Trail Maps

Explore Aspen’s Four Mountains’ trail maps to find your ideal place to ride, catch up with friends and more…

Snowmass Trail Map

Aspen Mountain Trail Map

Aspen Highlands Trial Map

Buttermilk Trail Map

 

Photo Credit: © ASPEN SNOWMASS, JEREMY SWANSON

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