Incredible skiing across four mountains. Wonderful summertime fun. One of the most beautiful locations in the entire country. There are so many reasons to visit Snowmass, it’s hard to boil it down to just 15. Take a look at the top 15 reasons to head to Snowmass for your vacation this year.
1. Snowmass is Family-Friendly
Snowboarding with your kids. Swimming in one of the four saline pools. Climbing rock walls at the Snowmass Village Rec Center. Exploring the fossils at the Ice Age Discovery Center. With all this and more available, don’t be surprised when Snowmass becomes your kids’ favorite destination.
2. Snowmass is Easy to Get to
Snowmass is only a 15-minute drive from the Aspen airport — which means you can feel at home almost as soon as you arrive. A free shuttle makes it easier! Even driving in from Vail or Denver airports doesn’t take long.
3. World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding
Perfect slope conditions on four separate mountains provide skiing and boarding conditions no other ski area can offer. Not to mention powder pancakes, dozens of progressive features in the snow parks, and off-piste skiing for the adventurous.
4. A Premier Mountain Biking Destination
With 75 miles of mountain biking trains that weave through pine forests and aspen groves, Snowmass is the place to be for summer fun on two wheels. Yes, rentals and lessons are available.
5. Events for Everyone — All Ages, All Interests
Sure, snow sports in the winter, hiking and biking in the summer. That’s a given. But what about world-class music at the Wheeler Opera House? The Aspen Film Festival? Then there’s the Snowmass Arts Trail, fly fishing, horseback riding, the Aspen Music Festival, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, Theatre Aspen, golf, and even yoga on the top of a mountain. Like we said: A whole bunch of something for everyone.
6. Snowmass is Home to Amazing Restaurants
Dine al fresco on a mountain patio with beauty all around you in the summer, or cozy up in warm, welcoming eateries during wintertime. Snowmass features all the cuisines you love — Mexican, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean and others — as well as plenty of high-end pub grub.
7. Snowmass Has a Rich History
The history of Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley encompasses its Ice Age past, the history of the Ute Indians in the area, the gold and silver rushes of the 1800s, and the story of the ranchers who settled here before the area began to build its ski resorts. You can explore all these aspects of history right in town.
8. Four Mountains, One Ski Town
From Snowmass, you can explore four unique mountains, each with its own personality. Aspen features 76 ski runs and special events including Winterskol and the X Games. With 119 runs, Aspen Highlands is for those seeking an intense ski experience. At Buttermilk, you can choose from 44 runs as well as the X Games. And Snowmass features 91 runs, with special celebrations at Christmas, New Year’s and Mardi Gras.
9. Summer Activities Abound in Snowmass
Hiking. Mountain biking. Whitewater rafting. Fly fishing. Hot air balloon rides. Arts workshops. Nature hikes. Horseback riding.
10. Snowmass Is Filled With Winter Magic
When you want a break from skiing and boarding, try snowshoeing, snow biking (it’s a thing), ice skating, cross-country skiing, the Alpine Coaster, snowmobiling and even ice climbing. Wow!
11. Snowmass is an Artist’s Haven
Head to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center to meet internationally renowned artists or to take workshops in photography, woodworking, ceramics and other media. Kids’ camps are available, too.
12. The Snowmass Summer of Free Music
The title really says it all: Free music from bands and artists you’ve heard of and love. All summer long.
13. Wait — There’s Free Music During the Winter, Too
Raise the roof with the Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series every winter. Again, it’s totally free.
14. Snowmass Has Great Nightlife
Whether you prefer an intimate dinner at a world-class restaurant or a club where everything’s happening and you can party till the wee hours, Snowmass has you covered.
15. The Most Astonishing Views — and Memories
Take a look around as you ride the chairlift, in town, or when you’re at the top of the mountain. You’ll not only want to Instagram those views of Hanging Valley, the Elk Mountains, Ziegler Reservoir and Snowmass Creek Valley — you’ll want to remember them forever.
