Snowmass
3,332 acres of everything, and the longest vertical drop in the US.
3D Terrain
Download 3D Print Kit (.ZIP)Our Take
Snowmass is the big one in the Aspen family -- 3,332 acres of sprawling, go-anywhere terrain with 4,406 feet of vertical drop, the most continuous vert in the country. It's got something for literally everyone: mellow groomers for families, steep headwalls in the Hanging Valley, and a terrain park scene that's hosted X Games since 2002. While Aspen gets the glamour, Snowmass gets the skiing done. The village at the base is low-key and family-friendly, which is code for 'you can actually afford lunch here.' If you only ski one mountain in the Aspen area and you want variety over vibes, this is it.
Nerd Stats
Skiable Acres
3,332
Vertical Drop
4,406'
Runs
230+
Avg Snowfall
300"
Fun Facts
- 4,406 feet of continuous vertical. Longest in the US. Your legs will file a complaint.
- X Games have been held here since 2002. It's basically the permanent home at this point.
- Snowmass opened in 1967 and was designed from scratch as a destination resort.
- The Burnt Mountain expansion added serious expert backcountry-feel terrain in recent years.
Why Snowmass?
Snowmass is Aspen's chill sibling. Same lift ticket, same legendary snow, but way more family-friendly and with the most vertical in the Aspen area. The terrain is massive and varied, and you skip the Aspen scene tax on lodging and food.
The Lowdown
Local's Tips
- 1.The Elk Camp area has amazing intermediate cruisers that go on forever. You can lap it all day without repeating a run.
- 2.Hanging Valley Wall is the steep stuff -- short but very steep gladed terrain that challenges even experts.
- 3.Take the Breathtaker alpine coaster in the afternoon. Kids love it, adults secretly love it more.
- 4.The free bus to Aspen for dinner is easy. Best of both worlds -- quiet lodging, lively dining.
Don't Miss
Long Shot run top-to-bottom
4,406 feet of vertical -- the longest descent in the Aspen area. It goes from above treeline through glades to the base. Bring your legs.
Elk Camp restaurant for on-mountain lunch
A proper sit-down restaurant at mid-mountain with actual good food and panoramic views. Way better than the typical cafeteria experience.
Snowcat dinner at Lynn Britt Cabin
Ride a snowcat up the mountain to a cozy cabin for a multi-course dinner. The setting is intimate, the food is excellent, and the star-lit snowcat ride home is magic.
Where to Eat
Our picks -- not just the Google results
The Stew Pot
$$Comfort Food
On-mountain lunch spot near the top of Elk Camp Gondola. The green chili is famous for a reason -- it'll warm you from the inside after a cold morning in the Cirque.
Go early or late to avoid the 12pm crush.
Slice
$Pizza
Giant New York-style slices at the base village. No frills, no pretension, just good pizza. Exactly what you want after 20,000 vertical feet.
The garlic knots are an essential add-on.
New Belgium Ranger Station
$$Brewery / American
Fat Tire's mountain outpost right at the base. The beer is fresh (obviously), the burgers are solid, and the outdoor patio with fire pits is peak apres energy.
Snag a fire pit seat around 3pm when the sun hits just right.
Eight K
$$$Contemporary American
The Viceroy's restaurant has gotten a lot better in recent years. Mountain-modern menu, good wine list, and you don't have to drive to Aspen for a proper dinner.
Their brunch is actually the move -- eggs benedict with a mountain view.
Things You Should Actually Do
Beyond the obvious -- our insider picks
Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
Thrill Ride
A mile-long alpine coaster that rips through the trees. Open in winter on select days. It's a blast even (especially?) for adults.
Rides are quick -- do it twice. Night rides with LED lights are wild.
Snowmass Ice Bumps
Skating
A mogul-style ice skating course in the base village. It's exactly as chaotic and fun as it sounds. Basically figure skating meets bumps.
Free with your own skates, cheap rental available. Best after a beer or two.
Lost Forest
Adventure
A network of ropes courses, a climbing wall, and mountain biking trails at the top of Elk Camp. More of a summer thing, but parts operate in early/late season.
Check seasonal hours -- some elements close in deep winter.
The Vibe at Snowmass
Snowmass is Aspen's bigger, mellower sibling. More vertical than anywhere in Colorado, a terrain park that hosted X Games, and a village that actually has stuff to do after skiing. It's where families and people who actually want to ski (vs. be seen skiing) tend to gravitate.