Snowmass
Aspen/Snowmass is really four interconnected ski areas, which are Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Each mountain has its own feel. They make it fairly easy to check out the different mountains, with shuttles available. And of course there is the town of Aspen itself. Famous for its glitz and glamour and for its rich history. The ski resorts of Aspen and the town of Aspen are largely intertwined and the town is usually part of a ski vacation here, especially Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Snowmass is a bit farther away and has more of a ski village feel. Great skiing and great nightlife make Aspen one of the most famous ski resorts in the world.
Snowmass is a little distance away from the town of Aspen and the other resorts and has more of a ski village feel. At 3132 acres, it is one of the largest ski areas in Colorado. It has varied terrain for all levels and lots of great intermediate runs. There are terrain parks as well. It has the most vertical rise in the country and there are great views from the mountain. With Aspen a little distance away, the focus is on the skiing here and there are plenty of options for it.
| Location | Snowmass Village is located in western Colorado. It is 8 miles from the town of Aspen. It is 196 miles from Denver via I-70 through Glenwood Springs. |
|---|---|
| Airports | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport- 6 miles Denver International Airport- 219 miles |
| Season Length | November to April (typical length, depending on weather) |
| Hours | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Mountain Info
| Acres | 3132 |
|---|---|
| Base Elevation | 8104 ft |
| Summit Elevation | 12,510 ft |
| Vertical Rise | 4406 ft |
| Avg. Annual Snowfall | 300 in |
| Lessons | Yes |
| Rentals | Yes |
| Terrain Park | Yes – 3 |
| Snowcat Skiing | No |
| Cross Country Skiing | Yes |
| Night Skiing | No |
| Trails | 91 |
|---|---|
| Longest Run | 5.3 Miles |
| Terrain | Easiest: 6% More Difficult: 50% Most Difficult: 12% Expert: 32% |
| Lifts | 21 Total including 1 eight-passenger gondola 1 high-speed six-passenger lift 1 six-passenger pulse gondola 7 high-speed quads 2 quads 4 ski/snowboard school lifts (including magic carpets) 2 platter pulls |
| Amenities | Full scale resort amenities |
|---|---|
| Trail Map Link | Snowmass Trail Map |
| Ski Town | Snowmass is more a ski village without all the nightlife options that Aspen provides. It has some shops, restaurants and amenities in the village. The town of Aspen is within about a half hour of the Snowmass Village.
The town of Aspen is world famous and has a rich history. From mining to counterculture to jet set playground, Aspen has seen a lot of changes. There are all the boutiques and fine dining you would expect and there are also more economical alternatives. You can see a concert at the historic Wheeler Opera House or check out one of the many cafes, bars or nightclubs. The town of Aspen is central to the ski experience here. |
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| Summer | Aspen/Snowmass is a four season resort, There are many summer activities. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass offer summer gondola rides that provide access to miles of hiking and biking trails. There are lots of activities within driving distance as well, such as golf and horseback riding. There are music events at Snowmass and Aspen Mountain throughout the summer. Lots of other activities are available in town and the surrounding areas. |
