Snowmass Ski Vacation Guide

A ski vacation here is an unforgettable experience. From the 4,000+ feet of vertical on the mountain to the hundreds of beautifully modern lodging options, it’s a well-rounded vacation that every skier should experience. Families flock here for the low-key appeal, adventure seekers for the extreme gladed terrain and backcountry, and first-timers for an unrivaled experience at one of the largest resorts in the United States.

Ski Levels

One the top 10 largest resorts in the entire country. With 4,406 vertical feet, it has the most vertical drop of any resort in the U.S. Snowmass also covers more than 3,100 acres, which includes the Hanging Valley Glades, a back area so extreme that the mountain was apprehensive about opening up the area to skiers for several years. The ski area also contains over 90 trails, two dozen lifts, and several terrain parks. The longest run is 5.3 miles and serves as a perfect endurance test for skiers. There are runs suitable for all ability levels, 6 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 12 percent advanced and 32 percent expert. The ski resort also hosts a world-class ski school that will teach fundamentals, techniques, and expert tips with skiers of all ages and ability levels. The Treehouse Kid’s Adventure Center, which is a childcare center, ski school, and all-around educational experience. The resort also features several rental and retail shops that all carry the absolute best brands and newest equipment available to rent and own.

Après Ski

There is an extensive selection of dining options on the slopes, from quick and casual to gourmet dining that is guaranteed to satisfy. As a veritable winter paradise, visitors will be blown away by the size and amount of things to do. There is a wide array of accommodations available that suit a range of tastes and budgets, from comfortable and basic to lavish and ornate, lodging here runs the gamut.

Snowmass Snowboard Vacation Guide

Rider’s Guide

Explore a massive amount of space here with 3,100+ acres, including extensive backcountry, moguls, gladed areas, and tree runs. There is over 4,400 feet of vertical, more than any other mountain in the United States. More than 90 named runs span more than 147 miles of skiable terrain at 6 percent beginner trails, 50 percent intermediate, 12 percent difficult, and 32 percent expert. There are two dozen lifts including an eight-passenger gondola and a high-speed six-person lift.

Parks and Pipes

Enjoy three terrain parks, one superpipe, and one beginner pipe. In all, there are 90 features including the impressive 22’ Zaugg cut superpipe. Lowdown Park is the beginner park and has smaller features including boxes, rails, rollers, and table top jumps. The jumps range from 5 to 15 feet. Little Makaha Park contains about two dozen features and serves as the ski resorts’ progressive park, featuring intermediate level boxes, jumps, and jibs. Snowmass Park is the advanced and expert park and includes the superpipe. There are approximately 50 features located here. The expert jumps start at approximately 40 feet and end at approximately 65 feet. The forty or so jib features range from flat boxes and rails to down flat downs and combos to bonks, wall rides, and staircases.

Out of Bounds

Get some fresh air with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Learn to race with NASTAR. Take a naturalist guided snowboard tour, or hang out in the village by the campfire, shop till you drop in town, or head over to Aspen and party like a rock star.

Hangout & Hookup

The Village has quite a few dining options that range from quick and casual to upscale gourmet. The Base Camp Bar and Grill has great pub fare and drink specials. Sneaky’s Tavern features live music and is a great place to meet up and relax after an epic day on the slopes or in the park. Those riders and freestyle skiers seeking a more rambunctious after hours atmosphere are advised to head to nearby Aspen Village, a ski town with a reputation for partying into the wee hours.