Aspen Snowmass, four mountains, two towns. While Aspen may get a lot of hype and is known to be a winter playground of the rich and the famous, a place to see and be seen. Snowmass shouldn’t be ignored! Snowmass Village, a short 20-minute drive west of Aspen, offers travelers an alpine retreat, the resort feel of the village will give visitors the chance to relax and unwind while still enjoying world-classing skiing and exceptional dining and après,
Where to stay in Snowmass
Limelight Snowmass
$$$$
Good for: Families with little kids, people traveling with pets.
Proximity to the slopes: 1 minute walk to Elk Camp Gondola
Amenities we love: There are two outdoor hot tubs, an indoor rock-climbing wall, free breakfast, and the Limelight Lounge is a great place to grab drinks and snacks.
Photo courtesy of Aspen Hospitality
Viceroy Snowmass
$$$$
Good for: Groups, longer stays
Proximity to the slopes: Ski-in/ ski-out
Amenities we love: The amazing dining options on-site including TORO Kitchen and NEST, a ski-in/ ski-out bar.
Viewline Resort
$$$
Good for: Couples, Marriott Bonvoy members, people who want to maximize time on the mountain.
Proximity to the slopes: Ski-in/ ski-out
Amenities we love: The on-site spa and the lobby lounge. Viewline has a dedicated ski concierge right next to the slopes and another concierge in the lobby for everything else, read our full review.
Stonebridge Inn
$$
Good for: Couples, groups
Proximity to the slopes: Under 10 minute walk to lifts
Amenities we love: A complimentary airport shuttle, in-room spa services, the sauna and steam room in fitness center.
Best après in Snowmass
Venga Venga
$$
Where: Slope-side at the start of the Snowmass Mall, take the sky cab gondola.
When: Go on the weekends and sit out on the patio, it is first come first serve, happy hour is every day from 3-6pm and live music on weekends starting at 3pm.
What to order: A spicy margarita and table side guacamole.
Vibe: Social
Elk Camp
$$
Where: On mountain at the top of the Elk Camp gondola
When: Stop here for drinks and music, the outdoor bar is perfect on a bluebird day, open until 3pm most days.
What to order: Beer, hard seltzer, or an Aperol spritz
Vibe: Casual mid-day break
The Cabin (formerly Lynn Britt Cabin)
$$$
Where: Mid-mountain, ski there from the Coney Express lift
When: Après out on the deck Thursday-Sunday from 2:30-4pm, live music
What to order: Shotski
Vibe: Outdoor party
Base Camp Bar & Grill
$$
Where: Bottom of Snowmass Mountain in the center of Snowmass Base Village.
When: Stop here to refuel at the end of the day, sit out on the deck!
What to order: Beer and something to eat, their burgers are great for refueling
Vibe: Casual end of day bites and drinks
Best places to eat in Snowmass
Grub Thai Restaurant
$
Cuisine: Thai
Reservations: Walk-in only
Best for: Quick causal meal, people looking for a hidden gem
Aurum Food & Wine
$$
Cuisine: Seasonal, elevated American
Reservations: Not required but available
Best for: Dinner with friends, wine lovers, large groups
Kenichi
$$$
Cuisine: Sushi
Reservations: Highly recommended
Best for: Date night
The Crepe Shack
$
Cuisine: sweet and savory crepes
Reservations: Walk-in and take away, limited tables outside
Best for: A quick snack or breakfast.
What to do if you don’t ski
Alpine Coaster
$$
Where: Top of the Elk Camp gondola
When: Book a day online, tickets gives guests unlimited rides from 11-3:30pm on the date of their reservation.
Why we love it: A thrilling ride through the forest, they will take photos and videos during your ride you can purchase after.
Photo courtesy of Aspen Hospitality
Ullr Nights
$
Where: Top of the Elk Camp gondola
When: 5-7:30pm onselect dates throughout the winter season, see calendar and reserve tickets online.
Why we love it: Celebrate the Norse God of Snow in a winter wonderland with great food, bonfires, and activities for the whole family.
S’Mass S’Mores
FREE
Where: At the Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall, look for the S’Mass S’Mores cart.
When: Every day at 3:30pm throughout the winter season
Why we love it: The only thing better than s’mores is free s’mores, great family friendly event!
Photo courtesy of David A Litman/ Shutterstock
Naturalist Snowshoe Tours
$$
Where: Top of the Elk Camp gondola
When: Must book tour ahead of time online, tours depart Elk Camp at 10am or 1pm. Plan to board the gondola 30 minutes prior to tour departure time.
Why we love it: During this two-hour guided snowshoe tour a Naturalist guide will teach guests about the winter ecology, animals native to the mountains, and more.
How to get to Snowmass and getting around
Snowmass Village is a short 10-15 minute drive from the Aspen Pitkin County Airport, flying into the Aspen airport is the easiest way to arrive! Flights directly into Aspen can be pricey so many opt to fly into one of the other airports and then rent a car and drive or get a car service. Denver is the farthest out, about a 4 hour drive, but it will have the most flight options. Also check Eagle County Regional Airport and Grand Junction Regional Airport, both are about an hour drive from Snowmass.
One of the best things about Snowmass is it’s easy to get around without a car! There is a free gondola connecting the two main areas, the Snowmass Base Village and the Snowmass Mall, you can get the Sky Cab gondola at the bottom of Fanny Hill in the Base Village and it will take you about half way up to the entrance of Snowmass Mall. The village and the mall are both super walkable with tons of restaurants and shopping available.
During the winter, RFTA the local bus system, offers a free 4 mountain connector route. The bus picks up in Snowmass Mall and Snowmass Village, then goes to Aspen Mountain, Highlands, and Buttermilk. The bus is a quick, convenient way to get around!
Ski passes and ski rentals
Aspen Snowmass runs a tight ship for skiers and riders. If you’re lodgings don’t have ski lockers to store your gear, Aspen One has a ski valet service in Snowmass. They can securely store gear overnight or, the best part, if you plan to spend the day skiing at one of the other 3 mountains, they will transfer your gear overnight so it is there waiting the morning. Just drop it off at the end of the day then pick it up the next morning with your claim ticket. Transfers and storage are free for those that rent through Four Mountain Sports or Aspen One and there is a small fee for those looking to store or transfer personal gear.
Four Mountain Sports has 9 of convenient locations throughout Aspen Snowmass, 5 being directly in Snowmass, and they can even arrange gear delivery to your lodgings. Aspen Collection offers an elevated rental experience, they have two locations, one right in Snowmass Village at the bottom of Fanny Hill. Enjoy an espresso while their experts take time to fit your boots and get you top of the line gear options.
Photo courtesy of Aspen Hospitality
Aspen Snowmass is on the Ikon Pass, which gives pass holders 7 days to use across the 4 mountains. Meaning if you spend 4 days skiing Snowmass you only have 5 days remaining to ski the other mountains if you so choose. Aspen Snowmass is also on The Mountain Collective pass, which gives pass holders 2 days and 50% off additional days. Reservations are required for both Ikon and Mountain Collective pass holders so be sure to plan ahead! Ikon pass holders can use the Ikon app to easily make reservations.
If you’re not on one of those two passes, you can purchase a lift ticket directly from Aspen Snowmass. They offer 1 day and multi-day passes, each pass is good at all four mountains. Buy early to save.
