Choosing where to take your children on a ski vacation can be difficult. But in Snowmass, with kid-specific terrain, convenient lodging and transportation, an award-winning ski and snowboard school, loads of off-mountain activities and on-mountain food options that the kiddos love, the decision to spend time here with your family is easy. Here are the top 5 reasons Snowmass is perfect for kids:

1. The Terrain

Snowmass offers over 3,300 acres of incredible terrain, including a bounty of beginner slopes designed to help skiers and riders learn faster. The green runs are wide open, perfectly pitched, and allow for quick repeatable experiences (Assay Hill). Also, there are tons of kids' tree trails that bring the sensation of exploration to the youngest of adventurers. While 48% of the mountain is rated blue (more difficult), Snowmass has some of the most forgiving black and double black runs that make the most challenging slopes an accessible experience, theirs for the taking.

2. Slopeside Lodging and Easy Transportation

There is no better way to enjoy a ski vacation than to have the family staying right next to the slopes. Also, Snowmass’ free shuttle service is fast, frequent, and incredibly easy. Slopeside lodging means two things. First, this means at the beginning and end of the day, you don't have to haul your gear plus your kids' gear to the slopes. Second, not having to drive means more time connecting with the family.

3. The Ski and Snowboard School

The Ski and Snowboard School at Snowmass can ensure a kid’s experience is second to none. Don’t want to split up the crew? Consider booking a family private lesson. The instructors and guides will ensure that your family has the best experience possible, together.

 4. Non-Ski Activities

Sometimes, a day off the slopes can do a kid a world of good. Enjoy the abundant assortment of kid-friendly events and activities happening around the village. The Snowmass Recreation Center has a gym, climbing wall, heated outdoor pools, and a hot tub to provide some off-the-slopes fun. Go tubing and ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Elk Camp. Go bowling at Slopeside Lanes. Enjoy free ice skating at one of two ice rinks: Base Village and the Snowmass Recreation Center. Take a turn on the indoor rock climbing wall at the Limelight Snowmass. Step into the artful and fun-filled Game Lounge and Selfie Den at The Collective. You will definitely have more options than time.

5. On-Mountain Dining

Nothing perks up a little skier like a warm lunch or a quick snack, and at Snowmass, on-mountain dining for kids is both delicious and affordable. All of Snowmass’ on-mountain restaurants have Kids’ Combos, and you’ll find free hot cider at the top of the Sam’s Knob and Village Express lifts! Looking for kid-friendly après? Check out Snowmass S’mores, free s’mores available at 3:30pm every day in Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall.

Don’t call it a run… at Snowmass, we call it terrain.

Snowmass might have the reputation as an intermediate, family-friendly resort, but we want to let you in on our best kept secret: 30% of Snowmass is classified as black/double black diamond, expert terrain. Add 300 inches of annual snowfall into the mix and you find yourself in some of the best double black skiing/snowboarding the state of Colorado has to offer.

If you consider yourself an expert skier/rider, you know what a black diamond run looks like. It’s a steep pitch with the occasional unique fall line that is accessible to hot lap via the same chairlift. And while those “runs” are fun, they don’t quite feel like expert “terrain”. Here, expert terrain is actual terrain. It keeps you on your toes, offers a new line, entry and exit point with every lap. It’s a ‘build your own adventure’ of actual snowy adventure. And, it makes you feel like you ducked the rope into untouched side-country goodness. The thing is, at Snowmass, that’s part of the 1,000 acres of inbounds, expert terrain. We’re here to challenge the way you think about expert terrain. It’s time to explore the high alpine secrets of Snowmass and change what you thought you loved about the expert area of a ski resort.

Take the Hanging Valley Wall. It’s not just one run, instead it’s a compilation of nearly 23 named ‘runs’, and that doesn’t include the local’s secret stashes with names that don’t make the trail map. With such an expansive area, conditions range from cliff band splitting chutes, to gladed runs to wide open powder fields. It could take a lifetime to ski every single possible line in just this single area.

Local, Steve Karczewski, competed in the Colorado Freeride Championships when they were held right in the middle of the Hanging Valley Wall. If that doesn’t speak to the caliber of the terrain, we don’t know what does. And where does he ski on any given day? “When I want to lose myself and find some good turns, I hop into Weird Woods. It’s like a “Choose your own Adventure” in there,” says Steve.

Around to the right of the Hanging Valley Wall, is the Cirque Lift. It’s an old poma that elevates skiers to the highest point of all four mountains, 12,510 feet. From there, high above tree line, the Cirque stretches in both directions around a bowl loaded with every kind of extreme terrain you could want. And, snow. Lots and lot of snow.  This is one of the many massive ‘nooks’ where snow has a tendency to unapologetically pile up. The top of the Headwall rolls away into a sheer open face, punctuated with snow covered rocks. The next set of entrances offer a series of technical chutes, splitting cliff bands and offering varying cliff drops to those in need of some air time. Don’t be fooled by a lower gate, the Burn Cliffs wait at the bottom of the Cirque with mandatory air time to launch into gladed forest turns.

Snowmass photographer Tamara Susa gets her favorite shots there. “Rock island is one of my favorite places to shoot because of all the cliff drops and pillow lines. Gowdy’s off the cirque is the steepest run on the mountain, with amazing views of the cirque and the valley.”

Maybe cliffs aren’t for you. And that’s a-okay! Just head over to the other side of the mountain for a second serving of exciting terrain. Powderhorn, is a double black that runs from the top of Sam’s Knob all the way to the bottom of Campground. The steep pitch and challenging bumps make this a mogul lovers paradise. On a bluebird day, this marathon run has stunning views of Mt. Daly from top to bottom. Likewise Garret’s Gulch and Powerline are hidden gems for experts, just off the more traveled blue runs of Big Burn Lift.

Whether you are on the lookout for fresh, bowl powder turns, steeps, or drops, Snowmass has it all. Just remember, it’s not just expert runs… at Snowmass it’s terrain. And plenty of it.

Jordan Curet

Tips and tricks to know as you prepare for your visit

Snowmass— the quaint yet vibrant mountain village where you go to escape the hustle and bustle of home and connect with your loved ones. As you begin preparing for your trip, we are here to lend a hand with insider knowledge, so you can relax and enjoy every moment once you arrive. 

Transportation

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is only 15 minutes from Snowmass. Many hotels offer complimentary transportation to and from the airport. Between this and our free, reliable public transportation through the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), you do not need to rent a car. The RFTA buses run directly to and from Snowmass to the airport and nearby Aspen. Once you arrive in Snowmass, utilize the free Snowmass Village Shuttles to get from one place to another within the town.

For those who fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) or Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), Roaring Fork Express offers transportation between Snowmass Village and these locations.

Please note that the Aspen Snowmass area does not have a significant Uber/Lyft presence. We recommend not relying on those shared ride providers as your primary mode of transportation. You can schedule a taxi or limo service through one of the many options listed on our transportation page. 

Lay of the Land

Snowmass is made up of the Snowmass Mall, Base Village, and the Snowmass Center. The Snowmass Mall is located up the hill from Snowmass Base Village, and the Snowmass Center is located a 10-minute walk from Base Village. You can walk between all of these locations, but you will want to make sure you have shoes suitable for the winter weather. There is also a small gondola, the Sky Cab (Skittles), that runs between the Snowmass Mall and Snowmass Base Village. The Snowmass Mall and Snowmass Base Village hold a multitude of lodging, shopping, and dining options. The Snowmass Center holds the grocery store, liquor store, and a few other shopping and dining options.

Snowmass With Kids

Snowmass is the perfect place to stay for those traveling with children. From 95% of lodging being ski-in/ski-out (hooray for not carrying gear everywhere!) to the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center located in Base Village, you can't go wrong choosing Snowmass for your family vacation. Check out this page for a list of our favorite things to do with kids in Snowmass. 

Maximize Your Time on the Slopes

Purchase your lift tickets ahead of time for the biggest discounts, as well as making it easier for you once you arrive in town. Pre-purchased lift tickets can be picked up without ever entering a ticket office by utilizing the pickup boxes located around Snowmass Base Village and the Snowmass Mall. If you book through a hotel concierge, you can also opt to have your lift tickets delivered to your hotel. 

Another way to maximize your time on the snow is to pick up rentals the day prior to your first day skiing or snowboarding. Many places allow you to pick up rentals the afternoon or evening before your first paid rental day. This is a great way to avoid the morning crowds in the rental shops and add extra laps on the chairlift instead. 

What to Wear

You can leave your high heels at home when you come for your mountain getaway. Casual clothing is great both during the day and in the evening for Snowmass. Generally, a sweater and pair of jeans with boots are a great staple for dinners out, though you'll still fit right in if you decide to go a bit fancier or a bit more casual.

Temperatures vary widely from day to night, meaning you will want to pack plenty of layers. Aside from the basics you think of when packing for a winter mountain getaway (waterproof outer layers, beanie, gloves, puffy coat, and snow boots), be sure not to forget sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, and base layers made of moisture-wicking fabrics, such as wool. Packing plenty of layers will allow you to adjust your outfit based on the current weather conditions.

Altitude

Snowmass resides at 8,209 feet. The best way to prepare for the high altitude is to hydrate well before arriving and continue to hydrate once you are here. Upon arrival, use lip balm, moisturizer, and a humidifier (offered at many lodging options) to aid in adjusting to the dry climate. You will also want to take it easy on alcohol your first night in town, as you may feel the effects more than usual as you adjust. 

We hope you feel more prepared now that you know what to expect upon arrival. Use these tips and tricks to plan your vacation so that you can relax and enjoy your mountain getaway from the second you arrive.

If you are one of the fortunate few to have ever experienced a true powder day, you’re probably having flashbacks to memories of bottomless turns, white rooms, and face shots. With a little preparation and planning, an epic powder day is anyone’s for the taking. Follow this plan of attack to get the most out of your powder day at Snowmass.

Prepare

Prior Preparation Prevents Pitiful Powder Days. Use these 3 steps to make sure something simple doesn’t hold you back:

1. Watch the Weather - The guys over at aspenweather.net have their fingers on the pulse of how weather plays out in Snowmass. Watch the forecast daily to make sure you’re prepared for when the snow hits.

2. Get Your Skis or Board Waxed - Sticking to the snow while your friends and family are flying around whooping and hollering really kills the vibe. Drop your gear off at any one of the several ski shops in Snowmass and an overnight gear tech will have you ready to go in the morning. For deals and discounts at participating ski shops, check out our gear specials page for the latest offers.  

3. Transportation - If you’re fortunate enough to be staying slopeside (which is likely in Snowmass, where 95% of lodging is ski-in/ski out) walk out your front door and start making fresh tracks. Staying elsewhere in the Village, or down the road in Aspen? Definitely take advantage of Town of Snowmass Village’s free bus service to get you to the slopes if you are staying on the bus line. If you must drive, know that slopeside parking is best at the Base Village Parking Garage ($) or Two Creeks ($). Free parking is available at the Rodeo Lot on Brush Creek Road and the Intercept Lot on Highway 82, with free shuttle service to the Snowmass Mall.

Enjoy

You’ve managed to get to the mountain early. You’ve picked up your gear with a fresh coat of wax. There are piles of untouched snow coating every surface. By this point you should be excited and ready to go!

1. Get on the lift - If you are at Two Creeks, jump on the chair and transfer to Elk Camp or Alpine Springs. If you are at the base you have two options, Elk Camp Gondola or Village Express. As Aspen Sojourner uncovered, “Patrol moves from west to east (i.e., from Garrett Gulch to the Cirque to Hanging Valley) doing control work, so roughly follow their timing into freshly opened terrain to reap the biggest rewards.”

• Elk Camp Gondola - fastest access to Elk Camp Chair, Alpine Springs, High Alpine. This area provides the best access to the expert terrain of the Wall.
• Village Express - fastest access to Sam’s Knob, Campground, The Big Burn and The Cirque. This area is the local’s favorite because it’s easy to do laps on long, steep runs like Wildcat and find untouched powder all day long in the trees on the Burn and Alpine Springs.

2. Stick to an Area - Moving from lift to lift could mean traversing if it's not done with some strategy. Try sticking to an area or specific chairlift. This allows you to session laps and get to know how to best enjoy a specific part of the mountain.

3. Pace the Day - It's easy to get caught up in all the bottomless turns, but an 8:30 am lift load will make the hardest charging skiers a little tired after a few hours. You’ll have to stop at some point, so why not break early? Avoid the lunch lines and get back out quickly to keep slaying powder while everyone else is taking a long lunch.

4. Capture Memories - Photos or it didn’t happen! Be mindful of your phone. You could lose it in the snow. Or worse, miss out on the experience if you obsess over getting the shot. Stick to only 2 or 3 photos. Try for an action shot, a landscape (if it’s clear), and maybe a Snapchat or Instagram Story or two. It's a delicate balance between sharing the experience and actually experiencing the moment.

Celebrate

1. Post that footie! - Don’t waste your precious powder turns posting to social media. That’s for when the legs are tired and you need a break. Get those photos up at the end of the day. Tag your friends. Tag @snowmass, and bring your #game.

2. Après Is Essential - There are countless ways to après. Hot tubs, massages, hot cocoa…but the go-to standard is a beverage (or two) at some of Snowmass’ finest establishments, while you tell tales of endless face shots.

• Venga Venga - for thumping music, tequila shots and a bit of dancing, this is your spot.
• The Ranger Station - for some of New Belgium Brewing’s finest beers with a cozy, slopeside ambiance.
• Base Camp Bar & Grill - grab a cold one and check out the second-floor deck for a great view 
• Zane’s - if you want to buy your liftie a shot for that powder stash tip, this is where you’ll find her.

Unless you live in the mountains, powder days are a matter of luck and timing. The buzz of excitement from fresh snow is enough to get anyone to forget a few steps and compromise their day. Prior preparation, thoughtful enjoyment and sincere celebration will ensure your Snowmass powder day is an experience to be shared and remembered for years to come.

Written by Jon Delk