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If you’re planning 3 days in Snowmass, here’s the secret locals know: you don’t have to limit yourself to just exploring Snowmass—you can visit Aspen, Colorado too!
Snowmass Village and Aspen are just 25 minutes apart, yet they offer completely distinct mountain experiences. If you are looking for an action-packed weekend, stay in Snowmass so you have immediate access to the slopes, and head into Aspen for all of other fun. Snowmass delivers expansive terrain, slopeside lodging, and a more tranquil alpine atmosphere. Aspen brings world-class dining, elevated après, arts, culture, and iconic ski history.
The best strategy for unforgettable Snowmass Colorado weekend getaways? Stay in Snowmass for value, convenience, and slopeside access—then ride the free bus or drive into Aspen for dining, culture, and après.
If possible, arrive Thursday evening to make the most of your weekend. Early risers—this one’s for you.
Kick off your trip with a local tradition at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen: the Friday Breakfast Uphill Club at the Cliffhouse Restaurant. Regardless of if you have skis, snowshoes, or microspikes, everyone is welcome to hike or uphill Tiehack or the Buttermilk Main route to the Cliffhouse for breakfast.
Choose your route:
Breakfast (served until 10:00am) is just $8 and worth the climb up—French toast or the Cliffhouse’s famous breakfast ramen. On a clear day, you can sit on the patio and enjoy sweeping views of Pyramid Peak towering above the Maroon Creek Valley.
Curious about uphill skiing but don’t have gear? Rent from Ute Mountaineer in Aspen—they offer excellent rental options.
After breakfast, ski down and head back to Snowmass to relax and settle in.
*Please note: you must have a valid 2025-26 Aspen Snowmass Uphill Access pass that is visible as you ascend to Cliffhouse Restaurant. Visit AspenSnowmass.com for more info.
Snowmass Village sometimes feels like a European-style mountain town, with a gondola connecting Base Village and the Mall. Locals call this gondola “The Skittles,” thanks to its colorful cabins that resemble the well-known candy.
While on the Mall, browse shops like Four Mountain Sports, Christy Sports, Sidewinder Sports, and Incline Ski for any gear needs. Then ease into après:
After the sun sets, head to Snowmass Base Village to explore some more:
One of the best parts of splitting your 3 days in Snowmass between Snowmass and Aspen? The easy transportation.
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) runs a free public bus from Snowmass to Aspen, complete with exterior ski storage. Ride from multiple locations in Snowmass to Rubey Park Transit Center in Aspen, then walk just one block to the base of Aspen Mountain.
If you’re needing a caffeine boost, grab a cappuccino from Gorsuch Café before loading the Silver Queen Gondola. The 14-minute ride is just long enough to savor those first sips.
From the summit of Aspen Mountain, ski down to Bonnie’s for legendary oatmeal pancakes. Yes, there will likely be a line. Yes, it’s worth it. Just be sure to arrive before 10:45am when breakfast service stops.
This is a ski day ritual for many locals: early laps, pancake refuel, then back out for more.
If you’re hungry midday, you can ski down to the base and swing by Big Wrap for the famous “pesto wrapture.” Order it like a regular: medium salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Aspen may be known for luxury, but it also delivers value if you know where to go.
Happy hour at Clark’s Oyster Bar is one of the best in town:
Ski boots and gear welcome.
Then head a few blocks to the Aspen Art Museum for their free Saturday rooftop après party. As springtime days get longer, you can enjoy views of Aspen Mountain from the rooftop while a DJ plays fun, fresh electronic music. You’ll find folks dressed to the nines, but also you’ll see just as many people in beanies and ski boots. All are welcome!
After exploring Aspen on Saturday, dedicate your final day to Snowmass Ski Area.
Because most Snowmass lodging is slopeside, dining options on- and off-mountain are conveniently located, and most of your needs are within walking distance, your day is set up for success.
If you want to get in a full-value day on the hill, there are some great grab-and-go options for food in Snowmass Base Village and on the Mall:
To start the ski day, hop on the Village Express lift to gain access to the rest of the mountain’s over 3,000 acres of terrain ready for you to ski.
Free NASTAR race course: if you’ve wanted to try your hand at ski racing, this is the place to do it! Open daily, 11:00am-2:00pm.
Snowmass has three terrain parks, located below Coney Express and Village Express lifts. Put your skills to the test, or watch other skiers and riders hit jumps and rails from the comfort of the chairlift above.
Pro tip: If you’re skiing Sheer Bliss or Big Burn, stop at Up 4 Pizza for a warm cookie and milk. Its retro posters, cozy, laid-back vibes, and views of the slopes below make it a quintessential on-mountain dining spot to grab a quick snack. Their pizza is also to die for!
Wrap up your weekend at Venga Venga’s patio in Snowmass Base Village. Grab seats by the firepits, order their house margarita, and share a plate of nachos as the sun sets on your trip.
It’s the perfect ending to three unforgettable days.
When planning 3 days in Snowmass, don’t limit yourself to just one town.
Snowmass and Aspen are close enough to combine—but different enough to make your trip dynamic:
Together, they create one of the best Snowmass Colorado weekend getaways you can plan—offering adventure, luxury, value, and local charm all in a single long weekend.
Base yourself conveniently, explore both towns, and experience Snowmass and Aspen like a local.