Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Days

Celebrate an exciting piece of Snowmass history! In 2010, a bulldozer thumped into the tusk of a prehistoric mammoth at Ziegler Reservoir. Hundreds of scientists and local volunteers gathered in Snowmass to unearth thousands of fossils of Ice Age plants and animals, including mastodons, mammoths and giant ground sloths. This weekend celebration brings the Ice Age Discovery to life through art and science.

Friday, June 21

3:30pm – Ice Age Explorer Tour
Learn about the mammoths and mastodons who used to live in Snowmass with an educator from the Aspen Science Center, and see replicas of Ice Age animal bones, teeth, tusks and more. Then, follow along on a guided Ice Age Passport Walk to see art inspired by the discovery and earn a prize! Free and open to all ages.

6pm – Scientific Lecture at Snowmass Chapel
Learn about the discoveries made at the 2010 dig from the scientists who were there and the experts who continue to study the ice age. Speakers include:
-Dr. Ian Miller, Chief Science & Innovation Officer at National Geographic Society, and lead paleobotanist on the 2010 dig

-Dr. Gussie Maccracken, Assistant Curator of Paleobotany for Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and intern on the 2010 dig

-Dr. Patrick O’Connor, Director of Earth and Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

-David Heil, president of Aspen Science Center and Emmy-award winning former host of PBS series, Newton’s Apple

Free and open to all; recommended for ages 12+

Saturday, June 22
2:00-6:00pm – Community Celebration in Snowmass Base Village
Free fun for the whole family! Meet scientific leaders, including Dr. Ian Miller of National Geographic and Dr. Gussie Maccracken of Denver Museum of Nature & Science, who were leaders on the original excavation in 2010. Complete the Ice Age Passport Walk, learn about the discovery with education stations from Aspen Science Center, enjoy live music, kids’ activities, prizes, and more. 

*Community members who contributed to the dig in 2010/2011 are invited to join us in the Reunion Tent to share your stories about the dig. Having you with us helps keep our local history alive and inspire the next generation of community contributors. Kindly RSVP to vmcnellis@gosnowmass.com. 

Learn more about the discovery at SnowmassIceAge.com