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In partnership with the Aspen Science Center, Science in Snowmass is a free, two-day celebration of all things science and discovery in Snowmass Village, September 11-12, 2026. The weekend brings the community together to explore paleontology, climatology, and astronomy through a series of educational programs inspired by the 2010-2011 Ice Age Discovery.
See a full breakdown of the weekend’s programming below.
What happens when we think of the distant paleontological past as information for the present and the future? Over two nights of scientific discourse, regional leaders in science, wildfire mitigation, local government, and corporations will share their insights on science in Snowmass over millennia.
Owl Creek Room at Limelight Snowmass, 6:30pm
For those who are curious about the Snowmass dig in 2010, this talk will cover what the fossils revealed about the Ice Age in Colorado. Not only will it provide a window into the past but also will shed light on how the discoveries made in this extraordinary dig are still contributing to science—especially paleontology and climatology—today.
Owl Creek Room at Limelight Snowmass, 6:30pm
From unprecedented drought and wildfire risk to sustainability and educational initiatives, what does the future of climate look like in Snowmass? This panel will take a look at how Snowmass Village is facing and adapting to challenges associated with a changing climate.
Location: Limelight Snowmass
Join us for a 90-minute guided Ice Age Explorer tour and delve into the history of the 2010-11 Ice Age Discovery. Meet at Limelight Snowmass where there will be a discussion on the discovery then take part in the Ice Age Passport Walk where you’ll explore Base Village and the Snowmass Mall discovering art inspired by the fossils.
Location: Owl Creek Room, Limelight Snowmass
Scientists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science will explore what the fossils revealed about Colorado’s Ice Age past and how the discovery continues to inform science today.
Panelists:
Patrick O’Connor, DMNS Director of Earth & Space Sciences
Gussie Maccracken, DMNS Assistant Curator of Paleobotany
John Demboski, DMNS Senior VP of Science & Chief Curator
Location: Snowmass Base Village Events Lawn
As darkness settles over Snowmass, explore the night sky through multiple professional telescopes with Astro Tours astronomers on the Events Lawn in Base Village. Depending on conditions, there may be star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, double stars, and planets to see. Astronomers will explain what is visible through the telescope, answer questions, and explore how looking into space also means looking back in time. Free s’mores and hot chocolate!
Location: Owl Creek Room, Limelight Snowmass
Tours will begin at the Owl Creek Room at Limelight Snowmass with a brief introduction and discussion before we walk together to the Transit Center and board a bus for a short ride to Ziegler Reservoir. At the Reservoir, the Aspen Science Center will explore the remarkable 2010-2011 excavation that brought significant Ice Age discoveries to light.
*Please note this is an outdoor walking experience. The reservoir site has no restroom facilities or seating. The tour will take place along a dirt path adjacent to the reservoir. Comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Location: Meet at the Guest Services Cart on the Snowmass Mall
Explore the gentle, kid-friendly Snowmass Nature Trail on a guided tour with an Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Naturalist and special guest Gussie Maccracken. Learn about local ecology and an incredible diversity of wildflowers as the tour winds in and out of lush alpine meadows and aspen forests.
Location: Meet at the Guest Services Information Cart on the Snowmass Mall
Learn about Snowmass’ incredible Ice Age Discovery Dig on a guided tour with an ACES Naturalist. Photos, props, and stories from the dig will amaze you on this easy hike just adjacent to the site of the incredible fossil discovery.
Location: Owl Creek Room, Limelight Snowmass
Peter Goble, a leading Colorado climatologist from Colorado State University, will discuss how Colorado’s climate is changing and what those changes mean for Snowmass Village. Local leaders from Aspen Skiing Company, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, and the Wildfire Collaborative will share how they are adapting to the changing climate.
Panelists:
Chris Miller, SVP of Sustainability, Community and Advocacy at Aspen One
Adam McCurdy, Forest and Climate Director, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
Angie Davlyn, Executive Director of Wildfire Collaborative Roaring Fork Valley
Moderator: Clint Kinney Town Manager, Town of Snowmass Village
Location: Snowmass Base Village Events Lawn
As darkness settles over Snowmass, explore the night sky through multiple professional telescopes with Astro Tours astronomers on the Events Lawn in Base Village. Depending on conditions, there may be star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, double stars, and planets to see. Astronomers will explain what is visible through the telescope, answer questions, and explore how looking into space also means looking back in time. Free s’mores and hot chocolate!
