For The Best Stargazing in Colorado, Try Snowmass

While Snowmass is beloved as a winter wonderland and an expansive playground for outdoor adventures in every season, it is also known for its brilliant night skies. Due to minimal light pollution and its high elevation, Snowmass offers the best stargazing in Colorado, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in noctourism or who wants to get lost in the stars.

Whether you’re well-seasoned with telescopes and night photography, an amateur astro-mode iPhone user, or eager to start exploring the wonders of the night sky, Snowmass has plenty of spots where you can gaze up in awe and try your hand at night photography.

Why You Should Try Winter Stargazing

Winter is arguably the best time of year for stargazing. The longer nights make it easier to track constellations as they move across the sky, and the cooler air makes it easier to spot the stars and planets. With so many exciting events and happenings in the wintertime, there is always an opportunity to look up and add some sky exploration to your trip.

The Best Stargazing Experiences in Snowmass

Ullr Nights

Ullr Nights—a series of winter celebrations of the Norse god of winter—takes place at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola after dark. Between the dreamy ride up the gondola and standing around a cozy firepit, the cosmic views are remarkable. Step away from the party for just a few moments and you might get a good glimpse of the Milky Way, especially if you visit in the springtime.

Snowcat Dinners at The Cabin

For those who are seeking a little bit more of an adventure, Snowcat Dinners at The Cabin also involve a ride up the mountain under the stars, this time by snowcat instead of a gondola! Before enjoying a decadent prix fixe meal at The Cabin, enjoy a short snowcat ride up to the restaurant. With its location midway up the mountain, The Cabin boasts some of the most expansive views of the night sky above Snowmass Village and the high peaks.

Spiral Point

While most prefer hiking during the day, Spiral Point is one of the best places to sit back and experience the vastness of the Colorado night sky. To enjoy the evening with your own agenda and timeline, Spiral Point—also known as the Yin Yang—is a local favorite hiking trail that can be accessed from the Village. Bring your camping chair, your telescope, or just some warm blankets to sit back and enjoy the fun of spotting shooting stars from the Spiral Point platform. On a clear night with a full moon, you might even be able to see the moonlight silhouetting Mt. Daly.

Embracing Noctourism

No matter how you choose to experience the night sky in Snowmass, one thing is certain: the starry beauty above is as breathtaking as any other scenic view in the village. Whether you’re participating in a lively Ullr Nights party around the fire, enjoying a peaceful moment at Spiral Point, or indulging in an adventurous snowcat ride to The Cabin, Snowmass’ nighttime views will leave you wanting to learn more about the cosmos. When you visit Snowmass, make sure to take a moment to look up—because the dark skies are ready to show off for you.