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snowmass summer scout love snowmass back

Snowmass Loves You. Love Snowmass Back.

Snowmass is the kind of place that wags its tail every time you arrive. Here, you’re surrounded by breathtaking beauty, invited to play indoors and out, and welcomed by a caring community. It takes a Village to care for Snowmass, and here’s what you can do to help keep it perfect for generations to come. 

LOVE ADVENTURE

We love to get out and play. We’re surrounded by two million acres of national forest land, with endless trails to hike and slopes to ski.

So be well-prepared.

  • Prepare for altitude.  It takes some time to adjust so take it easy, hydrate early and often, get proper sleep/rest and minimize alcohol and caffeine. Read: Aspen Snowmass Guide to Altitude for Sea Level Guests 

  • Don’t count on cell service. There’s no Wi-Fi in the forest, but we guarantee you’ll find a better connection. 

  • Bring a map. Plan your route, download a map, or bring a paper one. You can pick ’em up at Snowmass Guest Services or download here: Trail Maps | Snowmass Tourism

  • Wear the right footwear. For summer hikes, that means hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. For winter strolls, traction matters more than fashion.

  • Dress in layers. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Cozy layers with hats and gloves are obvious for winter adventures, but even in July it gets cold at night, and summer thunderstorms make rain jackets a must-have. 

  • Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Our higher elevation increases the intensity of sunlight. Even in the winter we get lots of sunny days and the sun reflecting off the snow can result in some funny goggle burns. 

  • Bring lots of water and snacks to fuel your adventures. You’ll need more than you think. 

LOVE NATURE

Snowmass will leave an impression on you, but you should Leave No Trace on Snowmass. Let’s keep this valley safe and pristine for dogs and their humans too!

  • Follow fire restrictions. Even a small spark can have devastating impact. So before you start that campfire, check Roaring Fork Fire Restrictions

  • Never approach wildlife. Keep your distance from wildlife, and never startle, feed, or try to pet animals. Learn more about wildlife you may encounter, how to avoid an encounter, and seasonal trail closures here

  • Bring a reusable bottle and enjoy our clean mountain tap water. 

  • Recycle if you can’t reduce or reuse. Here’s info on what and how.

  • Stay on marked trails to help preserve our delicate ecosystem. Take pics of the wildflowers, don’t pick them. 

LOVE COMMUNITY

When you’re here, you’re part of the Snowmass community. Here’s how we treat the valley, and each other, right.

 

  • Know who has the right of way. On the ski slopes, the downhill skier has the right of way. On summer trails, horses always have the right of way, followed by uphill hikers and runners, with mountain bikers yielding to everyone. See all the trail etiquette here

  • Ring a bike bell or announce your pass – it isn’t rude, it’s appreciated!

  • Use public transportation. Minimize traffic and parking limitations by using the car-free, cost-free transportation in the valley.

OUR COMMUNITY INCLUDES DOGS, TOO

 Snowmass loves dogs, and we all follow a few simple rules to keep our four-legged friends safe.

  • Obey leash laws – especially on trails – to avoid unsafe interactions with wildlife, bikes, horses, dogs, and everyone who enjoys this beautiful place. Mandatory leash areas include: Rim Trail, Base Village, Snowmass Mall, Snowmass Center, Fanny Hill, and Elk Camp Restaurant Recreation Area.

  • Bring poop bags with you, and always bag and dispose of dog poop. Do not leave dog poop, bagged or unbagged, on any trails. Ever. 

  • Don’t bring your dogs to events where they are not permitted. We love having them around, but it’s dangerous for them to be at events such as concerts, the Snowmass Rodeo, or the Snowmass Balloon Festival. 

THERE'S A LOT TO LOVE

Want to keep going? Here are some more helpful resources that’ll help you have the best vacation ever.

Aspen Snowmass – 10 Ways to be a Respectful Sustainable Hiker 

Aspen Mountain Rescue – Essential Info for Backcountry Exploring 

Mountain Rescue Aspen | (970) 920-5310 

Aspen Valley Health Snowmass Clinic | (970) 544-1518 

Aspen Valley Health Emergency Room & Medical Center | (970) 925-1120 

Roaring Fork Fire | (970) 340-7040