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Uphill Skiing & Splitboarding

Instead of a leisurely ride on the chairlift, earn your turns by traversing up the mountain on alpine touring skis or a splitboard

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three women uphill on Sam's Knob route at Snowmass Ski Area

Earn Your Turns

Uphilling (or “skinning”) has quickly risen to popularity in the ski community. This workout with a reward is an awesome way to change up your on-mountain experience but comes with rules to ensure everyone's safety. Rules are put in place to minimize conflicts between uphill and downhill traffic on the slopes and maximize everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Reminder: All uphillers are required to have an Uphill Pass.

Snowmass is one of the few mountains that allows all day uphill access. Uphillers must adhere to designated uphill routes during operating hours:

  • Two Creeks: Cascade to top of Funnel around Causeway (bottom of L10) to Elk Camp Restaurant
  • High Alpine Restaurant: Fanny Hill to McNamara Ridge to Coffee Pot to High Alpine Restaurant
  • Sam’s Knob: Fanny Hill to TOV headwall/Dawdler to Lower Velvet Falls to Upper Velvet Falls to mid-station of Village Express to Coney Glade Trail to Banzai Ridge to top of Sam’s Knob
  • Elk Camp: Base Village to Funnel up to Elk Camp Restaurant

Dogs are prohibited between 7:45am - 4:45pm at Snowmass during the ski season. Outside of those hours, you may bring your dog on-mountain with you, please be sure to clean up after your canine friend - no one wants to ski through dog poo!

Please be aware that no ski area services, including Ski Patrol, are available during hours that the ski areas are not open for business. Please call 911 in the event of an emergency during non-operational hours. You are responsible for your own safety at all times while on Aspen Skiing Company property.

Find the full list of Aspen Snowmass uphilling policies here.

woman rips the skins off skis at top of Sam's Knob uphilling route in Snowmass
two people uphilling during the Audi Power of Four SkiMo race on Snowmass
woman putting skins on skis before uphilling
group of friends uphilling in Snowmass

Uphilling & Skinning FAQs

Do I need an uphill pass?

Yes. Uphillers need an Uphill Pass when they're climbing without using ski lifts.If you plan to ride a lift, you'll need a valid lift ticket or pass. Uphill access is a privilege, and users are required to follow mountain signage, closures, and designated-route rules. Secure your uphill pass here.

What uphill routes are available?

There are four designated routes during operating hours, serving the Two Creeks, High Alpine, Sam's Knob, and Elk Camp portions of the mountain. Find a full map of designated uphill trails here.

When can I uphill?

Snowmass Village is unusual in allowing all day uphill access, subject to closures and mountain rules. During lift operating hours, you must stick to designated uphill routes. Access can close during operating hours because of snowfall, downhill traffic, or mountain operations. Outside normal operating hours, Ski Patrol and other ski-area services aren't available; emergencies should be reported to 911.

Can I bring my dog uphilling?

Dogs aren't permitted on the mountain at Snowmass Village between 7:45am and 4:45pm during ski season. Outside those hours, dogs may accompany uphillers, obey voice commands, and owners need to clean up after them.

What safety rules should I follow while uphilling?

Stay on the side of the trail, close to the treeline while remaining visible. Watch for downhill traffic and avoid blind spots. Never cross snowmaking lines, and stay clear of snowmaking equipment. Obey all closures, ropes, and on-mountain signage. Headlamps and taillights are encouraged when skinning before sunrise or after sunset so groomers and snowmakers can see you.

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