Winter Activities in Snowmass

Winter is the most popular time to visit Snowmass, when the mountains transform into a snowy playground for skiing, snowboarding, and other alpine adventures.  The beauty of Colorado is the dry air and the warm sun,  It makes being out in the winter months more enjoyable.  Outfitters, guides and local businesses offer alternative winter activities for those of you who do not ski or just choose to take a day off.  And for the kids – there is even more to do!

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are the top activities in Snowmass. The mountain offers a diverse mix of terrain, including wide groomed runs, tree skiing, terrain parks, and challenging expert slopes.

Snowmass is especially popular with families and intermediate skiers because of its long cruising trails and variety of terrain. Areas like Elk Camp and Big Burn offer scenic runs with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Highlights of skiing in Snowmass include:

• more than 3,300 acres of terrain
• nearly 150 trails
• terrain parks and halfpipes
• stunning mountain scenery

Visitors can also ski nearby Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk with the same lift ticket, making the Aspen Snowmass area one of the most diverse ski destinations in North America.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Snowmass

Cross-Country Skiing

Snowmass is also an excellent destination for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Cross Country Skiing is a free winter activity in Snowmass.  The Snowmass Nordic trail system features more than 60 miles of groomed trails that wind through forests and open meadows.  The trails connect the towns of Snowmass Village, Woody Creek, and Basalt.  Pitkin County Open Space and Trails funds the trails and the City of Aspen operates them.

Visitors can enjoy:

• classic and skate skiing trails
• scenic snowshoe routes
• equipment rentals and lessons
• beautiful views of the Roaring Fork Valley

Cross-country skiing provides a quieter way to experience the winter landscape while still enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Family Activities in Snowmass

Snowmass is a family friendly ski destination. Families visiting Snowmass will find plenty of activities beyond downhill skiing.

Popular family winter activities include:

• tubing hills
• ice skating in Base Village
• snowshoe tours
• sledding and winter festivals

The Snowmass Base Village ice rink is especially popular during winter evenings and offers a fun activity for families after a day on the slopes.

Snow Tubing

Aspen Snowmass has tubing facilities at Snowmass for the winter season. The multiple lanes are lift-served and carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp, with lighting facilities to illuminate the runs at night during Ullr Nights festivities.

Ullr Nights

Friends and family take an evening gondola ride up to Elk Camp Restaurant and Elk Camp Meadows for outdoor winter activities such as tubing, riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, snowbiking, s’mores, and hot chocolate by the bonfire. Enjoy an à la carte culinary celebration from 5:30pm to 7:30pm sure to please any palate.  Visit Aspensnowmass for details.

Ice Skating

Snowmass offers a free community-supported ice-skating rink at the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds on Brush Creek Road. Ice skating is also offered at Base Village from 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster

The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster allows you to experience the sensation of speeding down the track, banking tight curves, and watching the trees whistle by as you ride a tandem coaster car. The mile-long track gets you up to about 28 miles per hour — not quite a luge speed, but fast enough for a thrilling ride.

Tours, Guides & Adult Fun

Snowmobile Tours

If you are looking for an adventure try a snowmobile tour! Explore the snow capped terrain and vista views of the Roaring Fork Valley with an experienced guide.

Ski Bike Rental

Choose the ultimate winter experience in Colorado when you ski bike in Snowmass. Ski bikes are easy to ride, no matter your age or skill level.  With their bike-like design, you can quickly master the basics and enjoy the thrill of skiing without the steep learning curve.

Winter Activities in Snowmass

Snowmass Village Activities and Attractions

Snowmass Village offers more than outdoor recreation. The village itself is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural events that make it an enjoyable winter destination.

Snowmass Base Village

Snowmass Base Village has become the center of ski season activity in the village. The area features:

• restaurants and cafés
• outdoor gathering spaces
• shops and art installations
• seasonal events and concerts

During winter the area hosts ice skating and festive events, while summer brings outdoor concerts, markets, and family programming.

Dining and Après Ski

Snowmass offers a wide variety of restaurants ranging from casual mountain cafés to upscale dining experiences.

Visitors will find:

• local breweries
• international cuisine
• family-friendly restaurants
• après ski lounges

Popular spots include restaurants located in Snowmass Mall and Base Village.

Snowmass Restaurants Guide