This Colorado Ski Resort Has Some of the Best On-mountain Dining in the U.S.

While Snowmass sometimes gets overlooked by Aspen, with its flashy luxury hotels, celebrity guests, and rowdy après-ski scene, over the last few years, the ski resort has quietly become a popular wintertime destination in its own right. As part of a $600 million development project, the resort built a proper ski village with an ice skating rink and a hotel in 2018.

Snowmass also earns brownie points with ski enthusiasts who like to hit the slopes nice and early, offering guests a first go at fresh snow before the lifts start running when others would make you pay for the privilege. And if you want to skip the lines for the ski lifts altogether, uphillers are free to skin their way up the slopes during operating hours — another rarity at U.S. ski resorts.

And then there's the skiing. With 3,342 acres of terrain, Snowmass is bigger than its three sibling mountains — Aspen, Highlands, and Buttermilk — combined. Wide-open runs, nearly half of which are blues, make it a dream for novice skiers who are looking to progress but aren't ready to face Aspen, where there's no easy way back down.

That said, the resort’s best-kept secret is its expert terrain. Roughly 30 percent of the mountain is made up of double black runs, and Snowmass boasts one of the longest vertical descents in North America at 4,406 feet.

Even if skiing isn't your forte, there's plenty to do off-mountain and around the resort, whether you want to give snowboarding a try or warm up alongside the locals at one of the best bars or restaurants in town.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect ski trip to Snowmass this winter.

When to Go

While the ski season officially kicks off at the end of November and typically runs through mid-April, the perfect time to visit depends on the weather, your budget, and how many other visitors you want to share the mountain with. Temperatures average anywhere from the teens and 20s to the low 30s between November and April, and winter storms can bring record-breaking amounts of snow. Check the snow report online for up-to-date info on what to expect during your trip.

A full calendar of events takes place all season long. If you're hoping to avoid the crowds, plan your trip outside of holidays and school breaks (including Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January, Presidents' Day weekend in February, and spring break in March).

According to the Snowmass website, visiting early in the season has its perks, allowing you to beat the crowds and enjoy fresh snow after late-November storms, as the resort tends to get more snow than its sibling mountains. You may also find special packages and discounts on lodging. A springtime ski trip is also a good idea, with warmer weather, more daylight hours, and fewer crowds to contend with toward the end of the season.

Where to Stay

Limelight Snowmass

When Limelight Aspen opened its sibling property Limelight Snowmass in the heart of the Base Village in 2018, it instantly became the entire ski area's main social hub. Each of its 99 rooms and 11 residences comes with a microwave and fridge, while a hearty breakfast is complimentary. Unwind in one of the hotel's two large outdoor hot tubs after a big day on the mountain. The pet-friendly property also has a special kids' room with plenty of toys, games, and books to keep little ones busy, a climbing wall, and a fitness center featuring Therabody recovery products. 

The Viceroy Snowmass

For those seeking a swankier home base, The Viceroy Snowmass epitomizes mountainside luxury with a 7,000-square-foot spa, a restaurant from star chef Richard Sandoval, and a heated pool and bar located just off the slopes. Accommodation options range from plush guest rooms and suites to studio residences and luxury three-bedroom penthouses.

Viewline Resort Snowmass

In 2022, The Westin debuted a multimillion-dollar renovation, reopening as the Viewline Resort Snowmass, an Autograph Collection Hotel. Located near the Snowmass Mall just above the village, the 254-room slopeside property sports a retro '60s vibe, a tavern-style restaurant, and an Ayurvedic spa, perfect for anyone planning a relaxing mountain getaway.

Where to Eat

Sam's

Snowmass can now declare bragging rights for having the area's best on-piste dining. Set at 10,620 feet, Sam's channels the Dolomites with perfect Negroni spritzes, a serious Italian wine list, and delicious dishes like steak tagliata and house-made rigatoni Bolognese. It's a great spot for an indulgent lunch during a long day on the mountain.

Alpin Room

For a taste of the Alps, skiers can head to the Alpin Room. Located at the top of the Alpine Springs lift, the dining room feels like a modern ski chalet. The menu features Alsatian staples such as tartiflette (a traditional French potato dish made with Reblochon cheese, meat, and onions) and choucroute garnie (meat with sauerkraut). Beat the chill with a cup of aromatic mulled wine.

The Crêpe Shack

In the village, The Crêpe Shack opens before the lifts, offering a menu of both sweet and savory crepes. Try one of the more creative flavors, like apple strudel, monkey matcha (made with green tea matcha, bananas, and hazelnut spread), or, on the savory side, madras curry, bison burger, or a crepe dog.

Where to Après-ski

The Lounge

Live music and killer deals on craft beers and artisanal pizzas make The Lounge at Limelight Snowmass a favorite post-ski hangout. If wine, bubbles, and specialty cocktails are more your speed, you'll have plenty of options as well. For a real treat, warm up with a chai hot toddy, made with bourbon, honey syrup, and chai tea.

Venga Venga

Those craving hearty Mexican fare after a big day of skiing or snowboarding are in luck. Head to Venga Venga near the Snowmass Mall for craft margaritas, street tacos, and guacamole made fresh at your table. Enjoy chef Richard Sandoval’s take on modern Mexican cuisine and epic views of the mountain as you nosh next to outdoor firepits.

Nest Bar & Grill

The closest you'll come to a see-and-be-seen après-ski scene at Snowmass is at the Nest Bar & Grill. This ski-in/ski-out poolside bar at The Viceroy Snowmass warms up skiers with potent hot toddies and mezcal-spiked hot cocoa. Craving something with more of a kick? The Spicy Paloma, made with jalapeño-infused Tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda doesn't disappoint.

Off-mountain Activities

Brave the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

Speed through the forest aboard the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which can run up to 28 miles per hour. Experience it in daylight to take in the scenery. Or, for a memorable nighttime ride, wait until the track stays open late during the resort's Ullr Night celebrations — held in honor of the Norse snow god on select evenings in December, February, and March.

Go snow tubing.

Head to The Meadows at Elk Camp for epic snow tubing all season long beginning in late December. Take on the hills during the day or after-hours during Ullr Night festivities (see above), when the snowfields are lit up for your nighttime tubing pleasure.

Enjoy nature on a snowshoe tour.

Don snowshoes and embark on a two-hour guided tour with a professional naturalist to learn more about the resort's flora and fauna. Tours take place from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola twice a day starting in mid-December and are recommended for ages seven and up. Wear your warmest winter gear and sunscreen — everything else, including gondola rides to and from the meeting point and snowshoes, is included in your ticket price.

How to Ride

Tickets

A variety of passes are available, including daily lift tickets providing access to all four mountains, which start at $189 per adult for a full day or $124 for an afternoon. You can save money by purchasing tickets online at least a week ahead.

Aspen Snowmass is an Ikon Pass participant, giving you seven days of access to more than 50 ski resorts worldwide with a full Ikon Pass and five days of access with an Ikon Base Plus Pass. It's also part of The Mountain Collective, which allows two days' entry at 24 ski resorts throughout the U.S., Canada, France, and New Zealand.

An annual uphill pass costs $69, while sightseeing tickets are available for $49 for anyone in your group who wants to enjoy the view from the top of the mountain but doesn't actually ski.

Rentals

You don't have to lug all your gear to Snowmass, just rent everything you need once you get there. Four Mountain Sports has nine locations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley area, offering packages that come with skis, poles, and ski boots, or snowboards and boots (helmets and other accessories can be rented separately).

Other nearby ski and snowboard rental shops include Christy Sports, Incline Ski & Board Shop, and Snowmass Sports, which all have outposts within reach of the four mountains. Check the websites for deals and discounts, many of which are offered for advance purchases.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Snowmass has ample space for skiers of all skill levels, with 3,342 acres of terrain, 4,406 vertical feet, and 21 chairlifts. Of its 98 trails, five percent are considered to be easy, while 48 percent are defined as more difficult, 17 percent are deemed the most difficult, and another 30 percent are marked as expert-level.

If snowboarding is more your speed, head up the Cirque Lift to the gated double blacks at the top of the mountain. The steep and deep terrain will test your mettle and reward you with beautiful views of the Maroon Bells. For a great lap with a lot of variety, take the High Alpine Lift to the top, then cruise down Roberto's and into Frog Pond Glades, finishing on Wall 1 or 2.

Snowmass also has three terrain parks if you want to hone your skiing and snowboarding tricks. Beginners should start at Lowdown Park, which sports a practice halfpipe among other newbie-friendly features, while nearby Makaha Park and Snowmass Park are more geared toward those at the intermediate and expert levels.

Programming

Whether you're a complete beginner or brushing up your skills before hitting the mountain, private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for adults, teens, and children over two and a half.

Childcare services are available at the resort's Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, providing a safe and interactive space for little ones between the ages of one and four to play while their parents and older siblings hit the slopes. Other kid-friendly activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing, riding the alpine coaster, snowmobile tours, and making s'mores by the fire (free daily from 3:30 p.m.).