It’s no secret that Snowmass is the ultimate winter playground and summer oasis. Here, Snowmass Tourism Director Rose Abello spills her tips and tricks for the perfect 12 hours come snow or shine.
Snowmass sunrise ski
8:30AM: Get Outside
In the winter, the lift s start spinning at 8:30AM, 30 minutes sooner than the other three Aspen Snowmass mountains. Not to mention that 95% of Snowmass’ lodging is located slopeside, meaning the commute to first chair is easy as pie. Catching first chair is an extra-special treat, whether it is on a powder day or a sunny groomer morning. The air is still, peaceful, and you have the mountain to yourself. To ensure pristine runs and fresh tracks, Snowmass is open to uphilling, all day long in the winter, including early morning. In the summer, the sun rises early, but it is still cool and crisp enough to enjoy a hike up the Discovery Trail, where interpretive signs tell the story of the 2010 Snowmass Ice Age Discovery. If you’re looking for something more challenging, Snowmass has 90-plus miles of biking and hiking trails to choose from, many of which are accessible year-round.
10:45AM: Check Out the View
It’s hard to find a view in Snowmass that doesn’t take your breath away, but for the most scenic vistas, the higher up the mountain you get, the more rewarding the scenery. In the winter, views of Snowmass’ iconic Mt. Daly can be seen off the side of the blue run, Sneakys. Try to make out the distinctive stripe through the snow! In the summer, hike up the South Rim Trail to Spiral Point for 360-degree views of Snowmass Village and the surrounding areas. The best view, and it is still somewhat a secret, is from the top of the Elk Camp Chair, where you can see the Maroon Bells at a distance. Summer, winter or any time in between, the Maroon Bells are always breathtaking, and the chairlift makes it so easy to see them.
1:30PM: Best Eats
Snowmass has 30-plus restaurants to choose from, from barbecue joints to fine dining, burrito spots and just about everything in between. For the best views of the Village and downvalley, JUS Snowmass features 180 degrees of glass-enclosed windows, offering unparalleled vistas to go with smoothies, house-pressed juices, sandwiches and more. Looking for lunch to take skiing or hiking? Grab and go with a wide selection of burritos, coffees and pastries from Fuel, located on the Snowmass Mall. If you haven’t made a reservation to dine at Sam’s at the top of Sam’s Knob on the mountain, you should rethink your winter lunch strategy. The views of the resort covered in snow from the floor-to-ceiling windows are unbeatable, and with a cocktail in hand and homemade bread and pasta on your table, it doesn’t get much better.
4:30PM: Wind Down
After a day on the hill, take time to wind down and relax, releasing the intricate moments that make up the day. Enjoy a yoga class with Aaron King at King Yoga, taking in the downvalley views from his studio as you bliss out. In the summer, classes are offered outdoors on The Rink in Snowmass Base Village. For a more traditional relaxation setting, book a spa appointment at Alux Spalon, the Viewline Resort Snowmass or at the Viceroy Snowmass, which even offers hike-in, hike-out and ski-in, ski-out treatments depending on the season. For the ultimate relaxation aft er a day on the hill, get in a hot tub. Every lodge in Snowmass has one, or check out the saline tubs at the Snowmass Rec Center and let your muscles relax.
8PM: Turn Up & Head Out
Don’t skip dinner or an evening out in Snowmass. There is always something going on! If you want active, try bowling at Snowmass Lanes & Lounge; if you want funny, try comedy at The Collective Snowmass. Pair your dinner out with the Snowmass Free Concert Series in the summer or a Bud Light HiFiconcert in the winter. To help plan your day, be sure to check out the events calendar for all there is to see and do in Snowmass, all year round.
Photography by: Photography by Sam Ferguson, Courtesy of Snowmass Tourism
