Snowmass is not only a fun destination for outdoor enthusiasts but also a place with a rich history waiting to be explored. Beyond its ski slopes and scenic trails, the area offers insight into Snowmass history, including its early settlement, mining roots, and cultural evolution. From preserved landmarks to stories passed down through generations, there is more to discover than meets the eye. This guide to where to see the history of Snowmass will help you plan a well-rounded trip, blending adventure with meaningful experiences that connect you to the past while enjoying everything the destination has to offer today.
A Brief History of Snowmass
Snowmass history reflects a rich and layered past that stretches far beyond its modern reputation as a ski destination. The area’s Brush Creek Valley was originally inhabited by the Ute Indians, who lived off the land and gave meaning to the surrounding mountains. In the late 1800s, settlers arrived, forcing the Utes out and transforming the land into ranches for cattle and sheep. One notable figure, Charles Hoaglund, established a homestead that still influences the area today.
By the mid-20th century, development began to shift toward recreation when Olympic skier Bill Janss purchased ranch land to create a ski resort. This vision became reality in 1967 with the opening of Snowmass-at-Aspen, marking a turning point in Snowmass history and shaping the vibrant mountain community visitors experience today.
There are many places you can add to your itinerary to experience a piece of Snowmass history. The historical landmarks in Snowmass reflect the area’s past, offering a deeper look into how the area evolved. Exploring them adds context to your trip, giving you a richer appreciation for the destination beyond its outdoor recreation.
Snowmass Chapel
Snowmass Chapel is an important part of Snowmass history, representing both community vision and spiritual life in the growing resort town. First envisioned in 1967 alongside the early development of Snowmass, the idea took shape years later, when plans were created in 1980. The dream became reality in 1982 after land was donated for the project. The chapel was officially designated in 1987, establishing a lasting place of worship in the valley.
Snowmass Chapel remains a meaningful gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering unique indoor and outdoor services that reflect the area’s natural beauty, with regular services held on Sunday mornings at 9 AM and 10:30 AM. Its outdoor ministry is especially notable, bringing people together through hut trips, bike tours, group ski days, guided hikes, and backpacking adventures, blending faith, community, and the outdoors.
- Location: 5307 Owl Creek Road, Box 17169, Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Independence Ghost Town
Adding Independence Ghost Town to your itinerary is a powerful way to experience Aspen history firsthand. Located along Independence Pass, this once-thriving mining camp began on July 4, 1879, when prospectors discovered gold in the area. A tent city quickly formed, and by 1880, it had grown into a bustling community with cabins, businesses, and a growing population.
However, life at over 10,000 feet proved difficult, with harsh weather and isolation shaping daily life for residents. Despite early success, the boom was short-lived. By 1882, gold deposits were depleted, leading to mine closures and a rapid population decline. Many residents moved to Aspen, which was growing due to silver mining opportunities.
Today, Independence Ghost Town is preserved as an archaeological site where visitors can walk among remaining structures and interpretive displays. It offers a unique glimpse into Aspen history, allowing you to imagine life during Colorado’s mining era. This is a free, self-guided experience with an honor box system and a suggested donation of $5 per adult.
- Location: Google Maps
- Learn More
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Planning a stop at Ashcroft Ghost Town allows you to gain a deeper connection to Aspen history through one of the region’s most well-preserved mining sites. Located in the scenic Castle Creek Valley, the area was originally used by the Ute people for hunting before prospectors arrived in 1880 after discovering silver. The town quickly developed into a bustling mining hub and transportation center, complete with organized streets, buildings, and a growing population.
However, like many mining towns of the era, its success was also short-lived. By the early 1880s, shallow ore deposits led to mine closures, prompting residents to leave for more promising opportunities in Aspen. By 1912, only a small number of people remained, and Ashcroft gradually became a ghost town.
When visiting Ashcroft, visitors can explore restored structures, interpretive signage, and trails that bring history to life. There is self-guided, honor-system admission in the fall, winter, and spring, and a $5 fee for adults 19 and over in the summer.
- Location: Google Maps
- Learn More
Redstone Castle
Built beginning in 1897 by coal and steel magnate John Cleveland Osgood, Redstone Castle, also known as Cleveholm Manor, was designed as the grand centerpiece of a carefully planned company town. Constructed in a Tudor style using local sandstone, it showcased exceptional craftsmanship throughout its exterior and interior, which boasts 42 rooms. The surrounding village of Redstone was developed as a model company town, with thoughtfully designed homes and amenities for workers, reflecting a rare level of planning during Colorado’s mining era.
The castle still stands as a preserved reminder of that ambition and prosperity. Visitors can take a public group or private tour of the estate and explore its architecture, gaining insight into the industrial influences that helped shape the history of Snowmass, CO, and the greater Aspen area.
- Location: 58 Redstone Castle Dr #1, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623
- Historic Tours
Snowmass Ice Age Discovery
The Snowmass Ice Age Discovery reveals one of the most remarkable prehistoric finds in North America. In 2010, during construction at Ziegler Reservoir, workers uncovered a site that would yield thousands of fossils, sparking a large-scale excavation effort involving hundreds of people. These discoveries provided an extraordinary look into Ice Age ecosystems and the animals that once roamed the area.
Families can engage with this discovery in an interactive and family-friendly way. Start by stopping at the Snowmass Visitor Center to learn more and pick up a free Ice Age Passport. From there, stroll through the Village to explore art installations and educational displays inspired by the discovery. Along the way, you will visit designated stops, gather clues, and answer questions tied to the site’s history. Once completed, you can even turn in your passport for a prize, making it a fun, family-friendly, and immersive way to experience Snowmass history.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center
Anderson Ranch Arts Center has been a vibrant part of the cultural fabric near Snowmass since its founding in 1966, when ceramist Paul Soldner and other artists transformed a former ranch into an innovative arts center. From its beginnings as a place for small, immersive workshops, it evolved into a respected nonprofit dedicated to creative exploration and artistic dialogue. Early programs included ceramics, woodturning, painting, and community offerings that brought locals and visiting artists together around shared creative pursuits.
Anderson Ranch continues that legacy by offering a wide range of workshops and programs for artists of all levels, from beginners to internationally recognized professionals. Visitors can participate in classes across disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, woodworking, printmaking, and digital fabrication. The campus also features outdoor sculpture exhibitions, galleries, public events, and opportunities to meet artists in residence. It remains both a creative hub and a welcoming place for visitors to experience art in Snowmass.
- Location: 5263 Owl Creek Rd, Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Plan Your Historic Journey
Want to delve deeper into Snowmass history? Stay nearby at one of our well-positioned Snowmass vacation rentals!
