The breathtaking landscape of Snowmass, Colorado provides an excellent backdrop for your winter or spring getaway. Whether seeking a snow-covered world for your outdoor adventures or dreaming of a late spring getaway when the snow has melted from the slopes, Snowmass is sure to deliver when it comes to things to do and see. Make sure you pack the appropriate gear, get in on the area’s best activities, and know all the top tips for the area by using this ultimate guide to Snowmass winter and spring to plan your vacation!
Winter Weather in Snowmass
Snowmass temperatures in winter tend to hover in the mid-30s, so make sure to bring along all your cold-weather gear. A ski coat, thermals, and layers will go a long way when it comes to spending as much time as possible on the slopes without having to take too many warm-up breaks. Snowmass has snow in its name for good reason. This mountain locale receives an annual snowfall average of 200 inches, resulting in powdery conditions that bring in skiers and snowboarders from around the country. Whether enjoying the slopes under the falling snowflakes of a magical snowy day or under a sunny blue sky with glittering snow all around, winter weather in Snowmass is ideal for outdoor adventuring!
Spring Weather in Snowmass
Temperatures rise steadily throughout spring, ranging from the low 40s to low 60s. The ski season usually continues through mid-April, making it possible to get in one last snowy adventure for spring break.
Peak Season Travel Tips
The busiest times to vacation in Snowmass are during the height of ski season between December and April, and during the height of summer between June and August. If you plan to visit Snowmass during these busy times, it is important to book ahead of time to save on costs and to claim your accommodations and passes before they’re booked up. These are the times Snowmass has the biggest crowds, though overall, this charming mountain village sees less crowds than many other ski resort areas.
Shoulder Season Travel Tips
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Snowmass during the shoulder season. The beginning of April, between the holiday rush and the onslaught of spring breakers can be a quieter time during the height of ski season. If you’re not set on a ski vacation, consider visiting Snowmass in the fall. September and October still see warmer temperatures, with daytimes in the mid-50s to upper 60s, so there’s still plenty of warmth for enjoying activities such as hiking or biking. Fall in Snowmass is also beautiful, with the changing colors of leaves turning the mountainsides brilliant colors of gold and red. If planning a trip to Snowmass during an off-peak tourism time, be aware that some amenities may be closed.
Snowmass Winter Activities
With powdery white snow that covers the landscape throughout winter, it’s probably no surprise that Snowmass is a top winter destination filled with activity options. Residents and visitors alike embrace the outdoors during winter, finding ways to enjoy the terrain and glistening scenery. Whether you’re trying a new winter sport, seeking family-friendly activities, or are already an advanced skier, there are many ways to enjoy a Snowmass winter!
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
The ski mountain in Snowmass boasts 98 trails that offer over 150 miles of exploration possibilities, three terrain parks, and 20 high-speed lifts to get you there quickly. With the longest run clocking in at just over five miles, you’ll spend plenty of time perfecting your carving rather than standing in lines. Just over half of the slopes at Snowmass are rated beginner and intermediate, making this a great ski destination for families. Snowmass also offers group and private lessons for those new to the sport or those wanting to improve on previously learned skills. And the kids will never view school the same after attending the award-winning kids’ ski school at Snowmass!
Cross Country Skiing
Explore some of Snowmass’s flatter trails while getting in a good workout when you head out for a day of cross-country skiing. Without the steeper terrain to navigate, cross-country skiing has a quicker learning curve and can be a great way to enjoy a winter day in the snow when you’re ready for a break from the steeper slopes. The groomed trail on the Snowmass Golf Course is the perfect place to begin your cross country skiing venture.
Tubing
Get in some fun with the entire family with an afternoon of tubing. Reminiscent of the perfect simplicity of sledding, the tubing hills at Snowmass offer all the fun without the dreaded slog back uphill. Fly down the hill with the kids and enjoy the comfort of lift service back to the top to do it all over again. The lighted evening sessions are especially fun!
Uphill Skiing
You’ve head of downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, but this version of skiing may be new to the repertoire. If it sounds like an intense workout, it is. Uphill skiing entails forgoing the ski lift in favor of traversing up the mountain on alpine touring skis or splitboards. With the unique advantage of having 24-hour uphill access, uphill skiing in Snowmass can be enjoyed at any time of day or night.
Snowmass Spring Activities
The beginning of spring in Snowmass still sees plenty of powder perfect for a spring break ski trip. As the snow begins to melt and the Snowmass community prepares to transition from winter tourism season to summer tourism season, you’ll find fewer crowds with which to contend. Whether you’re snowshoeing down a scenic trail or cycling down a wide-open road with panoramic views, there are many ways to enjoy Snowmass Spring!
Hiking
Hiking conditions can vary greatly during spring, ranging from snow-covered to muddy to clear. But as temperatures warm, hiking is a great way to enjoy the spring weather. Consider embarking on some of Snowmass’s shorter hikes during spring that offer big rewards when it comes to views. The Rim Trail is a favorite, offering spectacular 360-degree views at Spiral Point.
Road Biking
While mountain biking is not yet accessible in spring, this season offers a great chance for some epic road biking. With the roads to Maroon Bells and Independence Pass closed to traffic until the end of May, these routes boast a vehicle-free place to enjoy the scenery aboard a road bike.
Snowshoeing
Spring in Snowmass is a great time to try a snow sport that doesn’t require pristine powder, such as snowshoeing. As long as there’s still snow on the ground, snowshoeing is an option, and with its quick learning curve, it can still offer tons of fun even as a beginner. Consider booking a guided adventure with Ute Mountaineer or SunDog Athletic, two experienced outfitters in the area.
Art Gazing
Snowmass is more than just another run-of-the-mill ski town. It is home to a vibrant arts community, much of which is based out of the Anderson Ranch Art Center. This center has top-of-the-line art studios, an artists-in-residence program, art workshops, a café, a gallery with rotating exhibitions, and a store offering both artworks and art supplies. Whether you want to check out the latest pieces created by local artists or explore your creative side by participating in an art workshop, the Anderson Ranch Art Center offers a meaningful break from your outdoor adventuring.
Where to Eat in Snowmass
Pause to warm up and refuel in the middle of a skiing session at one of Snowmass’s many eateries located conveniently on the mountain or plan a special evening out after a day of exploration. You’ll find a wide variety of cuisine in Snowmass far beyond the typical ski hut fare. Here are some starting points for taste testing your way through Snowmass this winter or spring!
Breakfast: Fuel
Get your morning caffeine fix at Fuel before hitting the slopes. This casual eatery offers a variety of specialty coffees that will get your day started off on the right foot. Try the yin-yang, a blend of black and white mochas. Fuel up with a specialty bagel or a hearty breakfast burrito and stow away a freshly baked cookie or brownie for later as a snack on the slopes. Fuel also serves paninis, sandwiches, and wraps for lunch.
Lunch: The Stew Pot
A meal at The Stew Pot is the perfect way to warm up mid-day in Snowmass. Serving the Snowmass community for nearly 50 years, The Stew Pot is a resident and visitor favorite. The Stew Pot’s local mountain comfort food is sure to warm you up and reenergize you for the remainder of the day. Their menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, stews, soups, and chilis. Their hearty classic beef stew is a go-to favorite, served up alongside homemade bread and butter. Stews, soups, and chilis can all be ordered by the cup, bowl, or quart. With the exceptions of Sundays, The Stew Pot is also open for dinner.
Dinner: The Edge
The Edge is our fantastic onsite restaurant featuring tasty après ski dining specials and finely crafted menu options with an alpine focus. Enjoy options such as wienerschnitzel, red deer, and pork shank, plus a variety of salads, appetizers, draft and domestic beers, red and white wines, and even delicious desserts like the popular Linzertorte.
Winter & Spring Event Calendar
Whether you’re jamming to live music or turning strangers into friends as you roast marshmallows over an open fire, winter and spring bring a plethora of fun events to the calendar. Consider adding some of these Snowmass events to your travel itinerary!
Music on the Mall
From the beginning of December through mid-April, Thursday evenings in Snowmass become a favorite with Music on the Mall. Local Roaring Fork Valley musicians hit the Tower Stage as the perfect way to end the day. And to top it off, free s’mores are available not just for the kids, but for anyone who wants to wrap up the day on a sweet note!
Game of Stones
If you’ve ever thought the sport of curling looked intriguing, Thursdays at the Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink is the time and place to give it a try. The game’s objectives include sliding a 40-pound granite rock across the ice toward a target, with points awarded for those who are the closest. The competition quickly heats up at this activity reserved for those ages 18 and older.
Winter & Spring Snowmass Accommodations
With 95% of Snowmass accommodations offering the coveted ski in/ski out location, it’s easy to find a great place to base your winter or spring stay. At Timberline Condominiums, we offer beautifully appointed Snowmass winter vacation condos ranging from studios to spacious 3-bedrooms. From an efficiency kitchen in the studios to a spacious kitchen with full-sized appliances in our larger condos, it’s easy to settle in and make yourself at home at Timberline. Comfortable furnishings, high quality linens, and plenty of natural light make these Snowmass accommodations a welcoming home away from home. In addition to enjoying easy access to ski slopes, hiking and biking trails, and restaurants, our condos also boast additional onsite amenities. Take a dip in the heated swimming pool or treat yourself to a well-earned soak in the hot tub after a day of carving on the slopes!
Contact Us
Our helpful team at Timberline Condominiums is happy to answer any questions you may have about your winter or spring vacation in Snowmass. Contact us today for further information!
When the first snow of the year falls to the ground, some travelers find reasons to book a vacation to sunnier destinations. Others find every reason to run towards the fresh powder and look for getaways where even more snow can be enjoyed! If your idea of an amazing winter getaway comes with soaring mountain peaks, sweeping valley views, and a long list of options for outdoor fun, then Snowmass is the place to be this year.
Complete with plenty of snow, an incredible ski culture, and options for exploration that are sure to thrill, Snowmass Colorado winter brings the best right to you. No matter when in the season you make your way this direction, a trip to Snowmass promises to have a little something for everyone on the adventure front.
Explore the Base Village
Year-round, time spent in the Snowmass Base Village is bound to please, but there’s something particularly exciting about this area during the winter months. The village has a way of exuding mountain-town charm this time of year and taking a stroll through the area offers up plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with fellow travelers as well as check out unique shops. During winter, this area hosts a fun ice skating rink as well where friends and families can gather to test their balance and enjoy memories made on the ice!
Check Out Incredible Dining Stops
While many visitors come to Snowmass to make the most of the great outdoors during a winter getaway, all of the activities here have a way of leading towards a robust appetite eventually! Fortunately, Snowmass is an oasis of flavorful fun when it comes to picking and choosing between local dining stops to enjoy. Our restaurant on-site with alpine cuisine, in winter 20/21 is open every day for dinner from 4 pm to 9 pm, and on weekends we offer lunch from 11 am and then dinner to 9 pm. Check our menu on www.theedgesnowmass.com.
While you don’t have to look far to find local fare, Snowmass also hosts a variety of restaurants that feature the best of global cuisine selections. Whether you’re in the mood for German favorites or mouthwatering Sushi, Southern BBQ, or traditional American traditions, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for in one of the 40+ restaurants this area calls its own.
Take a Ride on Alpine Coaster
Take a break from the skis or snowboard, make a reservation for Alpine Coaster and take a ride. Alpine Coaster is located by the Gondola in Snowmass. It’s over a mile track where you can get a speed up to 28mph.
Ski Your Way to Snowmass Colorado Winter Fun
No planned Snowmass Colorado winter getaway would be entirely complete without time spent and savored on the stunning slopes. Snowmass and Aspen combine to create a world-class ski area featuring over 5,500 acres of land to be explored and enjoyed. Whether you’re new to the sport or seeking out double black diamond terrain, The Snowmass and Aspen ski areas are not to be missed. Lessons are readily available for newcomers while gear can be rented with ease. Daily, weekly, and seasonal passes make accessing the summits easier than ever—allowing the adventure to continue for as long as you’d like!
Explore on Two Wheels
The many exciting mountain trails that make Snowmass such a delight in the summer months continued to be maintained throughout the winter, opening up a world of possibilities for those that are excited about exploring on two wheels. Fat tire biking is a popular activity across Snowmass and rentals aren’t hard to find in this area. Feel like trying something unique and new?
Plan Your Own Winter Photography Tour
Of course, sometimes the best winter getaways to Snowmass happen at a slower pace. When you’re excited to be escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life and are hoping to relax in the great outdoors, planning your very own photography tour can be an ideal solution. Grab your camera, bundle up, and hit the trails at a leisurely pace, snapping special moments as you go. Wildlife spotters won’t be disappointed when they plan this type of excursion while winter bird spotting can be incorporated into the journey as well!
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
When you can’t wait to get a new perspective on your winter getaway to Snowmass, a hot air balloon ride is sure to do the trick. Local businesses like Above It All Balloon Co. offer year-round excursions that offer up sweeping views of the terrain and are sure to be as breathtaking as they are beautiful.
Book Your Snowmass Adventure Today
Taking time to explore Snowmass is worth it any time of year, but having the right winter accommodations in place for the adventure can elevate your experience even further! Contact Timberline today to learn more about our many area rental properties that can take your next Snowmass adventure to the next level of excellence.