Snowmass Ski Area is known for its expansive terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and impressive vertical drop. As the largest of the Aspen Snowmass mountains, it offers a wide variety of runs geared toward varied experience levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert terrain.
About Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass Ski Area delivers an impressive on-mountain experience with unmatched scale and variety. With more than 3,300 acres of terrain, it boasts everything from wide-open alpine bowls to glades and high-speed groomers.
Tree skiing is a highlight here, with areas like the Prospector Tree Trail near Adams Avenue offering carvable trails easily accessible from Elk Camp, while the Cirque and Hanging Valley Wall challenge advanced skiers with steep pitches and dramatic descents.
Snowmass also features a whopping 20 lifts, allowing you to cover serious ground in a single day. The Village Express high-speed 6-passenger chairlift is among the most popular thanks to its convenient mid-station that efficiently connects the base village to the upper mountain, providing quick access to a wide variety of runs.
The Ski Trails
Snowmass Ski Area features more than 150 miles of ski trails, offering remarkable variety. Here are a few must-do’s when it comes to Snowmass skiing.
Fanny Hill
- Level: Easy
- Trail Features: Fanny Hill is a favorite for beginners, with plenty of wide-open space to practice turns. At over 700 meters long, this frequently groomed pass delivers a fun and scenic ride with views of Maroon Bells
Long Shot
- Level: Intermediate
- Trail Features: As its name suggests, long Shot delivers an extensive 5.3 miles of uninterrupted skiing, making it a favorite for intermediate skiers. As the longest run on the mountain, you’ll want to prepare for the leg burn on this one! Access Long Shot from the top of Elk Camp chairlift.
Hanging Valley
- Level: Advanced
- Trail Features: This expert-only trail is accessed via a 10-minute hike from the top of the High Alpine lift, or you can connect via The Cirque. Those skilled enough for the challenge will appreciate the winding glades and cliff bands.
Other Features
Aspen Snowmass Ski Area offers amenities designed to make your ski experience convenient and enjoyable. Its comprehensive ski school welcomes children as young as 2.5 years old, as well as adults just starting out or looking to hone their skills, ensuring that every member of the family can gain confidence on the slopes. Choose between private or group lessons to boost skills and confidence.
Snowmass offers more on-mountain dining options than any of the other mountains, and you’ll find everything from quick bites to upscale dining. Here are a couple of favorites to try.
Sam’s
This upscale Italian restaurant boasts a menu that reflects its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. Try their beef bourguignon or clams and frites, paired with exquisite wine by the glass or by the bottle.
- Hours: November – April from 9 am – 3:30 pm
- Location: Top of Village Express Lift
Up 4 Pizza
This is a family favorite for its casual ambiance and delicious cuisine that caters to even the pickiest eaters. Choose your favorite toppings for their perfectly baked pies, and be sure to save room for homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
- Hours: December – April from 9 am-3:30 pm
- Location: Top of the Big Burn Chairlift
Getting to the Top
With multiple 4- and 6-person lifts, getting around the mountain is easy. The highest point at Snowmass sits at a towering 12,510 feet, and to reach it, you’ll need to take the Sheer Bliss lift, followed by the Cirque platter lift for the final stretch. Those who brave the heights are rewarded with access to long cruisers, challenging bowls, and expert glades.
Staying Nearby
Staying in a ski-in, ski-out rental at Timberline Condominiums makes enjoying Snowmass Ski Area effortless. Step right out your door and hit the slopes with no commute or shuttle lines. With convenient access to lifts, trails, and on-mountain amenities, these Snowmass ski resort rentals let you maximize ski time, relax between runs, and fully immerse yourself in a seamless Snowmass winter vacation.
