About Aspen and Snowmass

A Magical Place Like No Other!

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Aspen and Snowmass offer limitless adventure and exquisite luxury in a breathtaking alpine environment.

You’ll find magnificent views of the mountains and a variety of activities to explore. You’ll be treated to opulent accommodations, delectable restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. You’ll discover unique cultural attractions, one-of-a-kind special events, and plenty of recreation opportunities. And if you like high-end or eclectic shopping, this is the place for you.

Read on to learn more about Aspen and Snowmass (collectively known as “Aspen Snowmass”). See why we offer the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.

Take in The Spectacular Mountain Views

Enjoy our dramatic mountain scenery—it's hard to beat!

Admire the iconic Maroon Bells and the other nearby high peaks while hiking or horseback riding in the surrounding White River National Forest. Or hop aboard a hot air balloon or the Silver Queen Gondola for a sky-high tour of the entire Roaring Fork Valley.

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something spectacular to see. You'll love your trip to this beautiful mountain paradise!

Winter and Fall Colors Near Aspen Snowmass

Explore Vast Outdoor Adventures

Aspen and Snowmass are known for having some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the United States! Experience nature at its best with skiing, rafting, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Whether you are a novice or experienced in the outdoors, you will find plenty of adrenaline-packed options throughout the area. The possibilities are endless when it comes to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of these two charming mountain hamlets.

Skiing and Snowboarding

When most people think of Aspen, they think of world-class skiing and snowboarding. And for good reason! The Aspen Skiing Company operates four distinct mountains that offer every type of terrain you'll ever want.

Snowmass is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It boasts 3,132 acres of terrain, ranging from beginner to expert level, and many ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Aspen Mountain offers 64 miles of trails, 675 skiable acres, and a vertical drop of 3267 feet. Local favorite Aspen Highlands ski resort, and the beginner’s paradise, Buttermilk Mountain, round out the “Power of Four."

All the ski areas feature state-of-the-art lift systems, like the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain and the Cirque lift in Snowmass. You'll rarely find a long lift line, and lift tickets provide access to all four mountains! In addition, Snowmass and Buttermilk offer snowboarding terrain parks for beginners to experts. You'll also find top-notch restaurants, like the Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell, for an exquisite on-mountain dining experience.

To top off a great day of skiing and snowboarding, you can settle in at one of the many après ski venues at the base of the mountains and nearby. And don’t forget to hit the hot tub after a long day on the slopes!

Cross-country skiing on the Aspen Golf Course

Other Winter Activities

Of course, winter in Aspen Snowmass is not just about skiing and snowboarding. Other popular wintertime activities that make for a memorable experience here include:

Snowmobiling

Tubing/sledding

Cross-country skiing

Uphill skiing

Backcountry skiing

Ice skating

Snowshoeing

Fat tire bike riding

Snowcat rides

Summer Adventures - Hiking and Biking

Outdoor adventure opportunities don’t end when the snow melts. In the warmer months, you can explore stunning meadows and blooming wildflowers. There are plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels, from gentle strolls through picturesque forests to more strenuous summit hikes with panoramic views of the valley.

Bikers can enjoy a variety of trails and paved bike paths for mountain and road bikers of all abilities. One of the local favorites is a leisurely ride on the Rio Grande trail next to the relaxing Roaring Fork River.

For those seeking more excitement, check out the thrilling downhill rides on the exciting Snowmass bike park. Or tackle the miles of nearby singletrack trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. The Snowmass bike park also offers classes for beginner trail riders.

Yellow Jeep in Summer with Mountain Background

More Summer Outdoor Activities

Here are some other popular summertime activities in Aspen and Snowmass:

Whitewater river rafting

Rock climbing

Horseback riding

Jeep tours

Kayaking/canoeing

Paragliding

Paddleboarding

Golfing

In-line Skating

Discover Enticing Local Attractions & Events

A trip to Aspen and Snowmass is about more than just natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

You’ll also find exciting world-class festivals, unique historic sites, and intriguing cultural attractions. And the nightlife, live music, and other entertainment options are unsurpassed. Also, don’t miss out on the fascinating museums and the many captivating art galleries sprinkled about town.

There are so many things to do here that we can’t possibly list them all, but here are a few suggestions.

Area Attractions and Historic Sites You Won’t Want to Miss

Breathtaker Alpine Coaster/Lost Forest - Elk Camp in Snowmass

Aspen Art Museum

John Denver Sanctuary

Wheeler Opera House

Aspen Historical Society Museum

Holden / Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum

Smuggler Mine Tour

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)

World-Class Annual Events and Programs

Aspen Food & Wine Festival

Aspen Music Festival and School

Aspen Filmfest

Winter X-Games

Aspen Ideas Festival

Legendary Local Nightlife Hotspots (Most Are Within Walking Distance from Your Accommodations)

Everyone has their favorite hangouts; we’re sure you’ll find yours. Of course, there’s a lot to choose from, but here are a few quick suggestions:

Afternoons are usually busy at Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell Hotel, Wet Deck at The W, and the J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome. The Belly Up has live concerts, and the dancing is electric at Escobar. For tasty craft beer, try Aspen Tap, and for distinctive designer cocktails, try Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar.

Oh, but beware of overindulging at our high altitude. You were warned!

Enjoy Luxurious Lodging

There are a variety of lodging options in Aspen and Snowmass.

You can choose an iconic ski lodge or a comfortable condo. Or select from elegant hotels and plush private vacation rental homes and chalets. Suppose you're visiting for a ski trip. In that case, you’ll find plenty of accommodations, including private rentals, that offer easy access to lifts or are near the base of one of the mountains.

Consider selecting a private rental residence with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms if you’re visiting with children or a large group.

When you rent a private home, chalet, or condo, you’ll enjoy amenities you won’t find in traditional hotels or ski lodges. You’ll get kitchen facilities, comfortable living rooms, extra space–and privacy. Other frequent private rental amenities include backyards, spacious closets, private hot tubs, garages, and ski storage, to name a few. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, contact us, and we’ll set you up with the perfect rental home or condo.

No matter what type of accommodations you choose, Aspen and Snowmass will surely provide you with an unforgettable stay.

Indulge in the Finest Dining Experiences

Aspen and Snowmass truly have it all! Satisfy your palate at any of the many outstanding restaurants, eateries, and cafes. From casual BBQs to five-star dining, you're in for a treat. Whether you're looking for gourmet, health consciousness, or comfort food, there is something for everyone.

The local restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines from around the world, and many incorporate locally grown ingredients when available. Several have achieved national acclaim!

Whether it's a romantic evening for two or a wild night out with friends, you'll find unforgettable dining in bustling downtown Aspen. And be sure to save some room for delicious pastries, ice cream, shakes, and tasty desserts!

The Snowmass mall and Snowmass Base Village also feature an impressive array of dining establishments. Visit our Dining and Shopping page for more details.

Satisfy Your Shopping Urge

Aspen and Snowmass are also well known for their unique retail stores. In fact, the area’s western attitude, independent mindset, and glitzy vibe have created one of America’s most exciting and compelling small-town shopping experiences!

You'll find luxury brands, eclectic boutiques, and amazingly equipped general stores. Also, check out the vintage and modern art galleries and fascinating antique shops. If you're gift shopping, you’re sure to find everything you need—for yourself or that special someone.

Check out our Dining and Shopping page to learn more about the vibrant Aspen Snowmass shopping scene.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Aspen and Snowmass?

Aspen is located in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, with an elevation of 7,908 feet. It has a lot to offer in culture, luxury shopping, and fine dining. The town of Snowmass Village is located just outside Aspen at an elevation of 8,209 feet. It provides visitors with ski slopes suited for all levels, biking, hiking, and many other outdoor activities.

Aspen offers more nightlife and entertainment, while Snowmass focuses on outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. In addition, Snowmass features more ski-in/out accommodations than Aspen and a more ‘ski resort village’ feel. And while both areas offer plenty of family-friendly activities, Snowmass is generally considered a bit more family-oriented overall.

How Do I Get to Aspen and Snowmass?

To get to Aspen and Snowmass, you can fly directly into the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) or drive via Colorado Highway 82. Please visit our “How to Get to Aspen” page for more detailed instructions.

How far is Snowmass from Aspen?

Snowmass, Colorado, is located approximately 8 miles away from Aspen. Traveling from Aspen to Snowmass takes about 20 minutes by car or 20-30 minutes via free local public transportation.

Is Snowmass cheaper than Aspen?

Yes, Snowmass is usually cheaper than Aspen for lodging and dining. You’ll also experience a quieter atmosphere in Snowmass compared to Aspen. But you’ll still have plenty of access to outdoor recreation, events, shopping, and nightlife.

Why is Aspen so famous?

Aspen, Colorado, is world-renowned for its top-notch ski resorts, abundant outdoor activities, and celebrity visitors. The area offers year-round access to pristine slopes, a vibrant arts community, and high-end shopping districts. As a result of its incredible beauty and abundance of activities, it is one of the most popular ski destinations in the world.

Why is it called Snowmass?

Snowmass is named after a nearby mountain, formerly known as “Cold Woman” by the Ute people. It was given this name due to its often-misty peak and the belief that it caused harsh weather. It was later renamed “Snow Mass” due to its abundance of snow between its two summits all year round.

Which is more exclusive, Aspen or Vail?

While both Aspen and Vail are famed ski resorts, they offer different experiences. Aspen is considered the more exclusive of the two, given its smaller size and more extensive range of luxury accommodations.

What hotels are in Aspen and Snowmass?

Here are some of the most well-known local luxury hotels in Aspen:

* The Little Nell
* The Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
* The Limelight Hotel
* W Aspen – A Marriott Hotel

Here are some of the most well-known local luxury hotels in Snowmass:

* Viceroy Snowmass
* Viewline Resort Snowmass, an Autograph Collection Hotel
* The Stonebridge Inn, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
* The Crestwood Condominiums

Find Out More About Aspen and Snowmass

We’ve barely scratched the surface! Check out our Local Area Guide to find even more reasons to visit our magnificent Rocky Mountain playground. Or contact us directly for unforgettable experiences and magical memories of a lifetime! In the meantime, take a look at the Aspen Good Neighbor Guide for some “…tips and tricks for responsible and respectful visitation while staying in Aspen.”

(970) 205-9960