Everybody knows that Aspen and Snowmass Village, Colorado are the gems of the Rockies, like two diamonds on a million dollar toi et moi ring. Aspen is more well-known as a luxury destination. Snowmass offers the best-of both-worlds with Aspen-caliber restaurants, hotels, resorts, and golfing, but with lighter crowds and greater privacy.

What Makes Snowmass Village, Colorado Special?

Snowmass is famous for being one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado with over 3,000 skiable acres and 4,000 feet of vertical climb. Multiple luxury hotels offer ski-in/ski-out access, allowing guests unparalleled mountain access. Snowmass Village also stands out from other mountain towns because of the sheer variety of things to do. Visitors to the Roaring Fork Valley can enjoy hot air balloon tours, the rodeo, mountain biking, the alpine coaster, and ziplining.

Summer or winter. Rain or shine. Traveling solo or with the entire family. Snowmass keeps the adventure going from one season to the next, from world-class skiing to a range of outdoor activities that will test your fitness levels. Read on to find out which thrills are waiting for you!

What to Expect When You Ski and Snowboard at Snowmass Ski Area

A professional snowboarder is training at Snowmass

The residents of the Roaring Fork Valley often describe Buttermilk as the learner mountain, Ajax as intermediate, and Highlands as the most challenging mountain; however, Snowmass Mountain ski resort continuously defies categorization.

What is the Terrain and Difficulty Like?

Snowmass Ski Area is known for being the perfect mountain for all skill levels, with something for everyone. However, the Assay Hill and Village Express lifts can sweep beginner skiers towards manageable, well-maintained green runs like Fanny Hill and Bridges. There is even a children’s race arena, surrounded by youth-sized beginner glades.

Locals and returning visitors have described the ski resort as the kind of place that grows with you. Once snow seekers graduate from the mellow green runs, they have their choice of the blue runs at Elk Camp and Big Burn. Any skiers or snowboarders up for a challenge should ascend to High Alpine, Sam’s Knob, Hanging Valley, or The Cirque. High Alpine is known for its glades, while Sam’s Knob is the place to go for moguls. The Cirque sits at the highest point on Snowmass Ski Area, offering views of the Maroon Bells. If you start at The Cirque, you can either ski along the peak to Hanging Valley or drop down the headwall.

7 Things To Do in Snowmass Village in the Summer

Like Aspen, Snowmass Village, Colorado, isn’t just a ski town. There are plenty of things to do in all seasons. When the snow finally melts away to reveal wild flowers and twisting trails, the next adventure can begin.

1. Private Bike Tour

Cyclists are exploring Snwomass on a private tour

At the core of Snowmass culture is mountain biking, making it the perfect place to start learning the sport.

During a mountain biking lesson, you can explore the extensive network of trails all around Snowmass. Some trails are bike in/bike out trails, which make for an excellent workout. Other trails are serviced by the gondola, so you can ride up the mountain, then bike down. Mountain biking is an ideal activity for all ages. Kids also love mountain biking for the rush and adventure.

If mountain biking is not your thing, you may enjoy a road bike tour. Depending on your interests, your guide may take you on a mountain bike to notable locations all over Snowmass Mountain. This is a great way to get the best views and learn more about the history of the area. Your guide can also take you along the Rio Grande Trail, which is a cycling trail that stretches between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, passing Snowmass and Carbondale on the way.

2. Hot Air Balloon Experience

Hot air balloons are flying from the starting point: Snowmass

No matter how high the gondolas take you, nothing compares to the view of Snowmass from a hot air balloon. If you’re familiar with popular events in Aspen-Snowmass, you probably already know about the Hot Air Balloon Festival that takes place at the end of September each year. While other visitors can only watch during the festival, Aspen Luxury Concierge clients have the opportunity to participate year-round.

ALC has connections to several experienced ballooners, allowing our clients to go on unforgettable balloon tours. You’ll get the best seat in the house: drifting calmly along, warmed by the balloon’s burners. Balloon tours are dependent on the local weather. Balloons are only able to launch in the early morning due to wind patterns. Please contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for more information about booking a balloon tour.

3. Guided Hiking Tour

A girl is hiking the woods near snowmass

Stretching out from Snowmass Village, Colorado, are a vast network of hiking trails. The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop is one of the easiest and most popular trails for visitors to the area. On the other end of the spectrum is the extremely challenging 16-mile Capitol Peak climb for advanced moutaineers. Most hikers want something in between those two extremes. The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge recommends that visitors do guided hikes. When you hike with a guide, they can tailor the experience to your emotional energy, physical needs, and personal goals. Your guide can also talk you through the history of the region and the local fauna.

4. Private Horseback Riding Adventure

Horseback riding is a great alternative activity to mountain biking and hiking. You can still take in the views, just at a more relaxed speed with less physicality. This activity is especially popular among families with small children and adults traveling with their aging parents. The best time to book a horseback ride tour is in the fall when the leaves change color. Leaf peeping season typically begins at the end of September and continues into the first week of October.

5. Activities at the Top of Elk Camp Gondola

Scenic view of Elk Camp Gondola — *Photo Credit:* *gosnowmass.com*

When you ride the gondola up the mountain, Snowmass Village, Colorado, melts into the distance. The cars look like ants and the buildings seem doll-sized when you’re so high above them. The views of the valley will take your breath away and, if you’re lucky, you may see an elk or two from your bird’s eye view.

However, the adventure doesn’t end when you step off the gondola. At the top of Elk Camp Gondola is a child’s paradise complete with:

An alpine coaster
Treeline Challenge Course
A climbing wall
A disc golf course
Ziplining
Trout fishing (although experienced anglers might prefer Aspen fly fishing)

6. Thursday Night Concerts on Fanny Hill

The Thursday evening concert at Fanny Hill, in summer — *Photo Credit:* *Limelighthotel - Instagram*

The best part about summer coming to Aspen Snowmass isn’t the beautiful weather, it’s the Aspen Jazz Festival concert season. From mid-June until the end of August, Aspen and Snowmass get filled with jazz music from sunup to sunset. On Thursday nights, musicians take over Fanny Hill to provide free concerts under the stars. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic or get takeout to support the local businesses.

For more information about times, transportation, and lineup for Jazz Aspen Snowmass, please contact Aspen Luxury Concierge.

7. Snowmass Rodeo

The Snowmass Rodeo — *Photo Credit:* *Snowmass Rodeo Instagram*

Once upon a time, Colorado was the Wild West and Snowmass Village was a working ranch community. If you’ve ever wanted to harken back to simpler days, the Snowmass Rodeo brings the “wild” back to the “West.” Locals and visitors alike love the rodeo - in fact, it sells out nearly every year, so be sure to book your tickets through ALC before it’s too late. The rodeo is a 10 night extravaganza, every Wednesday night from mid-June to mid-August. Events include barrel racing, roping, bull riding, and more! After the festivities, you may be tempted to do a little shopping in Aspen for your own western gear at Kemo Sabe.

What Are the Best Hotels in Snowmass Village, Colorado?

There are 2 main luxury hotels near Snowmass Ski Area: Viceroy and Limelight. Both hotels offer luxury-seeking visitors everything that could possibly want in their accommodations. Hotels offer privacy, high quality service, easy access to both the slopes and the village, amenities like an on-site spa, and numerous dining options.

16 Outstanding Amenities at Viceroy Snowmass

The Viceroy is the gold standard for modern, luxury hotels. The large alpine-style structure looks out over Snowmass Ski Area. From the moment guests hand off their vehicle to the valet, the VIP service begins.

When you stay at the Viceroy, these are the amenities that you can enjoy:

Valet parking and concierge services
Ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass
Pet friendly
Courtesy shuttle to Aspen and the Pitkin County airport
E-bike rental for cruising around Snowmass Village
Private meeting rooms available
Fitness center
7,000 square foot spa that offers massages, facials, and wraps
Year-round heated pool and multiple hot tubs
The Lounge has grab-and-go meals during the day and cocktail fare at night
The Nest is al fresco dining by the pool, serving healthy lunch items
Toro serves contemporary Latin food in a romantic environment
In-room dining available
Ski valet and gear rental
Childcare services
Exclusive guest-only events both on-site and all over Snowmass

Pros and Perks of Staying at Limelight Hotel Snowmass

The exterior view of the Limelight Hotel in Snowmass — *Photo Credit:* *Limelight Hotel Instagram*

In many ways, Limelight and the Viceroy are very similar. They are the same caliber of hotels that cater to high-income visitors. Whereas the Viceroy is better known as a family destination, the Limelight is where the adventurers make basecamp.

Winter Adventures

Conveniently located in Base Village, Limelight has ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. While the cost of your stay will include a small fee for resort access, the proximity is worth every penny. In fact, the hotel offers slope-side gear storage for a seamless start to your ski day. Limelight also runs shuttles to Ajax, Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountain to expand your ski opportunities. If you’re not a skier, there are still plenty of things to do in the winter months. Families with children may enjoy ice skating on the rink in the plaza. You could also go shopping in Base Village, relax in one of the hot tubs, or hang out in The Lounge.

Summer Adventures

In the summer, guests have easy access to Elk Mountain camp area, allowing them to hit the trails on foot, on mountain bikes, or on horseback. If the weather doesn’t allow for an outdoor workout, you can hit the fitness center, ascend the 54-foot indoor climbing wall, or enjoy the heated pool.

Compared to the Viceroy, Limelight isn’t the best hotel for foodies. It only has one restaurant on the premises, which is The Lounge. Visitors routinely report that The Lounge serves excellent breakfast; however, they recommend hitting Snowmass Village for lunch and dinner, which is just steps from the Limelight’s front door. The Lounge does have frequent mini-concerts featuring local rock, jazz, and folk bands.

Additional Options for Luxury Accommodations Near Snowmass Village, Colorado

A luxury accommodation stay at Snowmass Village

Aspen Luxury Concierge caters to clients who expect the absolute best when they travel. While glamorous, the Viceroy and Limelight are not every traveler’s cup of tea. One option is for visitors to stay at one of the Aspen luxury hotels, such as The Little Nell or St. Regis. Since Aspen is only 8 minutes from Snowmass, visitors can experience the best parts of both towns.

If you are traveling with a group, your ALC concierge may recommend a vacation rental. Luxury vacation rentals range from condo to an entire villa with every size of home in between. A vacation rental can be more desirable than a hotel due to the size, privacy, and the possibility of special amenities, like a personal chef.

The key to an amazing adventure is to choose the perfect accommodations. When you plan your trip to Aspen Snowmass with ALC, you get seamless bookings and unparalleled quality. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today for all your vacation needs!

The 5 Best Snowmass Village, Colorado Restaurants

The Edge Restaurant in Snowmass Village — *Photo Credit:* *The Edge Restaurant Instagram*

If you ask any local or part-time Aspenite where to get dinner in Snowmass, they’ll probably all give you the same 5 recommendations:

The Edge - A restaurant that combines a French bistro with a German bierhaus and a Swiss chalet. Cozy and intimate, you’ll love the rich flavors of imported cheeses, homemade sausages, and traditional schnitzel.
Il Poggio - Hot, cheesy Italian food is just what the doctor ordered after a long day on the slopes. Everyone loves Il Poggio’s 4-course meal service, complete with dark chocolate biscotti and mussels from Prince Edward Island.
The Stew Pot - Although far less grand than other Base Village dining options, The Stew Pot is part of the soul of Snowmass. Since 1972, The Stew Pot has cooked up casual sandwiches, soup, stews, and salads. When you dine there, you can either get takeout and be on your way to the next adventure or sit and chat with the locals.
Sam’s Smokehouse - Located at 10,620 feet, and only open during ski season, you’ll have to take the ski lift up Snowmass Mountain to get there. Sam’s maintains an elegant atmosphere, complete with the option for guests to shed their ski boots in favor of slippers. All the pasta is made daily in-house. ALC recommends trying Sam’s signature cocktail, the negroni spritz.
Kenichi - No ski town is complete without a local sushi joint. In addition to serving sushi, Kenichi Snowmass also has pan seared duck breast, wagyu steak, and otoro serrano.

Experience the Best of What Snowmass Has to Offer!

Although Snowmass is a little more laid back than Aspen, it can still be hard to land a reservation or tickets if you're booking all by yourself. This is why so many Snowmass Village visitors choose to work with Aspen Luxury Concierge. As the premiere concierge service that caters to luxury-seeking clients, ALC has the connections to help anyone access unique, bespoke experiences in Snowmass.

When you plan your trip with the ALC team, get seamless booking with a single point of contact. Schedule a consultation with an ALC concierge today to start planning your trip to Snowmass Village, Colorado.

Snowmass Village, Colorado - 7 Can’t-Miss Outdoor Activities