Winter Activities

Skiing Magazine rates the Snowmass/Aspen area the finest ski resort in the United States. Snowmass has 3,128 acres of every kind of terrain, with 22 lifts. Your lift tickets are good for four mountains, totalling 4,900 acres, with 40 lifts serving over 300 trails. Our award-winning ski and snowboard schools are immensely popular, with warm, enthusiastic instructors sharing their skills in fun and innovative ways. Lessons are available for all levels and ages, with special classes for women, adults over 50, and “never-evers.” There are childcare, ski, and snowboard programs for infants and toddlers to teens. But the Snowmass/Aspen area is about more than just skiing and snowboarding. From recreational activities to cultural events, dining to shopping, and history to nightlife, we offer a unique lifestyle experience. Peruse the list below to see the activities you can find here, and make sure to visit our Calendar of Events to see what kind of excitement we’re offering while you’re here on your vacation. SCHEDULED DAILY ACES SNOWSHOE TOUR. Explore the exquisite natural beauty of the Snowmass wilderness on a guided, 2-hour snowshoe trip with an Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) naturalist. This leisurely tour on gentle terrain delves into the animals and habitats of Snowmass winter forests, meadows and alpine landscape. Beginning mid-December, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., meet at Two Creeks base area, $45 adults, $29 children 8–17 and seniors 65 and over, includes foot pass, equipment, guide and snack. 970-925-5756. MOUNTAIN ORIENTATION TOUR. If over 3,000 acres of terrain sounds delightfully daunting, sign up for a free mountain-orientation tour. Knowledgeable local guides will show you the lay of the land, along with the secret spots and stashes during this free 1.5- to 2-hour guided mountain tour. Space is limited. 10:30 a.m., meet at the end of the Snowmass Mall, slopeside by the mountain map, FREE! For intermediate and above skiers/riders, 970-925-1220. ACES SKI/SNOWBOARD TOUR. Have you ever paused to wonder about the natural world surrounding the Snowmass slopes? Take a FREE run with an ACES naturalist and learn about the Elk Camp winter environment, ranging from the mysteries of the snowpack to the secrets of how local animals such as porcupines and weasels survive the winters. Beginning mid-December, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., meet at Wapiti Wildlife Center at the top of the Elk Camp lift. Intermediate and above skiers/riders, ages 7 and up, 970-925-5756. MONDAYS SING-A-LONG BY THE CAMPFIRE. A crackling campfire, s’mores, hot chocolate and a guitar-strummin’ cowboy bring the West to life in this cozy, après ski activity for families. Come snuggle up in blankets and join along in these well-known camp songs. Beginning Dec. 8, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., meet at the Base Village Plaza Fireplace, FREE! All ages welcome. TUESDAYS BURLINGAME CABIN SNOWCAT DINNER. This evening adventure whisks diners and families off to a rustic western cabin where a family-style barbecue is served around long tables, a roaring fire crackles in the wood stove and acoustic music entertains throughout the evening. This fun-filled event is geared toward families with young children. Also available for private bookings. 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., meet at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall. $68 adults, $29 children 3–12, children under 3 FREE! Reservations required. TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS KIDS KRAFTS. A krafty excuse for family après-ski, this supervised hour ensures your child will head home with a special handmade souvenir of that Snowmass vacation. Colorful, creative and fun arts & crafts projects range from making picture frames, pillows, and scarves to holiday ornaments and decorated treasure chests. Beginning December 9, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., meet at The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, FREE! 1-800-SNOWMASS WEDNESDAYS STORYTELLING BY THE CAMPFIRE. Gather around the campfire to hear some of the tallest tales in the West recounted by master local storytellers. With free hot chocolate and s’mores, families are sure to be spellbound by this après-ski activity.Beginning December 10, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., meet at the Base Village Plaza Fireplace, FREE! All ages welcome, 1-800-SNOWMASS. WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS FIRST TRACKS AT SNOWMASS. Skiers and riders dream of being the first down runs of champagne powder or newly groomed corduroy, and the free Snowmass First Tracks program ensures the honor is all yours, as you accompany patrollers on the first run of the day. Beginning December 17, 8:00 a.m., meet at the bottom of the Village Express lift, FREE with the purchase of a lift ticket, 970-923-0560 or stop by the Information Desk in the Ticket Pavilion at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall. Reservations required. Intermediate and above skiers/riders. WINTER WILD THINGS. Parents and children are encouraged to check out this free interactive nature program that teaches fascinating facts and habits about local mountain critters and their winter environment. Beginning early January, 11:45am (Meet at the junction of Lunchline trail and Coney Glade lift) and 2:30 p.m. (meet at the teepee on Fanny Hill); FREE! All ages welcome, 970-925-5756. SUNDAYS SNOWMASS CHAPEL WORSHIP SERVICE. The Snowmass Chapel is one of Snowmass’ beautiful landmarks, hosting a Protestant service on Sunday mornings and a Catholic mass at 5:00 p.m. Sunday evenings. An updated schedule of services is available on www.snowmasschapel.org or by calling 970-923-6192. OTHER THINGS TO DO ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER. Snowmass is home to one of the most respected arts centers in the nation. Take a self-guided tour through this historic ranch-turned-arts community. Meet the artists, browse the Art Works store, and visit galleries showcasing the work of renowned instructors and up-and-coming Ranch artists. Yoga classes are also offered in Schermer Meeting Hall throughout the week. 9am-5pm. FREE to browse. ASPEN ART MUSEUM. Presenting world-class exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe, 590 N. Mill St., Aspen. ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. (ACES) A 25-acre nature preserve in the heart of Aspen, with self-guided snowshoe walks, bird watching, and evening programs, 100 Puppy Smith St., Aspen. ASPEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S WHEELER STALLARD MUSEUM. Exhibits on Aspen’s Victorian history, 620 West Bleeker Street, Aspen. ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL & SCHOOL. The Winter Music series includes renowned artist recitals and famed quartets in the acoustically acclaimed Harris Concert Hall. ASPEN RECREATION CENTER. Looking for a day away from the slopes? Only eight miles away is the ARC, which offers indoor lap and kid pools with a water slide, lazy river and fountains, in addition to a full fitness center, indoor ice skating and rentals, and a climbing wall. Maroon Creek Road, day passes: $13 youth, $15 adult, 970-544-4100. BAR MAGIC AT THE STONEBRIDGE INN. Nationally award-winning magician Doc Eason delights adults with his sleight-of-hand, card tricks, and bar magic in the Artisan Bar. Don’t miss this renowned performer’s entertaining show. Not suitable for young children, older children must be chaperoned. Time TBA, FREE! CHALLENGE ASPEN. Provides recreational and cultural experiences to individuals who have mental or physical disabilities. Winter adaptive programs make skiing/boarding accessible to all, while trained buddies and additional winter activities are also available. 970-923-0578. CHILDCARE/SKI SCHOOL. Childcare and ski or snowboard programs available for ages 8 weeks–18 years. 970-923-1227. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING. Aspen/Snowmass maintains 65 kilometers of free groomed track skiing, the largest such system in North America. Rentals, lessons, and tours are available at Snowmass Club Cross Country Center, Aspen Cross Country Center, & Ashcroft Touring Center. DOGSLED RIDES. Trained Huskies pull guests on an adventurous trip into the Snowmass Valley backcountry. Outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing. Half day trips daily at Krabloonik Restaurant. HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES. Float amongst the beautiful peaks of the Elk Range. ICE-SKATING. The Silver Circle outdoor ice skating rink is located in downtown Aspen, with rentals available. The Aspen Ice Garden and the Aspen Recreation Center are full-sized indoor facilities, with public skating, rentals, hockey, classes, and lessons. LYNN BRITT CABIN SNOWCAT DINNER RIDE. Ride in a snowcat to this historic on-mountain cabin for an unforgettable experience! Enjoy an exquisite four-course dinner while bluegrass musicians entertain throughout the evening. The cabin features panoramic views of the Snowmass valley and high peaks beyond. 5:45–9:00 p.m. or 6:00–10:00 p.m., meet at the end of the Snowmass Village Mall, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays. $105 adults, $52 children 3–11, children under 3 FREE! Reservations required. PARAGLIDING. For a unique birds-eye view of the ski mountains, soar with an USHGA-certified pilot on a tandem paragliding flight! PUBLIC NASTAR RACES. Feel the need for speed? Want to compare best times with your friends? Head up to the public on-mountain NASTAR race course where souvenir pins are awarded for first through third places. 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays; call ahead for closures due to private races and weather. On the Blue Grouse trail. Adults: $8/two runs; $12/all day; $42/all week passes available; Under 12: $6/two runs, 970-923-0560. SKIING. Your choice of four ski areas with one lift ticket, with free skier shuttles available every 15 minutes to transport you between ski areas, from the RFTA bus stop at the west end of the Snowmass mall. SKI/SNOWBOARDING SCHOOL. Private lessons, semi-private lessons, and group lessons are available for all levels of skiing and snowboarding. 970-923-1227. SLEIGH & CARRIAGE RIDES. Available in Aspen, and at Ashcroft’s Pinecreek Cookhouse and at the T-Lazy-7 Ranch. SNOWMOBILING. Looking for adventure beyond the slopes? Check out the magnificent winter backcountry in Snowmass, the Maroon Bells or Independence Pass on a guided snowmobile tour. Trips are between two and four hours with lunch provided for longer tours. Individual daily rentals are available at some locations. SNOWSHOEING: Daily tours available on Aspen, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Mountains, with a naturalist. Leisurely tours on gentle terrain delve into the local animals and habitats. To go exploring on your own, rent snowshoes at the Aspen Cross Country Center or Snowmass Club Cross-Country Center. SNOWMASS RECREATION CENTER. Over 18,000-square-feet of pure recreation await at this spectacular new facility. Unique saline outdoor pools open year-round compliment a state-of-the-art cardio and weight room, and a brand new indoor gymnasium, aerobics classes, climbing and bouldering walls, and more. Brush Creek Road near the Rodeo Lot, day passes: $10 youth, $15 adult, 970-922-2240, www.snowmassrecreation.com. Let our concierge help you with activity reservations! If you are staying at the Silvertree Hotel, Wildwood Lodge, or at Village Property Management condominiums (with the following exceptions) call 970-923-8254 or send an e-mail to concierge@silvertreehotel.com. If you are staying at the Villas at Snowmass Club, call 970-923-8309 or e-mail them at villasconcierge@silvertreehotel.com. (All information is subject to change, so we encourage you to contact our concierge with any questions.)