Come for summer. Part luxury resort, part outdoor playground, and this destination is entirely devoted to the mountains.
I like to think of Snowmass Village as an al fresco threshold to nature. It’s kitted out by avid outdoors people to be a feisty basecamp for one of Colorado’s most prodigious mountain playgrounds.
It’s not a bonafide historic town like Aspen proper, with its silver mining-era gingerbread architecture and buzzy modern-day nightlife. Instead, this further-flung, new-built member of the four-mountain Aspen network in glorious Roaring Fork Valley has an earthier, albeit upscale, resort-y vibe.
It’s not a neighborhood in Aspen — it’s a destination in itself.
Snowmass Ski Area opened in 1967 and has since grown to encompass an outrageous 3,342 acres of skiable (and summer-sport-able) terrain, making it ideal in every season. The town of Snowmass Village was incorporated 10 years later.
Part of the region’s glamorous Up-Valley milieu — as is Aspen, which lies nine miles (or 20 minutes) away — intimate Snowmass Village presents its own brand of mountain-town moxie.
Swish, demurely posh, and always chill, Snowmass defers at all times—with reverence—to the looming peaks and pine-spangled surroundings. There’s a palpable sense that residents worship at the altar of its incomparable nature, a contagious feeling that visitors quickly understand and adopt. Less about being seen than about doing and participating, the village delights winter travelers with its ne plus ultra ski in/ski out lodging options and world-class ski runs.
Many, however, argue that the village simply excels in the quieter summertime. That’s when Snowmass feels more zen. Its gift to travelers is its sports-driven, endorphin-fueled pizazz—a mindful state of being that mirrors the mountains surrounding it. Expect a canny art center complete with classes, music festivals, an authentic, summer-long rodeo, yoga on the village plaza at sunset, creative eateries, a slopeside amusement park, and scores of hiking and biking trails.
Where to Stay
Viceroy Snowmass: A tiny slope-side haven, mountain-centric but with urbane, penthouse-style suites and residences, the hotel spans two buildings connected by a tunnel. Choose the new Cirque Residences tower for its 48 fully equipped luxury residences. A locally beloved spa and pool face the mountain. Dine at Toro by Richard Sandoval, a carnivore’s sanctum.
Limelight Hotel Snowmass: Overlooking the village plaza, slopeside and steps from the gondola, this sleek hotel redefines the mountain lodge trope. Pet-friendly, it has two pools with cabanas, a 54-foot-tall indoor climbing wall, spacious suites with views, and a massive complimentary breakfast buffet. Limelight offers on-the-house guided bike rides in summer (and snowshoe hikes in winter), as well as an Audi SUV or electric vehicle for guests to test-drive as they explore the Roaring Fork Valley.
Viewline Resort Snowmass: Be sure to request mountain-facing rooms at Viewline, which is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Infused with mid-century modern flourishes, this mid-mountain mainstay occupies prime real estate on Fanny Hill. Unravel the kinks at Viewline Spa by RAKxa, a holistic, full-service spa replete with steam rooms and oxygen recovery.
Where to Eat
Elk Camp Restaurant: Everything tastes better on the mountaintop. Ride the gondola up for breakfast or lunch with primo views. Elk Camp hosts Sunset Tuesdays in July and August, a soirée with live music and food specials.
Lift Line Tavern: New this year, Lift Line Tavern, at Viceroy Snowmass, serves up a global menu that runs the gamut from bucatini to lobster rolls.
Aurum: This vivacious New American restaurant boasts the resort town’s best patio. For dinner, try the smoky old-fashioned, followed by Rocky Mountain trout. The truffle fries at happy hour always satisfy.
Slope & Hatch: You’ll bike the extra mile (or 10) for one of Slope & Hatch’s wackily creative and delicious mountain-gourmet dogs (think pulled pork, chipotle bourbon BBQ, and Lowcountry slaw) or a huge serving of curry fries. Set in the middle of the action at The Collective, this lively hotspot has something for everyone.
What to Do
The Collective Snowmass: The veritable living room of Snowmass Village, this central community nerve center sits adjacent to the outdoor plaza and ice rink. Multipurpose, with indoor and outdoor spaces, it features entertainment (yoga, bingo nights, chess clubs, a selfie den, educational talks, music, comedy shows, and more), as well as a game lounge, gallery, and food venues.
Snowmass Rodeo: Yeehaw. For more than half a century, professional cowgirls and cowboys on the circuit have been competing on Wednesday nights in the summer at Snowmass’ nature-ensconced rodeo grounds. Come early for BBQ; stay for the barrel racing, petting zoo, team roping, and bull riding.
Festivals: Snowmass hosts a gobsmacking array of concerts, performances, and festivals all summer long. Check the calendar to enjoy events that span the spectrum from music to culinary arts. Don’t miss the delightful balloon festival in September, a signature event.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: Athletes of all levels can find their favorite trail among the nearly 100 miles of pathways that wind through Snowmass’ soaring, adjacent 14,000-foot peaks. Bikers can ride the lift to the Snowmass Bike Park, a world-class, sculpted, 25-mile downhill and freeride biking experience.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center: Like an atelier for public consumption, this internationally recognized arts organization pleases aesthetes with lectures, exhibitions, seminars, galleries, and more.
Where to Shop
Walk Snowmass Mall, a pedestrian promenade full of boutiques and galleries. One Vibe Snowmass delivers art, gifts, accessories, and apparel by local artists and creators, while Bright & Shiny vends jewelry and artisan-created bijouterie. Sophisticated Gorsuch wows with European alpine goods, from clothing and home furnishings to collectibles. Jaja Aspen elevates mountain life with chic, high-altitude fashion. Its custom hat bar makes the grade.
Featured image courtesy of Tamar Susa. Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.
