Snowmass Colorado Skiers Angle



General Feel



Everyone knows that Snowmass Colorado is one of four Aspen Mountains, all different and all incredible. Snowmass is the "family" mountain of the powerful Aspen Four. But Snowmass is more than just a family spot; it's got charging terrain, a hip and classy village, some of the best powder on Earth, and views that will drop your jaw.


But let the polls speak for themselves. Ski Magazine voted Snowmass the #4 best resort overall and #3 for family programs and #3 for overall satisfaction. Skiing Magazine claims it has the #7 best terrain park and the #7 best place to ski powder. Outside Magazine has regularly voted it one of the best companies to work for, which makes for happy employees and great customer service. Plus the place is huge. You could ski there forever. It's over 3,100 acres of sweet skiing goodness.



snowmass colorado



Facts

  • Season: November to April
  • Ticket Price: $87 for Full Day Adult(2009)
  • Night Skiing: No
  • Average Snowfall: 300 inches/ 7.6m
  • Area: 3,132 acres
  • Runs: 91
  • Tree Skiing: Yes
  • Longest Trail: 5.3 miles/ 8.5km
  • Lifts: 24
  • Vertical Drop: 4,406 ft/ 1342m
  • Elevation: Base – 8,104 ft – 2470m / Summit – 12,510 ft- 3813m
  • Snowmaking: Yes, 6%, 230 acres
  • Terrain Parks: Yes
  • Terrain
  • Beginner – 6 %
  • Intermediate – 50 %
  • Expert –44 %

Tips



Snowmass attracts the celebrities, so beware of the paparazzi. Be sure to stop and enjoy the views of Pyramid Peak, the Maroon Bells, and Snowmass Mountain – all over 14,000 feet (4267m) tall. Aspen/Snowmass tries to be very "green" so be sure to recycle.

Off Piste


Snowmass Colorado is top ten for powder. But what might be more impressive is that the average skier density is 2 skiers per acre. Wow. If you truly seek the off piste, there are plenty of runs that could be considered confidence boosters, but if you know where to look, Snowmass Colorado will not disappoint.


There are tons of cool places to lap until you can't stand up anymore at Snowmass. But a few of the best spots are The Hanging Valley – home to Lower Ladder, Cassidy's, Baby Ruth, and Frog Pond Glades along with numerous other unnamed lines. Or if you want to hike a bit head up to the Cirque Headwall – it's steep and sweet.


Snowmass's backcountry gates also access some incredible terrain, but be careful in Colorado's unstable snow.




Family Rating



Snowmass is one of the best. Hands down, It has focused on a family fun atmosphere. The Tree house is world-class kids oriented family activity center. There is plenty to do with the family in Snowmass and the Snowmass Village. You can watch hit ski movie premiers, FIS World Cup races, Freeride Competitions, see a comedy show, dogsled rides, snowshoe, play tennis, go to the spa, go shopping, browse art galleries, ride the chairlift, visit the climbing gym, or take part in different kid's programs. The family will love Snowmass Colorado. And the skiing is some of the best around too!


Food and Restaurants



Along with world-class skiing, is world-class food. If you want some of the west's best BBQ try Big Hoss Grill. Butch's Lobster Bar offers Maine lobster and a kid's menu. Fuel claims to have the best coffee in town when you need that extra boost to get to the chair. Goodfellows Pizza thinks they have the best pizza in the valley. Take the kid's to Krabloonik Restaurant, which has a delicious restaurant and a neighboring kennel with over 200 sled dogs. The Mountain Dragon has yummy Asian food and après ski. And if you have a sweet tooth craving, try Paradise Bakery.


Bars

Where to begin...Listen to live music at Cirque bar and Grill. Wash down delicious BBQ with an ice-cold beer at Big Hoss Grill. To round out the top three, try Margarita Gill for a bit of tequila.


There's plenty to do in Snowmass Village, but if you really want to get into a world-renowned party scene, try Aspen. It is one of skiing's all time best party towns and its just a free bus ride away.





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From one skier to you. Published for our site.

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