Tucked away in the picturesque Brush Creek Valley of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Snowmass Village is a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It’s best known for its world-class ski areas, with over 3,300 acres of terrain and shares its namesake with two towns, a creek, a ski resort and a mountain…keep reading to learn more about this special destination located just outside of Aspen.
SNOWMASS VILLAGE AND OLD SNOWMASS COLORADO
Nearly 50 years ago, Snowmass Village became an incorporated town, and has built its reputation primarily as a world-class ski destination. Laid out in the style of multi-part European ski villages, Snowmass has three different key areas: the Snowmass Mall, Base Village, and the Snowmass Center. A short drive from Snowmass Village lies the town of Snowmass, often referred to as “Old Snowmass”, this is a quieter area with a more local vibe, offering a glimpse into a historic Colorado ranching community.
Put simply, Snowmass, Colorado exists as two distinct entities:
- Snowmass Village: A bustling ski resort town nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains in Pitkin County, Colorado. This is where you'll find the renowned Snowmass Ski Area, a major draw for winter sports enthusiasts. It boasts a pedestrian-friendly village with shops, restaurants and luxurious accommodations.
- Snowmass (AKA Old Snowmass): A community located in the valley of the Roaring Fork River, near the mouth of Snowmass Creek offering a plethora of activities including: hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and fly fishing. Here you'll find a slower pace of life, surrounded by ranch lands and stunning scenery.
Snowmass Village boasts one of the longest vertical descents in the country, and ranks as Colorado’s second-largest resort after Vail. The Snowmass Mall is located up the hill from Base Village and the Snowmass Center. The Center houses the grocery and liquor store, gas station and post office and is a 10-minute walk from Base Village. There’s also a small gondola, the Sky Cab (known as Skittles) that connects the Mall and Base Village areas where you’ll find lodging, shopping and dining options. In addition to the ski area and the 14er Snowmass Mountain which sits behind the resort, this 25-square-mile town offers over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails and an 18-hole James Engh golf course.
Located off the beaten path between Aspen and Basalt, Old Snowmass is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and nature. Surrounded by breath-taking mountain views, Old Snowmass draws ranchers, farmers and those looking for wide open spaces to enjoy the land. With its convenient location, Old Snowmass offers easy access to Roaring Fork Valley, and in under 30 minutes, you can be in Snowmass or Aspen for world-class skiing during the winter.
HOW TO GET TO SNOWMASS, COLORADO
As its name suggests, Snowmass is a world-class ski resort with more than 3,000 acres of incredible mountain terrain. In the summer, it’s known for all kinds of outdoor adventures and events set against a stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers and sunshine. Remember that Snowmass Village and “Old” Snowmass, although close in proximity, are two different towns.
- Craving a Ski Getaway: Snowmass Village is your perfect match! This ski resort town offers everything from slopeside lodging to après-ski entertainment, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Seeking a Tranquil Escape: If you prefer a more low-key experience, consider Old Snowmass. This charming community offers a glimpse into Colorado's ranching history and provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty.
Snowmass Village is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. It’s a 10-minute drive from Aspen and about 220 miles from Denver International Airport (DIA), a beautiful drive that takes you through Summit and Eagle Counties and takes about 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Another option is to fly into Grand Junction and take a much less mountainous drive up. You can also fly into Eagle Airport which is about 1.5 hours from Snowmass Village.
On your way to Snowmass Village, you’ll pass through the town of Old Snowmass which is about 200 miles from DIA and 20 mins from the ski resort area. It’s also possible to get a flight from Denver to Aspen, but many find it advantageous from a cost and time perspective just to get ground transportation to Snowmass.
Regardless of which Snowmass you choose, this captivating region promises a memorable Colorado experience! If you’re heading to Snowmass Village, check out our incredible vacation rentals. Call us at 888.598.6353 or email reservations@eastwest.com for help planning your next mountain adventure.
