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I fell in love with Aspen Snowmass, Colorado. It’s been a vision I’ve had for many years that my ideal mountain town has emerged – warm, friendly, local, small, family-friendly and unpretentious.
Although it’s considered a winter destination due to its world-class ski slopes, I’ve found that there are plenty of things to do in Snowmass no matter what time you visit.
We don’t have mountains in Australia, so being in the Rockies is like walking into a fairytale land.
It’s magical and awe-inspiring, and I feel dizzy every time I look at the jagged, snow-capped peaks. If you’re used to it, you may not get the same champagne buzz that I do.
Combine that with bright blue skies, alpine trees, lush greenery and fast rivers; I’m in complete heaven. Take me out from among those blooming wild flowers!
If you’re not sure what to do in Snowmass, below are some of the best attractions and activities for winter and summer…
Things to do in Snowmass, Colorado in the summer
Here are some of the best Snowmass attractions for a summer vacation. You can also do these attractions in the spring and fall.
I’ll share some winter things to do more often.
1. Go for a bike ride along the Roaring Forks River
20 miles feels like a long bike ride when you hop on the helmet, but when the gradient is a little steep, it’s very fast and effortless.
Thank God we didn’t have to bike back. We had a bus to take us back after a few beers at camp.
Burning adventures He took us along the Rio Grande Trail, which follows the area’s historic old railroad line, stretching more than 80 miles between Aspen and… Glenwood Springs.
It follows the Roaring Fork Valley and River through the valley and provides great views of Snowmass Mountain. I even saw a deer peeking at us from behind a tree.
Half of our crew decided to do white water rafting with Blazing Adventures along the Roaring Fork. We managed to find a free space next to the road to spy on them.
I was initially shocked when they said the rapids were class 4 because I would have chosen to do that.
It turned out they were a bit quieter, and no one fell into the sea, so I was happy with the comfortable bike ride. We’ll come back to do these rapids another day.
2. Enjoy an evening of campfire and BBQ at Rock Bottom Ranch
Colorado Rockies. barbeque. Craft beer. fire. Lacing demonstration. Can you have a better experience in Colorado?
The bike trip and whitewater rafting ended at Rock Bottom Ranch, a 113-acre wildlife preserve.
Rock Bottom Ranch is a working ranch where educational programs are conducted. Families can take tours of the farm (with goats, pigs, chickens, and ponies), sit down for a picnic, then pick up sustainable farm produce before heading home.
We look forward to trying more of this when we return to Colorado with the kids.
This time, we had delicious Slow Groovin’ BBC BBQ from Marble Colorado and craft beer from Roaring Fork Beer Company out of Carbondale, Colorado.
There was a bit of throwing around a campfire as well as a stunning sunset. These are the unique cultural flavors we travel to experience.
3. Take a morning walk to the Yin Yang Observatory
I was surprised that only Lawrence, Craig, and I woke up early to make the trip to Yin Yang Lookout, which starts at the edge of Snowmass Base Village.
It was a quick 30 minute hike and is part of the longer Rim Trail along the Alpine Line. It was a great way to start the day, it kicked the hangover and gave me energy for the rest of the day.
Yin Yang Observatory offers stunning 360-degree views of Snowmass, Daly Mountain, Capital Peak, and the bottom of Ziegler Reservoir (site of Ice Age discovery).
4. Visit the Anderson Ranch Art Center and Gallery
It was an enjoyable visit to Anderson Ranch Art Gallery.
I was impressed by the way this community was created to help artists from all over the world come and hone their skills, learn and collaborate with each other through many artistic expressions such as printmaking, ceramics, woodworking and sculpture.
Artists come from all over the world to attend workshops and stay on the farm and its beautiful surroundings.
One of my favorite moments during the entire Snowmass trip was listening to one of The Hass Brothers, the current visiting artist, describe the complex pattern and language system he created using typography design.
No one understood a word he said, all we heard was intense emotion and joy.
All I could say in the end was, “Wow. That was great.” His artwork and the bizarre alphabet he created were beautiful.
5. Drive the scenic Independence Road
What a way to end an amazing Snowmass experience by taking the Independence Pass route back to Denver.
It’s faster than the highway and much nicer.
At 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is the highest paved mountain pass in Colorado. The most exciting drives in the United States Passing through crystal clear rivers, beautiful valleys, steep peaks and vast aspen forests.
It will take you across the Continental Divide, past the highest incorporated city in the United States, to reach Leadville, which is Small American city At a whopping 10,152 feet, where we stopped for lunch.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way to take photos.
6. Go mountain biking
Snowmass is a mountain biker’s paradise. There are more than 52 miles of biking trails at Snowmass Village, offering a range of difficulty levels, from easy and scenic to technical and challenging.
With its stunning mountain scenery, lush forests and pristine alpine lakes, Snowmass offers some of the most beautiful and exciting mountain biking tours in the country.
You can rent bikes and equipment from local outfitters and hit the trails yourself, or you can head there Snowmass Bike Park Enjoy 25 miles of trails within the park.
7. Visit the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
If you’re looking for free things to do in Snowmass, be sure to check out Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Who offer free tours and activities throughout the week (and some require a small fee).
You can join hiking and guided nature walks, or visit on Wednesdays to pick seasonal vegetables from local farmers.
They also have birding programs and experiences, preserve hikes, and even jungle yoga classes. Make sure to check out what they have on, as there is usually something going on every day.
8. Go horseback riding
Horseback riding is a unique and unforgettable way to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. You can ride through aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and passing mountain rivers and streams while taking in stunning panoramic views.
For a more unique experience, consider going outside Snowmass Creek Outfitters Which offers Wild West-inspired horseback riding tours through their ranch.
9. Try whitewater rafting
White water rafting is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that allows you to see the stunning natural beauty of the area in an exciting and adventurous way.
The surrounding rivers, including the Roaring Fork River and the Arkansas River, offer a range of rapids ranging from gentle undulations to heart-pumping Class IV rapids.
You can join Guided rafting tours Which includes all necessary equipment and expert instructions.
10. Take a scenic gondola ride
Although mostly used by skiers in the winter, the Elk Camp Gondola is Snowmass’s premier attraction in the summer.
A scenic gondola ride up the 8,475-foot mountains is an excellent way to enjoy the stunning scenery and scenery of the Rocky Mountains.
This 8-person gondola ride allows you to see people hiking the trails, mountain bikers descending the slopes, and even people flying around zip lines, before arriving at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola where there are panoramic views for days.
Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air. During the summer months, the mountains come alive with wildflowers, vibrant foliage and abundant wildlife, making a gondola ride even more magical.
11. Try your hand at disc golf
If you’re looking for things to do in Snowmass with kids, maybe play disc golf at Snowmass Ski The resort’s yellow disc golf course It would excite the whole family.
The course features 18 challenging holes set against a stunning mountain backdrop, complete with streams, forests and rocky outcroppings. You should note that the first hole on the course is at the top of a steep mountain rise.
The course is designed for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players, and provides a fun and exciting way to explore the mountain landscape.
12. Visit the Snowmass Rodeo
Snowmass Rodeo It is a beloved summer tradition in Snowmass that allows visitors to see the region’s unique Western heritage.
The rodeo features a variety of traditional cowboy events, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, and more.
It’s an evening of family-friendly entertainment, complete with live music, food and more.
The rodeo takes place every Wednesday night from June 21 – August 16, 2023!
13. Watch the Snowmass Balloon Festival
Another important event to make sure you visit in the summer is Snowmass Balloon Festivalwhich is held every September.
The festival features a stunning display of hot air balloons that float gracefully over the picturesque mountainous landscape, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle.
You can watch the balloons inflate and soar into the sky, or even take a ride in one yourself.
Other festival highlights include live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
14. Enjoy a free concert on Thursday
Every summer on a Thursday evening, the free Snowmass concert series opens to showcase some exciting entertainment, from live music to theatrical performances.
Located on Vani Hill, you can enjoy live entertainment with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Shows start at 5:30pm and run from June 15th until August 24th.
15. Try fly fishing
Fly fishing is another popular summer activity in Snowmass, Colorado. The area contains many rivers, streams and lakes stocked with rainbow, brown and trout, as well as other species such as cutthroat and pike.
If you haven’t tried it before, you can Join guided fishing tours Led by expert guides who know the best locations and techniques for fishing, or rent equipment and explore the waters themselves.
With its stunning mountain views and clear waters teeming with fish, Snowmass is an ideal destination for any fly fishing enthusiast looking for a rewarding fishing experience.
Things to do in Snowmass in winter
Here are some of the best things to do in Snowmass in the winter.
16. Enjoy dog sledding with Krabloonik Dogsled Rides
If you head just a few miles outside of Snowmass Village in the countryside, you can enjoy an exciting and unique winter experience.
Kraplonik Dog sledding tours have been offered since the early 1970s. Take a two-hour trek through the wilderness and backcountry of Snowmass, accompanied by eight Alaskan huskies.
Each sled can carry two adults and one small child, plus the guide.
They offer three time slots daily, 11.00 AM, 1.15 PM, and 4.00 PM. After the ride, enjoy a bonfire with hot chocolate and warm soup.
17. Go skiing or snowboarding
What draws most people to Snowmass in the winter is the skiing and snowboarding.
Snowmass Ski Resort offers more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, including 91 trails, 21 lifts and three terrain parks.
You can enjoy wide-open runs, challenging runs, and epic off-piste skiing and snowboarding.
With its stunning mountain scenery, world-class amenities, and thrilling trails, Snowmass is a top destination for any skier or snowboarder looking for an unforgettable winter vacation.
18. Go snow tubing
Snow tubing is a fun and exhilarating way to experience the Snowmass Mountains. Head to Meadows at Elk Camp at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, which features multiple trails and a lift system to easily transport riders up the hill.
The tubing hill is open daily and during Ullr nights, offering visitors a unique and exciting way to enjoy the mountain scenery under the stars.
19. Skate on the ice rinks at Snowmass Village
Every winter, Snowmass opens two free ice skating rinks in Snowmass Village.
There is an rink at Snowmass Base Village and one at Snowmass Village Ice Rink located in Snowmass Town Park.
The rinks are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and offer free skate equipment rental.
20. Breathtaking alpine coaster ride
Another exciting attraction at Snowmass in the winter is the Alpine Coaster, a roller coaster ride that takes you from the Elk Camp restaurant down the mountain.
Strap yourself in and enjoy the thrill of the ride! The ship is only open in winter, from November 24th until April 16th.
Where to stay in Snowmass: Viceroy Hotel
There are several resorts in Snowmass, but we stayed there Viceroy Snowmassa beautiful hotel located on the edge of Snowmass Village and enjoying stunning views of the mountains, especially from the Eight K restaurant and deck.
The food and service at the hotel were exceptional and the suite rooms were comfortable and luxurious. It was the biggest bathroom I had ever seen, and I loved it.
I rarely take a bath, but I filled this one up by bathing in some bath salts from Viceroy Spa.
I was impressed by the Viceroy. It would be a great place for families to stay with kitchenettes in the rooms, lots of amenities and a great outdoor pool.
It’s a ski-in/ski-out hotel, which I learned means you walk out the door straight to the ski lifts.
before you go…
If I had one piece of advice for you when visiting Snowmass, it would be to never underestimate the effect that high altitude can have on your body when drinking alcohol.
I woke up after our first date with the worst hangover ever. I didn’t even drink much and was in bed fairly early. I felt disgusted! Not the way you want to start your conference.
Fortunately, I pulled myself together and made sure I drank plenty of water over the next two nights. (My friend Kimmy warned me about this)
A good tip Johnny Jett told us after the first night is to always sleep with the humidifier in high places. They tend to hide them in your room’s closet (ah, that’s what that thing was), if not, always ask reception as they should have one to give you.
It made a huge difference in our sleep for the next two nights.
Final thoughts on visiting Snowmass, Colorado
At Snowmass we discovered that it is the most popular place for Australians to go skiing in Colorado, and perhaps the United States.
We plan to return to Snowmass for some time on our site Road trip in the United StatesIn the summer and in the winter. It has always been a dream of mine to have a white Christmas in Colorado; I hope this year will be the moment a dream comes true.
We stayed in Snowmass for three nights to attend the summit hosted and organized by Snowmass Tourism Gary Arndt.
We were busy with meetings over the two days so we didn’t even get to explore Snowmass in depth, but what I saw was enough to make me love it.
We also attended the Travel Influencer Summit held in Snowmass, and I was so excited to finally meet in person, travel blogging friends I’ve only interacted with online for years.
Dave and Deb from Planet DLawrence and Jess from Find the universe And Mike from tramp She was absolutely gorgeous in real life.
These guys were some of the first people we met in the travel blogging world.
With us were my Australian Instagram friends, Lauren Bath, Matt Carsten from Expert Vagabond and Chris Christenson from Amateur Travel Podcast, who we met last year at White House Trip.
I’ve made some great new friends that I’ve only met online; Johnny JetThe man who knows all about flying; Kevin O’Leary, husband and manager Samantha Brown From the Travel Channel; Gary Arndt of Everything is everywhere Which I used to spend with him years ago in Sydney.
Absolutely wonderful people who we learned so much from and enjoyed getting to know, especially over some late night cocktails prepared by our award winning bartender, Justin at Viceroy.
Tell him we sent you for a Moscow mule!
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Disclaimer: We stayed at Snowmass as guests at the Travel Influencers Summit, but were under no obligation to write anything. I chose it because I loved it and wanted to share it.