Snowmass

Snowmass was built in 1967 as Aspen's answer to Vail—a ski-specific resort—and although it has never quite matched the panache or popularity of Vail, it has gained stature with age, finding its identity as a resort destination rather than the village it once called itself.

Still, an effort has been made to breathe new life into Snowmass to the tune of $25.5 million in improvements including the Treehouse Kid's Adventure Center (full of fun activities for children ages eight weeks and up) and new restaurants and shops. In general, Snowmass is the preferred alternative for families with young children, leaving the town of Aspen to a more up-at-the-crack-of-noon crowd. Snowmass, one of the best intermediate hills in the country, has more ski-in ski-out lodgings and a slower pace than Aspen.