Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Snowmass. This sprawling ski area is the biggest of the four Aspen-area mountains (Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass), all of which are connected by a free shuttle system and can be skied with the same ticket. Snowmass includes shops and restaurants, the Elk Camp Gondola, and The Lost Forest activity center. There are six major chairlifts: Elk Camp, High Alpine–Alpine Springs, Big Burn, Sam's Knob, Two Creeks, and Campground. Except for the last two, all these sectors funnel into the pedestrian mall at the base. Snowmass is probably best known for Big Burn, itself a great sprawl of wide-open, intermediate skiing. Experts head to such areas as Hanging Valley Wall and the Cirque for the best turns. For powder stashes among the trees, head to the glades on Burnt Mountain (to the east of Longshot), Hanging Valley, Sneaky's, and Powerline.
At Snowmass nearly 50% of the skiable acres are designated for intermediate-level skiers. The novice and beginning-intermediate terrain on the lower part of the mountain makes it a terrific place for younger children.
Snowmass is four times the size of Aspen Mountain and has triple the black- and double-black-diamond terrain, including several fearsomely precipitous gullies at Hanging Valley. Although only 30% of the terrain is rated expert, this huge mountain has enough difficult runs, including the challenging Powderhorn and the more relaxed Sneaky's Run, to satisfy skilled skiers.
This mountain has one of the most comprehensive snowboarding programs in the country, with the heart of the action in the Headwall Cirque. The terrain map points out the snowboard-friendly trails and terrain parks while steering riders away from flat spots. You'll want to visit Snowmass Park's halfpipe in the Coney Glade area, also known as Makaha Park. Facilities: 98 trails; 3,339 acres; 4,406-foot vertical drop; 23 lifts. West of Aspen via Brush Creek Rd. or Owl Creek Rd., Snowmass Village, Colorado. 970/925–1220; 800/525–6200; www.aspensnowmass.com. Lift ticket $179. Late Nov.–mid-Apr., daily 9–4.
Lessons and Programs
Aspen Skiing Company. The company runs a top-notch Ski & Snowboard School at Snowmass and Aspen's other mountains. Lower Snowmass Village Mall, Snowmass Village, Colorado, 81615. 970/925–1220; 800/525–6200; www.aspensnowmass.com.
Rentals
Numerous ski shops in Snowmass rent equipment. Ski and snowboard rental packages start at around $60 per day and rise to $75 or more for the latest and greatest equipment. Reserve your package online before you arrive in town to save 10%–20%. For convenience, consider ski-rental delivery to your hotel or condo.
Aspen Sports Westin. This sporting-goods store is one of the best-known ski outfitters in Snowmass with three locations in the village, including one inside the Westin Snowmass Resort adjacent to the slopes of Fanny Hill. 100 Elbert La., Unit M1153, Snowmass Village, Colorado, 81615. 970/923–6111; www.aspensports.com.
Four Mountain Sports. Owned by the Aspen Skiing Company, Four Mountain Sports has an impressive rental inventory of premium skis and snowboards and five locations in Snowmass village. Snowmass Village Mall, 45 Village Sq., Snowmass Village, Colorado. 970/920–2337; www.aspensnowmass.com.
Incline Ski & Board Shop. Locally owned and operated, Incline Ski & Board Shop is steps from the shuttle-bus stop. Staffers here know the mountains well and offer personalized recommendations based on snowfall and experience. 1 Village Mall, Snowmass Village, Colorado, 81615. 800/314–3355; www.inclineski.com.
