Where to Ski in Snowmass - A Locals Guide

Ski Snowmass

Snowmass has excellent skiing and riding for everyone from beginners to seasoned experts. Where to ski in Snowmass depends on your ability and interest. There are winding trails great for kids and beginners next to steep challenges and fresh powder for experts.

Best Snowmass Trails for Beginners

Beginner trails are scattered all over the mountain and are great for everyone from kids to adults. Our favorites include Dawdler and the Meadows.

Snowmass offers a kids only area which require adults to be with a child in order to enjoy. These slopes have interactive exhibits and entertainment for the smallest skiers. You can grab a kid's mountain guide to find the specific locations of trails like The Ice Age Trail which will lead kids through a travel back in time past ancient creatures like a woolly mammoth and a mastodon!

If you're over 18 you can participate in Beginner's Magic - a ski and snowboard lesson program designed for beginners.  Sign up for a lesson and meet at the Elk Camp Gondola. There is a Beginners Magic lounge reserved just for you at the top of the gondola.  You'll receive a lesson at Elk Camp Meadows where you'll learn the basics before learning how to master the chairlifts. After your lesson you'll be ready to tackle some of the easy gliding afforded by the gentle Assay Hill trail which is located right near the Snowmass Base Village. Snowmass is the perfect place to grow your skills as it has fantastic intermediate slopes just waiting for you to learn how to conquer them.


A Novice to Intermediate Skiers’ Haven

Just about half of Snowmass is rated Blue. This means that there are many intermediate trails for you to master your skills. Our favorite is Sneaky's which can be accessed from the Elk Camp gondola. Don’t forget to head over to the Two Creeks area, which is slightly less populated by taking the Two Creeks Chair to the Elk Camp lift. On clear days you can admire the Maroon Bells in the distance as you ride. From there, you will have access to several blue runs that have nice pitch and are less trafficked. Try Grey Wolf and Bull Run!


The Longest Slope at Snowmass

If you're still wondering where to ski in Snowmass check out one of the best intermediate runs, it is also one of the longest ski trails in all of North America. Aptly named "Long Shot" you can access this run from the top of the Elk Camp chairlift, which allows riders five miles of pristine views.


Ready for a Challenge?

If you're looking for some expert terrain at Snowmass you'll want to head to Hanging Valley or the Cirque. Both of these areas are at the very top of the mountain but you can only access them through certain gated areas so you'll want to make sure you understand the directions for access before you begin.  These areas are ungroomed and rated truly for expert skiers only.

If you want a few practice runs before you tackle the Hanging Valley Wall, try taking a turn down Garrett Gulch which has some great advanced terrain and is perfect for warming up before trying something even more challenging.


Off the Slopes Fun

A trip to Aspen Snowmass isn't complete without taking a little extra time to explore all the other thrills and activities the area has to offer. You could certainly go tubing or snowshoeing, tackle learning how to cross country ski or even master the art of riding a snow bike.

But, if you're looking to experience something truly thrilling you won't want to miss a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. With over a mile of track laid through the forest riders will experience speeds of nearly 30 mph. Check out their hours of operation and plan to spend some time cruising through the trees on these two-person sleds. Be sure to look at the height requirements for both rider and driver before you head over to the Elk Camp Gondola ticket office.


Next Step

If you're ready to plan your Snowmass vacation and explore all the fun this region has to offer check out our Snowmass vacation rentals today!

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