Snowmass Mountain is the largest of Aspen's four mountains. It’s fun for skiers of all ages and abilities with a range of terrain ranging from beginner to advanced across 3,000+ acres. You can check out the kid-friendly pathways in the trees along Adams Avenue or on Assay Hill, hit the terrain parks, or ski the steeps.
Snowmass has great skiing from Thanksgiving through April. As you plan your December ski trip, here are a few considerations.
Why Visit Snowmass in December?
Beat the Crowds in Early December
As the snow begins to fall and locals wait for more terrain to open up for skiing and snowboarding, Snowmass remains relatively uncrowded during the first half of December. You’ll have the benefit of short-lift lines and wide-open ski runs. Then, as the holidays draw nearer, you can experience more festivities as the town becomes filled with energetic travelers.
December Decorations at Snowmass
Ski resorts adorn their villages and cities in such lovely ways for the holiday season. Snowmass in December is a particularly festive period, with trees adorned with lights and a vivid charm that pervades the resort area. Streets and hotels and community spaces will be decorated for the holidays and generate uplifting holiday cheer.
December Deals at Snowmass
In early December, you’ll most likely find good deals on lift tickets and lodging. As the festive holiday season approaches, those costs will rise, as the end of the year is one of the busiest seasons in ski country. The holiday season lasts through the first week of January.
Snowmass December Events
We know you’re excited to ski, but let’s face it — you won’t be kitted up 24/7. You’re going to need downtime to rest, warm up, and enjoy the local color.
Snowmass Christmas Tree Lighting
In early December, head over to the Snowmass Chapel for the annual Snowmass Village Christmas Tree Lighting. Twenty trees will begin to twinkle on the grounds of the Snowmass Chapel.
Snowmass Luminescence
Snowmass Luminescence is an annual interactive art and light show presented by Snowmass Tourism and Aspen Snowmass, which opens evenings in December. The light show will transport you into a world of light and art. Walk through The Tunnel, an interactive network of LED-illuminated pathways and arches, between the Snowmass Mall and Base Village. You’ll also get to interact with large-scale interactive LED installations by renowned artists, such as Wave by Squidsoup and Electric Dandelion by Liquid PLX.
Renting Ski Equipment in Snowmass
Four Mountain Sports offers sites at Snowmass, should you need to rent ski equipment. In addition to ski rentals, you may enjoy the perks of on-mountain equipment storage. Four Mountain Sports is the only local rental business located at the base of all four mountains, so whether you're skiing Snowmass or venturing out to Highlands, Buttermilk, or Aspen Mountain, they’ll have you covered!
Getting to Snowmass
If your budget permits, fly directly into Aspen for easy travel. Snowmass is just 15 minutes away from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. You’ll have easy access to local shuttles, taxi services, airport-specific private transport, and the RFTA bus service.
Getting Around the Valley
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides bus service up and down the valley, between Aspen and Rifle. It’s free to travel between Aspen and Snowmass Village. Individual transportation services are also available in Snowmass Village and Glenwood Springs. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass Mountain, and Buttermilk Mountain are also linked by a four-mountain connection.
Where to Stay to Ski Snowmass in December
There are two distinct village areas in Snowmass: the Upper Village is the original ski-in/ski-out location, and the recently rebuilt Base Village sits atop the parking garage. The majority of vacation rentals at Snowmass base hamlet are only a few feet from the lifts. Explore our Snowmass luxury rentals and plan your December vacation to Snowmass.