Snowmass Village Travel Tips for First-time Guests

Snowmass Village offers small-town resort life at its best. Located less than 10 miles from Aspen, Colorado, the city features its own mountain culture, plenty of skiing, family-friendly events and more activities. For those who’ve never been – or maybe it’s been awhile – here is important information travelers need. Check out these Snowmass Village travel tips and know what to expect.

Quick Snowmass Village Travel Tips for Vacationers

Getting Here: Flying and Driving to Snowmass Village

Snowmass is located only 6 miles from Aspen Sardy Field. Direct flights are available from major cities including Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles, to name a few, with over 200 connecting flights available from all over the U.S. Other area airports include Eagle County Regional, Denver International, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs.

Those in Colorado who want to drive to Snowmass have a few options. The city is four hours from Denver and less than three from Grand Junction. However, plan alternate routes as sometimes the main connection has closures. For a full update on road conditions and closures, visit Colorado Department of Transportation.

Packing tip: Local experts recommend leaving equipment and skis at home and rent equipment in Snowmass. Guests do want to pack seasonal apparel, sun protection, comfortable shoes and prepare for elevation changes.

Rental Accommodations in Snowmass Village

Snowmass Village is a perfect destination to book a vacation rental, as it houses a number of complexes with cozy homes. Many Snowmass vacation rentals are located near ski lifts and activities, providing guests easy access to outdoor adventures. Additionally, many rental homes and condos offer ski-in/ski-out access, hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, free Wi-Fi and more. View Snowmass vacation rentals.

Getting Around the Village

Once guests arrive, they have several transportation options in Snowmass Village, including public buses, limos, vans and trains. The area offers free shuttle service to most places within the village, and public buses stop throughout the day. In addition, Roaring Fork Transit Agency provides free and fare buses, free shuttles, and free skier shuttles, and operates year-round for added convenience.

Walking tip: Most find Snowmass pedestrian-friendly. Plan activities in advance and stay near a lift, so the family can go car-free.

Those taking a longer ski vacation in Snowmass Village may want to board Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which transports riders from both Chicago and California mountains to the west. This popular route explores the Rocky Mountains into the Colorado wilderness, making this a trip in itself. Another option caters to guests who prefer to rent a vehicle, including Avis, Hertz, Budget and luxury options at Motion at Snowmass Resort.

Where to Park

Guests driving find free parking at Town Park Station during the day with free shuttles departing ever 20 minutes. In the summer, the Base Village Parking Garage offers free parking during the day, however charges a max of $30 per day during other seasons.

Year-round Outdoor Recreation

Snowmass Mountain features over 3,300 acres of terrain, over 90 trails and 21 chairlifts. The area is best known for skiing, but also welcomes visitors to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. In the summer, visitors explore dozens of hiking trails, water sports, fly fishing, Jeep tours, golf, ballooning and more.

Winter brings lots of snow for snowshoeing, ice climbing, skiing, tubing, snowboarding and sleighing. It is a ski resort destination after all. Ski season typically begins in late November and lasts until mid-April, with most lifts opening between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Those who wonder if Snowmass is good for beginners can check out ski and snowboard school to pick lessons just for them. Read information about lift tickets in Aspen-Snowmass.

Indulge in Arts and Culture

Its laid-back mountain lifestyle and culture shine through events in Snowmass. Arts and culture lovers find theaters, museums, opera and ballet. In addition, families and singles alike enjoy the arts center, storytelling, singalongs, and free concerts featuring both local and big bands.

Still need ideas? Snowmass Village hosts several annual events and festivals. Visitors have a blast celebrating food, fun, music and meeting friendly people along the way. Snowmass has its own balloon festival, dozens of concerts, food and wine fests, and welcomes sports enthusiasts to annual events.

After reading these Snowmass Village travel tips, learn about skiing in Aspen, Colorado.

Main image: Jeremy Swanson Photography, Go Snowmass