Snowmass

Aspen/Snowmass is one of the most well known ski destinations in the country, if not the world. This beautiful, world-class resort has four mountains -- Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass, which is the biggest. With over 50 years of history on its slopes, trails, and in its lodges and facilities, Aspen/Snowmass is on everyone's ski vacation dream list and it’s no wonder why. In the winter, visitors can take lessons or buy passes to traverse some of the amazing slopes on skis or snowboards, or take guided tours on cross country skis or with real locals who know the mountains like the backs of their hands. During the summer, the town and resort transform into a family friendly playground of hiking, biking, zip lining, and more.

120 Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO 81615

Anderson Ranch Arts Center has been creating opportunities for emerging and established artists in the Snowmass area for over fifty years. Resident artists have a beautiful space to work and learn, and visitors to Anderson Ranch Arts Center can enjoy some of their many events that they host throughout the year. The 5-acre campus is open to the public, with a cafe that is open for lunch during the summer months. Events hosted at Anderson Ranch Arts Center include an annual art auction, and a yearly series where local and visiting artists host lectures and have deep conversations about the nature of their work.

5263 Owl Creek Rd, Snowmass Village, CO 81615, Phone: 970-923-3181

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

From June through August every summer, Wednesday nights in Snowmass Village are Rodeo Nights. Starting with a barbecue at 5pm each week, the rodeo begins at 7, as it has for nearly fifty years. At Snowmass Rodeo, guests can sit in the stands and watch a number of traditional rodeo events, including horse events like barrel racing, bareback riding, cattle roping, and bronco riding, and other cattle events like bull riding. These exciting events make for a fun spectacle, and guests will love watching the talented riders and athletes as they do what they do best.

2735 Brush Creek Rd, Snowmass Village, CO 81615, Phone: 970-923-8898

For 13.8 miles, the Government Trail will take mountain bikers from Snowmass to Aspen, and along the way they will see the full glory of the Rockies, complete with groves of aspen trees, wide green meadows bursting with wildflowers, and deep green forests of evergreens. The one way singletrack has over two thousand feet of ascent, and over twenty five hundred feet of descent along the way, with a peak elevation of 9,606 feet above sea level. The track is a ton of fun, but it is one way only, so once riders reach the end of the Government Trail in Aspen, there is a shuttle that will take them back to Snowmass for a small fee. The trail is open during the summer, once elk calving season has ended.

Anyone looking for a solid workout should take their bike for a ride along the East Snowmass Trail. The trail begins with a steep ascent through alpine forests of evergreen and aspen trees, and throughout the full 7.3 miles of the trail, riders will ascend a full 3,631 feet for a summit elevation of 12,014 feet. This gorgeous ride will be packed with wildflowers during the summer months, and lots of wildlife that can often be spotted from the trail. The East Snowmass Trail is rated as difficult for the sheer level of ascension, and can be used by bike, on foot, or on horseback.

120 Carriage Way, Snowmass Village, CO 81615

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Jazz Aspen Snowmass, or JAS as it is often referred, is a group that dedicates its time and effort to performing and preserving the jazz music genre and the associated culture. This not for profit organization puts on many events and performances throughout the year, from artists both big and small. A look at their lineup list shows many easily recognizable names of nationally and internationally known stars as well as from local groups and student bands. Throughout the summer season, JAS is a great destination for music lovers and anyone looking for a fun experience.

110 E Hallam St # 104, Aspen, CO 81611, Phone: 970-920-4996

During the summer, the Aspen Snowmass resort turns into a family friendly entertainment wonderland, and the Lost Forest is a huge part of the fun. Located on Snowmass Mountain, Lost Forest is part of Elk Camp, and features an alpine coaster called the Breathtaker, where guests can zip down the side of the mountain for gorgeous views at exhilarating speeds. There’s also the Canopy Run Zipline Course, with seven fun zip lines up to 90 feet off the ground, and the 14-lane Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall. Guests can also challenge their minds and bodies with the Treeline Trial Challenge Course, which has five different levels of difficulty in its obstacle courses up in the sky.