Snowmass is widely known as one of the premier ski areas in the world due to its wide open ski runs that are groomed for cruising. It's relaxing, family friendly atmosphere offers fun for kids and family close to Aspen. Use this Snowmass Mountain Skiing guide to navigate. Combined with its excellent Ski School of Aspen Snowmass, Snowmass Mountain is consistently rated one of the best family ski areas in North America.
Snowmass Mountain promises to get you up the mountain almost as fast as you come down! Ride the eight-person Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass, which will whisk you from the new Base Village to the top of Elk Camp in just 8.5 minutes. Combined with the Village Express six-pack and sky cab gondola, it makes for an amazing ride!
So what makes Snowmass Mountain so special? This week, our blog team takes a closer look at Snowmass with the help of Frias Properties real estate broker Sam Green, who also teaches skiing with Ski Schools of Aspen Snowmass at Snowmass. Following a 25-year career in New York City, Sam moved to Aspen in 2001. He has worked with Frias Properties ever since. He has eperience in real estate sales, development and rentals. He knows the mountain from front to back, so he's perfect to give us an insider look. Let's read what he has to say:
Q: When was the first time you skied Snowmass? A: "I came here to ski Aspen (called Ajax then) and tried Snowmass and Highlands as well. That was the drawing card ... four mountains!"
Q: Do you remember what your first impression of the mountain was? A: "Wow, this place is huge."
Q: Why do you prefer Snowmass over the other local ski mountains? A: "Variety. I love the double black runs, but not all day. I’ll warm up with some groomers, go to the Wall for a few laps, swing by High Alpine for some bumps, ski some trees, and maybe cruise some more before heading back to Aspen."
Q: What type of skis do you use? A: "All Mountain. But much wider these days. I like to carve, but I love skiing off piste!"
Q: What’s the best advice you can give someone heading up Snowmass for the first time? A: "Get a trail map, or better yet ski with someone who can guide you. There is out of bounds stuff, powder stashes, and five distinct areas to explore.
Q: When is the best time to ski Snowmass? A: "All day and the next day, too. You still can’t hit them all."
Q: How is Snowmass on a powder day? A: "Fresh all day, unlike the other mountains that get hit hard by midmorning.
Q: How would you classify yourself as a skier - aggressive, recreational, or something else? A: "Ski Pro."
Q: Do you like to ski tree trails? A: "Lots of that at the ‘MASS. Find your own ‘cause that’s where I will be."
Q: How about moguls? A: "Not a big bump mountain, but Radar’s has great bumps."
Q: It’s the first run on a powder day, and you’re first off the lift. Where are you headed? A: "Powerline glades waiting for the Wall to open. Then I’m heading to the Cirque and the Headwall when the bombs stop for a little cliff hucking."
Q: Last run of the day. What are you taking? A: "Fast cruise from top of the Burn to the Village."
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do at Snowmass that’s NOT skiing? A: "Fine dining on the Mountain at Gwyn’s."
Q: Is there a good place to grab a snack or lunch? What do you recommend? A: "Brunswick stew at Sam’s Smokehouse or the salad bar at Elk Camp."