Family-Friendly Update From Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass prides itself on being a family-friendly, inclusive ski destination with facilities to cater to every age and skiing ability. Across the four ski areas within Aspen Snowmass, there is everything you need for the perfect family getaway this winter from kid-friendly activities and dining to world-class ski schools and childcare options.
The mountains…
Boasting four distinct mountains, Aspen Snowmass is known for its world-class skiing that can facilitate any level of skier. Covering 2300 hectares of skiable terrain, Aspen Snowmass has it all, from gentle beginners slopes to more challenging red and blacks as well as unlimited forest to glide through. Of the four mountains, Buttermilk and Snowmass are highlighted as offering the most family-friendly experiences and here’s why.
Rated the easiest of Aspen’s four mountains, Buttermilk is known for its easy-to-navigate beginners areas and gentle green and blue slopes. This year, Buttermilk underwent a $23 million renovation at the base of the mountain to create a more seamless experience for guests, and in particular families, with an intuitive skier services building with ski school, rentals and ticketing all in one location. The new developments also included a new 9,000+ square-foot fully electric skier services building, a renovated and rebranded restaurant and an expanded bar and outdoor patio.
Larger than all three other mountains combined, Snowmass Mountain has a huge selection of runs for all the family ranging from greens and blues for beginners and reds and black for intermediate and advanced skiers. The best areas for beginners are the likes of Fanny Hill and mid-mountain Elk Camp. Snowmass’s Ski School welcomes children from age 2.5 and above, ideal for total beginners as well as skiers with previous experience. Not only does Snowmass cater to younger kids, but for those with more experience there are slopes of all levels to explore, forest to wind through and summits to reach.
On the mountain …
Ski and Snowboard Lessons at Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School
Aspen Snowmass offers a huge range of private and group lessons for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a beginner who's up for a challenge or an experienced racer looking to hone your skills, the Snowmass Ski and Snowboard school offers something for everyone. Choose from half or full day lessons with one of the schools pro instructors and guides to discover new areas and really push yourself to the limit.
Tubing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Elk Camp
If you are looking to carry on the fun after a day's skiing, Snowmass Mountain offers an abundance of other exciting activities for all the family. Multiple tubing lanes are carved into the slopes at TheMeadows at Elk Camp where you and your family can rent tubes and slide down the slopes in style. If you fancy something even more fast paced, why not try the thrilling Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and fly through over a mile of forest down the mountain reaching speeds of up to 28mph. If you simply can't decide between the two, tickets for tubing and a ride on the coaster can be bought as a combo.
Off the mountain …
Ice skating in Snowmass Village
From 1pm-9pm every day during the winter season, perfect your ice skating skills on the ice rink in Snowmass Village. The centrepiece of Snowmass Village Plaza, the rink is conveniently located in front of the Limelight Hotel Snowmass and offers free skate rental. For some post skate fuel, head into the Limelight for an après snack, drink or dinner to finish off a wholesome winter evening.
Kids’ Centres
Aspen Snowmass has several kids’ centres to help make your family holiday stress-free. In Snowmass Village, The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Centeris a multi-level, 2,300-square-metre childcare facility and the first of its kind in the ski industry, with playrooms and supervised activities for children from 8 weeks to 4 years old. The Treehouse also offers a range of different individual and group ski and snowboarding lessons for varying levels, from ages 2.5 all the way up to 14. At the base of Buttermilk, The Hideout is a new innovative facility offering a seamless introduction to skiing for kids ages 2.5 to 4. With gentle training slopes, interactive indoor learning rooms and lunch facilities, this new centre is any kid's dream winter playground.
Family experiences…
During the winter season, on select nights, Elk Camp on Snowmass is illuminated by a winter wonderland party held to honour the Norse God of Snow - Ullr. Take the gondola up to Elk Camp and spend quality time with the family. Indulge in heart-warming food from an a la carte menu or relax with a hot chocolate by the bonfire, all of which are included in the general admission price. Activities such as tubing, riding the alpine coaster and snowbiking are also on offer if you fancy some exhilarating evening fun.
Every day starting at 3:30pm throughout the winter season, you and your family can enjoy free s’mores in Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall by Tower Stage. Locate the oversized marshmallow-looking carts and treat your family after a hard day's work on the slopes.
Where to stay …
Located in the heart of Snowmass Village,Limelight Hotel Snowmass provides guests with ski-in/ski out access, and is within close proximity of Snowmass’ shops and attractions to keep the whole family entertained. The hotel boasts Colorado’s largest indoor rock climbing wall, spa pools, children’s game area and fitness facilities. With pet-friendly rooms, live music and more, the Limelight Snowmass will ensure a relaxing, yet fun-filled family experience.
Located just two blocks away from the base of Aspen Mountain, the St. Regis Aspen Resort is a prestigious five-star hotel, the ideal location for a luxurious family holiday. The hotel offers a wide range of family activities such as ski and snowboard lessons, sledding, snowmobile rides or horse drawn carriage rides through town. Spend some quality time together enjoying a s’more or dinner by the firepit to wind down after a day of carving up the slopes.
