Last updated on February 1st, 2022 at 12:22 am
Snowmass Village, located in central Colorado, may not be as widely known as some of its ski resort-laden neighbors. However, it is undeniably a hidden gem. We had the coveted opportunity to experience the vibrant community. The town is known for its incredible views of mountain vistas, miles of trails, in addition to vast adjacent acres of wilderness. In this travel guide, we will be sharing Snowmass Village in summer travel recommendations to inspire you to visit too!
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5 Facts About Snowmass Village, Colorado
- Founded in 1977 in central Colorado, Snowmass Village is a small mountain town located in the Roaring Fork Valley, and specifically in Pitkin County.
- It is situated at 8,100 feet in elevation and is approximately 9 miles from Aspen, Colorado.
- Snowmass Village is ranked as one of the best winter ski areas and summer mountain biking destinations in the world.
- Snowmass Village, Colorado is in the Mountain Time Zone.
- The sky cabs (gondolas) in Snowmass Village are also known as skittles due to their brightly colored exteriors.
What to Pack
The following is by no means an exhaustive list, but merely a few suggestions to consider. Feel free to add to your packing list as you deem fit.
Clothing: Pack lightweight clothing that you can layer (and a light jacket). Summer weather in Snowmass can be unpredictable. From 60 degrees and rain one second to 80 degrees the next, it is best to be prepared for any weather. Additionally, consider packing bathing suits/swimming trunks, workout clothes, hiking clothes, etc. It all depends on the activities that you plan to engage in.
Tip: Note that the dress code in Snowmass Village is pretty casual. Jeans and a nice shirt are great for even the fanciest of outings. Ladies, heels may be a tricky affair in Snowmass Village given the terrain and cobblestone in some places. Consider more comfortable shoes.
Footwear: At least one pair of sturdy shoes (suitable for hiking/outdoor activities), casual shoes, sandals.
Sun and skin protection: chapstick, moisturizing lotion, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray
Hydration: Water bottle (there are several filtered water filling stations throughout the village). Due to the high altitude of Snowmass Village, be sure to stay well hydrated.
Miscellaneous: Masks are required in indoor spaces in Snowmass Village (as of September 2021).
How to Get to Snowmass Village, Colorado
If you will be traveling to Snowmass Village from outside Colorado, flying would be the most convenient and fastest way to get there. The following are a few options to consider.
1.Fly to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
This airport is approximately 15 minutes from Snowmass Village. Airlines that service this route are American Airlines and United Airlines. Check out flight deals here.
Travel Tip:
Pros: Aspen/Pitkin is a small airport; therefore, you will be saved from dealing with large crowds or long security lines.
Cons: There are no jet bridges that connect the planes to the terminals; therefore, plan to board and deplane via the aircraft’s stairs. Additionally, the planes that fly to this airport may be smaller, so you may have to check in (at no additional cost) your larger carry-on items at the plane entrance. Plan accordingly.
Transport from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport to Snowmass Village
Depending on where you will be staying while you are in Snowmass Village, complimentary transportation (mostly shuttles) may be available. Confirm this information when booking your stay.
For local transportation and other parking options around Snowmass, to Aspen, and around the Valley, see here.
2. Fly to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
This airport is an approximate 90-minute drive from Snowmass Village. At the present time, airlines that service this route are American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines. Check out the best flight deals to Snowmass here.
Upon arrival at the airport, you can rent a car and drive to Snowmass Village. Find car rental deals here.
Alternatively, you can use a transportation service to ferry you to Snowmass Village.
3. Fly to Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport is served by over 20 domestic and international airlines. It is an approximate 4-hour drive from Snowmass Village. Once in Denver, the following are a few options to get to Snowmass Village:
Fly
There is a connecting flight from Denver International Airport to the Aspen/Pitkin Airport.
Note that it takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from Denver International Airport to Snowmass Village.
Travel Tip: Denver International airport is a larger airport with more traffic. Therefore, plan accordingly and arrive at the airport way ahead of time in anticipation of larger crowds and long security lines.
Additionally, consider using CLEAR to help you quickly & more securely get through airport security.
Drive
If instead, you choose to drive to Snowmass Village, find car rental deals here.
Tip: Life happens. Protect your trip with travel insurance.
Do you need a car while in Snowmass Village?
The answer to whether you will need a car while in Snowmass Village is…
Yes or no depending on your unique circumstances.
If your plan is to embark on a self-guided exploration adventure beyond the confines of Snowmass Village, then yes. This is because you may find that renting a car will provide the flexibility and convenience that you seek.
You can rent a car from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Consider car rental deals that you can reserve and pay for at the airport.
Tip: Note that it may be difficult to find a parking lot that offers free parking. Therefore, prepare accordingly.
Alternatively, you can use the FREE Village Shuttle to connect to the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) regional bus service.
However, if your plan is to spend your time solely in Snowmass Village, you will find that renting a car is not necessary. The Transportation Department operates the Village Shuttle which provides FREE rides within Snowmass Village.
Tip: Most hotels and resorts also have complimentary shuttles for transportation within the village.
What is Snowmass Village Like?
We had a brief (but jam-packed with activities) summer experience in Snowmass Village. We, therefore, recommend it as a fun-filled destination, chock full of exciting outdoor activities. The vibe there is laid back and relaxed. Additionally, the local residents are friendly and welcoming of out of towners.
Where to Stay
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Snowmass Village e.g. luxury resorts, vacation rentals, and hotel suites. The following are a few options to consider.
Vacation Rentals in Snowmass VIllage
While in Snowmass Village, we stayed at Timberline Condominiums slopeside rentals. We had a decent-sized living area, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and a private balcony.
The condos are in a prime location, given that they are just steps away from the heart of Snowmass Village. Furthermore, if you stay here, you will be close to a variety of Snowmass Village festivals, events, and activities. Note that the suites range from studios to 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms.
The location offers mountainside direct access and all the conveniences of home-like living spaces. Moreover, on-site is the renowned restaurant —The Edge Restaurant & Bar.
Additionally, there is a complimentary shuttle service available to the condominiums guests. It will transport you anywhere within Snowmass Village. The shuttles are also available for airport pick-up and drop-off. Find Timberline Condominiums price deals here.
Laurelwood and Interlude Condominiums
The Laurelwood offers spacious, recently updated condominium studio suites. Each 540-square-foot studio vacation rental can accommodate up to four people comfortably. Find Laurelwood price deals here.
Similarly, The Interlude is Laurelwood’s neighboring condominium complex. It is made up of mountainside 2-bedroom & 3-bedroom units. Find Interlude price deals here.
Snowmass Village by Gondola Resorts
Choose from 1-7 bedroom luxury vacation rentals at this Snowmass resort. Find Snowmass Village by Gondola Resorts deals here.
Tip: In our experience, Snowmass Village condos are great options for home-away-from-home accommodation. This is especially so if you are traveling in larger groups.
Search for additional Snowmass Village Vacation Rentals on VRBO
Hotels in Snowmass VIllage
Stonebridge Inn is conveniently located slopeside in the center of Snowmass Village. It features 93 boutique guest rooms in addition to suites. Of note, amenities include an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
Viceroy Snowmass is a luxury resort with spacious guestrooms. Each of them is a slice of modern luxury in the mountains.
Limelight Hotel has 99 hotel rooms and 11 residences. The hotel is close-to-the-gondola access in summer, right in the heart of Snowmass Base Village.
Wildwood Snowmass has 145 cozy rooms in addition to 6 unique suites. It is in an ideal location, just steps from the slopes, the finest shops, dining, as well as nightlife in Snowmass Village
Viewline Resort Snowmass is an all-season mountain resort. Accommodation includes mountain front suites, signature suites, in addition to penthouse suites.
Where To Eat in Snowmass Village
Snowmass Village is chock full of food and drink options. Undoubtedly, it is guaranteed to satisfy a wide array of palates and preferences. The following are a few top recommendations.
Breakfast
Jüs Snowmass
Fresh-pressed juices, milk, smoothies, and hand-crafted breakfast. Also available are lunch items and satisfying snacks.
Fuel Café
It is the perfect spot for a variety of gourmet take-out foods in a creative, ever-changing style. Furthermore, several menu options are available for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.
Café V
Kickstart your day with coffee & pastries at this cafe located at Viceroy Snowmass hotel.
Crepe Shack
Get your early morning breakfast at Crepe Shack. They are primarily known for their sweet and savory crepes. However, they also offer coffee, grilled cheese, soups, and fresh baked goods.
Daly Diner
Local and fresh, all-natural ingredients for breakfast and lunch too.
Lunch/Dinner
Il Poggio
Il Poggio offers handmade traditional and innovative foods from Italy and beyond. They also have an impressive selection of wines from Italy and California.
Limelight
A creative menu of locally sourced entrées spun in internationally inspired ways. It is the perfect place for both outdoor dining and indoor seating. We were particularly drawn to the glowing fireplace.
Mix6
Mix6 features nutrition-focused cuisine, vegetarian options, and tasty bites. Comparatively, Moxi Bar is home to an extensive cocktail, wine, and beer list. Enjoy your beverage with a treat from mix6.
Slow Groovin’ Chophouse
Popular, casual outpost featuring hearty BBQ plates, craft brews & cocktails, as well as outdoor seating.
The Stew Pot
It is the best place to get a variety of comfort food menu options including homemade soups, stews, and chilis.
Fun fact: Note that The Stew Pot is the oldest restaurant in Snowmass.
The Artisan Restaurant
Seasonal American cuisine & cocktails served in a relaxed setting with rustic accents and a patio.
Best known for local organic selections featured at various stations. These include the following: rotisserie, panini, salad bar, soul-warming soups, bakery, and artisan hand-tossed pizzas from scratch.
Grub Thai
Renowned for serving the most delicious, authentic traditional Thai cuisine.
Additional Restaurants
The Edge Restaurant and Bar
Located at Timberline Condominiums, this restaurant has an exciting and diverse menu featuring Alpine Cuisine. Specifically, flavors from different cuisines are carefully crafted to create hearty plates for the Colorado style of living.
Big Hoss BBQ
Casual American grill with a patio serving BBQ, sandwiches. Additionally, breakfast menu options are available.
Little Mammoth Steakhouse
Steakhouse offering chops, seafood & global wines plus Rocky Mountain views.
Outdoor counter-serve featuring window service with tables outside. The menu features pizza, calzones & Italian hoagies, plus Philly cheesesteaks, and more.
Ranger Station
The Ranger Station has a full bar with locally sourced spirits. Additionally, hot drinks (Rock Canyon coffee and house-made hot chocolate), & beer-focused food pairings are offered.
Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar
Authentic Mexican food is served here in addition to a collection of 75+ tequilas and mezcals.
New American cuisine, coupled with over 30 craft beers and a wide selection of fine wines, in a relaxed and eclectic dining environment, including a great outdoor patio.
Slice of Italy
Signature pizzas & classic Italian entrees in a warm, casual space with a full bar & upbeat vibe.
Tasters Pizza
Specialty & build-your-own pizzas, as well as salads, pasta & hot subs.
Toro Kitchen and Lounge at Viceroy Hotel
An upscale-rustic outlet for contemporary Latin American cuisine & cocktails in the Viceroy Snowmass.
Tip: Limelight, The Artisan, The Edge, Big Hoss Grill, and Mawa’s Kitchen have some of the best happy hour options in Snowmass Village.
Grocery/Convenience Stores in Snowmass Village
5 Quick Snowmass Village Tips
1,Vibe: The overall vibe is casual and laid back, You can dress up if you want to, but our observation was that comfortable chic, athleisure wear would be the way to go.
2. Altitude: Snowmass is a high-altitude location. Be aware of the health effects of diminished oxygen levels. Remember to drink plenty of water as your body will be more dehydrated. Be careful when drinking alcohol as the combination of altitude and dehydration can cause alcohol to act faster.
3. Weather: Weather conditions can change rapidly. Keep tabs on the weather forecast and plan and dress accordingly.
4. Rules and Regulations:
Note that camping is prohibited in the town of Snowmass Village.
No open fires are allowed.
Dogs must be leashed on all trails
Additionally, ebikes are only allowed on paved paths within the Town of Snowmass Village. They are prohibited on ALL natural surface trails.
5. Medical: In case of emergency, the local healthcare facility is The Snowmass Medical Care Clinic, a walk-in facility located at Base Village.
FInal Thoughts About Snowmass Village
As always, when we venture out to a new destination, we do so without any preconceived notions. Our goal is always for the destination in question to reveal itself to us. Snowmass Village definitely did not disappoint. Without a doubt, it is one place that we will be talking about for years to come!
As residents of a sunbelt state (Texas) known for its blistering heat, a less blazing version of summer was a welcome change for us. We had a myriad of unforgettable experiences. We loved that we could actively engage in tons of outdoor Snowmass Village activities (while staying well hydrated of course), even in warmer months.
If you are a lover of the great outdoors, and the thrill of adventure Snowmass Village will most definitely satisfy your desire to be one with nature. Natural surroundings such as scenic mountain vistas, meadows, Colorado’s wildlife (like the deer outside our condo one evening that we named Bambi), and nature at its absolute finest await you!
So, whether you had no knowledge whatsoever about Snowmass Village prior to reading this travel guide…
Or, you had never considered Snowmass Village as a summer vacation destination…
Whatever your reasons are, it is our hope that we have provided value and inspired you to add Snowmass Village to your travel bucket list. Good times abound! Check out our 38 Fun Things To Do In Snowmass Village Travel Guide here.
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Now go forth, plan your Snowmass vacations, and explore!