Snowmass

Many Coloradoans who enjoy downhill skiing are park rats for the Aspen/Snowmass complex. Of the four ski areas in this complex, Snowmass holds a place in the hearts of those who appreciate its vertical drop (the most in the United States). The winter venue has plenty to offer casual skiers, families on vacation, and hardcore ski bums looking for fun.

Interstate motorists can use I-70 to head from Denver into the Rocky Mountains. Drivers can exit near Glenwood Springs, taking Colorado State Highway 82 to the resort's roadway between Woody Creek and Aspen. Those flying to Colorado will use Denver International Airport (208 miles east), with several smaller airfields offering closer access.

An Alpine Overload

The ski area is part of a complex that includes Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Buttermilk. Quality skiing and riding abound, and the complex is popular with snow hounds around the globe, making it one of the most famous winter destinations in the world. Not only is this the biggest of the four venues in the complex, but it is also larger than the other three combined.

Amenities in the complex cover everything guests would expect for their dollars. Lodging, dining, retail, and entertainment will keep everyone busy when off their skis or boards. Ski-in/ski-out is available at the Snowmass ski area itself, along with dining a the Alpin Room, Elk Camp, and Sam's. Those looking for something different can reserve a snowcat trip to the Lynn Britt Cabin in a chalet setting or the Alpine Coaster above Elk Camp.

The ski season at Snowmass goes from late November through sometime in April. First-timers of any age, those with disabilities, and experienced skiers and riders will find top-quality instruction at the complex. Packages include private lessons, group sessions, clinics, and camps. Average annual snowfall amounts of 300 inches provide plenty of powder for carving.

Acreage and Vertical Overload

The Snowmass ski area offers the biggest vertical in the nation at 4,406 feet. That is off of The Cirque that has a summit elevation of 12,510 feet. Guests are in the alpine biome, so those traveling from lower elevations need to remember that the air is thinner up here. Its vertical rise creates some amazing potentials, which is one of the reasons the resort is on everyone's bucket list.

The Snowmass stretches across 3,342 acres of skiable terrain. Guests here can choose between 98 trails of various ratings. It is not the most beginner-friendly area in the complex, with only about five percent of the runs rating green for beginners. The mountain has a blue rating on 48-percent of the named trails that experienced skiers and riders will enjoy.

Black diamond runs make up about 17-percent of the trails here, offering challenges for advanced ski bums. Snowmass is an expert's paradise with 30-percent of the terrain rating as double black diamond, though.

Those visiting the Snowmass ski resort use an extensive lift system with an uphill capacity of 32,688 guests per hour. That includes an eight-passenger gondola as well as the pulse gondola.