Snowmass Mountain Guide - Top Trails & Dining
Experience Snowmass Resort like an insider. Find out where to ski with our top trails. We also show you where to eat on the mountain. Plus, check out the mountain stats.
Snowmass Terrain Guides
Beginner
Beginner terrain is only 5% of the total and true novices may prefer to start at Buttermilk. However, if you staying slopeside here or part of a more advanced group, Snowmass has a few areas devoted to getting started. Much of the Green terrain is at the base - Fanny Hill and Assay Hill. Those just learning, can also take the Elk Camp Gondola to the protected Meadows Area - with two magic carpets and a short lift.
Intermediate
Snowmass is an Intermediate's paradise, nearly half of the terrain is designated Blue. Wide, open slopes are accessible from almost all peaks. Blues come in all forms from smooth cruisers to perfectly spaced trees with a progression of steepness. There are countless trails to explore from the top of Elk Camp and the short hike to Long Shot is a must. Big Burn's signature feature is widely spaced trees, thanks to the "big burn" forest fire in the 1880s. Alpine Springs has fresh groomers all day.
Advanced
Despite its family friendly rap, Snowmass has its share of Expert terrain - almost a third of the mountain is Double Diamond. We like to warm up on the steeper groomers and lower glades (Sam's Knob and Big Burn) as avalanche control is usually underway in the morning. Once clear, head to High Alpine and make your way to the Hanging Valley for the steeps and deeps. We also like the backcountry feel of the Burnt Mountain Glades, especially if you can scope it out before a big dump.
Snowmass is by far the largest of the four resorts and it is well worth the 20 minute "trek" from town. The terrain variety is unrivaled, yet its easy for intermediates and experts to stay together. Plan carefully, Snowmass is huge and poor planning may result in too much time between runs.
Top Trail Picks
Our team of experts has skied them all. Here are some of our favorites in each category.
Category
Trail Name
Description
Area / Getting There
Just Learning
Fanny Hill
Dedicated Beginner area with 2 magic carpets and 2 lifts at the Snowmass Base Village
From Snowmass Base Village or Snowmass Mall, take Sky Cap or the Village Express to the first station
Morning Groomers
Big Burn Area
There are a half dozen regularly groomed runs with a moderate pitch, perfect for making laps
Whispering Jesse
Less frequently accessed - stays fresher
Pick your route from the top of the Big Burn Lift; For Whispering Jesse, stay to your skier's right as you go under the Lift
Afternoon Groomer
Naked Lady
This area is groomed in the morning and then again after lunch, and the flat catwalk keeps the traffic out
From Gwyn's or the top of the Alpine Springs Lift, take the catwalk to your skier's right
Scenic Cruiser
Bull Run
Stunning views of the Maroon Bells from the top and small patches of trees along the way keep it fresh
Exit the Elk Camp Lift to the left
Longest
Longshot
5.3 miles; its a short hike from top of Elk Camp all the way down to Two Creeks Base, perfect after lunch at Elk Camp
From the top of the Elk Camp Lift, exit left and gather speed, then expect a 5 - 10 minute hike
Wide Open
Sheer Bliss
Wide open groomer set between steeper terrain on both sides
From the top of Big Burn, stay to your skier's right just past the Sheer Bliss Lift
Bumps
Zugspitze
Perfectly sized moguls at the right pitch for practicing a more aggressive approach to the bumps
From Sam's Knob Peak, stay to your skier's right
Showing Off
Slot
Directly under the Sam's Knob Lift, this is the place to show off your mogul technique
Directly under the Sam's Knob Lift
Glades (Nicely Spaced)
Powerline Glades
Great for improving your tree technique, not super steep and take your pick of space between the glades; good for intermediates too
From the top of Big Burn, follow Mick's Gully and look for the powerline cables
Glades (Backcountry Feel)
Burnt Mountain Glades
Backcountry feel, more open areas give way to tighter patches of trees, mostly at a mellow pitch; worth a trial run before a fresh powder day
From the top of the Elk Camp Lift, exit left and gather speed before the 5-10 minute hike, make sure to go through the gates, just past Longshot
Steep & Deep
Headwall / Lower Ladder
So many lines to explore - chutes, glades and even cliffs; downside is the trek - it takes awhile to enter and exit
From High Alpine, exit left, follow signs for Headwall and get ready for ~10 minute hike, Headwall leads to Lower Ladder where there are tons of routes
Fresh Powder
Hanging Valley Glades
With endless routes to explore and harder to reach, powder stashes are easy to come by
From the top of High Alpine, take the ~10 minute hike to Roberto's and follow steep open area to glades
Getting Air
The Cirque Headwall
Steep face with rocky cliffs; conditions have to be right, not to much wind and after avalanchce control is done
From the top of Sheer Bliss, exit left and take the Cirque Poma Lift (consider yourself lucky when its running)
On Mountain Dining Recommendations
Snowmass has 7 unique locations to eat lunch on the mountain. For pizza and cookies fresh from the oven with a view, head to Up 4 Pizz., For fine dining, head to Lynn Brit Cafe. Our suggestions for a quick break and tasty meal on the mountain are here:
Gwyn's High Alpine
Centrally located at the top of the Alpine Meadows Lift, this recently remodeled spot has a full-service restaurant and a cafeteria. Family-owned for 40 years (set to be taken over by Aspen Skiing Company in the 2019-20 season), you can feel the love. We like the tuna melts, daily stews, and flatbread pizzas in the cafeteria. The bakery has a daily fresh selection of cookies and pies - everything looks good - you will be happy you skied hard in the morning.
Elk Camp
Completely remodeled in 2017, organic foods are the focus here and the natural salad bar in the center is hard to resist. Standard ski fare and can feel a litlte sterile, but its large, easy to access and there are special kids meals.
Sam's Smokehouse
At the top of Sam's Knob, the Smokehouse is accessible from the Base via the Village Express and the 260 views are spectacular. Come here for the generous portions of BBQ (and relatively better value). However, the BBQ lunch is full service, so be sure to have time or come when it’s not crowded. There is also a quick stop cafe and espresso bar. On colder days, its nice to stop in for breakfast and warm up with cider.
Snowmass Mountain Stats
Terrain Mix
Size / Elevation
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Highest Peak: 12,510 ft | 3,813m
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Vertical Rise: 4,406 ft | 3,607m
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Base: 8,104 ft | 2,470m
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Total Area: 3,339 acres |
(13.5 sq km)
Terrain Overview
Mountain Range: Elk Range, Rockies
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96 Trails
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3 Terrain Parks
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1 Superpipe
Peaks
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6 Peaks
Highest Peaks
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The Cirque (12,510 ft)
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High Alpine (11,852 ft)
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Big Burn (11,835 ft)
Bases
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Lift Stats
Uphill Capacity: 32,358 ppl / hr
17 Lifts
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2 Gondolas
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8 High Speed Quad
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1 High Speed Six-Pack
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2 Quads
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1 Double
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2 Pull Lifts
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4 Ski & Snowboard School lifts
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2 Lifts minimum to access peaks from base
