Happy Birthday, Snowmass!
The Colorado ski resort turns 50 this year
Snowmass turns 50 this winter and they’re celebrating all season long with weekly champagne toasts in Base Village and much more.
Snowmass opened in 1967 with five chairlifts, 50 miles of ski trails, seven hotels and six restaurants. A lift ticket cost $6.50 (source: tosv.com). Things have changed over the last five decades, but Snowmass remains a favorite of many skiers from Colorado and beyond.
Today, it is second only to Vail in its amount of skiable terrain; that means that skiers and boarders never get bored at Snowmass (source: bizjournals.com/denver/).
Photo by Hal Williams Photography/Courtesy Snowmass
Lodging options in Snowmass vary from condominiums to luxury vacation homes and nearly everyone has a majestic view. There are dozens of restaurants to choose from, with offerings that range from pizza to fine dining.
I personally like Snowmass because the village is easy to navigate. In addition to the tons of winter fun that can be had here, it’s a superb summer destination with a never-ending list of festivals and outdoorsy activities available.
New this winter is the Breaktaker Alpine Coaster, adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant. The exhilarating ride is available every day and at night during special holidays and Ullr Nights festivities. Purchase the Adventure Pass to enjoy the alpine coaster and tubing. More information can be found here.
Photo by Jeremy Swanson/Courtesy Snowmass
To celebrate this big birthday, many restaurants and retail stores in Snowmass are offering specials like a beer and a signature homemade wurst at Wurst & Stein. See all the special offers here.
During the winter, in addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe and even go dog sledding. Don’t miss the Ice Age Discovery Center, where the entire family can learn about the mammoth fossils and other fascinating finds in the area.
So what else is planned to celebrate this 50-year milestone? Skiers should keep an eye out for the gold trail signs with the 50th Anniversary logo. These trails are original runs from the 1967/1968 ski season.
Photo by Hal Williams Photography/Courtesy Snowmass
Instagrammers can participate in #Snowmass50Throwback Instagram Sweepstakes by recreating historic photos of Snowmass. Visit AspenHistory.org/snowmass50 for details or the Snowmass Instagram page here.
When in town, be sure to check out the retro art installation of Snowmass’ past and future located at Base Village. Visitors will get a sneak peek at the Base Village plaza, which will open in November 2018.
History buffs will love the historic mountain tours that depart daily at 10:30 pm from the top of Sam’s Knob and at 1:30 pm daily from Elk Camp’s outdoor trail map. This tour provides a look into Snowmass’ ancient past including the period of time when mammoth and mastodons were traversing the area up until present day.
