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• Resort Guide

Resort Height:2385m

Snowmass has a dual identity as a major ski area in its own right, but also as the largest of the four mountains found at Aspen/Snowmass. Located about nine miles (14km) from its internationally renowned neighbour, guests here can make use of a lift ticket that serves not only the 3000+ acres of terrain on the doorstep, but also the three other Aspen ski areas of Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands.

Another big selling factor for Snowmass is that it is currently well in to a billion base village redevelopment backed by Intrawest, the company behind Whistler. This has created facilities which are amongst the best to be found at any ski resort in the world, and made Snowmass the first true 21st century ski resort. Improvements are continuing on and off the mountain. For the 2006-7 season the resort opened the Elk Camp Gondola, which transports guests from the base of Fanny Hill to the alpine scenery of Elk Camp in seven and a half minutes. The Sky Cab or "Skittles" gondola, opened in 2005-2006 and takes passengers from the new base area to the Snowmass Village Mall in just two minutes.

Beginners

The slope side convenience of most accommodation in Snowmass makes it one of the least stressful places in the world to practice your first turns. The resort has put a great deal of thought in to its Elk Camp Meadows learning area, which opened in the 2007-8 season. Located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola it incorporates new mid-mountain terrain and a new lift especially for beginning skiers and snowboarders. There are wide ranging ski school programmes to cater for most new skier needs.

Intermediates

With predominantly intermediate terrain, Snowmass has a great range of runs over one of the biggest lift-served verticals in North America. Free mountain tours with local guides are organised twice daily and it’s well worth turning up for one at the start of your stay to ensure that you make the most of your time here. There’s also the option to ski at Aspen’s three other mountains. Popular runs at Snowmass itself include Long Shot, where intermediate skiers and snowboarders can get their first taste of the wilder side of the sport. This hike-to intermediate run offers a true backcountry feel, is left ungroomed and is a good first step to the next level.

Advanced

There are plenty of challenging runs on Snowmass mountain. From the 12,510 foot summit of Snowmass, the Cirque drops precipitously through cliffs, rockbands and steep headwalls for example. Try AMF or Gowdy's or make your way across to the Cirque Headwall and pick a line between the rocks or find a launch pad. If you’re looking for solitude, beautiful views and the occasional wandering sled dog, head for the Campground lift at Snowmass. Campground features long double black runs with variable terrain. Try the fence line of Powderhorn from top to bottom on a powder day. For one of the most scenic runs at the resort, the Village Express lift brings you straight to the top of Sam's Knob. From "The Knob" you'll have sweeping views of the Brush Creek Valley, Wildcat Ranch and up the mountain to the Big Burn.

Snowboarding

The Snowmass Terrain Park, formerly known as Pipeline, has added a bigger and better superpipe, new features, and has relocated, so users can now make continuous laps in the park via the Coney Glade lift. No self-respecting snowboarder could visit the area without paying homage to the X Games Terrain Park and Pipe where the very best riders in the world perform their tricks when they descend upon Buttermilk Mountain each year to compete in the ESPN Winter X Games. The terrain park and pipe is open for the public to enjoy before and after this annual epic event. Users are able to ride the same rails and perform tricks in the same pipe as their heroes.

Other Activities and Facilities

There’s lots to do in Snowmass off the slopes, even before you consider making the 20 minute bus trip to Aspen with its hundreds of shops, galleries and museums. Snowmass may not have quite so much, but it has much of the same, including cross country skiing, guided naturalist hikes, snowshoe tours, cross country skiing and even a biathlon range. There are also sleigh rides to enjoy, and a good selection of shops.

Après Ski and Dining Out

There are dozens of bars and restaurants in Snowmass catering for every taste. The Cirque at Snowmass is a lively and casual restaurant and bar located slope side on the Snowmass Village Mall. It features live après music every day of the week. The Cirque has the best patio in town that overlooks skiers and riders heading out or calling it a day on the slopes. Zane's Tavern, also in the Snowmass Village Mall, is a classic sports bar with big screen TV, pool tables and happy hour specials. For a bigger selection and added glitz, it’s easy to get over to Aspen with its 100 bars and restaurants, plus five night clubs for an evening out.

Families

The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Centre opened for the 2007-8 season claiming to be the best in the world. It is a one-stop-shop for ski and snowboard school check-in and rental/retail. The centre also boasts children's entertainment from a family-friendly climbing gym, to teen activities, to a host of themed rooms for ages eight weeks and older. The Treehouse is easily accessible from anywhere in Snowmass with short-term and underground parking, free shuttle buses, ski-in/ski-out access on Fanny Hill and service to the upper slopes, lodges and Snowmass Village Mall via the Sky Cab gondola.

Ski/Board Suitability Guide

Suitable for families:	[No]
Suitable for beginners:	[3]
Suitable for intermediate skiers:	[5]
Suitable for advanced skiers:	[5]
Suitable for boarders skiers:	[4]

Piste Map for Snowmass

Accommodation in Snowmass

• Pokolodi Lodge - 0 star,
• Silver Tree Hotel - 3 star,
• Stonebridge Inn - 3 star, bed & breakfast
• Wildwood Lodge - 3 star, bed & breakfast

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