Head to Snowmass this Spring and Summer for Mountain Adventure

Snowmass Village, a true getaway

Courtesy of Snowmass Colorado

Snuggled between the Town of Aspen and the Town of Carbondale is Snowmass Village, a little piece of mountain paradise. A delightful spot full of wildflowers in the summer and happy skiers in the winter, the ski slope boasts 3,342 acres of skiable terrain. There are cruisers, glades, steeps, terrains parks and halfpipes. 

Premier Condo. | Photo Top of the Village

This winter, we stayed at Top of the Village, a property by CoralTree Residences. Our condo, a two-bedroom, two-bath, overlooking Dawdler, a green run, makes this a true ski-in, ski-out property, perfect for the beginner or the advanced skier. The condominium also features a patio and barbecue which is perfect for that weeklong spring break vacation.

A pool patio with three hot tubs and a scenic overlook deck is located at the Top of the Village Gatehouse, across the street from the condominiums. A relaxing space that includes everything from a large fireplace room to a workout room to a sauna, and well-appointed dressing rooms (everything needed for extended stays). Top of the Village has a courtesy shuttle that makes the uphill slog no problem, and we never waited more than a few minutes for our short ride.

Photo Top of the Village

Of course, skiing is the main thing in Snowmass during the winter, and the village is brimming with skis and pink-cheeked smiling faces. However, if someone in the group doesn’t ski, or anyone wants a day off the slopes, snowshoeing is free at the Snowmass Club Golf Course. Or, cross-country ski for free at this groomed facility as well.

Snowshoeing tours are also available, and a great way to get acquainted with the fascinating prehistoric history of Snowmass. There are ACES Snowshoe Tours available that head out from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola. In the summer, walking tours are available, or visitors can set out on a myriad of trails all leading to amazing views. Hikes are abundant right from Snowmass Village during summer months, no need to get in a vehicle. And the wildflowers and scenic vistas do not disappoint.

Snowshoeing Snowmass. | Photo The Heidi Guide

Whether winter season or summer season in Snowmass, a Sightseeing Ticket is a must. The rider heads up to Elk Camp where a cafeteria-style restaurant offers food and drinks, a bar features adult beverages, and there’s a huge patio. A DJ was spinning tunes and a whiskey tasting was underway while we were there. Don’t miss the famous Elk Camp grass-fed beef chili that diners can dress up with cheese, green onions and sour cream. It’s delicious.

When not grilling out at their own condo’s patio at the Top of the Village, visitors can head out to an array of Snowmass Village restaurants. We like Venga Venga, for their table-side guacamole and slope-side setting. Nearby, New Belgium Ranger Station is a taste of Colorado for those visiting from out-of-state. A popular small beer bar with a slope-facing patio, there is also a food menu here.

Courtesy of Snowmass Colorado

 

Three new restaurants joined this dining scene this winter including Napoli Express grab-and-go, a late-night eatery and music venue called Tavern Kitchen & Bar, and Weinerstub, an upscale, dinner-only spot. We dropped by Tavern Kitchen & Bar during our outing, ordered drinks, enjoyed a DJ, and watched the band setting up for a Saturday night show. By the way, a MICHELIN Recommended and James Beard nominated Chef, Mawa McQueen celebrated the first anniversary of her restaurant at Snowmass, Mawita Latin Inspired Cuisine & Bar.

Snowmass Village has one of the cutest little people movers in all of Colorado. Located on a rather steep hill, getting around this village can be challenging but not with Skittles, the Sky Cab. This free gondola is the perfect way for walkers to get up and down the hill, and it’s just plain fun. 

Courtesy of Snowmass Colorado

Great for the kiddos, visitors can enjoy free s’mores from 3:30 p.m. daily through the winter season. Check for the s’mores carts in Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall. 

We’ve been to Snowmass before, but on this visit, we discovered a couple of spots that were completely new to us. One is Clark’s Market, which was important because we got everything it had everything for our barbecue. It’s an adorable, smallish grocery store, minutes from the heart of Snowmass Village. In the same strip mall, visitors will find a fully-stocked liquor store and the Daly Diner, an affordable option in Snowmass for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Away from it all, a vacation in Snowmass Village is a true getaway. With everything needed for a holiday filled with great food and good fun, it makes the perfect spring break escape for the entire family. Or, as we did, a weekend away with friends. 

Courtesy of Snowmass Colorado

Categories: The Heidi Guide