While both Aspen and Snowmass offer world-class skiing, Snowmass provides a more authentic and budget-friendly experience. This article explores the unique vibe of Snowmass, its ski-in, ski-out accommodations, and why it's becoming the preferred choice for skiers seeking value and a welcoming community.
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes Colorado 's ski town Snowmass unique. It could be the mountain itself, as one of the state's largest, allowing for full days on the slopes, exploring every terrain type without encountering crowds. Perhaps it's the welcoming community, where friendly conversations are sparked easily with waiters or fellow après-ski margarita drinkers. Or maybe it's the town's relaxed atmosphere.
While Snowmass boasts high-end restaurants and luxurious lodges, no one bats an eyelid if you dine on $88 sashimi in Crocs and sweatpants. Sara Stookey Sanchez, Snowmass' public relations manager, suggests it's a 'vibe.' 'What I think makes us so special, and it's truly a terrible answer, but it's a vibe,' she said. 'The community lives and breathes Snowmass.' Situated just 15 minutes from Aspen, Snowmass often finds itself compared to its glitzy neighbor. But after spending three days there, I understand what Stookey Sanchez meant. While both towns offer their own appeal, Snowmass has earned my loyalty for future ski trips. Colorado is dotted with ski towns, and over the past four winters, I've explored over a dozen. I've been to Vail, feeling transported to Europe, and as a snowboarder living in Denver, Winter Park and Breckenridge have become favorites for their proximity to the city. During my first Colorado winter, I spent three nights in Aspen, hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities. Each destination has its highlights, but in terms of the actual mountain, Snowmass stands out. Snowmass is one of the four mountains comprising the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, alongside Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. For me, an intermediate snowboarder, Snowmass was ideal. There was plenty of terrain to explore, and for a full day, I rarely repeated a ski run. Instead, I cruised through empty lift lines and carved fresh tracks across the mountain. Plus, the mountain seemed suitable for all skill levels, with terrain parks, bunny hills, and plenty of black runs. Conversely, during my trip to Aspen, I couldn't even snowboard. While Aspen is known as a popular ski town, Aspen Mountain's terrain is primarily suited for intermediate and expert skiers who can handle steep runs. When I visited a few years ago, I wasn't comfortable on the mountain. Even now, I'm sure I could manage it, but I'm not sure I'd enjoy the experience. During my three-day stay, I heard this sentiment echoed by others. Skiers and snowboarders raved about Snowmass, and many mentioned that although they stayed in Aspen, they spent every day skiing in Snowmass. The town of Snowmass is divided into two areas: Snowmass Base and Snowmass Mall. Snowmass Base Village is more modern, with fine dining options, a skating rink, and luxury condos and hotels. There's also the Snowmass Mall, home to retail, food, and more accommodations. Snowmass' main attraction, at least for me, is its ski-in, ski-out accommodations. Over 14 hotels and condos in town offer direct access to lifts. I spent two nights at the Viceroy Snowmass, where a lift line was less than a five-minute walk from my room. Easy access to the mountain is a huge advantage for a ski trip. Aspen, on the other hand, has significantly fewer ski-in, ski-out options. A quick online search reveals only six, including The Little Nell, where a nightly stay during the winter rarely costs less than $2,500. There are areas where Aspen truly shines. Although upscale, the town itself feels more charming. Quaint buildings fill the town center, and the town's rich mining history is evident as you walk between Prada and Valentino stores. Art galleries dot the town, and a night at Aspen's Belly Up concert venue is something you won't find in Snowmass. Additionally, Aspen's food scene is unparalleled. The town boasts more restaurants than Snowmass, including Michelin-starred options like Bosq. However, Aspen's exclusivity comes at a price. It's considered one of the most expensive ski towns in the US. In a 2024 ranking of the country's most expensive vacation destinations, OptimosTravel stated that the average weeklong trip to Aspen cost $5,330 per person. According to Kayak, the average weeknight hotel cost in the first two weeks of January in Snowmass was around $1,040, compared to Aspen's $1,900 average. After visiting both, finding cheaper eats was more manageable in Snowmass, where you could find $15 sandwiches and $9 breakfast burritos. However, some costs remain consistent between the towns. For instance, the mountains all share the same lift tickets, so skiing – no matter where you are – will cost about $250 a day. But if you stay in Snowmass, where accommodations are cheaper, your dollar stretches further, leaving you with a bit more budget for après-ski fun in Aspen
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