The end of last summer our family spent a fun weekend in Snowmass, Colorado. My husband and I have visited Aspen a handful of times, but this was our first visit to Snowmass Village. This all transpired as I was writing an article on Colorado’s alpine coasters. As a result of that article, Snowmass Mountain made my list of Colorado mountain towns to visit. We made that happen the end of last summer. It was such a treat!
Snowmass is a quaint mountain resort town built up the side of the mountain. As such, most Snowmass lodging accommodations seems to be ski-in ski-out with beautiful mountain views. The ski lifts began turning at Snowmass Mountain over 50 years ago. Perhaps best known for its skiing, Snowmass is even more spectacular in the summer. With warm sunny days and cool evenings, Snowmass is an excellent vacation destination to escape the heat.
In our Snowmass Summer Guide for Families get information on:
- Snowmass summer activities for families
- Family dining in Snowmass, Colorado
- Snowmass hotels and condos
While checking out the new Breathtaker Coaster stop Snowmass Mountain was our primary inspiration for the getaway we discovered there is so much more for families to do in Snowmass both on and off the mountain. Families will find no shortage of fun things to do in Snowmass during the summer. Read on to find out where we think families should stay, dine and do while in Snowmass.
Snowmass Summer Activities
Family Activities at Snowmass Base Village
Snowmass Base Village is now home to Colorado’s largest indoor rock-realistic climbing wall, towering at five stories and 54 feet high. It runs directly up front of the new Limelight Hotel in Snowmass.
Skittles Gondola Rides at Snowmass
Younger kids may enjoy riding the colorful skittles gondolas that they can be caught directly from the base village.
Snowmass Swimming Pools
Enjoy one of the beautiful swimming pools with mountain views. A couple of Snowmass pools made our list of best winter pools in Colorado. And, they are even better in the summer!
Snowmass Hiking
Several hiking trails lead out directly from the village. Take a hike on the Rim Trail and find the Yin-Yang about a mile and a half in. The reward is the spectacular views of the mountains beyond as well as the village and ski mountain. Perhaps you will even get to shake tails with some deer, or dodge bear scat on the trail.
Snowmass Mountain Activities for Families
Snowmass has always been known for their on-mountain bike trails. But now there are even more summer activities atop the mountain for families to enjoy. In addition to the fun alpine coaster, a challenge course in the Lost Forest will keep your family occupied for most of the day. And, if that isn’t enough, then wear yourself out on the climbing wall!
Summer Events at Snowmass
Snowmass also has a summer events calendar chock full of fun activities for the family. You may want to plan your visit around some of these events. We managed to enjoy both the Snowmass Hot Air Balloon Festival, and the Cidermass Fest all in one weekend!
Where to Eat in Snowmass
Artisan at Stonebridge Inn, Snowmass
For dinner try the Artisan in Stonebridge Inn. The Artisan will impress every member of your family. My certified organic “Ora-King” salmon, palisade peach and olathe corn relish, herb risotto was so delicious I didn’t offer to share. Certainly, my husband certainly enjoyed his grilled NY striploin.
But perhaps more importantly, our five-year-old devoured his huge bowl of mac and cheese. Then he proceeded to inform me that it was even better than my homemade extra cheesy mac and cheese. Our foodie daughter savored her Mahi from the kids menu. And she enjoyed a refreshing strawberry lemonade made with fresh strawberries.
Fuel for Snowmass Breakfast
For breakfast, try Fuel in upper Snowmass Village. Their food is quick and delicious. And, the coffee is excellent too.
Snowmass Hotels & Condos for Families
Top of the Village Condos by Destination Residences Snowmass
Snowmass Village is built up the side of the mountain. There appear to be a large amount of condos, which tend to be our top pick as a family. We love the space to spread out and a kitchen so that we can eat in.
We really enjoyed our Top of the Village condo by Destination Residences Snowmass. It really was the top of the village where the street dead ended into the mountain. The kids thought the bunks, in addition to twins in their bedroom were pretty cool.
It was spacious and I could imagine spending a week there with family. The balcony overlooked the gorgeous mountain. And, there’s a quaint pool and hot tub also built into the side of the mountain overlooking an aspen grove.
Limelight Hotel Snowmass
We haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but we are looking forward to checking out the new Limelight Hotel Snowmass. The new Limelight Hotel Snowmass opened in December 2018 and features 99 hotel rooms. It also boasts a new restaurant and lounge as well as a children’s game room. And a new five-story climbing wall runs up the font of the hotel.
The Limelight Hotel Snowmass is modeled after the company’s existing properties in Aspen, Colorado and Ketchum, Idaho. It is located adjacent to Snowmass Mountain’s Elk Camp Gondola providing ski-in/ski-out access. Like the other Limelight properties, it features an expanded continental breakfast, après ski deals in the Lounge, live music and adventure activities. A ski concierge and pet-friendly rooms top off the offerings.
Aspen Snowmass hosted our visit, meaning that they provided complimentary lodging, as well as a meal and activities. As always, our opinions are our own.
