Snowmass is a ski resort located in the Town of Snowmass Village near Aspen, Colorado. The ski area is owned and operated by the Aspen Skiing Company as part of the Aspen/Snowmass complex. It was opened on December 17, 1967 .[1] Snowmass is the largest of the four Aspen/Snowmass mountains, comprising 3,362 acres (1,361 ha).
| Snowmass Ski Area | |
|---|---|
 The base of Snowmass Mountain, including a view of Snowmass Village in January 2008 | |
  Snowmass Ski Area Location in Colorado  Snowmass Ski Area Snowmass Ski Area (the United States) | |
| Location | Within the White River National Forest, adjacent to Snowmass Village and 9 miles (14 km) from downtown Aspen |
| Coordinates | 39°11′44″N 106°57′05″W / 39.1956°N 106.9513°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Owner | Aspen Skiing Company |
| Vertical | 4,406 ft (1,343 m) |
| Top elevation | 12,510 ft (3,810 m) |
| Base elevation | 8,104 ft (2,470 m) |
| Skiable area | 3,362 acres (13.61 km2) |
| Trails | 94 total - 6 Beginner - 47 Intermediate - 17 Advanced - 30 Expert |
| Longest run | Longshot - 5.3 mi (8.5 km) |
| Lift system | 16 total - 2 Gondolas - 7 High-speed quad chairs - 2 high-speed sixes - 2 Quad chair lifts - 1 Double chair lift - 2 Tow lifts |
| Terrain parks | Yes, 3 Terrain parks (Snowmass Park and Superpipe, Little Makaha and Lowdown Park), 1 Superpipe and 1 Minipipe |
| Website | www |
Slopes
editThe mountain is most notable for its wide cruiser runs, family-friendly atmosphere, and extensive ski-in/ski-out lodging. Despite its family reputation, the resort also contains several terrain parks, extensive extreme skiing terrain, mogul runs, and gladed terrain.
Changes
editSnowmass has undergone massive changes in recent history, including a new gondola cnnecting the base and mall in 2005 and new gondola at the new Base Village in 2006. Snowmass has also constructed a new restaurant near Elk Camp, replacing Cafe Suzanne with a large, brand-new restaurant in 2012. Today, Snowmass continues its extensive improvements to on-mountain infrastructure and lift repairs.
Lifts
editSnowmass has the most vertical feet of skiing of any ski area in the United States, but only when the Cirque poma is running.[2] There are 17 lifts at Snowmass: 7 high-speed quads (Two Creeks, Elk Camp, Alpine Springs, Sheer Bliss, Coney Glade, Sam's Knob, High Alpine), two high-speed six packs (Village Express, Big Burn), two gondolas (the Sky Cab - better known as the "Skittles" and Elk Camp Gondola), two quads (Meadows and Assay Hill), 1 double (Campground) and two pull lifts (Scooper and The Cirque).