By { Beth Weitzman
Offering some of the world’s best skiing in winter and hiking among towering pine trees in summer, Snowmass, Colorado, is the perfect year-round destination. Plus, there are 2.8 million adjacent acres of wilderness to explore, more than 30 restaurants in which to dine, and special events and music festivals in spring, summer, fall and winter. The ever-evolving Snowmass Base Village, located at the base of Snowmass Ski Area just 9 miles from Aspen, is a $600 million, 10-year-old, world-class mountain-resort development that continues to add top-notch lodging, residences and amenities. Recently opened landmarks include Limelight Hotel Snowmass and Limelight Residences, One Snowmass residences and a public events plaza. No matter if they’re blanketed with fresh powder or bathed in bright summer sunlight, the mountain peaks are always accessible via the Elk Camp Gondola and Village Express Lift.
Stay: Limelight Hotel + Residences Snowmass
As one of the newest hotel offerings in the area, the Limelight Hotel Snowmass (65 Wood Road, 855.666.6296, limelighthotels.com) is a chic ski-in/ski-out retreat located at the heart of the Base Village, adjacent to the Elk Camp Gondola. Beckoning guests is a lobby lounge with bar and restaurant; spa pools and fitness facilities; and Colorado’s largest indoor climbing wall, a 54-foot-high granite-like recreation of featured climbs near Snowmass, such as the popular Grotto area on Independence Pass. Ninety-nine spacious, well-appointed guest rooms in four categories (Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Luxury and Terrace) all have awesome mountain or village views and an array of creature comforts, including orange Smeg refrigerators, wet bars, Keurig coffeemakers, the ability to stream wireless entertainment from your personal device to the 55-inch HD television, high-speed Internet and USB charging stations. The beds are super comfy and bathrooms divine, with smartly designed, seamless glass showers that offer a spa-like experience and tubs perfect for soaking. A dual vanity leaves plenty of space for couples or friends to get ready at the same time, and a separate toilet room is a nice addition. For the ultimate luxe escape, book one of the 15 Terrace Rooms. They come in configurations with one king or two queen beds, and have 130- to 160-square-foot balconies.
The Limelight Hotel Snowmass offers additional perks covered by the 8 percent resort fee, such as complimentary shuttle service to and from the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport and the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass; ski valet and complimentary ski storage; a live music stage; outdoor hot tubs and fire pits; complimentary ice-skating at the Plaza at Snowmass Base Village; snowshoes and fat bikes. Hotel guests are also granted complimentary use of the climbing wall, including climbing shoes and harness rental.
Since falling in love with the hotel and its location is inevitable, the property features 11 gorgeous private residences for sale, so you can own your own piece of slope-side splendor. Six two-bedroom and five three-bedroom condos come complete with epic panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling glass, the finest state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances and high-end finishes throughout. Owners who want to recoup some of their investment can join the Limelight residential rental program.
One Snowmass
Another residential property, One Snowmass (allinsnowmass.com), is currently under construction, with 11 whole-ownership residences for sale in the One Snowmass West building. Two model units by celebrity designers Smith Firestone Associates and Barclay Butera are open for touring, and the rest of the units will be completed in Fall 2019. They feature open-concept great rooms with large fireplaces and corner windows; kitchens with floor-to-ceiling windows, center islands and state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances; and cozy dining areas. One Snowmass East, which consists of 30 residences, will be completed early in 2020. Building amenities include a new medical center, yoga studio, 2,500-square-foot fitness center, rooftop terrace with fire pits and infinity-edge spa, restaurants and shops, and on-site concierge. Located at the grand entry of the new Base Village, One Snowmass rises against the backdrop of Mount Daly. As part of the Inspirato collection of private homes, these residences offer not only ownership of a luxury ski-in/ski-out home in Snowmass, but also a complimentary Family Inspirato Membership, which provides access to Inspirato’s exclusive collection of private homes, resorts and travel experiences around the world. Other benefits include access to the Inspirato Lounge at One Snowmass—an exclusive social club. Owners are allowed to lease their residences, so even if you don’t purchase at One Snowmass, you can still book a stay.
What to Do
The Limelight Hotel Snowmass offers a number of complimentary excursions, so guests can make the most of their visit. For example, the Inside Tracks program (available to 14 hotel guests each day) provides participants with a complimentary ski/ride day with a top-rated ski school pro. While not a traditional lesson, the ski pros offer tips on exploring Snowmass Mountain’s varied terrain, as well as where to find the best spots across the mountain. Meanwhile, the First Tracks program (available to the first six guests who register at the front desk, limited to intermediate/advanced skiers or riders age 18 or older) offers guests a chance to ski or ride groomed corduroy or powder before Snowmass Mountain opens to the public. Guests of the hotel can also participate in complimentary snow bike tours and rentals (lift ticket purchase required, limited to six guests), which includes bike instruction at the Elk Camp Meadows and a guided tour of the Snowmass terrain.
Of course Snowmass is, above all else, a wilderness wonderland. For a stunning hike in either winter or summer, start at the trail head and continue about one-and-a-half miles to the top of Rim Trail. From here, follow the signs to the left to Inspiration Point, where you’ll get 360-degree views of Snowmass Village.
Adventure seekers will want to check out the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant. Open in winter and summer, this adrenaline-fueled ride covers more than 1 mile of forest on an elevated track at speeds up to 28 mph.
Snowmass Ski School is among the best in the world, offering a lineup of lessons for skiers and riders of all abilities. The terrain gives pros the flexibility to take group and private lessons to the right runs to suit their comfort levels, which they do an incredible job of figuring out. Snowmass is the ideal family-friendly mountain because no matter the skiing or riding abilities within your group, there is terrain (and a lesson) for everyone.
Chill out at the public plaza featuring an ice rink surrounded by warming fire pits, followed by retail therapy at the many retailers including Four Mountain Sports and Aspen Outfitters.
Activities around Snowmass are too numerous to mention, but be sure to visit The Collective (thecollectivesnowmass.com), a new community hub at the heart of the Base Village that hosts pop-up shops, art exhibits, live music, film, theater, talks, educational series, yoga and other activities, plus Mix6, a soon-to-open restaurant from Chef Martin Oswald.
Meanwhile, Snowmass Mountain Club (snowmassmountainclub.com) at the Limelight Hotel Snowmass is a members-only club offering exclusive experiences. Think moonlight cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hiking and summer off-road tours, as well as access to an on-site concierge. The facilities also are equipped with ski valet, heated boot lockers, family locker rooms, après-ski in the club lounge, private garage parking, ski-in access, and access to the hotel’s fitness facilities and hot tubs.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out Anderson Ranch Arts Center (5263 Owl Creek Road, 970.923.3181, andersonranch.org). Founded in 1966, this premier art facility brings together aspiring and internationally renowned artists to discuss and further their work, and the campus is free and open to the public. Anderson Ranch offers a number of interactive art workshops, lectures by influential artists and curators, weekend classes and more.
Where to Eat
New American, market-style Elk Camp Restaurant (970.923.0450, aspensnowmass.com), located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, is known for local organic selections served at various food stations, including rotisserie (best chicken sandwich), panini, soups, salads and artisan hand-tossed pizzas. The freshly made gummy bears are a must-try treat. Be sure to catch the Farm to Table Tuesdays in the summer. No matter what the season, dining alfresco on the deck is always a good choice on sunny days.
Another great option for wood-fired pizza, salads and more is at the Lounge at the Limelight Hotel Snowmass. Pair it with a glass of rosé and live music, and you have the makings for a fun night. Guests of the hotel can enjoy an included breakfast spread of European pastries, delicious locally made doughnuts and cronuts, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and multiple specials of the day.
For quick bites in the Village, try The Crêpe Shack by Mawa’s Kitchen for out-of-this-world crepes, from sweet to savory and everything in between; and CODough Bar by Sweet Coloradough for a sugar high.
For a truly unique experience, book the snow cat to Lynn Britt Cabin (Lynn Britt Trail, 970.923.8715, aspensnowmass.com). Here, you can enjoy a top-notch Western mountain dinner high up on Snowmass after the lifts close. New American cuisine—salmon, short ribs, super-fresh produce—and live music are on offer in this secluded on-mountain dining retreat. Tasty libations (including a killer Bloody Mary) and nice wine list add to the special experience.
Another fab option, Gwyn’s High Alpine (100 High Alpine Lift Road, 970.923.5188, gwynshighalpine.com), located mid-mountain on Snowmass at the top of the Alpine Springs lift, is a fine-dining institution featuring locally sourced game and fresh fish from around the world.
And for après, head to TORO Kitchen & Lounge (130 Wood Road, 970.923.8008, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com) at The Viceroy Snowmass where a wide array of cocktails impress. Choose to stay for dinner to enjoy Latin contemporary dining from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval; it’s one of the most innovative restaurants in Snowmass Village.
Summer by the Slopes
Plans are in progress for the summer 2019 events in the new Base Village Plaza. The ice rink will convert to a summer events lawn, featuring family games like bocce ball and corn hole, as well as a “Movies Under the Stars” night and a weekly farmers market and art show. The plaza also will feature pop-up children’s fountains. On the calendar are five debut events: Ride the Rockies (June 11-12), Mini Meet (June 24-28), Rock for a Reason (July 13), Spartan Snowmass (August 3-4) and National Interscholastic Cycling Association (September 21-22). Returning favorites include Snowmass Craft Beer Rendezvous, Heritage Fire, Yoga on the Mountain, JAS Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience, Snowmass Balloon Festival, and many more. In addition to a robust schedule of weekend events, Snowmass features something to do nearly every weeknight, too, with Farm to Table Tuesdays at Elk Camp Restaurant (starting in July), the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesdays (June 12-August 21), the Snowmass Free Concert Series on Thursdays (June 13–August 22), and Fridays on the Mall (June 21-August 23). For more information, visit gosnowmass.com/events.