Family Friendly

Snowmass Colorado Holiday Activities 

From tree-lighting ceremonies to a torchlight parade to Santa’s magical presence, Snowmass simply sparkles with holiday cheer. For last-minute Christmas wishes, your kids can make sure the jolly old fellow hears about it by dropping off a note in his personal mailbox located on the Snowmass Village Mall. Moms, dads and kids ages 8 and older are invited to be part of the Torchlight Parade, an annual favorite event with free fireworks.

SPEND THE HOLIDAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS AT SNOWMASS, COLORADO

Great Lodging Values, Free Holiday Events & Family Activities Free Torchlight Parade & New Year’s Eve Fireworks!

Stay and play in the mountains this holiday season. Nestled in the beautiful Elk Mountains, Snowmass is uncrowded, affordable and offers 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging including fully-equipped condos just perfect for families. With activities and amenities including snow tubing, kids’ programming, a boutique bowling alley, shopping, and world-class skiing and snowboarding, Snowmass promises the ultimate Colorado winter experience. Getting to Snowmass is effortless with easy airport access just 6 miles away and flights into Aspen Snowmass from Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more, on United, American and Delta Airlines. There’s free bus service to and from the airport, throughout Snowmass and to and from Aspen—so no need to rent a car. Pair all this with diverse family-friendly activities and it’s easy to see what makes spending the holiday season in Snowmass simply irresistible.

With over 3,000 acres, Snowmass is the largest of the four Aspen Snowmass ski areas, and has the longest lift-served descent in North America (4,406 feet), three terrain parks, two half-pipes, and runs to suit any/all abilities. With true 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging convenience in Snowmass, virtually no lift lines and 2 skiers/riders per skiable acre, guests appreciate the extra runs they can get in every day of their visit.

Free Snowmass Holiday Events

Snowmass boasts a full schedule of free holiday events and festivities and offers family activities all winter season along with concerts, sporting events and more.

Thanksjibbing

The Snowmass holiday events kick off with the Thanksjibbing Rail Jam competition.  Spectators can watch skiers and snowboarders throw it down for their piece of the cash purse and check out all the post-Thanksgiving action at Base Village. Thanksjibbing also includes kids’ activities, a bouncy castle, Turkey Bowling, a restaurant leftover challenge, a live DJ and much more. The invite-only Thanksjibbing rail jam begins at 2:00 p.m. in Snowmass Base Village and is free for spectators.

Visit Santa’s Magical Village

The North Pole comes to the Snowmass Village Mall and Base Village as Santa’s Magical Village opens to hear the last minute requests of good girls and boys. Complimentary photos with Santa are offered December 21-24from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On December 23 and 24, Christmas Carolers stroll through the Mall and Base Village singing Holiday favorites. Children with last-minute Christmas wishes can make sure Santa hears all about them by dropping off a note in his personal “letters to Santa” mailbox located on the Snowmass Village Mall, from December 6 to 24. Selected letters are published in the local newspaper, the Snowmass Sun.

ULLR NIGHTS

Every Friday night beginning December 18, 2015, until April 1, 2016, in honor of Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, Elk Camp at Snowmass is transformed into a nighttime winter wonderland. Guests and locals alike are encouraged to light up the night with friends and family while enjoying old-fashioned winter outdoor activities such as the tubing hill, snowbiking, ice skating, and enjoy S’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire. Ullr Nights offers live music and an à la carte culinary celebration sure to please any palate.

Snow Tubing Hill at Elk Camp

Take a break from skiing and riding and head to the tubing runs at Elk Camp on Snowmass. The tubing hill has multiple lanes for tubers which are lift served and carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp, with lighting facilities to illuminate the runs at night during Ullr Nights festivities and on special holidays. Tubing at Snowmass kicks off Friday, December 18, 2015, and will be open every day through the winter season until April 1, 2016, as well as during Ullr Nights. 

Very Important Kids Program

Kids are a big deal around Snowmass and it’s important for the littlest guests to have a great time. With that in mind, Snowmass is pleased to announce the first full season of Very Important Kids Snowmass, or VIK for short, a special winter children’s program specifically designed to provide activity options for families after the ski-day ends. It’s a one-stop shop for parents to find free and discounted activities for their little ones. Based out of the Snowmass Info Lounge, the VIK Program is offered in Snowmass every afternoon/evening, December 20 through April 9. Free activities include, kids’ crafts, juggling and magic shows, sing-a-long & s’mores, storytelling at the Ice Age Discovery Center, Wildside with ACES, Family Fun at Après on the Bricks and more.  Discounted activities and events include Kids’ Night Out at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, Family Bowling Night at Slopeside Lanes, Family Night at the Snowmass Recreation Center and a special VIK Après-ski Party on Saturdays in Base Village. For more information, visit VIKSnowmass.com, or call 970-429-8173.

Torchlight Parade and New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Thursday, December 31

Participate in a Snowmass family favorite, the free Torchlight Parade with fireworks on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31. Whether a viewer or participant, the annual Torchlight Parade down Snowmass’ slopes is a sight to behold. And it’s not just for kids, anyone 8 years or older is invited to be part of the trail of lights down the mountain. The free Torchlight Parade starts at 5:15 p.m. and New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Fanny Hill start at10:00 p.m. Click here to check out last year’s Torchlight Parade.

With 94 trails on 3,362 acres of spectacular terrain, exceptional skiing, riding and telemarking clearly rank as Snowmass’ top attractions.

But the fun isn’t limited to the slopes. For a well-rounded agenda, check out the activities below.

#1 Walk This Way: Snowshoeing –

It’s as easy as walking and a fun way to get out and enjoy the local landscape. Guided snowshoe tours with an ACES naturalist take place at 10am and 1pmon Snowmass Mountain. Snowshoers inclined to head uphill on their own can hike up the mountain and ride a lift down for free (check the trail map for routes and times).

#2 Slide Around: Cross-Country Skiing –

Gliding over hill and dale, or along scenic stretches of gentle terrain, is a joy. Over 60 miles of groomed trails for Classic or Skate Skiing for all levels may be accessed from the Snowmass Cross Country Center on the Snowmass Golf course. Lessons and gear rentals are available as well.

#3 Bone Up: Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center

Learn the story of the Snowmass Ice Age discovery through creative displays, educational panels and interactive programming. Get up close and personal with a wooden Columbian Mammoth skeleton. Touch mastodon and mammoth teeth. Chat with an on-site Paleontology Interpreter. Read ice-age books in the children’s library. The Center is open daily from 10:00am–5:00pm. Admission is free.

#4 Take a Ride on the Wild Side: Dog Sled Rides –

Krabloonik Dogsledding is the largest dogsledding operation in the continental U.S. and one of the only on-mountain dogsledding facilities in North America. Teams of Siberian huskies pull sleds through Snowmass wilderness and over the slopes of the Snowmass Ski Area. Rides end with lunch or dinner featuring wild game at the historic, gas-lit cabin restaurant.

#5 Roll On: Bowling at Slopeside Lanes

This boutique, 8-lane bowling alley features 300-inch projection TVs and a wood-fired Mugnaini pizza oven from Italy. Bowlers can catch a game or munch hand-tossed pizzas or specialty burgers, while they roll. A full bar features local Woody Creek Distillery vodka and Aspen Brewing Company beers.

#6 Get Up, Up and Away: Hot Air Balloon Rides –

Floating gently in a hot air balloon with an experienced pilot is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the beauty, and get a bird’s-eye view, of Snowmass and the surrounding peaks. Once you’ve landed, celebrate with complimentary champagne or sparkling cider. The adventure concludes with a souvenir pin and a personalized flight certificate. Early morning rides are offered daily.

#7 Cast a Fly: Fly-Fishing –

With two Gold Medal rivers nearby, the Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan, angling for trout is a popular activity, and it’s widely believed that fishing in winter can be quite rewarding. Local outfitters and shops can provide any level of service from gear rental and advice on what’s biting to full-day guided tours. A fishing license is required in Colorado, and the Roaring Fork River is catch-and-release only.

#8 Hit the Lanes: Snow Tubing –

A crazy-fun way to slide down the slopes, snow tubing may be enjoyed by the whole family. The Meadows at Elk Camp offers several tubing lanes serviced by a magic-carpet lift. In addition to offering daytime rides, tubing lanes are well lit at night during Friday Ullr Nights festivities. Arrangements may also be made for special group events and parties

#9 Get Artsy: Anderson Ranch Arts Center

Celebrating its 50^thanniversary in 2016, Anderson Ranch is the artistic and cultural hub of Snowmass Village. Artistic expression and development is inspired through workshops, artist residencies, gallery exhibits, tours, lectures, and more. Tuesdays, from 3:00pm–5:00pm, the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store offers visitors the chance to enjoy a hot beverage while shopping for moderately priced ceramic and wood pieces, photographs, prints and paintings by Ranch artists. Quality art supplies, clothing and books are also sold.

#10 Sooth Your Senses: Spa Hopping –

Options for pampering abound in Snowmass. The luxurious, 7,000-square-foot Spa at Viceroy Snowmass specializes in holistic wellness treatments performed in six serene rooms, including one for couples. The Snowmass Athletic Club & Spa offers a complete spa menu and the club’s outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas are all complimentary with treatments. The Spa at The Westin Snowmass Resort offers a full menu of services, including special packages.

SNOWMASS ANNOUNCES FIRST FULL SEASON OF INNOVATIVE ‘VERY IMPORTANT KIDS’ WINTER PROGRAM

(A.K.A. APRÈS FOR EVERYONE)

Snowmass Village, Colo. Skiing and riding in Snowmass means fun for everyone, kids included, and that goes for après time as well. With that in mind, Snowmass introduces the first full season of an innovative program called Very Important Kids, or V.I.K. Snowmass, for short.

“V.I.K. is an innovative winter childrens’ program specifically designed to allow kids and parents alike the opportunity to take part in fun après ski experiences,” said Rose Abello, Tourism Director, Snowmass Tourism. “Think of it as a convenient, one-stop shop for parents to find free and discounted activities for their little ones, while enjoying some grown-up time on their own.”

V.I.K. activities include everything from storytelling to wildlife adventures to pool parties. Memorable experiences also include Family Bowling Night at Slopeside Lanes, free V.I.K. Après-ski Parties on Saturdays in Base Village and more.

Parents can make Thursday their official date night with the Kids’ Night Out programming, open to kids five and older, which takes place at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center in Base Village. From 6:00pm to 9:00pm, childcare professionals supervise, entertain and serve dinner for only a $30 fee per child. Children can hula hoop, limbo, freeze dance, sing karaoke and play electronic games and board games while their parents enjoy their own time out.

A SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR V.I.K.s 
Kids five years old and up can ring in the New Year on Thursday, December 31, from 6:00pm to 10:30pm at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. Dinner is provided and activities include crafts, cooking, carnival games, and entertainment with free fireworks on Fanny Hill at 10:00pm. Other family dinner options in Snowmass include special kids’ menus offered at 20 restaurants. For more information call 970-922-2277 or visit viksnowmass.com.

V.I.K. Snowmass is offered every afternoon and evening, December through April . Each child will receive a customized V.I.K. lanyard displaying their event schedules. Lanyards can be picked up at various locations throughout Snowmass, such as Town Park Station, the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center and the front desks at hotels (look for the V.I.K. logo in windows).

For more information on the V.I.K. winter programming, visit viksnowmass.com, or call 970-922-2277. Click here for more information on the free Torchlight Parade happening in Snowmass on Thursday, December 31 at 5:45pm.

About Snowmass, Colorado – A renowned winter playground and vibrant mountain community just 9 miles from downtown Aspen, Snowmass consistently ranks as one of the best ski areas in the world. In addition to unmatched natural beauty and over 300 sunny days a year, Snowmass ski resort offers guests 3,362 acres of multi-level terrain and boasts the second largest vertical drop in the United States. 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging, 37 restaurants, numerous shops and boutiques, a bounty of off-piste activities, and a friendly, small town feel beckon visitors year-round. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, please visit: www.gosnowmass.com.

About Snowmass, Colorado – A renowned winter playground and vibrant mountain community just 9 miles from downtown Aspen, Snowmass consistently ranks as one of the best ski areas in the world. In addition to unmatched natural beauty and over 300 sunny days a year, Snowmass ski resort offers guests 3,362 acres of multi-level terrain and boasts the second largest vertical drop in the United States. 95% ski-in/ski-out lodging, 30-plus restaurants, numerous shops and boutiques, a bounty of off-piste activities, and a friendly, small town feel beckon visitors year-round. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, please visit:www.gosnowmass.com.