Snowmass Village

The area now known as Snowmass Village boasts a rich history. The valley, which was inhabited by the Ute for centuries, was first transformed in the early 20th century when ranching families settled here. As for its evolution from a quiet ranching town to a now-bustling ski resort under the Aspen Snowmass umbrella, that started in the mid-1960s through a development spearheaded by Olympic skier Bill Janss. He envisioned turning the valley into a European-style ski resort, and that led to the opening of the Snowmass Ski Area in December 1967. The community grew further, the town of Snowmass Village was officially incorporated in 1977, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Interestingly, a major historic milestone occurred more recently in 2010 when construction workers unearthed a wealth of Ice Age fossils, revealing Snowmass as the site of one of the richest high-altitude paleontological discoveries in North America.

Today, Snowmass Village has experienced significant development, including the recent addition of the vibrant Snowmass Base Village, which features lodging, dining, and entertainment options.

Famed both for its winter sports scene and verdant summer landscapes, Snowmass Village is a four-season haven. It consistently ranks among the top ski and mountain biking destinations in the world, and was voted the #1 ski resort in the U.S. and Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Snowmass Village is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own charm. These include:

• Snowmass Club – Neighborhoods near the Snowmass Club with its golf, tennis, and spa facilities are synonymous with luxury and convenience. Homes here often feature expansive views of the surrounding mountains as well.

• Base Village – Located at the heart of the action, this neighborhood is ideal for those who enjoy being close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You should definitely check out Base Village if you’re in the market for a modern condo with easy access to the slopes.

• The Ridge – Known for its privacy and exclusivity, The Ridge offers custom-built homes that often sit on larger plots of land. If you’re on the lookout for a more secluded mountain lifestyle, this may be the neighborhood for you.

• Wood Run Road – Popular among families, this area offers a mix of traditional and contemporary homes and condos with excellent access to skiing and community facilities.

It’s important to note that Snowmass Village’s development and land use are tightly regulated so as to balance growth with environmental stewardship and the needs of the community. While the town encompasses a land area of approximately 16,000 acres, much of this is designated as open space in order to preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Development Zones

• Fully Developed Areas: Approximately 47% of Snowmass Village’s land is fully developed, primarily composed of residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Opportunities in these areas mostly involve redevelopment or renovation of existing properties.

• Protected Open Space: 10% of the land is preserved as open space.

• Undeveloped Land: Only around 2% of the land remains undeveloped, and there are stringent guidelines for any new construction to ensure that it aligns with the community’s overall aesthetic and environmental stewardship goals.

• Redevelopment Potential: The limited space for redevelopment represents a strategic opportunity for developers to introduce new residential or mixed-use projects that can offer modern accommodations while respecting the town’s character.

Snowmass Village aims to maintain its charm and functionality as a mountain resort community while addressing the housing needs of its residents. This involves a delicate balance of promoting residential development that supports local workers and adheres to sustainability principles. The town’s housing strategy includes initiatives to provide affordable housing options and maintain a high quality of life for all residents, aligning with its vision of being an inclusive, family-oriented resort community.

All in all, the real estate market in Snowmass Village is dynamic, influenced by its popularity as a year-round destination. Property values tend to be high, reflecting the area’s desirability as well as the limited availability of developable land. Real estate here would make for a sound investment, given the steady demand for homes for sale in the area.

Just be aware that there are seasonal fluctuations in market activity, with peaks often occurring during the lead-up to the winter and summer seasons.

The beating heart of the Snowmass Village experience is undoubtedly the iconic Snowmass ski area, renowned for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding terrain. With 98 trails pning 3,342 acres, Snowmass caters to skiers of every skill level with everything from gentle beginner runs to thrilling expert slopes and glades. The mountain boasts a remarkable 4,406 vertical feet of elevation change, the most of any ski area in the Aspen/Snowmass collective. Amenities like high-speed lifts, terrain parks, and a superpipe enhance the overall experience, while the relatively uncrowded slopes ensure an enjoyable day on the slopes for all.

You’ll find that there’s always plenty to do outdoors in Snowmass Village without having to strap on your skis. Hike or bike through a network of trails that weave through alpine meadows and fields decked out in wildflowers. Cast a line in pristine waters, or tee off at the acclaimed Jim Engh-designed Snowmass Club Golf Course. In warmer months, explore the surrounding wilderness on horseback or take a scenic hot air balloon ride.

Did you know? Snowmass also happens to be the first IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado and is one of only five in the country. There are over 80 miles of biking trails ranging from serene valley paths to challenging mountain descents in the immediate area, and a network of over 300 miles in the Roaring Fork Valley.

If you don’t want to venture out too far but you’d still like to get your workout in, the Snowmass Recreation Center provides a vast array of amenities, including outdoor pools, a fitness center, climbing walls, and sports facilities. Other popular activities include going on the Ice Age Passport Walk and exploring the adjacent White River National Forest wilderness areas.

Snowmass Village is fully equipped with excellent amenities and services that cater to both residents and visitors:

Educational Facilities: Families in Snowmass Village have access to top-tier public and private educational institutions, including Aspen Community Charter School, Aspen High School, Basalt High School, Carbondale Community Charter School, and Aspen Country Day School.

Healthcare: The Snowmass Clinic, an outpatient department of Aspen Valley Hospital, provides comprehensive medical services with capabilities for treating minor injuries and common illnesses, ensuring community health is well managed.

Transportation: The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) offers extensive bus services linking Snowmass to Aspen and other valley points, complementing local shuttle services that provide convenient mobility within the village.

From world-renowned chefs to cozy cafes, Snowmass Village caters to every palate. Indulge in gourmet dining experiences or grab a casual bite at a local eatery. The culinary scene includes over 30 restaurants. Notable mentions include Il Poggio for Italian cuisine, The Edge for Alpine-inspired dishes, and Kenichi Snowmass, known for its exceptional sushi.

The village also offers a delightful array of shops, perfect for finding unique souvenirs or indulging in a retail therapy session. You will find most of these at Snowmass Mall and Base Village, which offer everything from high-end boutiques to sporting goods stores.

Base Village also has an outdoor ice skating rink as well as the tallest climbing wall in the state, a game lounge, and numerous pop-up events throughout the year.

Snowmass Village isn’t just a haven for ski and outdoor enthusiasts; it also boasts a vibrant cultural scene that’s anchored by the Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

Established in 1966 at around the same time that the ski area first opened its doors, the arts center was borne out of the vision of the well-known raku ceramist Paul Soldner as well as other artists, including the photographer Cherie Hiser. Today, this hub of creativity offers a glimpse into the world of art making and critical dialogue. It provides a range of activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies. During the summer months, visitors can take self-guided tours to observe artists at work in various mediums, which include photography, ceramics, and woodworking.

You will also want to take time to explore the Snowmass Art Walk. Featuring sculptures, murals, and other outdoor art installations, the art walk showcases the talents of artists from the Roaring Fork Valley. This year-round attraction offers a picturesque stroll through the village, allowing visitors to enjoy art in a natural mountain setting.

The more musically inclined will be happy to know that there’s a Free Concert Series in the summer months. Held every Thursday night from early June to the end of August, this concert series is a staple of Snowmass’s summer activities. These free events bring together locals and tourists to enjoy live music in an outdoor amphitheater setting.

In the colder months, there’s Music on the Mall. Running each Friday afternoon from November to April, this event features a variety of musical acts that perform on the Snowmass Mall’s Tower stage. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes or to simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the village.