Are you thinking about taking a ski trip to Aspen Snowmass this winter – or have always dreamed of one, but aren’t quite sure how to plan for your trip? We know planning a trip can be overwhelming, but we also know that being well prepared ahead of time is the best way to make the most of your ski vacation here in Aspen Snowmass. So, we’re here to help!
Check out our planning guide below, with a variety of tips to help you successfully plan your Aspen Snowmass ski vacation.
Choose Your Ski Resort
In Aspen Snowmass alone, there are four world-class ski resorts to choose from: Snowmass mountain, Aspen mountain (also known as Ajax), Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. They’re all incredible ski areas, so you can’t go wrong. In fact, you can actually ski at any resort in the collection with your Aspen Snowmass lift ticket, so you could even try them all if you wanted! But, we recommend honing in on one resort as the ‘base station’ for your trip, and planning to ski at least most of your days there, if not all, so you can maximize your time on the slopes and get to know the terrain. Our recommended top resort pick is Snowmass, for a variety of reasons:
- Snowmass is the largest resort in the Aspen Snowmass collection, encompassing a full 3,300 acres of terrain, with a whopping 4,400 feet of vertical drop!
- With all that terrain, there’s a ton of variety, so there’s plenty of runs for skiers and riders of all levels, from beginner to expert.
- Snowmass is one of the most family-friendly resorts out there, with an incredible ski school setup, on-mountain childcare offerings at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, and tons of fun non-skiing activities like the famous Alpine Coaster, snow tubing, ice skating, and more.
- The dining options are exceptional, with seven restaurants on the mountain alone, and countless more at Snowmass Mall and throughout Snowmass Village.
Snowmass Resort. Photo: Kersten Vasey
Book Your Accommodation
Once you’ve settled on where you want to ski, you’ll need to get your lodging locked down. There are lots of options in Snowmass, so it can be hard to know where to start. But, here are a few of the most important things to look for when selecting your Snowmass vacation rental – and why Woodrun V Snowmass checks all the boxes:
- Ski-In/Ski-Out Access – With renowned ski terrain waiting for you, you want to maximize your time on the hill – not waste it schlepping your gear around. Ski-In/Ski-Out access is a must, and Woodrun V offers the best access out there. When you stay with us, you can ski right from your door, and have all of Snowmass’ terrain at your fingertips!
- Space for Family and Friends – The best part of any ski trip, of course, is sharing it with family and friends. You’ll want a vacation rental with plenty of space for everyone, and Woodrun V serves that up in spades! Our two, three and four-bedroom condos all feature spacious layouts with a variety of sleeping options, to accommodate as many guests as possible.
- Premium Comfort and Amenities – A truly good vacation rental is one that offers all the comforts of home – plus some extra amenities to make your trip feel special. Each Woodrun V residence provides everything you need to live like you’re at home, with comfort and luxury top-of-mind across our offerings. Guests also have access to premium amenities, including multiple hot tubs, a heated pool, complimentary covered parking, and more.
Curious to learn more about our offerings, or explore availability? Check out our bookings page for all the details. To help narrow down which unit might be right for your group, check out this recent article from Ski.com, for an expert breakdown. Or, give us a call to speak directly with our team!
Pro Tip: Book early and SAVE! Our final pre-season sale is ON NOW, and you can save up to 15% on your winter booking when you book by December 5th – including 10% off of holiday bookings! Visit our bookings page to learn more.
Woodrun V’s ski-in/ski-out luxury residences are the perfect Snowmass accommodation.
Build Your Itinerary
We know ski trips always go by way too fast, and there never seems to be quite enough time to squeeze in all the things on your vacation ‘bucket list.’ We recommend laying out a rough day-by-day itinerary ahead of time, so you can plan your outings strategically, and prioritize the activities that are most important to you – especially since there are so many to choose from in Snowmass! Our Winter Activities Guide, Dining Lists, and Concierge Overview are great resources to help you build out your dream ski vacation here in Aspen Snowmass.
For additional recommendations, help with reservations, or other questions about trip planning, feel free to contact our Concierge Service Team – we’re always happy to help!
So many things to do in Snowmass! Photo: Jeremy Swanson
Buy Your Lift Tickets In Advance – And Don’t Forget Lessons and Rentals!
Buying your Snowmass lift tickets ahead of time ensures you get the best deals on the mountain. Not only does it help save you money, but it also secures your access to the lifts, and lets you avoid potential lines for day-of ticket purchases. Buying in advance at Snowmass provides significant discounts, and the savings only increase as you book more days, and the further ahead that you book. This year, you can save a full 25% when you book at least 30 days in advance and purchase four days or more of lift tickets. That’s a huge savings! Plus, with Aspen Snowmass’ Lift Ticket Guarantee, there’s no risk of loss, even if your plans end up changing.
Bottom line: Plan early, and maximize your benefits!
The same goes for ski lessons and equipment rentals. Be sure to get those booked ahead of time, to guarantee availability and secure the best rates.
Pack Smart!
Packing for a ski trip can be especially challenging, with a variety of gear needs. We always recommend checking the forecast ahead of time and packing appropriately, but it’s also important to be prepared for unexpected weather changes.
In general, dressing in layers is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for varying conditions, and we always recommend starting with non-cotton base layers, and making sure you have both an insulated midlayer and waterproof outer shell on hand. Sunscreen is crucial here at our high elevations, and so is eye protection. We recommend packing different colored goggle lenses to make sure you can see optimally in various conditions, from low light to bright sunshine. A neck gaiter is another ‘must-have’ piece of gear for our team here at Woodrun V, to help protect you from both sun and snow.
For a great comprehensive packing list, check out this guide from the Aspen Snowmass team.
Have more questions about planning your trip to Snowmass, or making your booking at Woodrun V? Give us a call or shoot us an email. Our team is happy to connect with you directly, to help make sure you have the best Snowmass ski vacation you could imagine!
