A look at all the various non-ski activities available in Snowmass, for when you’re ready for a break from the skis!
While Snowmass is best known for its world-class skiing and riding, there’s no shortage of additional winter recreation activities for visitors to enjoy – both on the mountain off the slopes!
The variety of non-skiing activities and recreation options in Aspen Snowmass is vast, from outdoor snowplay, tubing and ice skating; to cross country skiing and snowshoeing; to incredible dining, shopping and entertainment.
Whether your legs are ready for a ski break, or you’re simply looking for a different way to experience winter in Aspen Snowmass, here are just a few of our favorite ways to spend a day away from the skis in Snowmass:
- Go PLAY in the Snow! – There’s no better place than Snowmass to channel your inner child, and get out and play in the snow! Even without skis or a snowboard, there are countless ways to soak up the joys of winter. From on-mountain, lift-served winter snow tubing at The Meadows at Elk Camp, to the thrilling mid-mountain Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, to guided snowshoe tours through Snowmass Resort’s serene forests, visitors can take in all the sights and sounds of Snowmass Mountain, without ever clicking into their skis or board!
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- Not feeling like a snow day? Take your play to the water instead! Snowmass Recreation Center offers multiple beautiful outdoor salt water pools and a hot tub, open year-round, as well as a fitness center – and all Woodrun V guests get FREE access to the rec center!

Snow tubing at Snowmass is a great way to enjoy the snow without skis! Photo: Jeremy Swanson
- Sip and Spin in Snowmass Base Village – Want to be off the ski hill, but still a part of all the action? Snowmass Base Village, right at the base of the resort, is the perfect spot to hang out and relish in Snowmass’ incredible ski town culture. You get to enjoy all the on-mountain feels, while technically being off the slopes! There’s ice skating for kids and adults alike, fantastic dining and aprés options, games and entertainment galore at The Collective Snowmass, and firepits (and s’mores!) for staying nice and toasty!

Photo: Sam Ferguson
- On-Mountain Dining and Sightseeing – For those who want the on-mountain experience but aren’t as eager to recreate, Snowmass offers plenty of other non-skiing activities, serving up some of the most unique slopeside dining and sightseeing experiences out there! The on-mountain dining options at Snowmass are vast: from full-service, upscale indoor lunch options at restaurants like Sam’s and the Alpin Room – complete with some of the most breathtaking views possible; to more casual, indoor-outdoor eats at Elk Camp Restaurant, High Alpine, the Hot Dogger at Spider Sabich, Up 4 Pizza, and Two Creeks Cafe. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, make a reservation in advance for a Snowcat Dinner at The Cabin. Combining a serene snowcat journey through the woods after dark with exquisite seasonal cuisine, this is a mountain dining experience like no other!
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- Not hungry, but still want to take in those stunning mountain views, and experience Snowmass Mountain firsthand? Sightseeing tickets are available to ride the Elk Camp Gondola to midmountain for visitors to take in all the sights!

Experience both stunning views and incredible dining at Sam’s on Snowmass Mountain. Photo: Kersten Vasey
- A Different Type of Skiing: Cross Country – For a totally new way of sliding on snow, check out Snowmass’ cross country skiing trails. This fully human-powered skiing discipline is a great way to explore the area and get out on the snow in a different way, for those looking for alternative winter recreation activities off the mountain.

Cross country skiing provides a whole new way to take in winter from skis, off the slopes!
- Explore the Shops at Snowmass Mall – Just steps away from your door at Woodrun V – right across the base of the ski hill, in fact! – Snowmass Mall offers a huge variety of shopping options, even more great dining, and live music every Friday from 3pm to 5pm. You can check out the full lineup of shops, dining options and events here.

Enjoy free music at the mall every Friday! Photo: Jeremy Swanson
Book Woodrun V for Easy Access to ALL that Snowmass has to offer!
If you’re looking for the most convenient access to the full range of winter activities in Snowmass, look no further than Woodrun V. Not only do we offer the best ski-in/ski-out access in the area to Snowmass Mountain – just steps away from Fanny Hill, Assay Hill and Adams Avenue – but it’s just an easy four-minute walk to the Snowmass Village shops and restaurants; an easy ski down to Snowmass Base Village; a few minutes by car or shuttle down to the Snowmass Recreation Center and cross country ski trails; and only nine miles to Aspen, with world-class cultural events at your fingertips!
Not to mention, our luxury two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes offer stunning views of the surrounding Elk Mountain range, exceptional amenities, and a variety of free and fee-based concierge services to help enhance your stay.
Visit our Rentals page to explore availability and book your trip today!

Experience ski-in/ski-out luxury, and ultimate convenience to all that Snowmass Village has to offer, at Woodrun V Snowmass!
Your guide to all the special events happening in Aspen Snowmass this winter
The holidays may be behind us, but the 2026 ski season is in full swing here in Snowmass, and there’s no shortage of exciting events to look forward to! The 2026 winter season is packed with special events across Snowmass and Aspen, from on-mountain activities and competitions for spectators and participants alike, to festivities galore. Read on to learn more about the different events taking place in Snowmass and beyond this winter season, and how you can join in on the fun.
January
- Jan. 7th – 10th – Toyota U.S. Grand Prix | Snowmass Mountain & Buttermilk Mountain: Watch world-class ski and snowboard athletes in action as they compete in this FIS World Cup stop, featuring halfpipe and slopestyle competitions. The slopestyle events will take place in Snowmass, and the halfpipe events will be run at Buttermilk. The events are FREE for spectators! View the full event schedule here.
- Jan. 9th, Feb. 13th, March 13th & April 3rd – She Ascends: Uphill Meetup for Women | Snowmass Base Village: This monthly Friday-night uphill meetup was created to help women connect on skis and build community. Ski, snowboard, or yak-track climb for this all-levels get-together that starts at 5:30pm from the base of Fanny Hill, just steps away from Woodrun V. Following the ascent, participants will head back down for a gathering at The Collective Snowmass and Slope & Hatch restaurant. Full event details can be found here. To learn more about uphilling at Snowmass, visit this page. Note: Participants must have a valid 2025/26 Aspen Snowmass uphill pass.
- Jan. 11th – 18th – Aspen Gay Ski Week | Snowmass Base Village: Now in its 49th year, Aspen Gay Ski Week is the oldest annual, week-long LGBTQ+ ski event in the nation, and also one of the largest LGBTQ+ non-profit fundraisers in Aspen, raising funds for the AspenOUT organization. AGSW offers a full action-packed week of events across Aspen and Snowmass, with multiple events held at The Collective Snowmass, including the beloved Gay Ski Week Drag Queen Bingo Brunch on Jan. 11th. For the full event schedule, visit the Aspen Gay Ski Week official website here.
- Jan. 23rd – 25th – X-Games Aspen | Buttermilk Mountain: Take in all the action of the famed X-Games event firsthand! The renowned park and pipe competition hosted annually by Aspen Snowmass is back again at Buttermilk Mountain, where the world’s best action-sports ski and snowboard athletes will compete for X-Games glory. Featured events include the SuperPipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, and Knuckle Huck. The full schedule can be found here.

Photo: Tamara Susa
February
- Feb. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th & March 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th – Jazz Supper Club | The Collective Snowmass: Taking place weekly at 6:30 pm on Fridays in February and March at The Collective Snowmass, Jazz Supper Club offers an evening of live music and a warm community vibe – the perfect way to kick off the weekend! New jazz acts are featured each week. Visit TheCollectiveSnowmass for details.
- Feb. 17th – Mardi Gras at Snowmass | Snowmass Base Village & Snowmass Mall: Enjoy the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras festivities all day long in Snowmass, with a variety of celebratory activities, from a bead toss to the Aspen Snowmass Hi Fi Concert. Costumes are encouraged for this community event!
- Feb. 17th – Mother of All Ascensions Uphill Race | Snowmass Base Village: Kicking off Snowmass’ Mardi Gras celebration, the Mother of All Ascensions is a beloved annual tradition. Grab your alpine touring gear, snowshoes, stabilizers or split boards and head to Snowmass Base Village on Fat Tuesday for a 7am uphill race to High Alpine Marketplace. The event will be followed by a post-race party at The Collective Snowmass. Visit the event website for complete details, and to register!
- Feb. 21st – Audi ‘Power of Four’ Ski Mountaineering Race | Snowmass Base Village: This annual four-mountain ski mountaineering race is the ultimate winter endurance challenge, putting teams of athletes to the test as they power their way across all four mountains in the Aspen Snowmass Collection, beginning at Snowmass and ending at Aspen Mountain. The course covers 24 miles and more than 10,000 vertical feet! Full event details available here.
- Feb. 27th – 28th – The Snow League | Buttermilk Mountain: Back for its second year, Aspen Snowmass will host “The Snow League,” a professional snowboarding league created by Olympic champion Shaun White. For two days, top snowboarding athletes from around the world will convene at Buttermilk Mountain to showcase their talents on the snow. For tickets and more information, visit The Snow League website.

Snowmass celebrates Mardi Gras with a bead throw and concert in Base Village. Photo: Jeremy Swanson
March
- March 23rd – 27th – Revolution Tour | Buttermilk Mountain: The Revolution Tour is a four-day freeski and snowboard competition taking place on the same halfpipe and slopestyle courses used for the Aspen X Games events, giving young, up-and-coming athletes the opportunity to compete like the pros! Focused on athletes ages 13 to 19, the tour awards top finishers with invites to compete in major events like the U.S. Grand Prix, Junior Worlds, and more. Events are intended for prequalified athletes, but additional opportunities may be open for athletes to earn a chance to compete. For event details, athlete lineups, and spectator info, visit the event website here.
- March 28th – Limitless Mountain Challenge | Snowmass Mountain: The Limitless Mountain Challenge is an inclusive all-day downhill competition event at Snowmass. Skiers aim to ski the most downhill vert they can, and participate in a variety of adaptive challenges, to help raise funds for Challenge Aspen’s adaptive recreation programs, supporting individuals with disabilities. Challenge Aspen provides year-round adaptive recreation opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities, including outdoor activities, camps, and Veterans programs. To learn more about Challenge Aspen and view complete event details, visit ChallengeAspen.org.
- March 29th – ‘Slash the Mass’ Banked Slalom | Snowmass Mountain: This friendly, snowboard-only banked slalom competition hosted by Aspen Snowmass is back for its 12th consecutive year! Competitors can race against the pros, or within their respective age divisions. For more information, visit the official event page here.

Challenge Aspen hosts first time skiers from the Tennessee School for the Blind at Elk Camp Meadows on Snowmass. Photo: Jeremy Swanson
April
- April 11th – Snowmass Closing Party | Elk Camp at Snowmass Mountain: Saying goodbye is never easy, but Snowmass always sends its skiers and riders off in style, with its renowned annual ‘Surf & Snow’ beach-themed closing party at Elk Camp. The event features live DJs, a pond skim, and beach vibes on the Elk Camp patio. Head to the Aspen Snowmass event page for all the details on the closing weekend festivities.
- April 12th – Snowmass Closing Day | Snowmass Mountain: Following the Surf & Snow Beach Party at Elk Camp, enjoy the final turns of the 2026 winter season all day long for Snowmass Closing Day. This will be the last day of operation at Snowmass Mountain for the season, so get out there and make the most of it! Then stay tuned for the full lineup of spring and summer events that will be hitting the mountain later this year!

Elk Camp Surf & Snow Party. Photo: Sam Ferguson
For more information on daily winter activities and recreation opportunities in Snowmass, visit our Winter Activities Guide here.
Celebrate the Holidays in Snowmass!

Photo: Jeremy Swanson
It’s the most magical time of year here in Snowmass Village: the holidays! The snow is glistening, the lifts are spinning, and the festivities are popping.
Every day of winter is special in Snowmass, but when the holidays arrive, the atmosphere here feels truly unbeatable, and that celebratory spirit is felt all across the mountain and throughout our beautiful village.
Over the next two weeks, Snowmass Village becomes a hub for holiday fun, with a host of special events and activities for the whole family! From beloved community Christmas traditions to sparkly New Year’s celebrations, there’s sure to be something to fill you with cheer this holiday season.
Visit Santa’s Village at The Collective Snowmass – Dec. 21st to 24th
Santa’s Village comes straight to Snowmass from Dec. 21 to 24, as The Collective Snowmass transforms to deliver all the winter magic of the North Pole – every kiddo’s Christmas dream! For four days, The Collective will come alive with festive decor, including nutcrackers, inflatable snowmen, decorative lights, candy canes, holiday music, and more.
Daily activities range from holiday-themed arts and crafts workshops; to free photos with Santa, and a festive photobooth; to meeting Santa’s (real!) reindeer on The Collective patio; to an ice skating show; and, of course, the chance to meet the man in red himself!
Click here to see the full schedule for all the festivities for Santa’s Village, and get ready to bask in the holiday joy!
Holiday Carols in Snowmass – Dec. 21st to 24th
Prepare your ears – and soul – for a beautiful show as the Holiday Bell Tones, a beloved holiday caroling group, fills the crisp winter air with merriment. They’ll be belting out tunes for all to hear, at the Snowmass Mall and Snowmass Center from 2-3:40 pm Dec. 21 to 24. The group will also perform a bonus show from 4-6pm on Dec. 26 at Snowmass Mall.
Full details available here.

Photo: Jeremy Swanson
Christmas Eve Church Services at Snowmass Chapel
On Christmas Eve, guests can attend Christmas Eve services at the Snowmass Chapel, offered at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 4 p.m. service will be kept slightly shorter, with young children in mind.
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks – Snowmass Base Village
One of the coolest New Year’s Eve celebrations you could imagine, Snowmass’ annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and fireworks show brings guests and locals alike together to ring in the New Year in true mountain style. The Torchlight Parade features skiers and snowboarders making wide turns down Snowmass mountain, yielding red flares that light up the night sky and snow in a festive glow.
The parade starts at 6 p.m., with fireworks launching at 10 p.m. Full details are available here.

Photo: Sam Ferguson
New Year’s Eve Family Open House at The Collective Snowmass
The Collective Snowmass will host its annual New Year’s Eve celebration from 7 – 10 p.m., featuring complimentary champagne, party favors, food and beverages from Slope & Hatch – Snowmass’ newest restaurant, music by DJ Tenza, and capped off with an East Coast ball drop!
Full details available here.
Daily Skiing, Riding & Other Winter Activities
And, of course, Snowmass’ renowned ski terrain will be open daily for skiing and riding, so visitors can make the most of their holiday time on the slopes. For those looking for non-ski recreational activities, Snowmass has plenty, from its thrilling Alpine coaster, to ice skating, to tubing, and so much more!

Photo: Sam Ferguson
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.
Book your tickets now!
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!