Aspen Vs. Snowmass: Why I Chose the More Affordable Ski Town

Snowmass: I spent a couple of nights in this charming ski town in Colorado. It often gets compared to Aspen, but I found it to be a hidden gem. After visiting both places, I’d definitely choose Snowmass for my future trips.

It’s tough to say exactly what makes Snowmass so special. Maybe it’s the mountain itself. It’s one of the biggest ski areas in Colorado, and you can spend all day exploring without running into crowds.

Or perhaps it’s the friendly vibe. You can’t help but chat with the locals, whether it’s your waiter or someone next to you enjoying a drink.

Then there’s the laid-back atmosphere. Sure, there are fancy restaurants, but no one cares if you’re in sweatpants and Crocs while enjoying an expensive meal.

Sara Stookey Sanchez, the town’s PR manager, put it best when she said it’s all about the “vibe.” The community really embraces what Snowmass is all about.

Even though Snowmass is just a short drive from Aspen, it often gets overshadowed by its glitzy neighbor. But after spending a few days there, I totally get what she means.

Both towns have their perks, but I’m all in for Snowmass when it comes to skiing.

In terms of skiing, Snowmass is definitely the winner. I’ve checked out a bunch of ski towns in Colorado over the last few winters.

I’ve been to Vail, which feels like a European getaway, and I love Winter Park and Breckenridge for their easy access from Denver. I even spent a few nights in Aspen, hoping to spot a celebrity.

Each place has its highlights, but when it comes to the mountain, Snowmass really shines. It’s part of the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, which includes Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.

For me, as an intermediate snowboarder, Snowmass was perfect. There was so much terrain to explore, and I hardly ever had to ride the same run twice. The lift lines were short, and I was able to carve fresh tracks all day.

The mountain caters to all skill levels, with terrain parks, beginner slopes, and challenging black runs.

In contrast, I couldn’t even snowboard in Aspen. While it’s a well-known ski town, Aspen Mountain is mostly for intermediate and expert skiers. When I visited before, I didn’t feel comfortable on the steep runs.

During my stay, I heard others say the same thing. Many skiers and snowboarders who stayed in Aspen were heading to Snowmass every day to hit the slopes.

The town of Snowmass has two main areas: Snowmass Base and Snowmass Mall. The Base Village is modern, with nice dining options, a skating rink, and luxury accommodations. The Mall has shops, restaurants, and more places to stay.

What I loved most about Snowmass was the ski-in, ski-out options. Over 14 hotels and condos have direct access to the lifts. I stayed at the Viceroy Snowmass, and the lift was just a short walk from my room. That convenience is a game-changer for a ski trip.

Aspen, on the other hand, has fewer ski-in, ski-out places. A quick search shows only six options, and they’re pricey. For example, a night at The Little Nell can easily cost over $2,500 in winter.

Aspen does have its charm, though. The town center is filled with quaint buildings, and you can feel its rich mining history as you stroll past high-end shops. There are art galleries and a lively music scene at places like Belly Up.

Plus, Aspen has a wider variety of dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants like Bosq.

But with that charm comes a hefty price tag. Aspen is one of the priciest ski towns in the U.S. According to a recent ranking, a week-long trip to Aspen averages around $5,330 per person. In contrast, a weeknight in Snowmass costs about $1,040, compared to Aspen’s $1,900.

After visiting both, I found it easier to find affordable meals in Snowmass, like $15 sandwiches and $9 breakfast burritos.

Some costs are the same, like lift tickets, which are around $250 a day no matter where you ski. But if you stay in Snowmass, your money goes further, leaving you with more to spend on après-ski in Aspen.

The debate between these two towns is nothing new. With just a 15-minute drive between them, I’m not the first to compare them, and I won’t be the last.

Many people love Aspen for its charm and social scene, while others prefer the spacious outdoors and relaxed vibe of Snowmass.

Even if you choose Snowmass, I’d say you should still spend at least one night enjoying Aspen’s nightlife and dining.

For me, a ski trip is all about the skiing. If I had to choose between hauling my gear on a bus every morning or staying in a ski-in, ski-out condo in Snowmass, I’d definitely pick the latter.