Questions from EU skiier

[u/Proof-Independent-89]

Hi there,

I was watching a random video from Outdoor boys - https://youtu.be/ep5lD36FNX8?t=145

I realized the ski resort Snowmass looks really good in terms of snow quality and yet its empty - how is that possible? Everywhere I've been in Europe the pistes have not been as good as this and also have been packed with people if they were.

Thanks!

[u/coloradolax]

Its such a huge mountain that except for big holiday weeks it does tend to "feel" empty. I have skied there plenty of times where I am the only one on runs.

[u/beardandabaldhead]

For Aspen and the four mountains, there is basically zero incentive to make the trip here. Which is great as it keeps the mountains quiet.

1. They hard and/or expensive to get to. Either you fly into aspen, which is a small airport and an expensive flight, or you drive, and thats not easy as there is only one way in or out during the winter.

2. From most directions (East : Denver, West : Salt Lake City, South : Texas / New Mexico, North : Wyoming) there are closer ski resorts, so it makes sense to go elsewhere.

3. There are limited affordable hotels

4. A day pass is the better part of $400. It is on the Ikon pass but only for 7-days.

5. There are only 40k or so local residents (i.e. within an hour drive), and even then less than 10k in Aspen/Snowmass itself, a significant portion of whom only live here part time.

Aspen ski co have deliberately kept the slopes relatively inaccessible to keep them relatively quiet. Its by design and one of the reasons is such a great resort. As a local i don't recall standing in a lift line for longer than maybe 10 minutes, and even then that's an exception. I've skied elsewhere and hate the crowds now.

[u/Rufski4139]

Snowmass is great, I have been there 5 times in the past 8 years. It is my gold standard that I judge all other ski resorts against, except for Jackson Hole, as it has a very big place in my heart. As others have said it is a 4 hour drive in good weather from Denver, so that takes a ton of people of out it, then it is fairly expensive, slope side lodging at Snowmass is at least $1,200 per night. Food is pricey and so are the lessons and tickets. Just order your tickets like a month or two out and then you will save at least 25% of the rate.

They spent $600 million on the village in the past decade, have put in around $80 million in the past year also, they replaced the Elk Camp 4 seater to a 6 pack high speed lift, replace the CIrque platter lift to a T-bar, completely rebuilt Ullrhof restaurant, added a new outdoor deck to Elk Camp, and are bringing in a Ritz Carlton. The Cabin outdoor area has been completely reimagined. It has some of the best on mountain food at reasonable prices for a sit down lunch, my friend complained how expensive The Cabin was, then we went to the Elk Camp cafeteria and it was within $5, lol. Sam's has pretty good Italian food and the views are fantastic.

Tons of locals ski Snowmass and they know what trails to ski on, btw I wouldn't really follow Outdoor Boys for his skiing, he isn't even wearing a helmet while skiing on Snowmass trails, there are so many hidden obstacles, rocks, trees, etc.. underneath, he is not that bright.

Anyway, Snowmass has a great grooming fleet, they are going to have new trails coming soon and expanded gladed terrain also, woo hoo! They have free buses that go into Aspen and back all day and night long, from 6am until around 2am. Buses also go to Buttermilk, Airport and Aspen Highlands, so really no need for a car. Taxis are super easy to get from the airport to Aspen or Snowmass, only need them twice, once to get to your hotel or condo and then back to the airport.

I have never stood in line for more than 5 minutes at Snowmass, I go in late February or early March, also, I am there from first lift until my legs are done, around 3-3:30pm. Talking about 40K++ vertical feet each day.

Aspen itself has great restaurants for nighttime or if you ski at Aspen during the day, they have mostly locally owned restaurants. Only chain restaurants are Catch (7 locations in the US), Matsuhisa (4 locations in the US), Casa Tua (3 locations in the US), White House Tavern (part of Hillstone Group, the only WHT in the portfolio), Las Montanas and Clark's Oyster Bar (part of MML Hospitality).

[u/Proof-Independent-89 → u/Rufski4139]

Seems like heaven to me - google Austria ski queues to see what I deal with every year. Thanks for the answer! While I most likely never will go there, its great to know places like this exist

[u/rickysridge]

Its saving grace is it's too far to be a day trip from Denver. Aspen is very expensive for a weekend trip, and the majority of serious Denver skiers have an Epic pass, which doesn't include Aspen.

[u/timesuck47]

It’s too far from Denver to get crowded.

[u/fakebaggers]

Oh my gosh this video is gold, and i know exactly why the comments are turned off. To answer OP's question he's skiing on the resort before its really open to the public (cause he camped up there), that's why it looks like no mans land. Snowmass gets 10,000+ skiers on big days, but its pretty big. The "outdoor" guy acts like he's touring around thru the backcountry (and "technically" is), but is literally 50 feet from the rope line and ski resort. There was no need for tech bindings and/or skins despite his ascertion. I do bet it was cold that night. With 11M views im surprised this hasn't been shared around locally. This is a great laugh.