48 Hours in Snowmass

8AM FUEL CAFE

45 VILLAGE RUN CIRCLE SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO 81615

Notorious for having the best coffee in town, Fuel Café is the perfect spot to grab a quick cup of java, smoothie and bagel to “fuel up” for the day’s activities. A small cafe in the Village Mall, if you’re antsy about getting your first runs of the day in, it won't take long to get something in your stomach.

9AM SKI/SNOWBOARD (OR MOUNTAIN BIKE IN SUMMER)

SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN, CO 81623

It is why you came to the area isn’t it? With 90+ runs to keep you occupied and the most vertical in the country, there’s over 3,332 acres of terrain to explore on your skis, board or bike. Lift's open at 9 so be there bright and early to get the first tracks of the day.

12PM VENGA VENGA

Upscale Mexican with panoramic views, celebrated chef Richard Sandoval’s slopeside cantina offers fantastic margaritas and even better cuisine. If you’re hoping to get in as much mountain time as possible, there’s also a to-go cart for burritos and tacos.

2PM SLOPESIDE BOWLING

DALY LANE SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO 81615

Ski-in, ski out bowling? Yes, it does exist. Play a quick round of 10 pin while giving your toes a break from those ski boots. The lanes are also a great place to catch the big game with a huge projector screen, full bar and wood-fired pizzas.

3PM APRES SKI

Everyone knows that après are the best part of any skier’s day. Located right at the base of the mountain as you step off the Elk Camp Gondola, warm up with a Hot Toddy, spiked Hot Chocolate or Carmel Apple Cider from Basecamp Bar & Grill. Enjoy delicious small plates to share over the roaring fire (the Ahi Tuna is divine).

5PM ULLR NIGHTS

SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN, CO 81611

Named for the Norse God of Snow, Ullr Nights is Snowmass’s epic Friday night fiesta. Ride the Gondola up to take part in a number of mountaintop activities by firelight. From ski-biking (a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn by headlamp) and tubing to s’mores and snacks, you can be as active as you want alongside live music and a bonfire to set the scene for a party to remember.

8PM DINNER AT IL POGGIO

The best Italian restaurant in town, Il Poggio is a romantic and intimate dinner spot. With hearth-baked pizzas, homemade pastas and an extensive wine list, it’s the perfect hearty meal to finish out an active day. Don’t miss the beef tenderloin topped with gorgonzola potatoes, porcini butter and red wine – it’s to die for.

8AM BREAKFAST AT EIGHT K

If your calves are burning from the day before, enjoy a nice leisurely breakfast inside the Viceroy hotel. Located right in Snowmass Village, it’s a central spot to begin the day’s activities (or catch the first lift) over a plate of farm fresh eggs or fresh fruits and grains.

10AM ICE AGE DISCOVERY CENTER

In October of 2010, an unsuspecting bulldoze operator uncovered the tusk of a female wooly mammoth, which led to the excavation of 5000+ ice age fossils in the area. One of the biggest archaeological discoveries in the world, you can touch and marvel at these amazing prehistoric creatures for free at the brand new Ice Age Discovery Center, the first of it’s kind in North America.

12PM THE STEW POT

62 ELBERT LANE SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO 81615

Warm up with a bowl of soup at Snowmass’s oldest (and arguably favorite) restaurant. With rotating board of specials that have been made fresh daily since 1972, house favorites like chili and beef stew are always on order along with a variety of sandwiches and salads.

1PM GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOUR

Led by a Naturalist from ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies), a snowshoe tour of Snowmass’s backwoods is an awesome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of urban development. Identify tracks from native animals in the region and learn about this unique ecological area full of picturesque aspens and tall grasses. Tours leave daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.

6PM DINNER IN ASPEN

ASPEN, CO 81611

A foodie’s dream, there are tons of highly acclaimed dining venues in Aspen, but arguably the best of the best are Matsuhisa (by Nobu) for sushi or the Chef’s Club, an innovative restaurant concept featuring exclusive dishes created by Food & Wine magazine’s
 Best New Chefs with a menu that changes twice-yearly.

8PM NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN

Wander the charmingly lit streets in search of the perfect nightcap in one of Colorado’s favorite mountain towns. Eric’s is a popular watering hole, a local gem that’s actually three bars in one and includes Aspen Billiards and The Cigar Bar.

WHERE TO STAY: TIMBERLINE CONDOS

690 CARRIAGE WAY SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO 81615

With 95% of lodging ski-in, ski-out, finding a place to rest your head in Snowmass isn’t hard. Located right on the Fanny Hill run, Timberline Condos are affordable, family friendly accommodations. With shuttle service, a gym and one of the best restaurants in town (the Edge), it’s cozy luxury.