5 days in Snowmass: a family ski vacation guide

Planning the perfect family ski vacation can feel like a tall order – but at Aspen Snowmass, it’s as easy as carving fresh corduroy. With four fantastic mountains to explore, a stellar ski school, family-friendly activities, and tons of terrain tailored for every age and ability, Aspen Snowmass is a top pick for families looking for adventure and unforgettable memories. Plus, kids 6 and under ski for free! We’ve put together everything you need to plan your dream family getaway – complete with a five-day itinerary to help you make the most of every moment on and off the slopes.

Skiing at Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass showcases four distinct mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass – all just a short drive apart and fully accessible with one convenient lift ticket. For families, Snowmass is a standout. As the largest of the four, it offers wide-open terrain, playful tree trails off Adams Avenue, and endless space to explore. Buttermilk is another family favorite for its laid-back vibe, uncrowded slopes, and gentle groomers that are perfect for beginners of all ages. 

Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain are best suited for your little shredders who are ready to level up. With no green runs in sight, these legendary peaks cater to confident skiers and riders – think steep glades, powder stashes, and iconic terrain (like the famous Highland Bowls). Whether you're carving first turns or chasing powder with the whole crew, Aspen Snowmass offers something for every member of the family across its four unique mountains.

Is it better to stay in Snowmass or Aspen?

Choosing between Aspen or Snowmass Village comes down to the vacation vibe you're after. Our Mountain Travel Experts often describe Aspen as a vibrant mountain town with a sophisticated edge – think world-class dining, cultural events, and lively après-ski. Snowmass, on the other hand, leans into a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere that’s tailor-made for families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities and events throughout the season.

Both destinations offer a wide range of lodging, but Aspen tends to be on the higher end of the price scale. If ski-in/ski-out convenience is a priority, Snowmass is your go-to, with many slopeside accommodations. In Aspen, you’re just a quick drive or free shuttle ride from the lifts – perfect for those with older kids who want to balance time on the mountain with everything the town has to offer.

The Ultimate Aspen Snowmass Family Ski Trip

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Day 1: Settle in and explore Snowmass Mall

Welcome to Snowmass! Whether you’re staying in the Upper Village near Snowmass Mall or down in the lively Snowmass Base Village, you’re just steps – or a quick glide – from the lifts. For families, Timberline Condominiums is a gem, offering kid-approved amenities like a slopeside pool, easy access to the Ice Age Discovery Center, and ski-in/ski-out convenience via a gentle green run.

After check-in, ease into vacation mode with a relaxing après dip – kids will love splashing in the heated pool while you unwind in the hot tub with an epic alpine view. Grab dinner at the on-site restaurant for hearty German fare and classic fondue, or take a short scenic stroll to Snowmass Mall. This local favorite has a casual, welcoming vibe and plenty of dining options, plus a sweet surprise: free s’mores served daily at 3:30 pm!

Arriving late? No worries. Pre-order groceries with Ski Country Grocer, and walk into a fully stocked kitchen. Rest up – tomorrow, the adventure continues right outside your door.

Day 2: Check the kids into ski school and explore Aspen Snowmass

A great family ski trip isn’t just about teaching your littles the basics – it’s about sparking a lifelong love for the mountains. That’s where Aspen Snowmass’s world-class ski school shines. With lessons for kids ages 2 to 17, from first-timers to fearless teens looking to level up, this program is designed to build skills and stoke in equal measure.

While the kids are learning from the pros, you’ve got time to make some turns of your own. Head to the legendary Highlands Bowl for an iconic challenge, or ease into the day with smooth blue cruisers over at Buttermilk. When ski school wraps up, regroup for some relaxed family laps on the gentle terrain around Fanny Hill or Assay Hill – perfect spots to celebrate new skills and share the fun.

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Day 3: Experience Elk Camp: a high-alpine hub for family fun

On your second day on the slopes, make your way to the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, where family-friendly fun meets wide-open mountain views. Cruise the abundance of gentle green and playful blue runs, perfect for building confidence and logging plenty of smiles along the way. When it’s time for a break, head inside the Elk Camp Restaurant for a delicious bite – a cozy spot known for its fresh, locally inspired menu.

Elk Camp is also home to the Lost Forest adventure center, which brings even more excitement with winter activities like the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and snow tubing, open daily for nonstop thrills. If you're lucky enough to visit during an Ullr Night – a festive evening event celebrating the Norse God of Snow – you’ll find s'mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire, tubing under the stars, and even more mountain magic. Be sure to check the Aspen Snowmass resort website for 2025–26 Ullr Night dates and reserve your tickets early – these special nights tend to sell out fast!

Day 4: Discover Snowmass’ magical tree trails and ride into the night

No Aspen family ski trip is complete without a stop at Snowmass’ legendary tree trails near the Lizard Lodge and Dawdler runs. This whimsical area invites little adventurers to explore wooden forts, weave through tunnels and bridges, and discover hidden characters tucked among the snow-dusted aspen groves — all while learning a little something along the way with fun, educational signage. While you're over on that side of the mountain, your speed-hungry kids can check out the Children's Race Arena – a great way to add a little friendly competition to the day.

To cap off an unbeatable family adventure, treat yourselves to a one-of-a-kind mountain dinner experience at The Cabin. Accessible only by a private snowcat ride, this rustic hideaway offers a warm, kid-friendly atmosphere where Western charm meets old-world cuisine. Talented chefs craft a seasonally inspired menu featuring delicious shared plates and three meticulously curated courses, all paired with a full bar selection for the adults. Your evening wraps up with a magical snowcat ride back under the starry night sky – the perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 5: Play in the park and step back in time

Snowmass is home to some of the best terrain parks in the country – consistently earning top marks from Transworld Snowboarding Magazine – and there’s something for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned jibsters. With more than 100 features across three parks, including a massive 22-foot Zaugg-cut Superpipe, Snowmass is a playground for thrill-seekers. Teens will be right at home hitting rails and jumps, while younger newbies can dip into the fun at Lowdown Park (located on Lower Blue Grouse Trail), featuring extra-small to medium table jumps and a beginner halfpipe.

After a morning of gravity-defying fun, head to the Snowmass Mall for a hands-on afternoon at the world-famous Ice Age Discovery Center. In 2010, Snowmass made international headlines when nearly 6,000 Ice Age fossils – including mammoths, mastodons, giant ground sloths, and more – were uncovered during an excavation at nearby Ziegler Reservoir. At the Discovery Center, you and your crew can get up close with real fossils, interactive exhibits, and even meet paleontologists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Best of all – it’s free to visit!

For your final night in Snowmass, cap off the adventure with a special dinner at Il Poggio, located right in Snowmass Mall. This inviting Italian gem is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its homemade pastas, flavorful entrées, wood-fired pizzas (a guaranteed hit with the kids!), and a thoughtfully curated wine list. It’s the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable ski vacation.

Our Top Budget-Friendly Tips for Skiing at Snowmass

• Stay in Snowmass Village instead of Aspen proper. Snowmass has more ski-in/ski-out condos and hotels with family-friendly deals – often bigger spaces at better prices.
• Book early or super late season. Early December and late March/early April often have major lodging discounts. Peak times and blackout dates will be the most expensive for both lodging and lift tickets.
• Buy lift tickets early. Aspen Snowmass usually offers big savings on multi-day tickets if you purchase at least 7 days in advance. (Remember: kids 6 and under ski free!)
• Consider the Ikon Pass. If you're skiing 3+ days and plan another trip in the season, an Ikon Pass could be cheaper overall.
• Tons of free activities. There’s free ice skating at Snowmass Base Village, Snowmass Mall often hosts free family events, like movie nights or s'mores by the fire pit, and the Ice Age Discovery Center is totally free!
• Connect with our Mountain Travel Experts for even more budget-friendly travel tips.

Dreaming of your perfect Aspen Snowmass family ski vacation? Let’s make it happen! Fill out our free quote form, chat with one of our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts, and get ready to hit the slopes at Snowmass this winter. Your memorable mountain adventure starts here!