Stay + Play: Snowmass Fall Has It All
Somewhere in the middle of the 2022 Golden Leaf Half Marathon I felt sure that I was running on one of the most stunning singletrack trails in Colorado. The annual September race climbs and traverses from Snowmass Village to the heart of Aspen, and it’s no surprise it is considered to be one of the most beautiful foot races in the Rockies.
Many people think of Snowmass as a winter destination, and while it’s certainly a wonderland for snow sports from December through April, two of the area’s most coveted months may be September and October. Fall here offers countless opportunities to get outside and play, and just as many chances to rest and rejuvenate.
A quaint village with mountain views, access to miles of wilderness and world-class mountain biking, slopeside lodging, shopping, dining and events all add up to a truly choice getaway. This is the time of year in Snowmass when you can leave behind the crowds of summer and soak in the most vibrant of Colorado’s color palette.
Photo by Jeremy Swanson
Settle In
Viewline Resort Snowmass is a new slopeside option, and with top-tier hospitality, an inviting atmosphere and modern amenities it checks all the boxes. The property is conveniently situated directly on Snowmass Ski Area and just above the Snowmass Mall. The spacious, luxurious suites feature rustic wood detailing, mountain-inspired décor and luxe bedding and linens.
The outdoor pool at Viewline is still open in early fall, and come winter the resort will also launch its Lupine KidsZone, an immersive kids club for little adventurers ages 5 to 12. Just down the hill at Snowmass Base Village, The Collective Snowmass features programming that includes chess club, comedy nights, bingo nights, art shows and yoga classes.
Hit the Trails
Photo by Sam Ferguson
Snowmass, along with the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley, is the first IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center in Colorado, as designated by the International Mountain Biking Association. The IMBA Gold-Level designation, the top award for mountain biking destinations, offers mountain bike enthusiasts more than 300 miles of high quality singletrack from Aspen and Snowmass to Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.
The Snowmass Bike Park features 25 miles of purpose-built, diverse trails — from beginner-friendly and flowing singletrack to adrenaline-inducing descents — the park extends almost 3,000 vertical feet from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift down to Snowmass Base Village. Get there soon — it’s open on the weekends this fall through October 2, 2022.
For trail running and hiking, Snowmass has over 90 miles of trails for all abilities. A classic route is the Rim Trail South, offering full views of Snowmass below and the towering Elk Mountains in the distance.
Wine + Dine
Rocky Mountain Trout at Aurum. Photo by Kim Fuller.
A Snowmass fall getaway wouldn’t be complete without a nice meal to relax and refuel. Aurum Snowmass is one of the newest dining additions to the base village and already has momentum from the Aurum restaurant locations in Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge.
Happy hour at Aurum Snowmass is from 3 to 5 p.m. when their delicious list of “snacks” are half price. Whether you’re there late afternoon for après play or at night for dinner, the homemade Parker House Rolls, Aurum Fries and Crispy Curried Cauliflower are all great way to begin the evening. Try one of their craft cocktails like The Family Tree, made with rye whiskey and mezcal to warm you from the inside out.
Chef de cuisine Allan Whitehouse and general manager Jorge Arrieta are bringing a new level of dining and hospitality to Snowmass. Whitehouse has created standout main courses like Rocky Mountain Trout that is as unique and dynamic as it is classic Colorado. Arrieta has a fun and approachable wine list to offer guests and guide them accordingly. We went with a medium bodied Italian red that hit the spot just right for our meal and the season.
Be sure to leave room for dessert, as chef’s Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies are the most mouthwatering finale.
A weekend in Snowmass is satiating, yes, but a full week in the fall would be even better. I can’t seem to get enough of this slice of mountain paradise … so I guess you could say my appetite is still lingering, but we’ll be back.