As you may know by now, we ski Snowmass many days each season. For a change of pace (and opinion), today I offer the perspective of Joy, a mom who took up skiing at the same time as her young daughter. On Monday, I’ve got an update on some of the mountain’s lesser-known charms and events happening at Snowmass this season.
A Brave Ski Mom Interview with Joy, a brave ski mom who took up Alpine skiing when her daughter was three.
If you could only ski at one ski area this season with your family, where would you go?
Why Snowmass?
Snowmass offers a lot. It is big and cool with varied terrain. There are lots of runs available and many parts of the mountain are not very busy. We are “blue run” people. And when I was progressing from green to blue, I really enjoyed going to the top of the mountain and having long runs to ski down.
What are the best amenities at Snowmass for family skiing?
We love parking at the Two Creeks base. There is free family HOV parking there. Also the parking lot is very convenient. If you need to get to your car to get stuff you can. We bring our lunch, go tot the car at noon and eat at the outdoor picnic tables at the base. This saves our family money and we get to eat a healthy meal.
What needs to be improved at Snowmass to make it even better for family skiing?
My daughter and I started downhill skiing at the same time. I had skied a few times in the past, but was not serious about learning until she started skiing. I think that it would be nice if Aspen/Snowmass offered a discounted ticket for adults who are skiing with a small child. Her ticket was free, but I didn’t really like having to pay the full rate to ski for only 2-3 hours.
Even when we are out on the slopes all day, there are many times when an adult skiing with a small child is not doing much skiing. I think it would be great if they offered a discounted ticket for beginners. This could be a great marketing tool and could get people hooked on coming to Snowmass.
What is your favorite memory of skiing with your family at Snowmass?
We enjoyed visiting the warming hut at the top of Elk Camp. It is a nature center run by the US Forest Service and is full of animals. The gondolas are also cool and the views are spectacular.
The best memory of skiing at Snowmass however, is following my daughter as she skis. Life doesn’t get much better than following a little “munchie” down the hill.
What is your favorite thing about family skiing?
Family skiing gives us a chance to do something together as a family for an entire day. Family skiing equalizes us. The hang-out time together is priceless. It is a mini-vacation every time we go.
The Brave Ski Mom Adds……
Thanks Joy!
Snowmass is a wonderful family resort and a favorite of many people, including me. For more information on Snowmass, you can check out my posts from last season:
- “Snowmass, Colorado: Family Friendly at Any Age”
- “Spring Break Guide to Snowmass, Colorado: A Top 10 List for Skiing Families”
The Aspen/Snowmass website will also have all the information you need, including information on discounted, advance purchase lift tickets.
There are many lodging options in Snowmass and Aspen, but if you have a car, less expensive and more basic options are available in Basalt (25 minutes) and Carbondale (35 minutes). Glenwood Springs is about 50 minutes away, but offers unique lodging at the historic Hotel Colorado and the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge (admission to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and breakfast included).
Dining options are plentiful in each of these communities. The Stew Pot in Snowmass is budget-friendly and popular. The Brick Pony Pub in Basalt and the Italian Underground in Glenwood are great for families. Also in Glenwood, the Pullman Restaurant is a fantastic restaurant and a culinary adventure.
Enjoy!
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