Snowmass Skiing

Snowmass skiing has never been better. Over 3,000 acres of prime white terrain lies in the heart of Colorado ski country, in the White River National Forest, just off Snowmass Village. And it's only a few quick miles from downtow Aspen. The mountain, serviced by 23 state of the art lifts, will push your skis and skills to the limit. Your lungs will be refreshed and exhilarated by the clean Snowmass Mountain air. There are plenty of runs to challenge every ski level in your family.

Snowmass possesses an exhilarating vertical drop of 4,406 feet from summit to base. And with 90 trails to choose from - all of which includes a half-pipe, terrain parks, easy to expert slopes, and everything in between, and all that with a backdrop of the most majestic beauty you'll ever enjoy in North America - you'll see why Snowmass - Aspen skiing is ranked favorite in North America among many of its repeat visitors. New this year is the eight-person Elk Camp Gondola, running from the new base village to the top of Elk Camp Meadows in just minutes. That, plus last year's new Village Express 6-pack and Sky Cab Gondola, you'll spend more time skiing, less time riding.

Snowmass skiing facts:

The 2006-2007 season runs from November 23, 2006, to April 15, 2007. Snowmass's base elevation is 8,104 ft./2,473 m, its summit rises to 12,510 ft/3,813 m in elevation. Vertically the mountain rises 4,406 ft/1,343 m. Snowmass boasts 90 trails covering 147 miles/237 km, and over 3,128 acres/1,266 hectares of skiable terrain. Gowdy's and AMF are the steepest trails to be skied at 40-degree angle, and the longest run is over 5 miles. With 32 percent expert trail, 12 percent most difficult, 50 percent moderately difficult and 6 percent easy, everyone in your party will get their fill of whichever level suits them while being challenged to increase their level of competency. Just a few suggestions: The Elk Camp ski area is
a real treat for the intermediate skier, offering wide-open slopes with a quick ride back to the top via a high-speed quad. For those who prefer to slow down and enjoy the view, Long Shot is a mellow backcountry mountain ski tour that winds its way down and around through three miles of forested terrain. For the high altitude hit, Big Burn's intermediate fresh powder runs are a must, while the restless pros will aim for Cirque at Snowmass for nonstop alpine adrenaline. For the snowboarder in your party, Snowmass is proud to present three terrain parks: Makaha, Pipeline, and Scooper; one superpipe, and one minipipe.

Snowmass skiing boasts the best in lift technology found anywhere in the world. Lifts total 23, including 19 primary lifts. With its 8-passenger gondola, a high-speed six passenger chair, a six-passenger pulse gondola, a half a dozen high speed quads, 3 doubles, plus magic carpet rides for the kids, and ski/snowboard school lifts, and 4 secondary lifts including a
double, a triple, and 2 platter pulls, you'll navigate more mountain than every before. With lifts serving an average of 31,080 skiers an hour, Snowmass skiing activities never slow down. And visitors love the wide-open slope spaces at Snowmass, with an average of two people per acre. It's Colorado skiing at it's very best.

For complete information about vacation packs, ski rentals and lift ticket prices click on: www.aspensnowmass.com

Interested in ski and snowboard lessons? Programs for all ages are available. Contact Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass programs for more information.