Snowmass Activities for Families: Memorable Adventures Together

Planning a family vacation to Snowmass? Whether you’re visiting during ski season or exploring the scenic mountains in summer, Snowmass, Colorado, is one of the best destinations for families. With endless outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and fun seasonal events, Snowmass is perfect for parents and kids looking to create lasting memories together.

From skiing and snow tubing in winter to hiking, biking, and rafting in summer, Snowmass activities for families ensure unforgettable moments for parents and kids alike. This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you're hitting the slopes, enjoying nature, or looking for relaxing indoor activities.

Snowmass Family Winter Activities

Winter in Snowmass is magical for families. With some of the best family-friendly ski slopes in Colorado, plus snow tubing, sleigh rides, and festive events, there’s something for everyone. Whether your family loves thrilling snow sports or cozy holiday experiences, these winter activities will make your Snowmass family vacation unforgettable.

1. Skiing & Snowboarding for Families

Snowmass is home to some of the best family ski resorts in Colorado, offering gentle beginner slopes, ski lessons for all ages, and wide-open trails for more experienced skiers.

• Best ski areas for families: The Elk Camp Meadows and Fanny Hill slopes are perfect for beginners. More advanced families can explore the Big Burn and Sheer Bliss trails.
• Snowmass Ski School: If your family is new to skiing or snowboarding, the Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School offers private and group lessons for kids and adults.
• Family-friendly lift tickets: Snowmass has discounted lift tickets for families, making it easier to enjoy the slopes together.

Tip: Start your day at Elk Camp Gondola, where you’ll find easy access to the best family ski areas in Snowmass.

2. Snow Tubing & Breathtaker Alpine Coaster

For families looking for thrills off the ski slopes, Snowmass snow tubing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster are must-try activities.

• Snow Tubing at Elk Camp: With multiple tubing lanes and a magic carpet lift, tubing is a fun, easy activity for families with kids of all ages.
• Breathtaker Alpine Coaster: This mountain roller coaster winds through the forest at speeds of up to 28 mph, offering a thrilling ride for parents and kids.

Tip: Both activities are located at Elk Camp, making it easy to enjoy snow tubing and the alpine coaster in one visit.

3. Ice Skating & Snowshoeing Together

If your family loves winter adventures beyond skiing, Snowmass offers great ice skating rinks and scenic snowshoeing trails.

• Ice Skating: The Base Village Ice Rink is a great place for families to skate together, with free skating sessions and rentals available.
• Snowshoeing Trails: Explore family-friendly snowshoeing trails at Anderson Ranch or Snowmass Nordic Center, where you’ll find easy, groomed trails with stunning mountain views.

Tip: Visit the Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink in the evening for a cozy après-ski experience with hot cocoa and twinkling lights.

4. Dog Sledding & Sleigh Rides

For a truly unique winter experience, take your family on a dog sledding adventure or a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride.

• Krabloonik Dog Sledding: Experience the excitement of gliding through snowy forests on a dog sled, led by professional mushers. This once-in-a-lifetime family adventure is one of the most popular winter activities in Snowmass.
• Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a scenic sleigh ride through the mountains, complete with blankets, hot drinks, and a magical winter setting.

Tip: Book Krabloonik Dog Sledding in advance with Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations, it’s one of the most in-demand winter activities in Snowmass for families.

5. Ullr Nights: A Family Must-Do in Snowmass

Every Friday night during ski season, Snowmass transforms into a winter wonderland with Ullr Nights at Elk Camp. This family-friendly winter festival includes:

• Bonfires, live music, and s’mores stations.
• Night tubing and snowbiking, perfect for adventurous families.
• Star-lit gondola rides and festive holiday vibes.

Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot for snow tubing and bonfires, this is one of the most popular family events in Snowmass!

Snowmass Family Summer Adventures

While Snowmass is famous for its winter skiing and snow activities, summer is just as exciting for families. With mild temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and endless Snowmass activities for families, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable summer getaway. Whether you want to hike through wildflower-filled trails, bike down scenic paths, or enjoy water adventures, Snowmass offers something for every family to enjoy.

1. Hiking & Scenic Trails for Families

Hiking is one of the best summer activities for families in Snowmass, offering stunning mountain views, gentle kid-friendly trails, and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.

Best Easy Hikes for Families in Snowmass:

• Ditch Trail: A flat, scenic hike perfect for young kids, with amazing views of the Snowmass Valley.
• Nature Trail at Snowmass Base Village: A short loop trail with interactive nature signs, great for families with toddlers.
• Maroon Bells Scenic Trail: A must see family hike near Snowmass with breathtaking lake and mountain views.

Tip: Tip: Bring a picnic lunch and stop at one of Snowmass’s scenic overlooks for a family meal with a view!

2. Mountain Biking & Gondola Rides

Snowmass is home to some of the best family-friendly mountain biking trails in Colorado, with easy beginner paths and thrilling downhill courses.

• Snowmass Bike Park: Offers beginner-friendly trails like the Discovery Zone, perfect for kids and parents learning to ride together.
• Elk Camp Gondola:  Ride to the top of Snowmass Mountain for breathtaking views, hiking trails, and bike access.
• Rim Trail: A moderate biking trail with incredible views of the Snowmass Village and Roaring Fork Valley.

Tip: Rent bikes in Snowmass Village, where you’ll find kid-sized mountain bikes and helmets available.

3. Water Adventures: Rafting & Paddleboarding

Looking to cool off in the summer heat? Snowmass offers fun water activities for families, from gentle rafting trips to relaxing lake paddleboarding.

• Kid-Friendly Whitewater Rafting: Float down the Roaring Fork River, where families can enjoy mild rapids and scenic mountain views.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Visit North Star Nature Preserve for calm waters perfect for young paddlers.
• Fishing at Snowmass Lake: Enjoy a relaxing family fishing trip in one of Colorado’s best trout-fishing spots.

Tip: Book a guided rafting tour to ensure a safe and fun experience for young kids.

4. Horseback Riding & Outdoor Picnics

For a true Colorado adventure, take your family horseback riding through Snowmass’s scenic backcountry.

• T-Lazy-7 Ranch & Snowmass Creek Outfitters offer guided family horseback riding tours.
• Ride through flower-filled meadows, aspen forests, and mountain trails with experienced guides.
• End your ride with a family picnic at a scenic overlook.

Tip: Book a sunset horseback ride for a magical evening experience in the mountains.

5. Lost Forest Adventure Park

Located at the top of Elk Camp, the Lost Forest Adventure Park is one of the best summer attractions for families in Snowmass.

• Ziplining & Ropes Course: Perfect for older kids and adventurous parents.
• Alpine Coaster: A thrilling mountain roller coaster ride through the trees.
• Climbing Wall & Disc Golf: Fun activities for all ages.

Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy all the activities without long wait times.

Indoor & Relaxing Activities for Families in Snowmass

While Snowmass is known for its outdoor adventures, there are plenty of indoor activities for families when you need a break from the slopes or trails. Whether you're looking for hands-on creative experiences, a relaxing spa day, or fun indoor play areas, Snowmass has something for everyone.

1. Ice Age Discovery Center

Snowmass has a fascinating prehistoric history, and kids will love exploring the Ice Age Discovery Center.

• Learn about the Ice Age fossils discovered in Snowmass, including mammoths, mastodons, and prehistoric bison.
• See real fossil displays and interactive exhibits designed for young explorers.
• Join hands-on activities and storytelling sessions about the animals that once roamed the area.

Tip: This free family-friendly museum is located in Snowmass Village, a perfect stop after lunch or before dinner.

2. Anderson Ranch Arts Center

If your family loves arts and crafts, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center offers a creative escape in Snowmass.

• Kid-friendly art workshops in painting, ceramics, and mixed media.
• Parent-child art classes, perfect for family bonding time.
• A beautiful campus where you can explore outdoor sculptures and rotating art exhibits.

Tip: Check their event calendar for drop-in family art days and seasonal workshops.

3. Snowmass Rec Center & Indoor Pool

Need a fun way to stay active indoors? Head to the Snowmass Recreation Center for:

• A heated indoor pool with a kids' play area.
• A family-friendly gym with basketball courts and rock climbing.
• Relaxing hot tubs and saunas, perfect for parents looking to unwind.

Tip: If you're staying in Snowmass for a week, consider a short-term membership for access to all facilities.

4. Family Movie Nights & Cozy Library Time

Sometimes, a low-key evening is just what your family needs.

• Base Village Movie Nights: Enjoy family-friendly films under the stars (summer) or in a cozy indoor setting (winter).
• Pitkin County Library (Aspen): A short drive from Snowmass, this kid-friendly library has storytime sessions, games, and crafts.

Tip: Check local event listings for special family movie nights and library activities.

Family-Friendly Events in Snowmass

Snowmass hosts Snowmass activities for families year-round, with family-friendly festivals and events ranging from winter celebrations to summer concerts and fall festivals.

1. Ullr Nights (Winter)

This must-experience winter event transforms Snowmass into a magical après-ski wonderland.

• Snow tubing, night skiing, and fire pits.
• Live music, s’mores stations, and hot cocoa for families.
• Star-lit gondola rides and bonfires.

Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot by the fire pits and enjoy unlimited snow tubing.

2. Snowmass Balloon Festival (Fall)

A spectacular family-friendly event featuring:

• Dozens of hot air balloons launching into the sky.
• Kid-friendly balloon rides and interactive exhibits.
• A family picnic area with food trucks and live music.

Tip: The best viewing spot is at Snowmass Town Park, bring blankets and cameras!

3. Free Summer Concert Series (Summer)

Every summer, Snowmass Base Village comes alive with:

• Live outdoor concerts featuring kid-friendly music.
• Food trucks and games for families.
• Plenty of space for kids to dance and play.

Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing evening with the whole family.

4. Snowmass Rodeo (Summer)

A classic Colorado experience that families love!

• Kid-friendly rodeo events, including a chance for little ones to chase a calf for a ribbon.
• Pony rides and petting zoos for younger kids.
• Authentic BBQ dinners and cowboy performances.

Tip: Arrive early to let kids ride ponies before the main events start!

Create Unforgettable Family Memories in Snowmass

From skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, biking, and festivals in summer, there’s no shortage of Snowmass activities for families to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, relaxing indoor experiences, or exciting family-friendly events, Snowmass has something for every age and interest.

Start planning your family getaway today! Visit Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations to find exclusive travel deals, top-rated family accommodations, and insider tips for making the most of your trip. Don’t miss out on the ultimate family-friendly mountain adventure in Snowmass!