26 September 2018, By Eri Dansa
Planning family vacations can be daunting and difficult, especially when you’re looking for a ski trip. Deciding where to go, what to do, and what to bring are all factors that can change the direction you go. Luckily, we’ve tackled these questions of yours. If you are looking for a fun day trip from Aspen, Colorado or want to take weekend up in the mountains, here is everything you need to know about planning a trip in Aspen:
1. Know the mountains
Aspen Snowmass Resort is not just a place for spectacular winter fun. You can go practically any season, making it an ideal location for families that want a fun day trip from Aspen during the spring or a snowy vacation during the winter. However, there isn’t a single mountain but four! Depending on how skilled you and other family members are on the slopes, or what adventures you are looking to accomplish, the mountain and hotel you choose might change. For example, if you are a bunch of beginners, Buttermilk Mountain and Aspen Highlands are a good choice, since the slopes are more manageable for those just starting out.
People who are more experienced or looking for a challenge can head directly to Aspen Mountain. There’s intermediate level trails and even black diamonds for you and more advanced skiers to attempt. During the summer, Aspen Mountain also becomes the region’s favorite hiking spot. You can ride the Silver Queen Gondola up to the peak, go horseback riding, play disc golf, listen to live music, attend events, or even take an outdoor yoga class.
2. Put the kids in schoolIf you are planning a vacation to Aspen during the colder months and are looking for some one-on-one time with your spouse, why not put the kids in school? Ski school, that is. Not only is ski school the ideal way to give little beginners a way to play and explore winter sports, but they can even make friends while out on the slopes. Having them learn the foundation skills before hitting longer trails also means less chance of accidents—since no one wants to spend their family vacation in the infirmary!
At Aspen Snowmass, there are two schools: The Hideout on Buttermilk Mountain or Treehouse Kids’ Adventures Center on Snowmass Mountain. Similar to most ski schools, class at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort separate kids by age and skill level. They can even choose between snowboarding and skiing. The length of time is either half-day or full-day, meaning you can easily schedule ski school into your itinerary.
3. Buy or rent the correct gearWhere are you coming from? And where are you headed from Aspen? Naturally, planning a trip in Aspen means knowing just how much luggage you can comfortably tackle, since packing ski and snowboarding gear is no small feat. If you are anxious about purchasing ski and snowboarding gear, rent it, especially if you are flying to Aspen. However, if you already own gear, limit how much equipment you bring along by choosing the essentials, such as your snowboarding helmet, boots, and coats. Rent the board, skis, or ski poles at the mountain.
Even if you are driving from somewhere close by, children grow so quickly, buying kid-sized gear isn’t very economical, so forego getting them gear and just rent it. This allows for kids to find out which shape, size, and style works for them without costing you. After all, nothing is more disastrous than buying your kids new ski boots and finding out their feet have already outgrown them!
4. Dress warmlyRegardless of whether you decide to visit Aspen Snowmass during the warm or cold months, always bring clothing that you can layer. It gets cold in the mountains, particularly at the top. Consider packing lightweight jackets and shirts that continue moisture wicking fabric. Further, if you’re going during the winter, be sure to pack ski socks with wool, sweaters, fleece jackets, long johns, sport sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm. If you forget anything, though, the resort has an equipment store that is well-stocked with all the essentials.
5. Create a checklist or itineraryAny Aspen Snowmass Vacation Planner worth its salt would do well to mention creating a checklist of things you want to do and places to go in Aspen. Be sure to check the Aspen Snowmass Resort website for the current weather conditions, events, activities, and other useful information to help you plan out a rough list of objectives to check off. If you plan on vacationing in Aspen for more than two or three days, we highly recommend creating an itinerary that includes things to do beyond skiing and snowboarding, especially if you want to spend quality time with the family.
For example, do you want to go mountain biking or run trails? Hit up a few bars? Look to the weather forecast in advance so you can figure out which day would be better for that. Want to attend an event or festival, like the Bud Light Spring Jam? Book your tickets in advance. Of course, even if you are staying at the mountain resort, you can even plan for a day trip to another nearby location, which brings us to the sixth point on this list.
6. Learn about the surroundings before you go
Any Aspen Snowmass Vacation Planner worth its salt would do well to mention creating a checklist of things you want to do and places to go in Aspen. Be sure to check the Aspen Snowmass Resort website for the current weather conditions, events, activities, and other useful information to help you plan out a rough list of objectives to check off. If you plan on vacationing in Aspen for more than two or three days, we highly recommend creating an itinerary that includes things to do beyond skiing and snowboarding, especially if you want to spend quality time with the family.
For example, do you want to go mountain biking or run trails? Hit up a few bars? Look to the weather forecast in advance so you can figure out which day would be better for that. Want to attend an event or festival, like the Bud Light Spring Jam? Book your tickets in advance. Of course, even if you are staying at the mountain resort, you can even plan for a day trip to another nearby location, which brings us to the sixth point on this list.
