Winter Activities
Roaring Fork Schools are located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies with incredible access to winter activities.
DOWNHILL SKIING
ASPEN/SNOWMASS RESORT
Sixty-plus years after the first chairlift was built on Aspen Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass continues to deliver. It’s not just one mountain – it’s Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. With four choices and 5,303 acres; decide which mountain fits your passion. Aspen/Snowmass is located 18 miles from Basalt schools, 30 miles from Carbondale schools and 40 miles from the district office and schools in Glenwood Springs.
SNOWMASS
At 4,406 vertical feet, Snowmass has the most in the country. And with 3,132 acres of terrain, 91 trails, 21 chairlifts and access to your choice of cruisers, glades, steeps, terrain parks and halfpipes, you’ll have to come back for more. Grab seconds at our restaurants too; on-mountain at Sam’s Smokehouse at the top of the Village Express chair, or in the base village at Sneaky’s Tavern adjacent to The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center.
ASPEN MOUNTAIN
Aspen Mountain, with its famous black-diamond terrain, has kept us on the map since 1947. Inbounds you’ll get a variety of glades, bumps and steeps. For an out-of-bounds experience, Aspen Mountain Powder Tours will hook you up with fresh tracks on the backside. While the mountain hasn’t changed much, you’ll appreciate the new gondola, great views & food at the Sundeck at the summit and Ajax Tavern at the base, where the après rivals the skiing and snowboarding.
ASPEN HIGHLANDS
With breathtaking 360-degree views of the Maroon Bells and an abundance of expert terrain as well as groomed cruisers, it’s no wonder Aspen Highlands has been the locals’ favorite for over 50 years. Hike the 12,392 feet to the summit of Highland Bowl for the ultimate inbounds backcountry rush. Or take the Deep Temerity lift to access the recently-added 237 skiable acres. It all adds up to some of the most challenging big-mountain terrain in North America.
BUTTERMILK
Buttermilk built its 50-year legacy on wide-open and gently rolling trails that cater to beginners and families. Today it’s famous for hosting the ESPN Winter X Games through 2012 and being voted #1 by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader’s Poll for best park. The 22-foot superpipe in the legendary terrain park does not disappoint, as many X Games winners, Olympians and up-and-comers can attest.
For more information visit www.aspensnowmass.com
SUNLIGHT SKI AREA
With over 680 acres of skiable terrain, skiers of all ability levels will find plenty to smile about. In addition to miles of cruising intermediate terrain, Sunlight's East Ridge has one of the steeper runs in the state. Sunlight is also home to one of the longest trails in ski country, Ute, a beginner slope that winds more than 2 miles from summit to base. Sunlight also hosts some of the best tree skiing in Colorado with many aspen groves untracked days after snowfall. All trails converge at the base lodge, so friends and family can always keep track of each other. Sunlight Mountain is located 12 miles from the district office and Glenwood Springs schools, 22 miles from Carbondale schools and 32 miles from Basalt schools. For more information visit www.sunlightmtn.com.
CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS AND NORDIC SKIING
CARBONDALE AREA CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS AND NORDIC SKIING
Located just a few minutes from Carbondale schools, Spring Gulch has something for every cross country skier – from greenhorn to old hand – in our 21+ kilometer (13.13 mile) trail system. Those just finding their feet on “skinny skis” will find Lazy Eight to be just the ticket. Rafter T leads those in search of a longer sojourn and spectacular views to Holdens or Finlandia. North Star brings you to a peaceful aspen grove. And, if excitement is your goal, Highball and Big Dipper are for you. These trails have been designed by skiers for skiers and are regularly groomed. Just bring your lunch (no services are provided other than a restroom), a friend (except your dog – absolutely no dogs allowed, please), and a taste for fresh air and scenery.
NORDIC SKIING AT SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN
Strap on your skinny skis and head to Sunlight Mountain Resort, which has 29 kilometers of trails in the White River National Forest. A rustic hut makes a convenient setting for a snack or lunch. For more information visit www.sunlightmtn.com.
ASPEN AREA CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS AND NORDIC SKIING
Enjoy one of the largest free groomed cross-country ski systems in North America! Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trails are located 18 miles from Basalt schools, 30 miles from Carbondale schools and 40 miles from the district office and schools in Glenwood Springs.
The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trail System boasts more than 90 kilometers/60 miles of free cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that connect the communities of Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt. Trails are varied in terrain for beginners to experts. Beautiful vistas, great exercise and outdoor fun for the whole family!
For information and ski trail conditions or to contact the cross-country ski centers, call the Nordic Hotline at 970-429-2039 or explore the trails online www.aspennordic.com.
OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES
Winter activities in the Roaring Fork Valley are much more diverse than just skiing from snowshoeing and sledding to hot springs and ice skating. Check out the following websites for more opportunities to enjoy the mountains in the winter.
Glenwood Springs Chamber - http://www.glenwoodchamber.com/
Carbondale Chamber - http://www.carbondale.com/