Free and affordable experiences in Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass in Colorado is well known as a world class ski destination, with high-end hotels, restaurants, and cultural spots.

Lesser known are the plethora of free activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy during the winter months.

From interactive art exhibitions to guided mountain tours and free food, there is something for all without spending big.

Outdoor Adventure

ACES Guided Ski Tour

Visitors can join ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) for a free 45-minute guided tour with a knowledgeable Naturalist through Snowmass. Starting at the Wapiti Wildlife Center at the top of Elk Camp lift, guests will learn about the high-alpine environment including wildlife in winter, tracking, avalanches and winter habitats.  A lift ticket is required to join the tour, available for skiers with an intermediate ability.

Ambassador Tours & First Tracks

Ambassador tours enable visitors to meet a knowledgeable local ambassador for a free, educational tour around Snowmass on skis. Mountain tours start every day at 11am at the fire pit in the Snowmass Base Village Plaza. In addition, the free Snowmass First Tracks program makes it possible for skiers to be among the first on the mountain. It is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and available to upper-level intermediate skiers and snowboarders, aged 11 and older.

Snowshoeing explorations

Hiking season isn’t just for the summer months and visitors to Aspen Snowmass during the winter can try snowshoeing for an affordable activity. The Aspen Nordic Center is a convenient place to rent gear at minimal cost before heading to one of the many top snowshoeing spots in the resort  These include the Maroon Creek Trail, Richmond Ridge and the popular Tom Blake Trail in Snowmass.

Food & Drink

Snowmass S’mores 

Guests of all ages can enjoy Snowmass S’mores for free starting at 3:30pm every day throughout the winter season. S’mores carts can be found in Snowmass Base Village and on the Snowmass Mall, where visitors can taste a S’mores Bar concocted by the newly rebranded Slow Groovin’ Chophouse. The secret recipe is made of chocolate graham cracker crust topped with layers of rice crispy, homemade toasted marshmallow, and chocolate drizzle, sprinkled with graham crumbs.

Free coffee and snacks

At the base of the mountains, visitors can start their day with free coffee in the morning and RXBARS protein bars at the end of the ski day. There are also complementary Supergoop sunscreens offered in the village to visitors to protect from the sun on the slopes. A hot beverage and snacks are self-served by a guest services team who can also provide advice on where to go for après, what runs to ski first in the morning and how to check a pair of skis with the ski valet.

Arts & Culture

Aspen Art Museum

Offering free admission to the public, Aspen Art Museum always has a number of exhibits from artists from all over the world across eight exhibitions and six gallery spaces. The museum is an artist-founded institution and also hosts a variety of free events from guided tours, the new cinema program, lectures and more.

Snowmass Luminescence

Snowmass Luminescence, an interactive art and light display presented by Snowmass Tourism and Aspen Snowmass, immerses guests in a dazzling world of light and art. When the ski lifts close, visitors can skip the Skittles Gondola ride between the Snowmass Mall and Base Village and instead, stroll through The Tunnel, an interactive series of LED illuminated walkways and arches. Snowmass Luminescence runs until 16 April from sunset to 9pm daily.