Snowmass Beginner Skiing

Snowmass is a huge, sprawling mountain, boasting over 3,300 skiable acres, but don’t let that intimidate you. A lot of attention is devoted to Snowmass beginner skiing. The experience of learning how to ski at Snowmass is bar none; from the gentle slopes of Snowmass’ green trails, to convenient chairlift access, including the new Elk Camp Gondola, to a world-class ski school. Snowmass is the perfect ski resort for a beginner skier looking to comfortably advance their skiing and have fun exploring the mountain. Snowmass has several designated beginner areas, one of which is the new Elk Camp, and provides an unbeatable beginner skiing experience by allowing skiers to learn up on the mountain, rather than the base area. The Snowmass Ski School is known throughout the world for providing top-notch instruction for beginner skiers of all ages. Beginner children especially love skiing at Snowmass, thanks to the uber- popular Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center.

Snowmass Beginner Terrain

Snowmass provides three large beginner-friendly zones on the mountain:  Elk Camp, Assay Hill, and Fanny Hill. Each of the first time skier zones on the mountain have mellow, beginner runs that let beginners get comfortable on snow, learn how to ski, and not worry about biting off more than they can chew. Keep an eye out for the green circle on the Snowmass trail map and trails signs, which denotes the easiest trails on the mountain. A series of tree runs wind throughout Snowmass that are made for beginners. Lunchline is the best beginner terrain at Snowmass, and a perfect introduction to tree skiing. Other trails, with gentle slopes, like Dawdler and Scooper are textbook places for beginner skiers and snowboarders to comfortably practice their technique and master their turns.

Snowmass Ski School

For beginner skier’s ages six and under, the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center at Snowmass is unlike any other beginner ski area. The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center is a 25,000-square-foot facility that was built by the same people who constructed Universal Studios to give young kids a spot to feel comfortable when learning how to ski. With an array of playgrounds, a ski school specializing in instruction for young children, a cafeteria that serves up kid-appeasing food like chicken fingers and pizza, a rental shop stocked full of ski gear for kids, and more, the Treehouse is where young beginners will learn the fundamentals of skiing, while having fun. No other resort in North America can offer an experience like the one found at Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center in Snowmass.

The top of the Elk Camp Gondola is where “never-evers” of all ages will spend most of their time at Snowmass. Elk Camp is a brand facility built entirely for beginner skiers interested in learning to ski or ride during their Snowmass ski trip. At most resorts, the beginner ski area is relegated to the bottom portions of the mountain, but learning to ski during a trip to Snowmass is different. The Elk Camp beginner area is unique because a first time skier is able to ride the Gondola and fully enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, rather than sticking to the base area. This, including the other conveniences and amenities Elk Camp provides, creates a richer experience for the beginner skier.

The Beginner Magic Lounge is a must-do for where adults who have never skied before. There’s a rental shop at Elk Camp stocked with safe gear made specifically with beginners in mind. The shop’s staff knows you might be a little intimidated by the whole experience, so they make things easy and comfortable for you by making you laugh and reminding you that skiing’s all about having fun. Ski school lessons for beginners will use the magic carpet and beginner chairlift. If you graduate to the bigger slopes, you can ski to the bottom and the rental shop at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola will send your shoes down for you.