Snowmass Budget Vacation

Just because you’re in the “Aspen area” doesn’t mean you don’t have to break the bank. The key to Snowmass on a budget is keeping everything simple. If saving money on your ski vacation is high on your list of priorities, Snowmass has incredibly affordable lodging and dining options. Unlike neighboring Aspen, you’re not going to see too many fur coats or bling in Snowmass, which is one of its draws. But, if you want to venture into Aspen to see what it’s all about, the bus to downtown Aspen is free. Budget-conscious visitors love using Snowmass Village as the headquarters for their trip to the Aspen Snowmass area!

Ski.com's favorite budget-friendly accommodations in Snowmass

Try to stick to the slightly dated hotels and condos during your lodging search if you’re looking to pinch pennies. You’re going to find good deals in Snowmass at the slightly older spots, while still enjoying great amenities.

• At Timberline Condominiums you don’t have to sacrifice experience for price. This 88-unit property is located right on Snowmass’ Fanny Hill and offers a slopeside pool and hot tub for after skiing enjoyment. Just picture yourself curled up next the unit’s cozy fire place or enjoying views of the slopes, village and surrounding Elk Mountains from the condo’s balcony.
• Located just 250 yards from the base village’s lifts, Stonebridge Inn offers an incredibly convenient locale at an incredibly affordable rate. The Inn features 95 lodge rooms, the majority of which offer views of the slopes, village or pool. And about that, the Snowmass Inn has a great hot tub and pool perfect for relaxing after a full day on the mountain.
• The Snowmass Inn also offers a great rate for a great locale. The property is located less than 250 yards from the slopes and directly in front of the Sky Cab or “Skittles” Cab. The Inn is perfectly placed between the Base Village and the Snowmass Village Mall.

Affordable Snowmass Restaurants

Check out the little food carts and windows in the Snowmass Mall for affordable dining in Snowmass. A coffee and a bagel at Fuel won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet for breakfast, Taste of Philly is a small window serving delicious sandwiches, the Little Dill dishes out awesome and affordable lunch plates, and the Happy Hour at Zane’s is the best in Snowmass!  

If you’re looking for a nice meal and great atmosphere sans exorbitant ski resort prices The Artisan at The Stonebridge Inn and The Edge at Timberline Condominiums offer delicious American fare, both modern and classic, at a reasonable rate. You won’t pay more than $30 for an entrée at either restaurant.

Affordable Things to Do in Snowmass

Affordable things to do in Snowmass are numerous, so don’t sit in your hotel watching television, get out there and enjoy! From wildlife tours to the Snowmass mammoth discovery center to nighttime parties at Elk Camp, there are affordable things to do in Snowmass to pique nearly everyone’s interest. Nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts should head to the Wapiti Wildlife Center at the top of Elk Camp and take a run with one of the center’s naturalist guides. They’ll teach you all about Snowmass’ high alpine environment, including wildlife and avalanches. All you need to participate is a lift-ticket to be over the age of seven, and be able to ski blue square runs.

Science and history buffs should consider a visit to the free Ice Age Discovery Center in Snowmass Village, where you can learn about the prehistoric Ice Age animals that were unearthed at Snowmass in 2010. 

Grab a group of friends or your family for some starry, nighttime fun. From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday nights you can can head up on the Gondola to Elk Camp ($10 for adults, $5 for children ages four to 12) for Ullr Nights, a weekly winter celebration featuring a bonfire, sledding, hot chocolate, s’mores, a la carte cuisine, live music and much more. For an additional $35 you can enjoy a moonlit snowshoe tour, and for an additional $69 you can participate in an exhilarating snowbike tour.