Snowmass announces 2025-26 winter upgrades, events

Snowmass Village is enhancing its winter appeal with major ski area upgrades, fresh dining options, and direct Charlotte flights for the 2025-26 winter season.

“Snowmass continues to elevate the guest experience with exciting on-mountain enhancements, new culinary offerings, and expanded air access, including our new direct flight from Charlotte,” Tourism Director of Snowmass Tourism Julia Theisen said in a press release. “Whether you’re here for world-class skiing, dynamic events, unforgettable après, or off-the-slopes fun, this winter promises adventure and everything else Snowmass is known for.”

Major mountain developments 

Snowmass Ski Area has three major projects underway, totaling nearly $80 million in mountain improvements.

Opening this winter is the upgraded Elk Camp lift, which increases capacity from four to six passengers. The new Cirque T-bar also debuts this winter, replacing the old platter lift with one of the highest lifts in North America. The T-bar doubles capacity by carrying two riders instead of one, reducing wait times and improving access to Snowmass’ famous high-altitude terrain. Together, these upgrades directly address crowding issues across the mountain.

Ullrhof, the popular mid-mountain restaurant on Snowmass, began a complete rebuild in summer 2025, and will reopen for the 2026-27 winter season. The new Ullrhof will be Aspen Snowmass’s first fully electric restaurant with seating for more than 500 people. These projects are part of a multi-year plan to improve guest dining experiences at Snowmass and add restaurant seating across the mountain, according to the release.

The Elk Camp Restaurant has a new 120-seat deck on the east side with a retractable umbrella and glass wall system. This offers weather protection and mountain views. The Hot Dogger at Spider Sabich now serves gourmet hot dogs through a partnership with Los Angeles-based Sumo Dog.

High Alpine introduces a rotating menu featuring food from around the world. The nearby Alpin Room now serves French-inspired dishes under award-winning chef Emily Oyer, according to the release. The Cabin and Sun Club features an outdoor patio partnered with Veuve Clicquot, serving street tacos, champagne, and heated lounge seating.

Snowmass restaurant and retail news 

Mountain town favorite Slope & Hatch will open its third location in December in The Collective Snowmass. Slope & Hatch serves traditional and creative tacos and hot dogs in a casual, colorful setting next to the popular Collective Hall and Game Lounge. Menu highlights include barbecue brisket, curried lamb, and grilled margarita shrimp tacos, as well as Chicago, Carolina, and Coney hot dogs. The drink menu includes classic cocktails and local Colorado seasonal beers. The restaurant serves options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike. Slope & Hatch also has locations in Glenwood Springs and Eagle.

Viceroy Snowmass will open Lift Line in December, a new slopeside restaurant at the ski-in/ski-out resort. The restaurant takes over the space previously known as Nest. Designed as a lively après-ski spot, Lift Line serves hearty tavern favorites such as a signature double cheeseburger and creamy tomato soup.

For the 2025-26 ski season, Progression Brands Group will open six new stores across Colorado’s top ski destinations, including a flagship Capranea and Dahu store in Snowmass Village, as well as openings in Vail Village and Lionshead.

Winter season 2025-26 events 

Wintersköl returns

For the Winter Windows event, Roaring Fork Valley artists and designers are paired with businesses on the Snowmass Mall and in Base Village to create custom window displays featuring 2D and 3D installations celebrating winter and Snowmass’ character. The event includes a holiday market and a book launch of Tamara Susa’s photography book, “Four Seasons in Snowmass,” in partnership with Buckhorn Public Arts.

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, fireworks, and celebration 

The New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 31. It features skiers and snowboarders making wide turns down the mountain with red flares. It is open to the public to participate, for anyone who is an intermediate skier or above with a valid ski pass or day pass. Sign up is required in advance. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix will take place Jan. 7-10, 2026. 

Pre- X Games Aspen

Buttermilk will host the final destination of the domestic Olympic-qualifying circuit for the world-class slopestyle and halfpipe competition Jan. 7-10, 2026.

2026 X Games Aspen

The premier action sports competition will return Jan. 23-25, 2026, in Buttermilk, featuring top athletes, live music, and more.

Mardi Gras, 2026

The annual festivities, held Feb. 17, include a bead toss by the 2026 Mardi Gras Royalty, live music, the Mother of all Ascensions Uphill Race, and fireworks in Snowmass Village.

The Snow League returns

Shaun White’s professional halfpipe snowboarding and freeski competition returns Feb. 27-28, 2026, to Buttermilk for its second year, featuring a distinctive head-to-head format and season-long points system.

New airline service

American Airlines will launch a new seasonal flight between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Aspen beginning Dec. 19. This service will run three times a week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 29, 2026, opening up new connecting flights. This latest route marks Aspen’s longest nonstop at 1,459 miles. 

For more information, visit http://www.gosnowmass.com.