Everything about this ski resort screams comfort. From the organized staff to the accessibility of all terrain, and the high speed chair lifts, Snowmass Resort truly caters to snow riders of all abilities. Dubbed by locals as "Slowmass", for the overall intermediate feel of the terrain, but once upon the "cirque" and "headwall" of Snowmass, even the expert skier will be challenged.

As all resorts are influenced by good snow, snowmass too, when at its peak offers some of the nicest snow in the state. In the depths of winter the snow can be light and champagne like, while in the spring as storms move through quickly making the snow soft and fun.

Scott McBrayer throws a big air under the camera.

With a multitude of on mountain features including two terrain parks, a half pipe and even an oxygen bar, there is much to do while here.

Popular by International tourists and the wealthy, Snowmass can be often misinterpreted as snobby. Many will find their stay and comforts of the mountain resort along with the fine dining to be among the best.

McBrayer's second shot in succession.

This snowboarder gets some ups in the pipe.

Are skiers allowed in the half pipe? Absolutely.

From down the road, Snowmass is so big that it can barely fit into the picture.

On "powerline", one can always find nice new snow.

The Ullrhof Restaurant and Bar can be a nice pit stop when skiing this side of the mountain.

The newly added and independently owned Oxygen bar located off of "Cabin Run".

Movies like, "Aspen Extreme", depicted well the love of the Rocky Mountains, snow and the true love of skiing that two Midwest, overworked, and under appreciated boys moved to Aspen, Colorado for. After several seasons of work, the boys tackled their biggest accomplishment: winning the powder eight's contest.

Movies like "Aspen Extreme", were popular in the seventies. Ski bums who loved to ski, who weren't in a ski state followed their dreams and came to Colorado for the purity of it all. As is the case for: Seth Owen, Daniel Neukomm, and Kesha Seely, who own Mountain Oxygen. This company really jumps into the future by providing Oxygen, scented by aromas, to help tourists combat their altitude problems. This is the only ski in ski out oxygen bar operated in the world. Providing 95% oxygen, as compared to 21% on the slopes, anyone can notice the difference. With oxygen's many benefits: reduce headaches, flush lactic acid out of the body, and help your muscles recover faster, the oxygen bar can help everyone.

Mountain Oxygen Bars will soon become more popular at other resorts nationwide.

Inside: comfortable seating, ski videos, and 4 flavors of aroma therapy to chose from: euchaliptus, lavender, peppermint, citrus and all said to evoke different feelings in ones body.

The after affects of the Oxygen.

* Feature written and photographed by Phillips, March 2003. Information regarding oxygen content was provided by mountain oxygen. Skier in photos is local, Scott McBrayer.

© 2000 Globetrotteradventures.com Inc

RECOMENDED MAPS:

Trails Illustrated Aspen / Snowmass

GUIDE NOTES AND DIRECTIONS:

Snowmass Village is located on Highway 82 just 8 short miles from Aspen. There are free shuttle buses constantly running from the area. Regional airports include Aspen, Eagle, Grand Junction and Denver. The Aspen area is a easy drive from negihboring cities: Denver, Vail, Salt Lake, Durango, Steamboat, Jackson, and many others. To get to Aspen take I-70 to Glenwood Springs / Aspen exit. Travel south on Highway 82, approximately 48 miles from Glenwood Springs. The easiest way to contact them: Snow Report: 970-925-1221, Main Office: 970-925-1220, Ski School: 970-925-1220 or you can visit their web site: http://www.aspensnowmass.com Great Rates for the Oxygen Bar: $1 per minute or 15 minutes for $10.