Snowmass Colorado History

Snowmass Village, Colorado, is a former ranching community turned destination resort.

The History of the Planning and Development of Snowmass Village
By 1890, ranchers and homesteaders had settled the land that is now Snowmass Village.

Prior to 1955, Brush Creek Valley was not included in Pitkin County's planning focus. In May of 1955, the County zoned the Snowmass Village area agriculture, forestry and residential, and established a minimum lot size of two acres.

The Hoaglund Ranch was purchased by the Janss Colorado Corporation around 1958. Janss continued to make land purchases and prepared a development plan for the area in 1964. The natural assets of "Snowmass-at-Aspen" would be developed into a profitable year-round resort, linked to the Aspen areas' lodging and amenities but including its own unique ski-in/ski-out residential opportunity.

The Janss Plan integrated 8,145 dwelling units into several small, alpine pedestrian villages on the slopes of Burnt and Baldy Mountains. Building materials would come from the natural wood and stone available in the immediate area. Internal circulation would rely on pedestrian trails and an effective, accessible transit system. Less intensive residential use and recreational open space separated the planned villages.

The formation of the Snowmass-at-Aspen ski area attracted growth and investors to the area. Commercial and retail construction began in the West Village. The first lifts began operating up Fanny Hill and Sam's Knob on December 16, 1967.

As Snowmass Village evolved, the Pitkin County Commissioners favored a less intense buildout, preserving open space and buffers around population centers. The Snowmass Corporation, now the major landholder, favored higher density pockets throughout the area.

The result: West and East Village would be oriented toward visitors and Sinclair/Meadow Ranch toward permanent residents.

In 1977, Snowmass-at-Aspen officially was incorporated as a Home Rule Town under Colorado law, and became the Town of Snowmass Village.