Snowmass Village and Old Snowmass, Colorado, are two adjacent towns in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. While sometimes referred to interchangeably (or confused for one another), they are distinct areas with unique offerings and home types. As custom home builders serving the Roaring Fork Valley for over 20 years, we understand the intricacies of building and living in both of these areas, with many of our luxury builds featured throughout the region.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Snowmass Village and Old Snowmass, provide considerations for finding and vetting your home builder in this unique landscape, and highlight custom home builders who can meet your needs.
About Snowmass Village
Snowmass Village surrounds the basecamp of Snowmass Ski Resort, one of the four mountains that make up the Aspen Snowmass. Compared to the other mountains and surrounding villages of Aspen Snowmass, Snowmass is more recently developed, as much of its growth was delayed during the recession.
Lots here are smaller, with ski-in/ski-out properties nestled against the mountain and neighborhoods spread around its base. The atmosphere is distinctly alpine-inspired, evoking European ski village vibes. Snowmass Village is ideal for those seeking luxury amenities, convenient access to skiing, and a close-knit community with regular events. It’s particularly beloved by grandparents who enjoy hosting their children and grandchildren here for the holidays.
About Old Snowmass (Snowmass)
Old Snowmass, often referred to as the non-village Snowmass, is characterized by sprawling ranches and stunning views of the valley. Many working ranches still thrive in the area. The homeowners’ associations (HOAs) that exist are primarily rural-oriented, such as the Little Elk Creek Village HOA. Notably, St. Benedict’s Monastery, which is now up for sale, is located in Old Snowmass.
The lots here tend to be larger, and the rural landscape allows for greater architectural creativity—whether contemporary, traditional, rustic, or otherwise. While access to town can be more challenging, as is typical for a rural retreat, Old Snowmass offers an excellent option for those looking to build a home that speaks to their heart and connects them to the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Despite its rural setting and large properties, Old Snowmass is no stranger to social gatherings and community. Many homeowners participate in local clubs that foster connections and often contribute philanthropically to the community, such as the Roaring Fork Club.
Things to Look for in your Snowmass Custom Home Builder
There are many home builders in the Roaring Fork Valley, but when you’re already spending $1M+ on land, it’s essential to choose a builder who will truly partner with you throughout a process that often takes years, from concept to completion. This mountain community also presents unique considerations, such as capturing the stunning views, balancing energy and compliance standards with your vision, and minimizing the stress and burden of building a home—especially if you’re managing the process from out of state.
Here are some key factors to consider and questions to ask when vetting home builders in the Roaring Fork Valley:
Provide an example of when you’ve adjusted for sighting
An architect designs the home, and then a surveyor stakes out the boundaries (construction staking) so the builders have clear guidelines before digging and pouring the foundation. However, it is the builder’s responsibility to catch any oversights in communication between the architect, surveyor, and builder.
Sighting involves carefully evaluating the placement and orientation of the home on the property to ensure it’s in the best possible location. For example, does the design capture the best mountain views through the large living room window, or would the home benefit from being rotated slightly? At Maley Building Corporation, we’ve successfully identified and corrected sighting issues on several projects before the foundation was poured, ensuring our clients’ homes fully maximize their surroundings.
Tell us about your angles and framing philosophy
In any home—but especially in a high-end mountain home with unique roofline angles—high-tolerance framing is essential for success. The framing must be tight, square, accurate, and true. Ideally, your home builder is passionate about this aspect of construction, as it forms the critical foundation for everything that follows.
What’s the key to transitioning between rooms and materials?
Detailed finish work is what elevates a quality custom home to a truly high-end custom home. It’s the kind of craftsmanship you won’t find with cheaper options—but it’s the one you’ll notice and fret over for years if it’s not done right. The key here is a builder’s passion for “plane.”
In construction, “plane” refers to an imagined flat surface that acts as a reference for setting consistent levels and elevations throughout the project. It ensures that floors, walls, and other structural components are properly aligned, maintaining uniformity across the build. This commitment to precise alignment and perfect execution is what sets a high-end home apart from ordinary constructions.
Best Custom Home Builders in Snowmass
Maley Building Corporation
At Maley Building Corporation, we’ve been crafting custom homes in Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley for over 20 years. Our approach to growth has been thoughtful and deliberate, prioritizing quality over quantity. Our homes have been featured in top publications such as Colorado Homes, Luxe, Purist, Modern Luxury Aspen, and more.
While “craftsmanship” is often a buzzword in the industry, we believe in showing, not just telling. Our experienced craftsmen have been with us for decades, passing down their expertise to new generations. This dedication results in homes built with exceptional attention to detail, care, and a punch list-free outcome. More importantly, when you reach out to us, you won’t be passed through a chain of unfamiliar voices—you’ll speak directly with Patrick and the team, the same faces you’ll see on-site, ensuring a personal and consistent experience throughout the entire process.
Hansen Construction
Hansen Construction was founded in 1979. During their rich history, they have built everything from historic cottages in the West End to downtown retail stores. Their work speaks for itself, with a truly beautiful portfolio. They focus on communication, solutions, and quality.
Koru
Based out of Carbondale, Colorado, Koru is another one of our local favorite choices for builders in Snowmass, CO. They have an impressive portfolio of work spanning from Aspen to Woody Creek and beyond. You can tell from their work that they excel in contemporary homes with flat roofs, large windows, and geometric shapes.
Your Guide to Roaring For Valley Building
We have over 20 years of experience building custom luxury homes in the Roaring Fork Valley. This is our home. The landscape inspires us, and the people we work with and get to know make it all worth it. If we can be of help in your home-building journey here in the mountains, please reach out to us.
