Colorado’s list of places protecting the night sky continues to grow. The rural community of Old Snowmass has officially been designated an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, recognizing years of local work to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural beauty of the night.
Located in the Roaring Fork Valley between Aspen and Basalt, Old Snowmass is known for its wide open landscapes, ranching heritage, and expansive mountain views. Now it is also known as one of Colorado’s newest places committed to protecting the starry skies above.
What Is a Dark Sky Community?
The International Dark Sky Places program recognizes communities, parks, and protected areas that take meaningful steps to reduce light pollution. This includes adopting responsible lighting policies, promoting public education about the night sky, and encouraging residents and businesses to use outdoor lighting that is shielded, energy-efficient, and directed downward.
The goal is simple: preserve the natural darkness of the night while still providing safe, practical lighting for people and communities.
A Grassroots Effort in Old Snowmass
The effort to achieve certification in Old Snowmass began with local residents who wanted to protect the area’s naturally dark skies from increasing development and light pollution.
Community advocate Martha Ferguson founded WildSky Old Snowmass, which helped organize local support and raise awareness about the benefits of dark skies. The initiative brought together residents, local organizations, and Pitkin County leaders to develop lighting policies and education programs that would meet DarkSky International’s certification requirements.
A key step in the process was the adoption of an updated county lighting ordinance that limits unnecessary outdoor lighting, restricts certain types of fixtures and bulbs, and encourages shielded lighting that minimizes glare and skyglow.
These measures help protect wildlife, conserve energy, and preserve the stunning views of the Milky Way that can still be seen from this rural mountain valley.
Colorado’s Growing Dark Sky Movement
Old Snowmass joins a growing list of Colorado communities working to protect the night. It becomes the tenth certified Dark Sky Community in the state, alongside places such as Westcliffe and Silver Cliff (the first in Colorado), Crestone, Norwood, Naturita & Nucla (designated together), Ridgway, Paonia, and Breckenridge. Colorado also boasts many Dark Sky Parks such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Dinosaur National Monument, making Colorado a national leader in dark sky conservation. These designations highlight both the importance of preserving natural night environments and the growing interest in astronomy, wildlife protection, and sustainable tourism.
For stargazers, it also means more places where the Milky Way still shines brightly overhead.
Why Dark Skies Matter
Protecting dark skies benefits more than astronomers. Excessive nighttime lighting can disrupt wildlife behavior, interfere with plant growth cycles, and affect human sleep patterns. Smart lighting practices reduce energy use and help restore a natural balance between daylight and darkness.
And of course, darker skies mean better opportunities to enjoy one of humanity’s oldest shared experiences—looking up at the stars.
Who Are DarkSky International and DarkSky Colorado?
Founded in 1988, DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) leads a global effort to preserve and protect the nighttime environment. The organization works with communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to encourage responsible outdoor lighting and public education. Here in Colorado, DarkSky Colorado supports local communities and advocates for policies that reduce light pollution while raising awareness of the beauty and benefits of natural night skies.
How Other Communities Can Get Involved
This success at Old Snowmass highlights what is possible when a community makes night sky protection a priority. Other Colorado communities interested in certification can get help through the Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). The program provides support and guidance for towns seeking designation, ensuring more communities can preserve their natural skies for residents and visitors alike.
Keep Looking Up
From the Wet Mountain Valley to the Roaring Fork Valley, communities across Colorado are discovering that protecting the night sky is both achievable and worthwhile. Old Snowmass’s new designation shows how local leadership, thoughtful lighting policies, and community engagement can preserve the beauty of the night for generations to come.
For astronomers and stargazers alike, it’s encouraging to see another Colorado community commit to keeping the stars visible overhead.
Clear skies and happy stargazing!
