Aspen Snowmass

About Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass' 4 unique ski resorts, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass provide travelers with a world-class mountain destination that caters to all levels of skiers and riders. Guests to the Roaring Fork Valley can experience four mountains within minutes of one another, all from downtown Aspen, Colorado. The wonderfully Victorian throwback architecture in downtown Aspen offers a glimpse into the Elk Mountains' storied mining boom era. Plus, there is a wide variety of resorts in Aspen, Colorado, depending on your preferences for the trip.

Above the town, Aspen Mountain (formerly known as Ajax) is the local's favorite. At Buttermilk, less-seasoned skiers and snowboarders are welcomed with gentle groomers and well-spaced glades. In Snowmass Village, ski-in ski-out lodging and slopeside attractions offer the classic base area feel whose convenience and proximity to the slopes can't be denied. Atop Aspen Highlands Bowl, alpine fantasies are realized within sight of the iconic, Maroon Bells whose top elevation is over 14,000 feet. It’s all here, it's all top-notch and it's all on just one lift ticket. The four resorts combined offer 5,517 total acres of terrain, eight parks and 336 trails served by 43 lifts.

From luxury dining across over 100 top-tier restaurants to engaging in winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, Aspen Snowmass offers a comprehensive and unforgettable mountain experience. Whether perched atop its scenic peaks or nestled in the heart of its historic downtown, Aspen encapsulates a perfect blend of adventure and heritage in the heart of the Rockies.

1. Four mountains to choose from (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass)
2. Luxury lodging and service
3. Incredible food and apres-ski scene
4. Ullr Nights at Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain
5. Famous music acts at the iconic Belly Up venue

How to get to Aspen Snowmass

Getting to Aspen

Aspen is a very accessible resort, thanks to its close proximity to four airports—Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), Eagle County Airport (EGE), Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Denver International Airport (DIA)—that offer numerous nonstop and connecting flights.

Flying into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is by far the most convenient way to get to Aspen Snowmass. It may be a bit more expensive than your other options, but once you're there, you’re there. There’s no arranging (or paying) for a shuttle service or rental car. If it’s in your budget flying into ASE is a stress-free, luxurious way to start your Aspen ski vacation. If you’d rather splurge in other areas of your vacation, Eagle Regional Airport (EGE) is a quick 70 miles from Aspen, and Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is 130 miles away. Because Denver International Airport (DIA) sees hundreds of nonstop, connecting and international flights on a daily basis, you’re going to get the most bang for your buck if you fly into Denver. From there you can rent a car or opt for a shuttle service, like Epic Mountain Express.

Getting around

Aspen boasts an impressively efficient and user-friendly public bus system, simplifying travel across its four mountains. The streets welcome pedestrians, allowing for effortless exploration of the entire village on foot. A complimentary shuttle service connects all four resorts, ensuring smooth transit. For insider advice on navigating Aspen with ease, consult your Mountain Travel Expert.

Skiing in Aspen Snowmass

Beginner skiers will thrive at Buttermilk and Snowmass, both have beginner and kid-friendly facilities and designated “learn to ski” zones designed for adults and children. All-in-all Aspen Snowmass is an intermediate skier’s heaven since the overwhelming majority of all four mountains, aka the “Power of Four” terrain is designated as intermediate terrain. Beginner skiers, especially first-timers, are discouraged from skiing at Aspen Mountain because there are no green trails.

On the flip side, expert skiing is what Aspen Mountain or "Ajax Mountain" and Aspen Highlands are known for. There’s no better place for top-to-bottom runs thanks to Ajax’s Silver Queen Gondola’s 3,267-foot vertical ascent. Aspen Mountain is famous for its long, steep mogul runs and challenging fall line. Those with a spirit of adventure can also get their kicks by hiking the 700 vertical feet to the top of the famed Aspen Highland Bowl. You’ll be rewarded at the Bowl’s summit with one of Aspen Snowmass’ best views and an unparalleled off-piste experience.

Beginner Skiing in Aspen Snowmass:

While Aspen Mountain, the ski area that rises from the town of Aspen, isn’t an ideal area for beginner skiers, Buttermilk, just three miles down the road, is perfect. Aspen/Snowmass’ four mountains, or “Power of Four,” allows every type of skier to find their ideal terrain. Most beginner skiers in Aspen will find that they prefer the shorter, rolling slopes of Buttermilk, or beginner “learn to ski” zones at Snowmass.

Buttermilk: Ideal for beginners with its gentle slopes and beginner-friendly facilities like ski rentals, ski schools, a magic carpet, and a beginner chair lift. New skiers are encouraged to start at the Buttermilk base area and gradually progress to trails like Larkspur or Westward Ho.

Snowmass: Offers excellent terrain for beginners with designated "learn to ski" areas like Assay Hill and Fanny Hill. Facilities like the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center provide a fun and engaging learning environment for children.

Expert Skiing in Aspen Snowmass:

There are few places, save for Jackson Hole and Crested Butte and perhaps a few others, that revel in leg-burning, heart-pumping, non-stop top-to-bottom expert skiing the way Aspenites do. The locals have a penchant for pain, with a large population of endurance athletes, and a storied reputation of being extreme. Let’s not forget that this is where the 80s cult ski movie Aspen Extreme was filmed, and in fact most of the film’s stars still live and ski there. And while expert skiers and those with a passion for ski history will love what Ajax offers, beginners and intermediates have thousands upon thousands of acres of skiing to choose from between Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.

Aspen Mountain: Known for challenging terrain with options for expert skiers, including areas like The Dumps and Gentleman's Ridge, where advanced skiers can enjoy glades, moguls, and variable snow conditions.

Aspen Highlands Bowl: Offers a rigorous hike leading to exceptional bowl skiing with spectacular views. It’s an essential experience for those seeking advanced and expert runs.

Snowmass: Despite its family-friendly reputation, it presents demanding expert terrain in areas like the Cirque and Hanging Valley Headwall, featuring cliffs, pillows, powder fields, and glades.

Ski Schools and Tours:

Aspen's ski schools cater well to beginners, particularly at Buttermilk and Snowmass, where professional instructors provide group or private lessons. For experts, the Black Diamond Expedition is a three-day clinic that explores expert terrain across Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands, perfect for experienced skiers looking to improve their skills and tackle the more challenging parts of the mountains. If you are interested in signing up for the clinic, be sure to chat with a Mountain Travel Expert who can secure your spot with lodging.

Family vacations in Aspen

With four different mountains to choose from, an incredible array of hotel and dining options, and a packed list of year-round events and concerts, everyone on an Aspen family ski vacation will be pleased. Kids and parents, alike will love bopping around historical downtown Aspen and learning about this mining era’s rich past. There’s a mind-boggling amount of things to do and experience on an Aspen family ski vacation, and it’s all conveniently located within a couple blocks.

Buttermilk and Snowmass, and the bottom half of Aspen Highlands are world-class ski areas for beginner to intermediate families, while advanced to expert families can rip up the famed steeps of Aspen Mountain together. The whole family can pretend they’re stars in the cult classic movie Aspen Extreme. Hopeful jibbers will also enjoy checking out the X Games slopestyle course and halfpipe at the base of Buttermilk. Families can easily hop from resort to resort thanks to Aspen Snowmass's convenient, and complimentary, bus. This takes a lot of guesswork out of a vacation for parents, ensuring that everyone in the family has an enjoyable Aspen family ski trip.

Outside of the slopes, stroll through downtown Aspen's enchanting Victorian-era buildings, decked out in twinkling Christmas lights that stay up all winter long, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Explore the unique boutiques, world-class restaurants, and rich mining history on walking tours or a nostalgic horse and carriage ride. And don't miss out on family fun at the ice skating rinks.