Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass Colorado
You’d have to be “Dumb and Dumber” not to have heard of the incredible skiing to be had in Aspen Colorado. Aspen Snowmass offers a brilliant all round ski resort experience with world-class facilities.
Aspen receives a lot of publicity for the rich and famous that visit Aspen, but the real drawcard is the huge amount of terrain available across the four mountains, the light dry Colorado powder, and the consistently great weather.
Aspen Ski ResortsAspen Snowmass is made up of four separate ski resorts that are within a 15km radius of each other: Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax); Snowmass; Aspen Highlands; and Buttermilk Mountain. Aspen Mountain looms above the town of Aspen, Snowmass is a 20 minute drive from downtown Aspen, and Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands are only a few clicks away from town. Whilst the resorts are close to each other and are covered on the same lift ticket, they are not interconnected except via a free shuttle that runs between Aspen and the ski resorts.
The Aspen Snowmass resorts provide a ginormous ski area of 2,146 hectares (5,303 acres) and a whopping number of marked trails (329), 43 lifts, 5 terrain parks and numerous halfpipes. The trails have a good spread of variety for beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert riders. Aspen boasts plenty of wide groomed trails, powder bowls, moguls, tree runs, and gated backcountry skiing. And there’s no prize for guessing the predominance of tree species around Aspen!
It is easy for hard-core skiers and snowboarders to overlook Aspen because of its glamorous reputation, but rest assured there are plenty of steeps and white knuckle runs to challenge experienced riders.
Similarly, powderhounds sometimes steer clear of Aspen Snowmass because of the misconception that it’s crowded. Sure Aspen is certainly not a secret ski destination where powderhounds can relish in the powder all by themselves. However in amongst the 2,146 hectares of terrain there are hundreds of secret powder stashes to be found, especially if you hook up with a guide in the know. As is typical of
Colorado ski resorts, the quality of the powder is very impressive, and with 300 inches of snowfall per season on average, powder days are reasonably common.
Aspen Mountain (Ajax)
Aspen Mountain has the longest history of the resorts in the area, and even though snowboarding is now permitted, Ajax still retains a culture rich in the tradition and soul of skiing. At only 273 hectares (675 acres) Aspen Mountain is a petite ski area, and it has no beginner runs at all. Aspen Mountain has lots of blue cruisers for strong intermediates, but it’s most well known for the steeps, bumps, and the World Cup downhill course.
Snowmass
Snowmass is the largest of the four ski areas at 1,267 hectares (3,131 acres) and if you want to attempt a top to bottom run, undertake an intensive pre-season fitness regime, as the vertical descent is the longest in the United States. Snowmass offers the most terrain diversity for all ability levels, and Snowmass represents shredder heaven with three terrain parks and two pipes. Snowmass is incredibly family friendly and the ski area and village have lots of facilities for the little tackers. Snowmass has something for everyone!
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands has 416 hectares (1,028 acres) of terrain for all ability levels, but it’s most well known for the truly expert terrain – the type you’d love to send your mother-in-law down! Subsequently Aspen Highlands is often regarded as the “locals’ mountain” and is well established as the spiritual home of Aspen.
The Highland Bowl is the piece de resistance of Aspen Highlands. It features steep backcountry style terrain in an open bowl that fans down to tight trees. It’s partially snowcat accessed but is mostly hike-to-terrain. With an unfortunate history of a propensity for avalanches, all powderhounds thank the tireless patrollers and locals who stomp down the bowl early in the season to enhance snowpack stability. On big powder days look for the ‘Epic’ ski flag. The Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol will unfurl this flag when the conditions are truly on.
Buttermilk Mountain
The 190 hectares (470 acres) at Buttermilk is largely tame and mostly suited to beginners and park and pipe lovers. The ski resort has two terrain parks: a beginner park; and Buttermilk Park that has 100+ features including an Olympic sized superpipe and X games course. It’s the longest terrain park in the world which explains why this mountain has become a mecca for freestylers.
Where is Aspen Snowmass?
The town of Aspen is 220 miles southwest of Denver International Airport. Frequent ground transportation operates between Denver airport and Aspen. Rental cars are another option, although once in Aspen a car isn’t really necessary as there is a free bus and shuttle system that travels around town and between the ski resorts.
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is another gateway airport, about 3 miles (5km) from Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass. Flights originate from various cities including Denver, Los Angeles, SLC and Chicago. The downside of flying into Aspen is the risk of the airport closing in foul weather.
Another option is Eagle County airport (Vail/Eagle) which is 70 miles (112km) away (90 minutes). This airport is less plagued by weather issues and has a wider variety of routes than Aspen.
To make searching for a flight to Aspen, Denver or Eagle County easier, use one of the recommended
flight search engines that can compare flight options from multiple airlines.
Aspen Hotels & Lodging
Aspen is a historic ski town with a wide variety of accommodation to suit most budgets and tastes. If you want to spend a fortune on accommodation in this town you certainly can, but the reality is there are plenty of options for those on a budget. The town of Aspen has hotels, condos, motels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, and plenty of vacation rentals.
Snowmass is home to a thriving village at the base of the mountain that has been well planned such that approximately 95 percent of the lodging is conveniently ski in ski out. Snowmass accommodations are mainly hotels and condominiums. The other option is to stay in the village at the base of Aspen Highlands.
Aspen & Snowmass Accommodations Listings
Aspen Activities
Aspen Snowmass has a plethora of off-slope activities on offer including ice skating, paragliding, hot air ballooning, day spas or a soak in hot springs. Other on-snow activities include snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
Aspen is also heaven for any shop-a-holic with designer clothing shops, gift shops, galleries, and plenty of ski and snowboard shops. You don’t need to partake in organised activities to make the most of Aspen. People-watching on the streets or in restaurants is amazing darhling and an activity in itself.
Why Go on an Aspen Ski Holiday?
Aspen is probably not the place to ski or snowboard on a shoestring, but you pay for the quality that you get including huge terrain, great resort infrastructure, and world class service. Another highlight of Aspen is the nightlife. There are lots of happening bars and the social aspects of an Aspen ski holiday are hard to beat.
Despite the shopping, the nightlife and all the other Aspen extras, the core product here has always been and will always be the skiing and snowboarding. An Aspen holiday is hard to beat….. and remember do not to lick the ice off the chair lift!
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
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Trek Climb Ski - Aspen Snowmass Tour
16 Days / 15 Nights - 14 days skiing - 10 of those days guided. This is one of the best value Aspen tours you will find anywhere. Deluxe all the way ..... accommodation, guides & other guests!
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Trek Climb Ski - Aspen Snowmass Family Tour
Everything you get from our tour above with the addition of child friendly services to give you the freedom to ski, enjoy Apres, the food & great nightlife Aspen has to offer.
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