With its expansive skiing across four mountains, a storied past as a silver mining town, and a vibrant cultural scene, Aspen Snowmass stands as a beacon of recreational and cultural richness in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. This illustrious resort is not just about the world-class slopes but also the spirited life in its twin towns, Aspen and Snowmass Village, making it a singular destination where nature, history, and luxury converge. As a top rated ski resort in the United States, Aspen Snowmass offers a perfect blend of adventure and elegance.
We've crafted this guide to streamline your planning for an Aspen Snowmass ski holiday. Here, you’ll discover all you need to know, from the distinct characteristics of each mountain to the resort's snow history and the eclectic après-ski scene. And there’s more! At the end of this guide, you’ll also find downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, along with essential contact numbers and links.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into it!
Aspen is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, within Pitkin County, in the state of Colorado, approximately 321 km (200 mi) west of Denver.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large range of restaurants, bars and shops | Expensive (but worth it) |
| Vibrant nightlife and après ski scene | Resorts are not interconnected via the slopes |
| Plenty of activities beyond skiing | Aspen Mountain has no beginner terrain |
| Great resort infrastructure | Can get quite crowded, especially during peak season |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Aspen has to offer.
(Ref: Aspen Snowmass)
Buttermilk Mountain is the ideal starting point for beginners, boasting wide, forgiving runs and an internationally renowned ski school, known for its exceptional instruction and supportive learning environment.
Intermediates will discover a paradise at Aspen Snowmass, which boasts an extensive network of blue runs. These runs provide longer descents with variable contours and stunning scenic views, ideal for honing skills and building confidence. Additionally, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands offer more challenging blue runs that are perfect for intermediates looking to improve their technique and self-confidence.
Advanced and expert skiers can choose from exhilarating runs across all four mountains, with Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands particularly notable for their steep slopes, bumps, and glades. The Highlands are famed for their challenging terrain, including the celebrated Highland Bowl, which offers expert skiers a near-backcountry skiing experience with hike-accessed slopes, steep drops, and deep powder.
Aspen is replete with off-piste opportunities, particularly on the back side of Aspen Mountain and the various gates at Aspen Highlands. These areas offer freestylers the chance to explore deep powder and experience the tranquility of pristine, untouched landscapes.
Snowboarders are exceptionally well-accommodated at Aspen, with Buttermilk and Snowmass standing out. Buttermilk, perfect for beginners and also hosting the Winter X Games, features a superpipe and creative freestyle elements. Snowmass complements this with multiple terrain parks and a superpipe designed for all levels of progression.
The ski season in Aspen for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 29 November to 12 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Aspen ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Aspen offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 21 cm (8.26 in) and 20 cm (7.87 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.5 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 26 cm (10.23 in) and occurs more frequently, averaging 4.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Aspen, with an impressive 30 cm (11.81 in) of snow over 4.8 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm (6.69 in) of snow over 3.0 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 21 cm | 3.4 days |
| January | 20 cm | 3.6 days |
| February | 26 cm | 4.3 days |
| March | 21 cm | 3.7 days |
| April | 17 cm | 3.0 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Aspen resort map here
