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Great après-ski
Snow-sure resort
Stunning views
Luxury resorts
Top facilities
Off-slope activities
Foodie paradiseGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortStunning viewsLuxury resortsTop facilitiesOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortStunning viewsLuxury resortsTop facilitiesOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortStunning viewsLuxury resortsTop facilitiesOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseAspen Snowmass is a resort that feels unlike anywhere else in the United States. Sitting in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the town of Aspen itself carries a certain elegance - historic Victorian buildings line streets where you'll find world-class restaurants alongside local coffee shops, and there's a genuine sense of community beneath the glamour. What makes Aspen Snowmass distinct is how it combines four separate mountains under one ski pass: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each has its own character, its own terrain, and its own following.
Skiing and snowboarding here spans over 5,500 acres across those four mountains, with a combined vertical drop that reaches nearly 1,350 metres on Aspen Highlands. The season typically runs from late November through mid-April, with an average annual snowfall around 7.5 metres keeping conditions consistently good. Altitude ranges from around 2,400 metres at the base areas to over 3,800 metres at the summit of Highlands - high enough for reliable snow but not so extreme that most visitors struggle with acclimatisation.
Beyond the pistes, Aspen rewards visitors with a cultural depth that's rare in ski resorts. The town hosts year-round music festivals, a respected art museum, and dining that rivals major cities. Visitors find top-tier restaurants tucked into historic buildings, and appreciate the range of activities that extend well beyond skiing. Whether you're drawn by the legendary terrain, the après-ski scene, or simply the chance to experience one of skiing's most storied destinations, Aspen delivers a memorable ski holiday experience. Check out Aspen Snowmass ski deals to start planning your trip.
Aspen Snowmass is a resort that feels unlike anywhere else in the United States. Sitting in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the town of Aspen itself carries a certain elegance - historic Victorian buildings line streets where you'll find world-class restaurants alongside local coffee shops, and there's a genuine sense of community beneath the glamour. What makes Aspen Snowmass distinct is how it combines four separate mountains under one ski pass: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each has its own character, its own terrain, and its own following.
Skiing and snowboarding here spans over 5,500 acres across those four mountains, with a combined vertical drop that reaches nearly 1,350 metres on Aspen Highlands. The season typically runs from late November through mid-April, with an average annual snowfall around 7.5 metres keeping conditions consistently good. Altitude ranges from around 2,400 metres at the base areas to over 3,800 metres at the summit of Highlands - high enough for reliable snow but not so extreme that most visitors struggle with acclimatisation.
Beyond the pistes, Aspen rewards visitors with a cultural depth that's rare in ski resorts. The town hosts year-round music festivals, a respected art museum, and dining that rivals major cities. Visitors find top-tier restaurants tucked into historic buildings, and appreciate the range of activities that extend well beyond skiing. Whether you're drawn by the legendary terrain, the après-ski scene, or simply the chance to experience one of skiing's most storied destinations, Aspen delivers a memorable ski holiday experience. Check out Aspen Snowmass ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding at Aspen Snowmass feels like having four different holidays in one. You could spend your morning on the expert-focused pitches of Aspen Mountain, grab lunch in town, then head over to Snowmass for wide-open cruising - all on the same lift pass. The mountains reward exploration, and regular visitors often develop favourites while still discovering new runs years later.
The four mountains cater to different moods and abilities. Aspen Mountain (known locally as Ajax) is a no-compromise expert mountain with steep black diamonds, challenging blues, and some of Colorado's best bump runs. Aspen Highlands attracts a devoted following for its Highland Bowl, accessible only by a short hike, which rewards the effort with extraordinary steep descents. Buttermilk is the gentlest of the four, ideal for beginners and home to the X Games each winter. Snowmass is the largest and most varied, with terrain for everyone and enough to keep you busy for an entire holiday.
WeSki insider tip: For UK visitors, it's worth understanding the North American trail rating system before you arrive. Green circles are beginner runs - equivalent to European greens and easy blues. Blue squares cover intermediate terrain but span a wider difficulty range than European blues, so a confident beginner might find some blues challenging. Black diamonds are advanced, and double black diamonds are expert-only territory.
If you're new to skiing, Buttermilk is your home base. The mountain was essentially designed for learning, with gentle green circle runs that wind through the trees and blue squares that offer the next step when you're ready.
The slopes here stay quiet compared to busier resorts, giving beginners space to find their feet without feeling rushed by faster traffic. Snowmass also has an excellent beginner area at Elk Camp, with progression terrain that leads naturally into longer green and easy blue runs.
WeSki insider tip: Start your first day at Buttermilk's Panda Peak area, where the magic carpet and gentle terrain helps build confidence quickly. Once you're comfortable, head over to Snowmass's Elk Camp for longer runs with beautiful views.
Snowmass is the mountain where intermediates will want to spend most of their time at Aspen Snowmass. With over 3,300 acres of terrain, there's enough variety here to ski for a week without repeating yourself. Long, perfectly groomed blue square runs sweep down from the 3,800-metre summit, and the mountain's layout lets you naturally progress from easier runs to more challenging terrain as your confidence builds. The Big Burn area features wide-open alpine skiing that's exhilarating without being too intimidating.
Confident intermediates looking to push themselves should also explore Aspen Mountain. While it has no green circle runs, many of its blues squares are beautifully groomed and offer genuine challenge without being overwhelming. The views from Ajax are spectacular, and skiing down into town for lunch feels like a proper Colorado experience. Aspen Highlands also has excellent intermediate terrain, particularly on its lower slopes.
WeSki insider tip: Take the Breathtaker Gondola to the top of Snowmass and ski the Long Shot run. It's groomed, scenic, and covers over 4km from summit to base. Arrive early to catch the first corduroy before the crowds.
This is where Aspen truly earns its reputation. Aspen Mountain is a proper expert playground. Steep bump runs like Spar Gulch and Walsh's have challenged skiers for decades, and the mountain's vertical makes for leg-burning descents. The terrain is relentlessly black, with short pitches of intermediate-level terrain offering brief respite between mogul fields and chutes. If you ski bumps, Ajax is a pilgrimage.
Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands is the crown jewel for experts. The hike from the top of the lift to the bowl's summit takes roughly 20 minutes along a marked ridge, but the payoff is extraordinary - you'll find over 600 vertical metres of open powder terrain that stays untracked longer than almost anywhere else in-bounds. Snowmass hides steep terrain too, particularly in the Hanging Valley Glades and Cirque headwall, where double-black chutes test even the strongest skiers.
WeSki insider tip: Highland Bowl opens at different times depending on avalanche control, so it's recommended to arrive at the Deep Temerity lift around 9:30am and watch for the rope drop announcement. Be prepared for a solid hike, but know that the effort rewards you with skiing that rivals the best backcountry lines anywhere.
Snowmass is particularly well-suited to snowboarding, with long fall-line runs, excellent terrain parks, and minimal flat cat-tracks that plague riders at other resorts. Aspen Highlands' natural terrain features, including the tree runs and Highland Bowl, ride beautifully on a board.
Buttermilk hosts the Winter X Games annually and maintains world-class park facilities throughout the season. The superpipe attracts professional riders for training, and multiple park lines cater to different ability levels.
Highland Bowl provides one of the most accessible introductions to off-piste skiing in North America, with avalanche-controlled in-bounds terrain that feels like the backcountry. Beyond that, Aspen has exceptional sidecountry and guided backcountry options.
The mountains' orientation means certain aspects hold powder for days after storms, and local guides know exactly where to find untouched snow. Several operations offer guided touring into the surrounding wilderness areas for those seeking true solitude.
Aspen Ski and Snowboard Schools operate across all four mountains, with instruction available for every ability level. Private lessons can be arranged on your preferred mountain, while group lessons typically focus on Buttermilk for beginners and Snowmass for intermediate progression. All instruction is in English, with multilingual instructors available.
Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Aspen Snowmass ski deals to get started.
Buttermilk's terrain parks are world-famous - this is the X Games mountain, after all. The superpipe holds its shape remarkably well, and multiple park lines progress from small features suitable for first-timers to pro-level jumps and rails. Snowmass also maintains several terrain parks across the mountain, including a progression park for those just learning freestyle skills.
Aspen Snowmass works well for families, particularly those with children at different skiing levels. The four mountains mean everyone can find appropriate terrain without compromise - beginners at Buttermilk, intermediates at Snowmass, experts on Highlands or Ajax - and you can all meet for lunch. Shuttle buses connecting the mountains and town make logistics for families straightforward.
Childcare facilities at both Snowmass and Buttermilk accept children from eight weeks old, while ski programmes start from age two and a half. The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center at Snowmass combines childcare with age-appropriate activities and skiing instruction. Teenagers will find plenty to keep them engaged while skiing or snowboarding. The terrain parks at Buttermilk offer a genuine draw for teens, and the resort's independence-friendly layout is one that older children can explore safely.
For non-ski days or après-ski activities, families can visit the Anderson Ranch Arts Center for workshops, go ice skating on the town rink, enjoy tubing, or explore Snowmass's recreation centre with its pool and climbing wall. Dining in Aspen is family-friendly, too. Food options range from proper restaurants suitable for family dinners, to casual pizza spots where tired children are warmly welcome.
Aspen rewards rest days just as much as ski days, and non-skiers in your group will find plenty to fill their time. The town has genuine cultural offerings that extend well beyond typical resort activities - from world-class spas and shopping to museums and winter hiking - there's enough here to warrant a proper visit even without the skiing.
Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, Aspen Snowmass provides excellent winter activities for all ages and abilities:
For days when you want to rest your legs or explore beyond the slopes, Aspen provides culture and relaxation in equal measure:
Aspen's dining scene rivals that of major cities, with James Beard-nominated chefs, farm-to-table concepts, and proper culinary ambition. You can eat exceptionally well here, whether you're after a refined tasting menu or a satisfying burger after a long day on the mountain.
WeSki insider tip: Try the green chilli - it's a Colorado staple you'll find everywhere from breakfast burritos to burgers. Hickory House is the local favourite for proper barbecue, and the breakfast burritos at Peach's Corner Café are worth the queue.
Aspen's après-ski scene has genuine variety, where you'll find everything from boot-stomping umbrella bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges. The energy is more refined than most party resorts, and there's plenty of fun to be found if you know where to look. The scene shifts through the afternoon and evening, starting at the mountain bases and migrating into town as the sun sets.
Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain is a classic après-ski destination, where you can grab a table on the terrace, order truffle fries and champagne, and watch skiers come down the final runs. Snowmass has its own scene centred on Base Village, where families mingle with younger crowds around the fire pits. Later evenings in downtown Aspen offer everything from live music to late-night dancing for those with the energy.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Aspen tends towards higher-end options, though the range extends from luxurious hotels to comfortable condos. Although the Roaring Fork Transit Authority buses connect everything, your main decision is whether to stay in downtown Aspen or Snowmass Village since each has its own character and benefits.
Downtown Aspen puts you in the heart of the dining and nightlife scene, with the Silver Queen Gondola to Aspen Mountain right in town - but you'll need the shuttle to reach the other mountains. Snowmass Village offers true ski-in/ski-out convenience at the largest mountain, with a more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere and slightly lower prices.
The Aspen Snowmass ski pass provides access to all four mountains - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass - on a single ticket. This represents genuine value given the terrain variety.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Aspen Snowmass ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Rental shops are available throughout Aspen and Snowmass, with locations at the base of each mountain and in the town centres. Most offer performance-level equipment and overnight tuning services. Demo skis are also widely available for those wanting to test higher-end equipment. Booking in advance, particularly during peak weeks around Christmas and Presidents' Day, ensures availability and often secures better rates.
The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) bus system connects downtown Aspen, Snowmass Village, and the Highlands and Buttermilk base areas. Service runs frequently throughout the day, with buses departing every 15-20 minutes during peak times. The system is reliable and well-used by locals and visitors alike.
You truly don't need a car to get between the four mountains. Downtown Aspen is compact and walkable, as is Snowmass Base Village. Taxis and rideshares are available for late-night transport when buses stop running, typically around midnight.
For international visitors, Denver International Airport (DEN) is the most common entry point, approximately 350km away. The drive from Denver follows Interstate 70 before turning south through stunning mountain scenery - it's around four hours in good conditions, though winter weather can extend journey times.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Aspen Snowmass. Add them to your Aspen Snowmass ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Green circles are beginner runs, roughly equivalent to European greens and easy blues. Blue squares cover intermediate terrain but span a wider difficulty range than European blues - there's no red equivalent, so harder blues can feel quite challenging. Black diamonds indicate advanced runs, while double black diamonds are expert-only. UK visitors used to reds should expect some blue squares to be more demanding than anticipated.
Yes, despite Aspen's expert reputation, beginners are well catered for. Buttermilk is essentially a dedicated learning mountain, and Snowmass has extensive beginner terrain at Elk Camp. The key is knowing which mountain to head to - Aspen Mountain (Ajax) has no beginner runs at all, while Buttermilk and Snowmass are ideal for first-timers.
Aspen Mountain (Ajax) and Aspen Highlands both offer excellent expert terrain. Ajax is known for its steep bump runs and consistent challenge - there's not a single green run on the mountain. Highlands features the legendary Highland Bowl, which requires a hike but rewards with some of the best steep skiing in North America. Expert terrain exists on Snowmass too, particularly the Hanging Valley Glades and Cirque headwall.
Aspen sits at the higher end of US ski resort pricing, particularly for accommodation and dining. However, the quality reflects this - restaurants are genuinely excellent, accommodation is well-maintained, and the town has character that justifies the premium. Budget-conscious visitors can find value by staying in Snowmass rather than downtown Aspen, self-catering in a condo, and taking advantage of free bus transport between areas.
Aspen has a more authentic town atmosphere than purpose-built Vail - it was a mining community before it became a ski resort, and that history shows in the Victorian architecture and genuine downtown feel. Vail offers more interconnected terrain on a single mountain, while Aspen spreads across four distinct peaks requiring bus or car travel between them. Aspen tends to attract a slightly older, more affluent crowd, while Vail draws more families and younger skiers.
Highland Bowl is a unique piece of controlled terrain at Aspen Highlands that requires a roughly 20-minute hike from the top lift to access. The bowl itself offers over 600 vertical metres of steep, open powder terrain - proper expert skiing within the resort boundary. For strong skiers in good conditions, it's absolutely worth the effort and represents some of the best lift-accessed steep terrain anywhere. The hike follows a marked ridge with spectacular views, and the payoff is extraordinary.
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