Aspen Colorado Ski Resorts - Which Ski Area is Best for You?
As a ski town, the Aspen, Colorado ski resorts are the backbone of Aspen Snowmass. Each with different terrain and levels of difficulty, there is no shortage of trails and glades for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
What Are the Best Ski Resorts in Aspen, Colorado?
There are four Aspen, Colorado ski resorts: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Buttermilk, Highlands, and Snowmass. Aspen Mountain is the crown jewel due to its convenient location and unique terrain. Snowmass is the largest, boasting 3,342 acres and the most diverse terrain of all the mountains. Aspen Highlands is known for the Highlands bowl, giving skiers a chance to test their skills in a steep, high alpine environment. Buttermilk is the best mountain for beginners to learn on but also hosts X Games and a world class terrain park.
With 4 mountains to choose from, visitors to Aspen aren’t always sure where to start their ski adventure. As life-long locals and avid skiers and boarders, the team at Aspen, Luxury Concierge knows every ski resort in and out.
This is your official guide to ski areas near Aspen, Colorado:
1. Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, towers 11,212 feet above sea level, making the Aspen altitude as much of a challenge as the terrain. It has 64 miles of trails, a variety of terrain, extensive sidecountry skiing, and two on hill lodges for lunch. This year features a new terrain expansion, Hero’s, that will cater to expert skiers. With so many nearby accommodations that offer ski in/ski out access, visitors can ski Aspen Mountain all season and not run out of new adventures.
The Terrain
Aspen Mountain is one of the Aspen, Colorado ski resorts that is best for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are no beginner-friendly runs, so the ALC team recommends that new skiers start on Buttermilk or Snowmass before making their way to Ajax. The Ajax Express lift services most of the mountain’s blue trails, which are typically wider, and more well groomed, compared to the technically challenging steeps. Full laps on the Silver Queen Gondola, from the top of Aspen Mountain to the bottom, give you options for untouched glades, thigh-burning moguls, and long winding runs.
4 Après Ski Destinations Near Aspen Mountain
The Snow Lodge offers a private, luxe après ski experience. Instead of a party atmosphere, you can enjoy an intimate dinner while you recap your best runs with your ski partners.
Ajax Tavern is the classic après ski venue, located next to the Silver Queen Gondola, with a friendly, down-to-earth vibe and a deceivingly decadent menu.
CHICA is found at the base of Aspen Mountain, with a chef curated menu and classic cocktails, this family friendly spot also features Live DJ Events.
The Wine Bar is a lounge-style bar that specializes in flavorful wines. Located inside The Little Nell, it is easy to step off the slopes and into this opulent bar.
2. Aspen Highlands
Like Ajax, Aspen Highlands is another one of the Aspen, Colorado skiing resorts that is not recommended for beginner skiers or snowboarders. For advanced skiers, Highlands is a gold mine for refining their technique, challenging themselves, and getting in a good workout.
The Terrain
Aspen Highlands offers only intermediate and expert terrain and thus is not recommended for beginners. Intermediate trails like Upper Robinson's give you a spectacular view of the Maroon Bells, while Apple Strudel is a classic corduroy that’s a dream to ski. The advanced terrain off Temerity promises untouched powder stashes, allowing skiers to find their own line down the mountain.
Aspen Highlands is also home to the legendary Aspen Highland Bowl, which has achieved mythic status among locals. To ski the Highland Bowl, you have to “earn your turns”, meaning there is no lift servicing this terrain. The short, but steep hike at altitude is not for the faint of heart. Conquering the Highland Bowl can be considered a rite of passage for expert skiers and riders, and one ALC recommends to those looking for an extra thrill. The Highland Bowl is known for its steep high alpine terrain that varies between and 38* to 45*.
7 Tips to Consider Before You Hit Aspen Highlands
Offering some of the most challenging terrain at a ski resort in Aspen, Colorado, it’s important to be fully prepared before you visit Highland Mountain or the Highland Bowl.
Gear is Everything: Get your gear ready. Get your skis or board tuned before you hit the slopes. Given the advanced terrain, having your gear in top-notch condition is a matter of safety.
Bundle up: Wear a gaiter, a thick hat and helmet, and goggles with no gaps exposing your skin. The windburn near the peak is no joke.
Take it Slow: Let your body adjust to the altitude before you try the strenuous hike to the Highland Bowl.
Start Training Before You Arrive: You’ll ski better if your body is in-shape before you arrive. Leading up to your trip, start conditioning and building up stamina.
Always Ask the Locals: The locals know everything there is to know about the Aspen ski resorts. If you chat up with the locals, you’ll get recommendations, expert tips, and maybe even a ski buddy for the day.
Don’t Be Afraid to Hire Help: Even if you’re an experienced skier, it can still be beneficial to hire a ski instructor or guide. They can help you with your technique, expand your skills, and give you a better experience than you’d get alone.
Just Buy the Ski Strap: When you hike Highland Bowl, you have to carry your skis with you. While this sounds easy, your arm will tire very quickly. Stop by the ski patrol station to buy a $5 - $10 ski strap to hold your skis on your back.
Legendary Dining Options at Aspen Highlands
Cloud 9: You may have heard of it, Cloud 9 is the dance party at 11,000 feet. This isn’t your ordinary lunch or après spot; you can only get to Cloud 9 by skiing or snowboarding to the mountaintop bistro. Reservations are hard to come by, but there is no party quite like this one. At noon and 2pm, party people can spray champagne, rock out to 90s hits played by a live DJ, dance alongside celebrities from all over the world, and dine on sizzling, fresh Alpine European fare. Plus, the views aren’t bad either!
For those looking for lunch or dinner without having to gear up, at the base of Aspen Highlands you’ll find the Highlands Alehouse. The Alehouse pays homage to the Highlands’ rich history of laid back, old school vibes among Aspen, Colorado ski resorts. Featuring over 75 varieties of whiskey and 16 beers on tap, this is a can’t miss après spot on your visit to Highlands.
3. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is the best Aspen, Colorado ski resort for beginners and families, as well as freestyle skiers and boarders. Boasting the most terrain parks, a well known uphill community, and a variety of children’s and teen programs, Buttermilk offers something for everyone.
The Terrain
The mountain has a great mix of terrain. New skiers routinely start on the bunny hill, using the Ski School’s Magic Carpet, then work their way up to more intermediate trails as their skills and confidence build. While Buttermilk offers fewer advanced and expert terrain options than other Aspen mountains, don’t count this mountain out if you’re looking for something steep.
The Terrain Parks
Buttermilk is known for its terrain parks, most notably because it has hosted the Winter X Games for the last 23 years. During the X Games, world-class athletes gather in Aspen and compete to secure their spot on the winner’s podium, in events like Slopestyle, Big Air, and Super Pipe. For those not yet on the X Games level, freestyle skiers of all ages will find features for their skill level here.
Red’s Rover: This terrain park is best for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. You can reach the area by taking Red’s Rover Trail from the West Buttermilk Express lift. This area has small and medium features that are perfect to start out on. Beginners will love this area because it is away from an audience, so there’s less pressure and plenty of room to try things out.
Main Buttermilk Park: This terrain park is utilized during the X Games competitions and is for advanced skiers and snowboarders only. Its features are medium to large, with a superpipe, 2 mile rail, banks, jumps, and logs.
Spruce Park: Spruce Park opens after the end of the X Games then remains open for the rest of the ski season. This terrain park is known for its creative features, such as its uniquely placed quarter pipes, ledges, banks, bonks, cannons, and hips. If you want to get creative, this is the place to do it!
On-Mountain Dining at Buttermilk
Buttermilk’s Cliffhouse restaurant is located at the top of the Summit Express and Tiehack Express lifts. Featuring Asian American inspired cuisine, grab and go snacks, and a signature banh mi style burger, you’ll be glad you popped into this mountain top restaurant. Cliffhouse also hosts a Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club, during which uphill skiers can enjoy a hot breakfast after their ascent. Cliffhouse occasionally hosts Full Moon Dinners, also for uphillers, and if you’ve never skied under the moonlight, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
At the base of Buttermilk, you’ll find the Buttermilk Mountain Lodge, which offers a variety of homemade options to warm you up - think hearty soups, fresh made pasta, and satisfying burgers. The Backyard at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge is a new outdoor grill and lounge, featuring Live DJs every Saturday, and is a great place to unwind apres ski.
4. Aspen Snowmass
Snowmass Ski Resort is located about 7 miles away from downtown Aspen. A free shuttle can take you from Aspen to Snowmass in a 15-20 minute ride. Snowmass is the largest of all the ski resorts near Aspen, Colorado with over 3200 acres of skiable terrain.
The Terrain
The majority of runs are intermediate with a handful of beginner greens and a variety of black to double black diamond runs. If you take the Village Express Lift from Snowmass Village and hop off halfway up, you’ll get access to the mountain’s easy blues and greens. Once you get warmed up, the Big Burn and Alpine Springs lifts give you access to blues that have a variety of terrain. Skiers of all skill levels will appreciate the well-groomed slopes, peaceful glades, and fast lifts with minimal lines.
The 4 Best Après Ski Spots Near Snowmass Ski Resort
Venga Venga is a warm and welcoming cantina and tequila bar, featuring over 150 varieties of tequilas and mezcals, and fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine. Take in the mountain views while sipping a hand-crafted margarita during Happy Hour, offered every day from 3 - 6pm.
Base Camp, located at the base of Snowmass, is a two story restaurant offering incredible Colorado inspired cocktails and new American cuisine. A 24 foot fire pit on the patio and expansive views of Snowmass Mountain provide an incredible backdrop for your lunch, dinner, or apres experience.
New Belgium Ranger Station is found slopeside, at the end of Snowmass Village Mall. Enjoy New Belgium Brewing’s latest brews as well as an extensive selection of wines and craft cocktails. Comfort food and salads will satisfy your palate during or after your day on the slopes.
Lynn Britt Cabin is located mid-mountain at Snowmass, and offers apres ski festivities every day but Tuesday. The cabin may look quaint but the party is anything but - think champagne, shot skis, and fun contests featuring prizes and other fun giveaways. Lynn Britt Cabin is also a popular wedding spot due to its mountainside location and romantic vibe.
Can’t Miss Winter Events at Aspen, Colorado Ski Resorts
Between the four Aspen, Colorado ski resorts, there is always something going on somewhere.
Audi FIS Ski World Cup: 2024 will see the return of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup to Aspen Mountain. Ski racing has deep roots in Aspen, and spectators from all over the world will gather to watch the world’s best alpine ski racers compete in Slalom and Giant Slalom events. Plan your visit for March 1 - 3, 2024 and enjoy a weekend long celebration of ski racing at its finest.
Winter X Games: Buttermilk is well-known for hosting the Aspen X Games. This is an annual Olympics-level competition that takes place at the end of January. During the day, athletes from all over the world compete for medals, then at night, the base of Buttermilk becomes the location for free DJ events.
Aspen Gay Ski Week: On the first day of Aspen Gay Ski Week, the Mountain Du Jour meetup is at Aspen ski resort, where groups ski the mountain with massive pride flags and colorful costumes. The annual AGSW downhill costume contest also takes place on Aspen Mountain. With an over-the-top drag queen host, competitors take to the slopes to show off this year’s costume. Visitors often debut their own costumes to watch the festivities and cheer on their favorite performers.
Wintersköl: During Wintersköl, Aspen Mountain hosts the annual Torchlight Parade, where attendees form a line and ski down the mountain with flares and glow sticks. Please note, participation in this event is best for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Highlands Closing: Ain’t no party like Aspen Highlands’ closing party! Get your best, quirkiest outfit on and get ready to celebrate a wild winter season. Locals look forward to this day all year, and the party continues into the night with live DJs and festivity at the Highlands Alehouse at the mountain’s base.
Where Should I Stay?
When it comes to lodging, no one knows the Aspen area better than the team at ALC. We have access to the best ski in, ski out villas and the most luxurious mountainside homes. Whether you are looking for lodging for multiple families or an intimate couple’s getaway, we’ll find the perfect place for your ski trip to Aspen, Colorado.
Hit the Slopes with ALC!
A lot of different elements go into planning a ski trip at one of the Aspen, Colorado ski resorts. This is why the team at Aspen Luxury Concierge acts as a single point of contact for all your vacation needs.
When you work with us, our team will handle:
Hotel bookings (we also offer specialty Aspen, Colorado ski resort packages)
Restaurant reservations
Private transportation to all the ski resorts near Aspen, Colorado
Recommendations and reservations for other things to do in Aspen in the winter besides ski
Transportation coordination
Recommendations for ski runs for your skill level and terrain preference
If you are in Aspen for the holidays, we can help plan your unique Aspen, Colorado Christmas experience
We also offer service packages for Aspen New Years Eve events
Let us make your ski adventure easy and effortless. We take care of everything while you just get to hit the slopes. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to experience Aspen the right way: in luxury and with skis on.