Western United States Ski Resorts, Colorado Ski ResortsVisit The Elk Mountains
They’re all connected by free shuttles and just minutes from Aspen's renowned dining, lodging and après-ski scene. It's easy to see why Aspen Snowmass is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world.
Our Mountain Travel Experts are real skiers and snowboarders who have explored the resorts firsthand.
Your Expert builds a trip around you — your budget, group and wish list. No cookie-cutter packages involved. Best part? It's totally free.
With years of mountain travel experience, our team knows how to get every detail right, so you can focus on the fun.
With 50+ years of ski travel experience, we know how to plan a flawless mountain getaway. Our travel experts have skied every resort we sell, so you don’t have to guess.
Yes — despite Aspen's expert-terrain reputation, the complex is genuinely beginner-friendly, thanks mainly to Buttermilk Mountain. Buttermilk has no black diamond runs at all — it's almost entirely green and blue terrain, purpose-built for learning without sharing slopes with experts.
Terrain by mountain:
Tips for first-timers: a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert can handle the details for you, from booking lodging near Snowmass or Buttermilk to arranging First Timer packages (gear, lift access, and instruction) with the Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School.
The wonderfully Victorian throwback architecture in downtown Aspen offers a glimpse into the Elk Mountains' storied mining boom era. Enjoy over 100 luxury restaurants, high-end shopping, art museums, nature walks, and premier spas that are all just a short walk from the lifts. Aspen’s après-ski culture is exciting, with live music, champagne bars, and high-end lounges dotting the village.
See More Aspen LodgingIn 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. Over 90% of lodging in Snowmass is ski-in ski-out, making it an unbeatable option for families. The walkable Snowmass Mall is packed with family-friendly restaurants, gear shops, and coffee spots. Getting between Aspen and Snowmass is easy thanks to a free, efficient bus system.
Ikon Pass: Includes 7 combined days at Aspen Snowmass—perfect if you’re visiting multiple resorts.
Aspen Snowmass Season Pass: Best for long stays or repeat visits; roughly $3,000 for the season.
“2 of 10” Tickets: Flexible multi-day option—ski any 2 days within a 10-day window, ideal if you want rest days or off-slope adventures.
Tip: Book early for the best “advance purchase” pricing and ask about the Aspen Snowmass Guarantee—unused days can be converted to in-resort credit. Talk to a Mountain Travel Expert for more information.
RFTA buses run free between Aspen, Snowmass Village, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, frequently from morning to evening, with stops at base areas, gondolas, hotels, and downtown. No rental car needed to reach any of the four mountains. Within Snowmass Village, a free shuttle loops between lodging, the mall and the ski base every 10 to 20 minutes, ideal for families spread across different condos.
Why Families Love Aspen Snowmass
The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center
Aspen has some great spots for sledding! Here are the best places to check out:
1. Aspen Recreation Center (ARC) Sledding Hill - One of the most popular sledding spots in Aspen. Free and open to the public. Nearby access to the Aspen Rec Center for warming up
2. Wagner Park - A small but fun sledding hill in downtown Aspen. Great for young kids and families. Close to restaurants and shops
3. Snowmass Rodeo Grounds (Snowmass Town Park) - Larger open space with plenty of room for sledding. Less crowded than Aspen’s in-town spots. Great for tubing and other winter activities
Aspen has some great ice skating spots, whether you’re looking for an outdoor rink with scenic views or a full-service indoor facility. Here are the best places to skate in Aspen:
1. Silver Circle Ice Rink (Downtown Aspen) - Located right next to the base of Aspen Mountain and across from the Limelight Hotel. A small, picturesque outdoor rink in the heart of town. Open seasonally in winter; skate rentals available.
2. Lewis Ice Arena (Aspen Recreation Center – ARC) - A full-sized indoor rink at the Aspen Rec Center. Offers public skating, hockey, and figure skating programs.Great for a more structured skating experience, especially if you want to escape the cold.
Choosing between Snowmass or Aspen depends on your vibe and vacation goals. If you're seeking a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with ski-in ski-out convenience, Snowmass is your best bet, since it boasts one of the largest ski areas in Colorado and plenty of accommodations right on the slopes. On the other hand, Aspen is a better fit for those looking for a vibrant après-ski scene, luxury shopping and a bit of glitz. It's full of high-end dining, cultural events and historic charm — ideal if you love a buzzing nightlife and urban feel amidst the mountains. Since the towns are just 15 minutes apart, it’s easy to navigate between the two during your vacation. So stay in Snowmass for an easygoing family adventure or Aspen for chic luxury and action-packed evenings.
Snowmass and Aspen are about 9 miles apart, or roughly a 15-minute drive,, depending on road conditions. Public transportation is also readily available, with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) providing frequent bus service between Aspen and Snowmass.While not all routes on RFTA are free, shuttles between the two resorts are free year-round, offering a convenient way for visitors to travel without needing a car. You can feasibly explore both areas during a single vacation.
Aspen and Snowmass are not the same but are closely connected and part of the greater Aspen Snowmass ski destination. Aspen is a historic mining town known for its upscale, lively atmosphere, offering high-end shopping, gourmet dining and vibrant nightlife alongside Aspen Mountain’s challenging ski terrain. Snowmass, on the other hand, is a separate village with its own distinct feel about 9 miles from Aspen. It’s more laid-back and family-oriented, and it’s known for its extensive ski area—the largest of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains and larger than Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilkcombined. While Aspen and Snowmass share the same lift pass, meaning you can ski all four mountains (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass), they are separate towns with individual vibes.
December – January: Holiday atmosphere and early-season storms.
February: Reliable snow and steady conditions.
March: Warm sun, softer snow and lively après.
April: Spring turns and quieter slopes.
Aspen Snowmass is strong all season, but February often brings the most consistent coverage.
Connect with an Aspen Snowmass Expert to get started.
