Visit The Elk Mountains
Aspen Snowmass is made up of four incredible mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each one has its own personality, terrain, and local flavor. They’re all connected by free shuttles and just minutes from downtown Aspen, where Victorian buildings, cozy cafés, and a lively après scene make it feel like a true mountain town.
Together, these mountains offer more than 5,500 acres of skiable terrain, 336 trails, eight terrain parks, and 43 lifts, all on one lift ticket. Whether you’re chasing steeps, carving long groomers, or taking it slow on wide-open greens, there’s a perfect run waiting for you here.
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.
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.
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – Best Option
Free, Easy Transportation
Snowmass Village Shuttle
Skiing at Aspen Snowmass gives you access to all four mountains on a single lift ticket, which makes planning simple, whether you want groomers, steeps, or wide-open bowls. Aspen Snowmass mountains are on the Ikon Pass network. If a full Ikon Pass feels like more than you need, Ikon also offers 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day session passes that work across all four mountains, giving you flexibility without the season-long commitment. A Mountain Travel Expert can help you decide which pass works best for your ski vacation.
Aspen Snowmass has one of the strongest lesson programs in North America.
Where to Learn
Why Families Love Aspen Snowmass
The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center
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.
