5 Days Skiing in Aspen Snowmass: A Beginner’s Guide

Not many ski destinations check every box for skiers and riders of all levels, but Aspen Snowmass delivers an extraordinary experience no matter your skill level, all with one lift ticket granting access to four unique mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. Buttermilk and Snowmass put beginners at ease, where top-tier ski schools, learning zones and miles of beginner-friendly terrain make progressing on snow both fun and approachable. Meanwhile, seasoned skiers gravitate toward the steeper slopes of Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands for high-caliber challenges. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a group trip with mixed abilities, Aspen Snowmass is a true one-stop destination for beginners through experts. 

To help you make the most of it, our Mountain Travel Expert’s put together an epic 5-day itinerary that highlights the unmatched beginner experiences that set Aspen Snowmass apart. Ready to learn, explore and fall in love with skiing or riding this winter? There’s no better place to start.

Elk Camp Meadows at Aspen is well-known for being welcoming to beginners. l Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass Resort

Day 1: Welcome to Aspen – Check in and get comfortable

When it comes to ski vacation convenience, Aspen takes the crown. Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is one of the most accessible airports in all of Ski Country, just minutes from the slopes. In fact, the runway is so close to the action, you’re only a well-hit golf shot (a par 4) away from the legendary X Games Superpipe at Buttermilk. If you’re lucky enough to arrive during daylight and clear skies, the flight into Aspen offers a stunning aerial view of all four mountains that make up the Aspen Snowmass Resort, collectively known as the Power of Four.

Aspen or Snowmass: Where Should You Stay?

Both Aspen and Snowmass offer elite lodging and easy access to the slopes, but the best home base depends on your ski style and travel vibe.

Aspen

Stay in Aspen if you're looking for historic charm, walkable luxury, fine dining, art galleries and fun après-ski. Aspen is ideal for travelers who want to mix high-end culture with high-alpine adventure, plus quick access to Aspen Mountain and a short shuttle ride to the other three ski areas.

Best Place to Stay in Aspen: The Little Nell

Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, this high-end hotel delivers the goods, offering ski-in ski-out access, cozy rooms with personal fireplaces, a fully stocked refreshment bar, and an underground winter jazz club.

Snowmass

Stay in Snowmass if you want ski-in ski-out convenience, wide-open terrain right outside your door and a more family-friendly, laid-back village atmosphere. With the most skiable acres of the four mountains and an abundance of beginner and intermediate terrain, Snowmass is great for families, groups and those who want a self-contained mountain experience.

Best Place to Stay in Snowmass: Timberline Condominiums

The Timberline Condos are your home away from home in Colorado, with ski-in ski-out access to two lifts, plus top-tier amenities like comfy living room fireplaces, an on-site German fondue restaurant, soothing steam room, on-site equipment rentals, and an outdoor pool and hot tub with gorgeous alpine views.

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After checking in and getting settled, treat yourself to a stress-free dinner at one of Snowmass Village’s many acclaimed restaurants. And if you’re feeling up to it, lace up your skates and glide around the nearby outdoor ice skating rink. 

Related: Explore Aspen Ski Vacation Packages

Day 2: Kick off your first day on the slopes with Aspen’s renowned Ski School

Whether it’s your very first time on skis or you’re ready to build more control on greens, blues, or even black runs, Aspen Snowmass Ski School is the perfect place to be. Their world-class Ski & Snowboard Pros are more than just first-rate instructors. They’re passionate mountain guides who will help you progress at your own pace while introducing you to the best terrain across all four mountains.

From private lessons to adult group clinics and youth programs for ages 2.5 to 17, there’s something for every skill level and learning style. First-timers will get a strong foundation in the basics, including learning equipment, mountain awareness and on-snow confidence, while experienced skiers and riders will be placed in their aligned ability group to continue improving without stepping too far outside their comfort zone. Most lessons take place in the Meadows Learning Area at the mid-mountain point of the Elk Camp Gondola.

Lessons are popular and can sell out, especially during peak season, so we highly recommend booking at least a week in advance for the best availability and pricing. Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you score the best deals and bundle everything from lessons, lodging, lift tickets and more into one seamless ski vacation. 

If you’ve still got some energy to burn after your lesson, keep the fun going with one of Snowmass’s most exciting winter activities: snow tubing! Located right next to the learning area at Elk Camp Meadows, the tubing park is easy to access and guaranteed to serve up big laughs and family-friendly fun.

Day 3: Explore more of the beginner terrain on Snowmass

After a day of lessons, it’s time to start spreading your wings and exploring more of Snowmass’s beginner-friendly terrain. Start with a few laps on Assay Hill, a gentle, scenic slope located just above Snowmass Base Village that’s tailor-made for continuing your progression in a comfortable setting. 

If you’re ready to venture farther, hop on the Village Express and ride to the mid-station. From there, head left to grab lunch at Ullrhof, a popular on-mountain spot known for its crave-worthy burgers, homemade fries and mouth-watering milkshakes. Or turn right to glide into a network of smooth, meandering green runs like Lunchline, Scooper and Dawdler. This area is dotted with mellow tree trails and provides easy access to much of Snowmass’s ski-in, ski-out lodging, making it a dream zone for beginners looking to explore with ease.

Ready to graduate from green runs to exciting blue cruisers? Take the Elk Camp Gondola all the way to the top and enjoy sweeping blue trails that wind their way back down to Snowmass Base Village. Then, cap off the day with an exhilarating ride on the Alpine Coaster, located mid-mountain next to the learning area and snow tubing park.

Day 4: Discover Buttermilk and enjoy a great lunch with unforgettable views

Three days of lessons are the best way for first-timers to build a strong foundation, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay put at Snowmass the whole time. If you’re craving a fresh scene, consider booking your second or third lesson at Buttermilk, another beginner favorite just a quick ride away. Plus, thanks to Aspen Snowmass’s efficient, free bus system, getting between all four mountains is easy and hassle-free.

While Buttermilk is famous worldwide as a longtime X Games host, don’t let that intimidate you – this ski area is gentle and welcoming, with plenty of confidence-building green runs. Along the way, you’ll find unique sights like the iconic X Games Superpipe and Slopestyle course right at the base, plus breathtaking views of one of Colorado’s towering 14,000-foot peaks from the summit. When hunger strikes, head to the Cliffhouse Mongolian Grill atop the Summit Express chairlift for some delicious homemade stir-fry. Afterward, step out onto the back patio for one of the best photo ops in Aspen Snowmass – Pyramid Peak towering over 14,000 feet, with gorgeous views of Aspen Highlands terrain just across the way. It’s an idyllic, rewarding day of learning and exploring you won’t forget.

Day 5: Take a break and discover the magic of Aspen

After a few action-packed days on the slopes, treat yourself to a well-earned day off and soak in the charm of Aspen beyond the ski scene. Start by strolling through downtown Aspen, where Hyman and Cooper Avenue’s cobblestone walking malls invite you to wander in style. You’ll find everything from upscale boutiques and local art galleries to winter gear shops and cozy cafés perfect for a leisurely morning of exploring. For lunch, head to Ajax Tavern, located right at the base of Aspen Mountain in the Silver Queen Gondola Plaza. If the sun is shining (as it often is), grab a seat on the patio, order their famous truffle fries and enjoy front-row views of skiers making their final turns down the iconic Little Nell run.

For your afternoon, step inside the Aspen Art Museum, a free, contemporary art space with rotating exhibits across three light-filled floors. Be sure to visit the Rooftop Café, where you can sip a coffee while taking in beautiful views of the Silver Queen Gondola and Aspen Mountain from above. And if you’re looking to take in more alpine scenery without your skis, book a Sightseeing Ticket and ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the summit of Aspen Mountain at 11,212 feet. The scenic ride offers glimpses of steep expert terrain, historic mining remnants and maybe even a porcupine or two. At the top, relax with a drink from Lavazza Café or enjoy casual bites and panoramic views from the Sundeck restaurant, all while gazing out at the majestic Elk Mountains. 

If you're in town on a Saturday, don’t miss the Aspen Art Museum's après party from 5–9 p.m., complete with DJ sets, cocktails from the Slippery Slope Bar and one of the most stylish scenes in town.

When is the best month to ski in Aspen Snowmass?

The best time to ski in Aspen really depends on what kind of experience you’re after, but February often hits the sweet spot. By then, the snowpack is deep and reliable, and all four mountains are fully open with a variety of terrain in prime condition. You’ll also enjoy longer days, fewer holiday crowds compared to December and January, and great après-ski energy throughout town. For those chasing powder, cruising groomers or just taking in the scene, February delivers that classic Aspen magic.

Let Ski.com help you turn your Aspen Snowmass ski dreams into reality. Our Mountain Travel Experts are standing by to craft your ultimate trip, complete with personalized recommendations, exclusive deals and insider tips. Call, chat or request your free custom quote today and let us take care of the details.