Aspen Snowmass

The closest and most convenient airport is Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE), located just 4 miles from downtown Aspen—a quick 10-minute drive. ASE offers direct flights from major U.S. cities including Denver, Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. Once you land, many hotels provide complimentary shuttles, and taxis and rideshares are readily available, making it easy to get to your lodging without needing a rental car.

For those flying into Denver International Airport (DEN)—located approximately 220 miles away—expect a scenic 4-hour drive through the Colorado Rockies. While it’s farther, DEN often provides more affordable and frequent flight options. From Denver, you can either rent a car or book a shared shuttle service through local providers that offers multiple daily departures and convenient drop-off points throughout Aspen and Snowmass.

Getting around Aspen Snowmass is stress-free thanks to a complimentary public transportation system. The RFTA (Roaring Fork Transportation Authority) buses are free between Aspen, Snowmass Village, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk—making it easy to explore all four mountains without a car. Buses run frequently and efficiently throughout the day and evening, with multiple routes serving ski lifts, base areas, downtowns, hotels and neighborhoods.

Within Aspen, most destinations—including restaurants, shops and galleries—are walkable from the base of Aspen Mountain. Snowmass Village also features a free village shuttle that loops through lodging areas, the Snowmass Mall and ski base zones, running every 10–20 minutes. For travelers staying farther out, paid RFTA routes connect Aspen Snowmass with surrounding towns like Basalt and Carbondale. Hotel shuttles and private transfer services are also available for added convenience.

Skiing at Aspen Snowmass is as flexible as it is legendary. Access all four mountains on a single lift ticket. Ikon Pass and base pass have options with varying access. With countless options available, working with a Mountain Travel Expert is the smartest way to secure your ticket and save money. You can expect to pay upwards of a thousand dollars, but the access will be worth it. If you’re not ready to commit to a full Ikon Pass, Ikon also offers customizable day passes, including 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day lift tickets, so you only pay for what you need. These passes work across all four resorts, giving you a variety without the full-season commitment.

Ski School in Aspen Snowmass

The ski schools cater well to beginners, particularly at Buttermilk and Snowmass, where professional instructors provide group or private lessons. For experts, the Black Diamond Expedition is a three-day clinic that explores expert terrain across Snowmass, Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands, perfect for experienced skiers looking to improve their skills and tackle the more challenging parts of the mountains. If you are interested in signing up for the clinic, be sure to chat with a Mountain Travel Expert who can secure your ski school spot with lodging.

Beginner Skiing in Aspen Snowmass

While Aspen Mountain, the ski area that rises from the town of Aspen, isn’t an ideal area for beginner skiers, Buttermilk, just three miles down the road, is perfect. Aspen Snowmass’ four mountains, or “Power of Four,” allows every type of skier to find their ideal terrain. Most beginner skiers in Aspen Snowmass will find that they prefer the shorter, rolling slopes of Buttermilk, or beginner “learn to ski” zones at Snowmass.

Buttermilk is ideal for beginners with its gentle slopes and beginner-friendly facilities like ski rentals, ski schools, a magic carpet and a beginner chair lift. New skiers are encouraged to start at the Buttermilk base area and gradually progress to trails like Larkspur or Westward Ho.

With four different mountains to choose from, an incredible array of hotel and dining options, and a packed list of year-round events and concerts, everyone on an Aspen family ski vacation will be pleased. Stroll through downtown Aspen's enchanting Victorian-era buildings, decked out in twinkling Christmas lights that stay up all winter long, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Explore the unique boutiques, world-class restaurants and rich mining history on walking tours or a nostalgic horse and carriage ride.

Snowmass is a favorite for kids learning to ski, offering gentle beginner-friendly areas like the Fanny Hill run at the base and Elk Camp mid-mountain. With exceptional services and a ski school welcoming children as young as 2.5 years old, it’s the perfect place for young skiers and snowboarders to start their journey. Hopeful jibbers will also enjoy checking out the X Games slopestyle course and halfpipe at the base of Buttermilk. Families can easily hop from resort to resort thanks to Aspen Snowmass' convenient and complimentary bus. This takes a lot of guesswork out of a vacation for parents, ensuring that everyone in the family has an enjoyable Aspen family ski trip.

Bring your kids to The Treehouse and discover six nature-inspired rooms, each filled with engaging activities designed for different age groups. It’s the perfect way to nurture a love for the outdoors, from the comfort of the toasty indoors. Watch children scale the Aspen Leaf Climber in the Alpine Climbing Room, or join your tots in discovering the cozy Bear Den. For a quiet moment, the tranquil Butterfly Room provides the perfect spot for the whole family to relax and enjoy together.