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Aspen Snowmass
Western United States Ski Resorts, Colorado Ski ResortsVisit The Elk Mountains
Four Mountains, One Legendary Ski Town
Aspen Snowmass is made up of four incredible mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass covering everything from beginner-friendly cruisers to some of the steepest terrain in Colorado, all on a single lift ticket.
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.
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5 best things about Aspen Snowmass according to Ski.com's Mountain Travel Experts
THE FOUR MOUNTAINS OF ASPEN SNOWMASS
Aspen Mountain (Ajax) – Iconic & Expert
Aspen Mountain (Ajax) – Iconic & Expert
- With 76 trails across 675 acres, Aspen Mountain (Ajax) drops more than 3,200 vertical feet straight into town—some intermediate blues and lots of classic Colorado steeps and cruisers.
- Intermediates love laps on Little Nell. A long, mellow blue run that starts near the top and takes you to the base.
- Experts flock to Copper and Spar Gulch for long, leg-burning moguls and signature Aspen pitch. Don't forget to check out the addition of Hero's ski area.
- The Silver Queen Gondola gets you from downtown to the top in 14 minutes, making it easy to chase laps, views, and a mid-mountain lunch all in one go.
Snowmass – Big, Varied, Family-Friendly, Great for Beginners
Snowmass – Big, Varied, Family-Friendly, Great for Beginners
- With over 3,300 acres and terrain for every level, Snowmass is the kind of mountain you can ski for days without repeating a run.
- Intermediates love Sneaky’s for its sweeping Roaring Fork Valley views and Long Shot—a 5.3-mile adventure through quiet glades.
- Expert skiers head straight for Hanging Valley Wall, where steep chutes and double blacks deliver serious thrills.
- Greens like Lunchline, Scooper, and Dawdler make learning feel easy, fun, and scenic.
- From wide blue runs off the Elk Camp Gondola to hidden powder stashes and ski-in/ski-out lodging, Snowmass strikes the perfect balance of space, comfort, and adventure.
Aspen Highlands – Local Favorite & The Highland Bowl
Aspen Highlands – Local Favorite & The Highland Bowl
- Aspen Highlands is known as the locals’ mountain—steep, challenging, and packed with character. It’s where hardcore skiers and longtime Aspen regulars go to play.
- Highland Bowl is the crown jewel, a hike-to double black that rewards you with 360-degree views and some of Colorado’s best expert terrain.
- Boomerang keeps advanced skiers on their toes with big, rhythmic moguls and a fast, rewarding drop back toward the base.
- Intermediates can cruise a few scenic groomers, but this mountain truly shines for strong, confident skiers who love a challenge.
- With 3,635 feet of lift-served vertical—and the option to hike to 12,392 feet—Aspen Highlands serves up serious leg burners and some of the best bump runs in the Rockies.
Buttermilk – Beginner Haven & Freestyle Playground
Buttermilk – Beginner Haven & Freestyle Playground
- Buttermilk is Aspen’s most approachable mountain, known for wide-open groomers, free-style parks, and terrain that truly has something for everyone.
- Intermediates love Savio and Buckskin—two smooth, rolling blue runs perfect for building more confidence on steeper pitches.
- Families and new skiers find their groove on long, forgiving greens like Aldrich Alley, while little rippers can explore fun tree trails off Westward Ho and Devil’s Gut.
- Freestyle fans head to the world-famous terrain parks, while advanced skiers can test their edge on Wookie Woods, a fast black tree run that twists through snow-covered evergreens.
Is Aspen Snowmass good for beginners?
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:
- Buttermilk — the beginner's mountain (~35% green, 39% intermediate); gentle, wide-open runs
- Snowmass — largest of the four, with a strong beginner zone (Fanny Hill, Sam's Knob) plus long green/blue cruisers to progress onto
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax) & Aspen Highlands — mostly intermediate-to-expert; skip these as a first-timer
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.
Where to stay in Aspen
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 Lodging
Where to stay in Snowmass
In 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.
Passes & Lift Tickets at Aspen Snowmass
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.
Getting Around Aspen Snowmass
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.
Family Fun in Aspen Snowmass
Why Families Love Aspen Snowmass
- Four mountains with terrain for every level.
- Wide range of hotels, dining, and winter events.
- Downtown Aspen’s Victorian buildings and winter lights create a classic and cozy holiday atmosphere.
- Easy access to shops, galleries, restaurants, museums, and historic walking tours.
The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center
- Six themed, nature-inspired rooms for different age groups.
- Highlights include:
- Aspen Leaf Climber in the Alpine Climbing Room.
- Bear Den for toddlers.
- Butterfly Room for quiet play and family downtime.
- A perfect indoor option for breaks from skiing.
Sledding Hill
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
Ice Skating
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.
FAQs
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.
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