Bus Guide

Access the four unique mountains of Aspen Snowmass and the towns that surround them—without ever getting behind the wheel of a car.

Receive estimated arrival times by text message with RFTA SMS Text Schedules. Text 41411 with the message “RFTA” and a bus stop ID number (located at the top left of a bus stop sign), for bus arrival times.

Aspen Snowmass is an activity-packed snow globe, offering endless discovery across our four mountains and two towns. To experience everything our resort and communities have to offer, you’ll likely find yourself moving from one place to another during your time here, whether from Snowmass Village to Aspen Highlands, from downtown Aspen to Buttermilk, or from a town down valley to one of our mountains. While a lot of locals and visitors use personal cars, it isn’t always the best option. Adding more vehicle traffic to the quaint mountain town experience can quickly make getting around more stressful as congestion increases and finding parking becomes harder.

Luckily, you have some alternatives. One of the best ways to get around Aspen Snowmass is by taking advantage of our excellent public transportation system. Our local communities have spent decades planning and building transit infrastructure, from dedicated bus lanes that bypass the line of backed-up cars to zero-carbon electric buses, making the local Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) system one of the best bus systems around with stops all over the area. Aspen Snowmass and the town of Snowmass Village also offer shuttles to help move people wherever they need to go. And if you’re staying up valley (not going passed Snowmass), no need to figure out fares because riding is free.

Get to and from your favorite ski lines with ease this season by taking the bus. Hop on, sit back, and enjoy the ride this winter.

Perks to Public Transit

Opt for Convenience

Bop around easily with convenient schedules and stops, and utilize the easy-to-access ski and snowboard racks.

The Frugal Way to Go

Save dough with free fare between our four mountains, and dodge the fees and hassle of a rental car.

Leave the Traffic in the Dust

RFTA buses utilize designated lanes, and can get you to the slopes and back with ease during peak times. Plus, you ensure there is one less car on the road, so its good for the planet.

Avoid the Hassle of Parking

Parking in our small mountain community is quite limited—save time and alleviate stress when you skip it.

Après All Day

... without worrying about getting home after safely.

Take in the Views

The views of Pyramid Peak and our four mountains are best enjoyed when you don't have to keep your eyes on the road.

Gear Transfers

Juggling skis and boards while riding the bus not your thing? Four Mountain Sports will transfer your skis, snowboards, and poles from mountain to mountain, free of charge, for guests who rent through Four Mountain Sports. Have your own gear? Pay a fee and FMS will transfer that, too. Transfers are not available for boots, helmets, or personal items.

Parking & Getting Around

From our award-winning public transit system (which accesses Maroon Bells and the entire Roaring Fork Valley) to car rentals and parking, get the basics on getting around our destination with this guide.

Routes

Whether you’re moving between Aspen or Snowmass or traveling from towns located down valley like Basalt, Carbondale, or Glenwood Springs, it’s easy to access the slopes of Aspen Snowmass via public transportation. RFTA has routes to all four mountains, around Aspen, to Snowmass, down valley, and many places in between. Additional shuttles operated by the town of Snowmass Village and Aspen Snowmass get you even closer to where you need to be.

Traveling from mountain to mountain?
Use the 4 Mountain Connector route.

Traveling around Aspen?
Use the City of Aspen Free Shuttles.

Traveling to and from Snowmass Village?
Use the Snowmass Village route.

Traveling within Snowmass Village?
Use The Village Shuttle, operated by the town of Snowmass Village.

Traveling between Buttermilk to Aspen Highlands?
Use the Aspen Snowmass shuttle, running every 30 minutes from Buttermilk starting at 7am every day.

Traveling to Aspen from Down Valley?
Use the VelociRFTA: Bus Rapid Transit route.

Traveling from Down Valley from Aspen?
Use the VelociRFTA: Bus Rapid Transit route.

Season of the Bus

Volume

RFTA BusTracker

Find the right bus, plan your trip, check peak ride times, and catch the right RFTA route by using the BusTracker on myRFTA.com

RFTA Tickets App

If you’re traveling Down Valley passed Snowmass, you can also download the RFTA Tickets App to purchase and save tickets via your mobile device.

RFTA SMS Text

You can also receive estimated arrival times by text message with RFTA SMS Text Schedules. Text 41411 with the message “RFTA” and a bus stop ID number (located at the top left of a bus stop sign), for bus arrival times.