Believe us, it’s real. One top-to-bottom run at Snowmass, après ski happy hour at Aspen Mountain, look into Highland Bowl, or lesson at Buttermilk, and you’ll be hooked. And since all four mountains are on one lift ticket (and kids under six ski free!), it is easy to see why many skiers, riders and families fall in love with Aspen Snowmass immediately. Compare the vast terrain of all four mountains and get the low-down on each one below.
Your First Visit to Aspen Snowmass
With four mountains of diverse terrain, some of America's finest on-mountains restaurants, and myriad things to do beyond the slopes, Aspen Snowmass more than delivers. Plan your day-to-day ski vacation agenda with this first-time visit guide.
Located just 1 mile from the base of Buttermilk, Aspen/Pitkin Country Airport is about as convenient to the slopes as any airport can be.
Get To Know Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass is a ski resort comprised of four different mountains (each within a short drive of each other) in the Roaring Fork Valley of central Colorado. By air, it is accessed via the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, which is just minutes from the slopes, offering direct flights from around the United States. Anchored by two incredible towns—Aspen and Snowmass Village—our resort offers 5,700+ acres of skiing and riding, world-class dining and shopping, and the perfect opportunity to revive and restore your mind, body, and spirit.
If this is your first visit to Aspen Snowmass, use this guide to get oriented, informed, and inspired. We'll see you on the slopes!Four Mountains to Love
Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk, with Snowmass just off to the right.
Snowmass
Explore Snowmass
Best known for
By far the largest of the four mountains, Snowmass offers the greatest options for terrain, winter activities, and on-mountain dining. With something to offer each visitor, regardless of their skill level or age, Snowmass has unlimited potential.
Frequented by
Families, powder-seeking locals and elk (who call portions of the mountain home in spring and fall).
Base yourself here if
Ski-in/ski-out is a priority, and/or you have a large group with a wide variety of abilities and interests.
By far the largest of the four mountains, Snowmass offers the greatest options for terrain, winter activities, and on-mountain dining. With something to offer each visitor, regardless of their skill level or age, Snowmass has unlimited potential.
Frequented by
Families, powder-seeking locals and elk (who call portions of the mountain home in spring and fall).
Base yourself here if
Ski-in/ski-out is a priority, and/or you have a large group with a wide variety of abilities and interests.
Terrain
Highlights of Skiing Snowmass
- The kid-friendly trails in the trees off Adams Avenue.
- The "noon groom" cruisers (changes daily).
- The view of the Elk Mountains from Sneaky's.
- The double-black terrain off the High Alpine Lift.
- The jibs and jumps of Makaha Park and the 22-foot Superpipe in Snowmass Park.
- Never skiing the same trail twice in a day, with 98 runs at Snowmass.
On-Mountain Activities
Activities for the Whole Family
Even if you don’t ski, there are endless things to do in Snowmass. From family-friendly activities like snow tubing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster to unique après adventures during Ullr Nights at Elk Camp, Snowmass offers unforgettable winter experiences for every kind of adventurer.
Dining
Dining at Snowmass
From casual on-mountain dining and quick bites between runs to starlit snowcat dinners and elevated fine dining experiences, Snowmass offers an unforgettable culinary scene on and off the mountain.
Aspen Mountain
Explore Aspen Mountain
Best known for
Rising right out of the historic downtown of Aspen, the "town mountain" goes above and beyond with impressive gladed skiing runs and pristine cruisers that have tested World Cup skiers for decades. (Note: the mountain does not have any green-level runs).
Frequented by
A who's who of the Aspen jetset, as well as die-hard locals looking to punch their pass every day of the season.
Base yourself here if
You want the perfect mix of world-class skiing, with the arts and dining of a cultural capital as a backdrop.
Rising right out of the historic downtown of Aspen, the "town mountain" goes above and beyond with impressive gladed skiing runs and pristine cruisers that have tested World Cup skiers for decades. (Note: the mountain does not have any green-level runs).
Frequented by
A who's who of the Aspen jetset, as well as die-hard locals looking to punch their pass every day of the season.
Base yourself here if
You want the perfect mix of world-class skiing, with the arts and dining of a cultural capital as a backdrop.
Terrain
Highlights of Skiing Aspen Mountain
- The 3,267-foot top-to-bottom run to test your quads: Dipsy Doodle to Pump House Hill, Spar Gulch, Kleenex Corner and Little Nell.
- Exploring the terrain of Hero's (the newest section of Aspen Mountain).
- Hitting up the Face of Bell after a big storm: always steep, even better when it's deep.
- Threading together the same route World Cup racers have done: Ruthie's to Lower Roch, Strawpile and E. 5th Ave.
- Seeking out the steeps through aspen trees off the F.I.S. lift.
On-Mountain Activities
From legendary terrain and perfectly groomed runs to long lunches on the Sundeck and après-ski at Eleven212, Aspen Mountain delivers the quintessential ski experience. Whether you’re carving fresh powder, exploring steep glades, or simply soaking in the mountain views, there’s no place like Ajax for an unforgettable day on the slopes.
Dining
Dining on Aspen Mountain
From a mid-morning stack of Bonnie’s famous pancakes to après bites and handcrafted cocktails at Eleven 212, Aspen Mountain serves up flavor at every turn. Whether you’re refueling between laps or settling in to celebrate a perfect ski day, the dining scene on Ajax captures the essence of Aspen—vibrant, elevated, and unforgettable.
Aspen Highlands
Explore Aspen Highlands
Best know for
Aspen Highlands was born different and rougher-around-the-edges, yet inviting. The bucket-list worthy terrain of Highland Bowl and endless steep runs keep people coming back for more. Equally famous? The afternoon scene at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro or the Highlands Alehouse, where you'll find the locals drinking pitchers while reminiscing on the best turns of the day.
Frequented by
Locals tracking their "bowl laps" for the season, powderhounds looking for secret stashes, and foodies seeking nirvana at Cloud Nine.
Base yourself here if
You are an intermediate or advanced skier or rider looking for a new definition of "sublime." (Note: Aspen Highlands does not have any green-level runs).
Aspen Highlands was born different and rougher-around-the-edges, yet inviting. The bucket-list worthy terrain of Highland Bowl and endless steep runs keep people coming back for more. Equally famous? The afternoon scene at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro or the Highlands Alehouse, where you'll find the locals drinking pitchers while reminiscing on the best turns of the day.
Frequented by
Locals tracking their "bowl laps" for the season, powderhounds looking for secret stashes, and foodies seeking nirvana at Cloud Nine.
Base yourself here if
You are an intermediate or advanced skier or rider looking for a new definition of "sublime." (Note: Aspen Highlands does not have any green-level runs).
Terrain
Highlights of Skiing Aspen Highlands
- Without a doubt, the backcountry perfection of Highland Bowl (while still being in-bounds).
- Getting first tracks on a powder day on the beautiful cruisers Meadows and Kandahar.
- The steeps of Olympic Bowl (with views of Maroon Bells on your left).
- Perfecting your moguls skiing on Scarlett's Run.
- Finishing the day with a top-to-bottom run from Loge Peak down through Thunderbowl and Smuggler.
On-Mountain Activities
Aspen Highlands is where locals go to chase the true spirit of skiing. Quieter than the other mountains but rich with adventure, Highlands delivers some of the most exhilarating terrain in Aspen—from wide-open steeps and hidden powder stashes to the legendary hike up Aspen Highlands Bowl. After an unforgettable day on the mountain, the energy continues with a vibrant après-ski scene that’s as iconic as the views.
Dining
Aspen Highlands Dining
From lively après at Highlands Alehouse to European-style dining at the iconic Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen Highlands offers a culinary scene as vibrant as its terrain. Start your morning with a coffee at the base, refuel between laps with slopeside bites, or linger over fondue and champagne while the music turns up at 10,900 feet. Dining at Highlands is all about savoring the moment—on the mountain, in the sun, and among friends.
Buttermilk
Explore Buttermilk
Best known for
Buttermilk is playful with spacious groomers, beginner terrain for any age, scenic views, and a mellow vibe. The official home to X Games Aspen since 2002, at Buttermilk it's all-day recess.
Frequented by
Families looking for easy, uncrowded slopes as well as the next generation of X Games athletes testing their moxy on Buttermilk's terrain parks. Locals adore it for its uphilling route.
Base yourself here if
You want a more intimate skiing and riding experience for your family while still having plenty of variety, or if you are a die-hard uphill fan looking for a scenic workout.
Buttermilk is playful with spacious groomers, beginner terrain for any age, scenic views, and a mellow vibe. The official home to X Games Aspen since 2002, at Buttermilk it's all-day recess.
Frequented by
Families looking for easy, uncrowded slopes as well as the next generation of X Games athletes testing their moxy on Buttermilk's terrain parks. Locals adore it for its uphilling route.
Base yourself here if
You want a more intimate skiing and riding experience for your family while still having plenty of variety, or if you are a die-hard uphill fan looking for a scenic workout.
Terrain
Highlights of Skiing Buttermilk
- Steadily improving your turns on the mellow greens of West Buttermilk.
- Wondering where everybody else is as you zip down Javelin or Racer's Edge.
- Learning the basics on terrain parks in the S3 Park.
- Uphilling from the Tiehack base to the Cliffhouse, then telemarking down Buckskin and Eagle Hill.
- Lover's Lane to Lower Salvio to Columbine to the Summit Express Lift. Repeat.
On-Mountain Activities
Beloved for its welcoming spirit and wide-open slopes, Buttermilk is where beginners find their confidence and pros come to play. Home to the world-famous X Games Aspen 2026, this mountain blends approachable terrain with an unmistakable sense of energy and fun. Uphillers chase sunrise views on freshly groomed corduroy, while evening uphill dinners turn a simple climb into a memorable culinary adventure. From family-friendly laps to world-class events, Buttermilk proves that easy-going doesn’t mean ordinary.
Dining
Buttermilk Dining
From laid-back lunches at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge to stunning summit views at Cliffhouse, Buttermilk offers a relaxed, family-friendly dining experience that captures the spirit of Aspen Snowmass. Refuel between laps with fresh, flavorful dishes, or savor Asian-inspired favorites while taking in the panorama from the top. Whether you’re skiing with the family or exploring the mountain on an uphill route, Buttermilk’s on-mountain restaurants deliver hearty meals, welcoming vibes, and unforgettable mountain views.
