Believe us, it’s real. One top-to-bottom run at Snowmass, one après ski happy hour at Aspen Mountain, one look into Highland Bowl, one lesson at Buttermilk, and you’ll probably be hooked. And since all four mountains are on one lift ticket (and kids under 6 ski free!), it is easy to see why many skiers, riders and families fall in love with Aspen Snowmass immediately. Compare the terrain of all four mountains and get the low-down below.
Get To Know Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass is a mountain resort comprised of four different mountains (each within a short drive of each other) in the Roaring Fork Valley of central Colorado. It is also 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 — the resort offers you the perfect opportunity to revive and restore your mind, body and spirit.
Is this your first time coming here? Get oriented, get informed, and get going on a plan with our special guide just for you.
Is this your first time coming here? Get oriented, get informed, and get going on a plan with our special guide just for you.
Quick Links To Plan Your Trip
Four Mountains to Love
Dawn breaks over the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass
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.
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.
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
- 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.
On-Mountain Activities
Aspen Mountain
Explore Aspen Mountain
Best known for
Rising right out of the historic downtown of Aspen, as well as impressive glade-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, as well as impressive glade-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
- 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.
- Hitting up the Face of Bell after a big storm: always steep, even better when its 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.
- Exploring the backside of the mountain via snowcat with Aspen Mountain Powder Tours (separate cost).
On-Mountain Activities
Dining
Aspen Highlands
Explore Aspen Highlands
Best know for
The bucket-list worthy terrain of Highland Bowl. Equally famous? The afternoon scene at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro.
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).
The bucket-list worthy terrain of Highland Bowl. Equally famous? The afternoon scene at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro.
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
- 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
Buttermilk
Explore Buttermilk
Best known for
Spacious groomers, beginner terrain for any age, scenic views and a mellow vibe. Also: has hosted X Games Aspen since 2002.
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.
Spacious groomers, beginner terrain for any age, scenic views and a mellow vibe. Also: has hosted X Games Aspen since 2002.
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
- 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
Uphilling
Dining
Bumps
Cliffhouse
The Soul of a Mountain Town
Snow descends on Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola plaza
The town of Aspen strikes a rare balance between cosmopolitan and neighborly. On any given day, you can shop for the latest fashions, relax in a five-star spa, or peruse one of the world’s greatest wine lists at The Little Nell. Or you could ride a cruiser bike around town regardless of the weather, just like the locals do. Aspen has an arts-and-culture and dining scene to rival many major U.S. cities … just with the heart and soul of a genuine mountain town.
Highlights Of Aspen
The Essence of Peace & Quiet
Dawn breaks over the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass
As you drive up to Snowmass Village, don’t be surprised if you feel the pace of life slowing down a bit. The serene valley where this small mountain town resides is ideal for mountain getaways where you truly want to get away. Lodging options abound in Snowmass Village, from chic hotels to vacation homes with ski-in/ski-out access. Anything you need can be found in the Base Village and Snowmass Village Mall.
Plan Your First Trip
Now that you have a taste of what an Aspen Snowmass vacation can be about, start planning with these helpful sections.
