Mountain Regulations
Boundary Policy
Aspen Skiing Company maintains an open boundary on all four mountains, Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain, Highlands with the following exceptions: Loge Bowl (considered a study area), along with the lynx mitigation area at the bottom of Split Tree in Snowmass, and along the east/north boundary of Hero’s on Aspen Mountain. Our Resort boundaries are marked with ropes and signs. You may leave and return to the resort anywhere you choose so long as the terrain on both sides of the boundary is open. You may not exit or reenter the resort through any closed areas. All ski area services such as ski patrol end when you exit the resort, so you will need to call 911 for help.
If you choose to leave our boundary you are responsible for knowing where you are and where you are going. You may not trespass after leaving the boundary (most common below West Willow (SM), Burnt Mountain (SM), off of Richmond Ridge(AM) and Midnight(AM)). You may not reenter the resort in a closed area (most common in Hero’s and The Ship’s Prow).
The Forest Service has located resort exit points at various sites along the boundary ropes. Please use these exit points if you choose to access the backcountry. As you pass through these marked exit points you will note a sign reading: “This is your decision point. Backcountry risks include death,” and is marked with skull and crossbones.
You are on your own, and responsible for all aspects of your safety in the backcountry. Backcountry rescues are conducted by the Sheriff’s Office and you may be financially responsible for your rescue. You will need to call 911 to initiate a response for rescue or help.
Patrol may close terrain within the boundary at any time. All terrain openings and closures are at the discretion of the Mountain Manager and Patrol Director. This terrain can be marked with a sign reading closed, a rope or both. Although patrol will make every effort to clearly mark closed areas, under state law you are responsible for knowing which areas are closed. Whiteouts, wind or human removal of signs or rope, coverage by snow, or the fact that other people are violating closures does not change your responsibility. Violating an in-bounds closure can result in fines up to $1,150 and loss of skiing privileges.
Aspen Skiing Company supports your right to access these public lands and your acceptance of the personal responsibilities that accompany this right. Please note that this is NOT the policy at most resorts. You are responsible for knowing the rules of the resort you are visiting.
We are passionate skiers and riders. Access this terrain with respect, knowledge and the proper equipment.
As Ski Patrol says: “Have Fun. Be Safe. Love All.”
Winter Downhill Equipment Policy
Aspen Skiing Company reviews our equipment policy periodically and this policy is in effect as of October 2012. You are responsible for obeying the Colorado Skier Safety Act regardless of what equipment you chose to use. The lifts and trails are designed for use by guests on a wide variety of skiing and riding equipment incorporating an array of different binding systems. While within ski area boundaries, each guest shall have a device on their skiing and riding equipment that is capable of restraining or stopping it in the event it becomes detached from the user. The Mountain Managers retain the right to prohibit any type of equipment at their discretion.Aspen Skiing Company prohibits skiing or snowboarding while carrying a child in a backpack or other suspension device.
Allowed without restriction on all areas:
- Skis
- Snowboards
- Telemark
- Carving Boards
- Alpine Touring equipment
- Skate skis
- Snowdecks
- Monoski
- Monoski (disabled)
- Snowblades
- Ski Boards
- Biskis (disabled)
Restricted (with retention device on lift):
- Ski boards
- Snowbikes
- Bike Boards
Prohibited:
- Children in backpacks or other carrying devices
- Mountain Bikes
- Airboards
- Swissbobs
- Sleds of any type outside a designated zone
Aspen Skiing Company Drone Policy
Out of safety concerns for guests, employees, and resort property, Aspen Skiing Company prohibits the unauthorized operation or use of any unmanned aerial systems, or aerial drones, at any time by the general public – including recreational users and hobbyists. This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating over any property under the ownership or control of Aspen Skiing Company. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drones launched or operated from Aspen Skiing Company property, as well as drones launched from property outside Aspen Skiing Company boundaries. Any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement and/or U.S. Forest Service rules, as well as those policies separately established by Aspen Skiing Company, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements and waivers or releases of liability. Please contact an Aspen Skiing Company Legal Department representative at 970-300-7158 if you have any questions. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your privileges to use and enjoy Aspen Skiing Company property, the revocation of your lift pass, as well as confiscation of any equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries, or regulatory fines and legal fees.Paragliding Policy
Aspen Skiing Company allows guests with valid lift ticket or passes to use the lifts to transport paragliders to designated launch sites only on Aspen Mountain. There are no launch sites on Snowmass, Highlands or Buttermilk. Landing in the ski area boundary is prohibited. All pilots must have clearance through Aspen Paragliding to fly off of our mountains.Kite skiing, traction kites, speed gliding and riding is prohibited within operational boundaries on all Aspen Skiing Company mountains.