The Hideout | Buttermilk, Kids Learning Center

Buttermilk has long been considered one of the best mountains in North America to learn how to ski. And for families with young children, it just gets better with the recent addition of the Hideout Children’s Center.

This new, innovative facility offers the perfect introduction to the sport of skiing for kids ages 2 1/2 to 4 with:

A gentle training slope for first turns, complete with magic carpet lift
Four interactive, indoor learning rooms to foster a child’s imagination and allow for play-based learning during breaks from skiing
Complete lunch facilities.

Using mountain adventure as its foundation, this innovative 7,500-square-foot new center allows young children an easy entrance into the sport of skiing.

Note: The Hideout Children’s Center is reserved exclusively for Ski & Snowboard School programs and does not offer an “only childcare” option.

Parents Info

At The Hideout You Will Find

Ski School Group Lessons Lesson Ages 2 to 4

Ages 2-4 Group Lessons

Ages 5-6 Group Lessons

*Note: Ages 5 and 6 only use The Hideout as a meeting space. Much of their day is spent on the mountain.

Visual Tour Of The Hideout

The Hideout Entrance

The Hideout is located at the base of Buttermilk with easy drop off and pick up access for parents, with designated parking spaces directly in front. The bus drop-off is located here as well.

The Hideout at Buttermilk, Aspen Snowmass

Climbing Room & Lookout

These rooms offer different climbing challenges (supervision required) and gives young skiers a chance to look out on the backyard and watch what they will be doing for their first lesson.

Registration Desk

Registration at The Hideout is for kids 6 and under for their Buttermilk lessons. Parents fill out rental/registration forms or purchase lessons or lift tickets (if they haven’t already). Beyond registration is "kids only."

Boot & Helmet Fitting

After a parent or guardian has gone through the registration process (only necessary on day 1) the child will be fitted for boots, helmet and skis. Children's gear is labeled so they can have it each day of their lesson.

Play & Lunch Rooms

In the multi-purpose play and lunch rooms, our moveable walls allow us to customize spaces for all age groups. Healthy choices for lunch and snacks are provided by our staff with our full kitchen.

Play Rooms

Everything was designed for kids 6 and under: fun games hidden in the walls, sinks and toilets sized for little people, and more. Our goal is to make sure kids feel welcome and safe and that they are having fun.

The Tent

A special room just for kids who need some TLC … or a bit of supervised quiet time. This cozy room is complete with comfy chairs, storybooks, stuffed animals, a fish tank and warm lighting.

Cubs on Skis Program

Children ages 2 ½ to 3 and children who are not yet potty-trained will join the Cubs on Skis program. Children spend time on skis in our backyard ski area and have easy access to The Hideout’s inside and outside play areas.

The Backyard Ski Hill at The Hideout

Directly outside the back of the Hideout is our private learning ski hill for ages 6 and under. Complete with a surface lift and lots of colorful tunnels and obstacles that are all designed to encourage kids to have fun while learning new skills.

Panda Peak Learning Area & Teepee

For kids who are ready to take the next step with their new skiing skills, we transport them to the Panda Peak Learning Area (kids ages 6 and under). Kids ride the “skitch” or jump in the trailer pulled by our snowmobile to this private hill.

Taking the Next Step

Once kids are turning and stopping with confidence, our Pros will teach them all about riding the chairlift and head up to the top of Buttermilk. We teach all ability levels and have lessons for ages 3 to 6 that ski the entire mountain.