Aspen Snowmass is always updating and improving its services, infrastructure and terrain offerings. Below, we've showcased all of the improvements we've done at all four mountains and as a company over the last five years.
Resort-Wide
Aspen Snowmass App - New Rewards and Year-Over-Year Stats and Tracking
The Aspen Snowmass App offers a convenient way for guests to access mountain conditions, tracked skier days, interactive mapping of a guest’s movement, and information about activities, lift tickets, lessons and more. New this year, the App provides rewards and enhanced functioning of year-over-year stats and tracking. Rewards include free food and beverage credits, discounts at Four Mountain Sports stores and a credit to use toward a Ski and Snowboard School lesson. Improved tracking will now include year-over-year statistics for vertical feet and Highland Bowl laps.
Straw Free
The Limelight Hotel Aspen, Limelight Hotel Ketchum, The Little Nell and all Aspen Snowmass food & beverage outlets are going straw free, meaning plastic beverage straws are no longer provided. If a straw is requested, then a paper straw or compostable straw is given. Aspen Skiing Company enacted this policy to align with the movement that throw-away-plastic is an unnecessary product and adds to the plastic pollution in our oceans.
Snowmass Mountain Club
We're excited to welcome a new year-round club to Snowmass. Located inside the forthcoming Limelight Hotel Snowmass, nestled in the heart of Snowmass Village, the Snowmass Mountain Club balances exclusivity with an approachable personality. Member benefits include private garage parking directly below the Club, ski-in access and access to the hotel’s fitness facilities and hot tubs. Steps away from Elk Camp Gondola, Snowmass mountain awaits you.
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The Limelight Snowmass
Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) is well underway with construction on the new Limelight Hotel Snowmass for a scheduled completion date of November 2018. The new hotel will feature 99 hotel rooms and 11 for-sale condominiums, plus a new restaurant, a children’s game area as well as a five-story climbing wall that will be open to the public and the largest of its kind in the state. Modeled after the company’s existing properties in Aspen, Colo. and Ketchum, Idaho, the hotel will be located adjacent to Snowmass Mountain’s Elk Camp Gondola providing ski-in/ski-out access. The new hotel property will remain consistent with the Limelight brand featuring amenities and extras such as an expanded continental breakfast, après ski deals in the Lounge, live music, adventure activities such as First Tracks and Inside Tracks, a ski concierge as well as pet-friendly rooms. Stonehill & Taylor, based out of New York City, have been selected to design the interior, with plans to continue the Limelight’s contemporary yet casual design theme. The hotel is pursuing a LEED certification. 
The Limelight Ketchum
In December 2016, Aspen Skiing Company opened the second Limelight Hotel — in Ketchum, Idaho. The new hotel features 99 hotel rooms, 14 for-sale condominiums and 12 lock-off units, plus a new restaurant and lobby lounge. Modeled after the company’s original Limelight Hotel in the heart of Aspen, the hotel is in close proximity to downtown shops and restaurants as well as Sun Valley’s River Run Base area.
New American Airlines Flights
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport announced that American Airlines will offer new daily nonstop flights from Phoenix starting this winter along with expanded service from both Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago O’Hare. In addition to continuing nonstop summer service through Oct. 4 from Chicago, American is now scheduled to operate nonstop flights from DFW year-round while adding a second daily nonstop from Chicago during periods of peak demand next winter, and will now be offering a total of up to eight daily flights from four hubs next winter.
The Mountain Collective Adds Big Sky & Niseko United
The Mountain Collective™ heads into the 2018-19 season with new additions to its already elite list of resorts, as the pass welcomes Montana’s Big Sky Resort and Northern Japan based Niseko United Resort. Previously a global affiliate, Niseko United will join the Mountain Collective as a full partner for the 2018-19 season. Big Sky and Niseko United join Alta, Aspen Snowmass, Banff Sunshine, Coronet Peak – The Remarkables, Jackson Hole, Lake Louise, Mammoth, Revelstoke, Snowbasin, Snowbird, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Sugarbush, Sun Valley, Taos, and Thredbo in the Mountain Collective alliance of 17 iconic destinations.
With the addition of Big Sky and Niseko United, each 2018-19 passholder will receive two days at each of the collective destinations, bringing the total ski days available from full partners to 34 days at 17 unique destinations. Extra benefits available to Mountain Collective pass holders include exclusive lodging deals and a complimentary, one-year Protect Our Winters (protectourwinters.org) membership.
The Ikon Pass
The Ikon Pass is the new standard in season passes, connecting skiers and riders to some of the most iconic mountains across the globe with access to 64,000 acres of terrain at 27 premier ski and ride destinations. Aspen Snowmass is pleased to be a part of the new pass product with 7-day combined access when purchasing the Ikon Pass (no black-out dates), and 5-day combined access when purchasing the Ikon Base Pass (black-out dates included).
In addition to skiing or riding at Aspen Snowmass, Ikon pass holders have access to Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain Resort and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky in Montana; Stratton, Killington and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Deer Valley Resort, Alta and Snowbird in Utah; and Thredbo in New South Wales, Australia. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world’s largest heli-skiing operation.
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The Ikon Pass is the new standard in season passes, connecting skiers and riders to some of the most iconic mountains across the globe with access to 64,000 acres of terrain at 27 premier ski and ride destinations. Aspen Snowmass is pleased to be a part of the new pass product with 7-day combined access when purchasing the Ikon Pass (no black-out dates), and 5-day combined access when purchasing the Ikon Base Pass (black-out dates included).
In addition to skiing or riding at Aspen Snowmass, Ikon pass holders have access to Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain Resort and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky in Montana; Stratton, Killington and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Deer Valley Resort, Alta and Snowbird in Utah; and Thredbo in New South Wales, Australia. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world’s largest heli-skiing operation.
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NEW DOWNTOWN ASPEN LOGO STORE & New Gear at Four Mountain Sports
Now open! A brand new official resort store has opened in downtown Aspen. The Aspen Shop boasts a selection of Aspen Snowmass branded products sure to ignite stories and memories of your vacation. Stop in today and shop our wide selection of apparel, accessories, home goods and jewelry. Located at 555 East Durant Avenue.
Four Mountain Sports will once again offer uphill gear to rent for skiers and riders who would like to uphill ski or skin up the mountain. New this year, the rental equipment has been upgraded to Dynafit gear, a global leader in the uphilling industry.
What's New at Snowmass
What's New at Snowmass
Snowmass Base Village Development
Located at the base of Snowmass Ski Area in the heart of Snowmass Village, Colo., Snowmass Base Village (SBV) is a $600 million mountain-resort development, currently the largest under construction in North America. This approximately 10-year project will add lodging, residences and amenities to the world-class resort. Completion of the first phase of construction is slated for November 2018 and includes the Limelight Hotel, ski-in/ski-out residences, public events plaza with ice skating rink, and community building. Development is currently ongoing for the following:- The 99-room, 11-residence Limelight Hotel. The Limelight will also host the Snowmass Mountain Club, an exclusive 230-member private club with member parking, lockers and lounge space right at the base of the mountain. The mountain-contemporary building was designed by Oz Architecture.
- A central public events plaza that will serve as the community’s gathering space with an ice-skating rink in the winter and events lawn during the summer, as well as fire pits, children’s pop-up fountains and other community amenities. The plaza was designed by Oz Architecture and StudioINSITE. Scheduled completion November 2018.
- Lumin, a residential condominium building adjacent to the Plaza and Elk Camp Gondola with three residences and a Four Mountain Sports store. The building was designed by Oz Architecture, with interior design by The Ranch House. Scheduled completion Winter 2018/19.
- A Community Center that will be a public building and include interactive activities with ever-changing programs for families and children. It is being designed by Harry Teague Architects and pursuing LEED Gold Certification. Official opening is to be determined.
Lost Forest Now Open
Aspen Snowmass opened Lost Forest durign sumemr of 2018, greatly enhancing Snowmass mountain’s summer operations with a canopy ziptour, a treeline challenge course, alpine coaster, a climbing wall, multi-use gathering sites as well as expanded hiking and biking trails. Tickets are available for purchase.
Expanded Snowmass Bike Park Trails
In recent years, Snowmass’ total mileage of mountain biking trails has exceeded 50 miles, with French Press and Animal Crackers added in 2018, and Valhalla and Verde trails among the new additions in 2017.
New High Alpine Chair, Additional Glading & Snowmaking Expansion
The new High Alpine lift was completed before the 2016-2017 season. We also installed snowmaking equipment on two existing trails, and implemented additional trail and glade construction projects. Come to Snowmass and check it out.
Gwyn's High Alpine Restaurant Expansion
The High Alpine pod expansion also included a remodel of Gwyn's High Alpine Restaurant. The 2016 remodel expanded the building, increased seating and created a market-style flow within the restaurant. Additionally, a bar was installed, including a wood-burning stove and big-screen TVs. A satellite bar and coffee station were also added downstairs, increasing the services at the Snowmass institution.
What's New at Aspen Mountain
Improvements at Aspen Mountain
Audi FIS World Cup Finals
The International Ski Federation awarded Aspen Mountain the 2017 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Finals (which were held March 15–19, 2017). The historic and successful event marked the first time it had been held in the U.S. in 20 years with men’s and women’s events in downhill, super G, giant slalom and slalom.
Gondola Plaza Improvements
In summer 2015, Aspen Skiing Company remodeled Aspen Mountain's ticket office and day-locker space at the base of the Silver Queen Gondola.
What's New at Aspen Highlands
Improvements at Aspen Highlands
Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro RemoDel
The legendary European-style bistro underwent a $1.1-million remodel for the 2015-2016 season, which allowed the famous après-ski spot to maintain its unique historic essence while opening up the space for improved restaurant flow and service. Diners have enjoyed the new, cozy fireplace area to complement the same impeccable selection of fine wine, champagne and refreshing cocktails.
Expanded Terrain
Aspen Skiing Company recently completed a three-year glading project at Aspen Highlands which included clearing out new lines in the steep and wooded Lucky Find area of Temerity.
What's New at Buttermilk
Improvements at Buttermilk
New Fort Frog Children’s Play Structure under Construction at Buttermilk
A new wooden, frontier-style fort is under construction in the woods of Buttermilk. The kid’s play structure will include lookout towers, a jail, a swinging bridge, a snowball launcher, a turbo twister slide and more. The fort was named after Greg Fortin, a long-time ski instructor at Buttermilk in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and is a memento to his legacy. The newly constructed fort will debut this winter. 
Full Moon Dinners at the Cliffhouse
In Winter 2017, Aspen Snowmass added a new evening activity to its roster with Full Moon Dinners at the Cliffhouse atop Buttermilk. Diners uphill skied (aka "skinning) or hiked up to the restaurant on full-moon nights for free hot chocolate, a roaring fire and à la carte dinner options, snacks and a cash bar. The Cliffhouse's signature Mongolian BBQ — as well as grilled trout, salmon and roasted duck with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables — were well received month after month. Note: There is no lift or vehicular access for this event. The 2018-2019 schedule will be made available soon.
