Spectacular après landscapes and adrenaline pumping descents ensure that skiers from all walks of life benefit from the enthralling slopes and enticing attractions that Aspen Snowmass offers.
Stick around to find out the best features of this captivating location before planning a visit.
Location, Weather, and Climate at Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass is located in the Whiteriver National Forest, Pitkin County in western Colorado, and the weather
can be exceptionally cold. An in-depth view of current weekly forecasts may be viewed here.
| Month | Temperature (High) | Temperature (Low |
| November | 2°C | -12°C |
| December | -4°C | -17°C |
| January | -4°C | -18°C |
| February | -2°C | -16°C |
| March | 2°C | -12°C |
| April | 6°C | -8°C |
Visitors should wear winter clothing, topped with hats and sunglasses while traveling. Proper gear such as skiing helmets and goggles will provide protection while skiing, and sunscreen should be worn as well. Umbrellas are advised while traveling during snowfall.
Getting to and around Aspen Snowmass
Traveling by air will require a flight to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport which is 3 miles from Aspen, 10min from Snowmass and Aspen Mountain, and 5min from Buttermilk.
Other airports in Colorado can be used as well, such as Denver International Airport which is located 220 miles from Aspen Snowmass.
View more information on flight routes here, and check out shuttle travel here.
Accommodation at Aspen Snowmass
There is a wide range of lodging options at Aspen Snowmass, offering experiences suited for differing budgets and preferences ranging from luxurious to moderate and homey venues.
A wide list of accommodation spots offering various features such as a pet-friendly environment and much more can be found here. But, two of the best venues featured include Limelight Hotels and The Little Nell.
Limelight Hotel Snowmass
Based in the snowy and serene Snowmass Village area, the accommodation hotspot offers 99 hotel rooms and 11 housing facilities with an array of features to suit luxury or modest lodging preferences.
This is an excellent option for anyone who is seeking a ski-in/ski-out experience, with easy access to gondolas.
They offer modern, chic, and comfortable hotel rooms or residences, offer great dining and breakfast, and feature like take out and refreshments from the Limelight Lounge To-Go. Check out more details here.
The Little Nell
The Little Nell is Aspen’s only five stars and five diamond resort. It’s located on Durant Avenue and offers stunning accommodation packages for a range of preferences and needs.
This includes 4-night and weekly packages, bed and breakfast specials, and even full thanksgiving dinner if booked in advance.
They offer 3, 4, or 4 bedroom accommodation with exceptionally comfortable and relaxing furnishings, stunning views, access to pools and lounging, and some lodging features facilities like lavish fireplaces. Check out details here.
With the world undergoing an array of twists, turns, and changes in 2020, Aspen Snowmass has made a few adjustments in order to accommodate and manage the number of individuals on-site at any given moment.
A full list of all new terms and conditions of service can be viewed here, make sure you’re up to date with new policies and procedures to ensure a relaxed, comfortable, and safe ski vacation before booking.
Ski areas in Aspen Snowmass
Comprised of Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, this area offers a stunning opportunity for memories and experiences, featuring a plethora of enthralling slopes and challenging peaks to keep patrons entertained.
Aspen Snowmass features plenty of trails, additional services, and refreshment stops, boasting breathtaking panoramas that complete and already captivating après setting.
The areas at the base of the mountains are generally accessible for the disabled or handicapped, which is fantastic for all patrons seeking to visit this esteemed resort.
Snowmass
The combined area is 3,342 acres, boasting 98 trails with the longest being 5.3 miles, and the average annual snowfall that Snowmass experiences are approximately 300 inches, with snowmaking capabilities covering 280 acres.
The mountain is set overlooking Maroon Bells at 14,156ft in altitude with a vertical rise of 4,606ft, set at 14,092ft in altitude. Snowmass features a selection of stunning peak areas, including Burnt MTN Glades at 11,393ft elevation, Elk Camp at 11,825ft elevation, High Alpine at 11,852ft elevation, Big Burn at 11,835ft elevation, and The Cirque set at a whopping 12,510ft in altitude.
A detailed map can be viewed here.
– Travel and Gondolas
The combined area is serviced by 2 quad lifts, 8 high-speed quad lifts, 1 double chair, 2 platter pulls, 1 8-person gondola, 1 pulse gondola, and 1 high-speed 6 people lift. The ski and snowboard schools are serviced by 4 lifts for students’ ease of travel.
From the Snowmass Base Camp at 8,600ft elevation, a Sky Cab takes patrons to Snowmass Village Mall at 8,606ft in altitude, while the Elk Camp Gondola traverse through to Elk Camp restaurant where the Two Creeks which allows access to the Two Creeks restaurant, the Elk Camp traveling to the Wildlife Center, and the Meadows for access to additional rides.
The Village Express traverse all the way to Sam’s which features a dining area, wine cabin, paraglide launch site, and medical assistance, after which Sam’s Knob could be used to reach trails on lower terrain.
Alpine Springs allows access to Gwyn’s High Alpine eatery and challenging runs, while High Alpine provides transport to advanced runs, medical assistance, and a warming cabin at 11,852ft in altitude.
Secondary lifts include the Scooper which runs from beginner runs to the Children’s race Arena and Lizard Lodge, while the Cirque allows travel to The Cirque peak, the highest point of all-mountain terrain at 12,510ft in altitude.
– Green Runs for Beginners and Novice Skiers
Assay Hill and Fanny Hill are the most accessible from the Snowmass Base Village.
The Funnel Bypass and Galavant, which features a warming cabin stop, run near the Elk Camp Gondola, while the area below Sam’s Knob feature plenty of beginner and novice trails. The total terrain suitable for beginners and novice skiers only makes up around 5% of the combined area.
– Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
The selection of blue runs covers 48% of the skiing terrain. From the Snowmass Base Village, all accessible lines will lead to an array of comfortably challenging slopes with stunning scenery, with the Village Express leading to a wide selection of intermediate skiing terrain.
Cascade and Creekside run near the Two Creeks line, with West Fork and Eddy Outrunning along the lower ski area boundary. Long Shot and Eastbranch run from the Wildlife Center all the way down to Two Creeks Café.
– Black Runs for Advanced Skiers
The black runs cover 17% of the terrain, with The Cabin being nearest to the baserunning alongside the Coney Hill line, and the Village Express provides access to an array of challenging runs. Slot and Bearclaw run down to Campground at 8,235ft in altitude.
Tom’s Trace runs along the Alpine Springs line, while Split Tree runs from Elk Camp at 11,325ft in altitude, along the ski area boundary through Burnt MTN Glades at 11,395ft in elevation, branching off into Rio and A-Line.
– Expert and Extreme Runs
Around 30% of the terrain and black runs are suited to experts only, some of which are classified as extreme terrain, and these areas are located at the highest points of the skiing area.
The Cirque boasts a tree-like set of runs, which branch off and connect with each other, all of which branch off from Cirque Headwall stemming from The Cirque at 12,510ft elevation. Gowdy’s runs from Big Burn at 11,835ft, connecting with this series of runs.
High Alpine features a series of extreme expert runs including Headwall and Roberto’s which connect with Lower Ladder, Cassidy’s, and Willy’s.
The Edge, which is a standard black run, provides access to Cookies as well as Possible and Baby Ruth which connect with Lower Ladder’s base. Gowdy’s and Lower Ladder are based in extreme terrain conditions.
– Additional Features
There are an array of extra facilities and amenities on the mountain for optimal enjoyment, including scenic areas like the Hanging Valley Glades, Frog Pond Glades, Sneaky’s Glades, and Powerline Glades.
The area features access to a mall, a variety of restaurants, and warming cabins for convenient stops, as well as multiple restrooms and medical assistance or ski patrol sites situated across the mountain in addition to the main area at the base, which is great for safety and peace of mind.
They also feature snowshoe trails, nature trails, kids’ ski trails, childcare facilities at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, public lockers, ticket offices across the mountain, as well as a freestyle terrain area.
– Restaurants and Bars
Two Creeks Café is situated at the base of the mountain, while Elk Camp restaurant and Gwyn’s High Alpine are located in the mid-section of the ski terrain.
Alpin Room is located on top of the Alpine Springs lift, Ullrhof is located near the Coney Glade line, and Lynn Britt Cabin is positioned along the Village Express line leading up towards Sam’s.
Up 4 Pizza is situated on top of the Big Burn Lift, posing stunning scenery and views from the snowy peaks, and The Sled Mobile Kitchen traverse the area and requires the Instagram following to stay up to date on their location.
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain has a peak altitude of 11,212ft with a vertical rise of 3,267ft. The combined area is comprised of 675 acres of terrain, featuring 76 trails with the longest being 3 miles long.
This mountain experiences an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, with snowmaking capabilities covering 33% of the area at around 210 acres.
A detailed map can be viewed here.
– Travel and Gondolas
This area is serviced by the Silver Queen Gondola which takes patrons from the Gondola Plaza at the base at 7,945ft up to the peak of Aspen Mountain as does Gent’s Ridge and Ajax Express.
Additional lifts include Shadow Peak, F.I.S, and Ruthie’s which allows transport to a paragliding launch site. Secondary lifts include the Little Nell and Bell Mountain.
– Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Approximately 48% of the terrain is comprised of blue runs suitable for intermediate skiers. The Little Nell and Upper Little Nell are nearest to the base, along with Schuss Gully, Tower 7 Road, Normandy, Magnifico, and Lazy 8 Gully.
Numerous trails run from the peak to the right, as well as trails that run from the peak towards the left.
– Black Runs for Advanced Skiers
Around 26% of the terrain is suited to advanced skiers, with the lowest black run being Fis Slalom Hill. Numerous black runs stem from the area surrounding Bonnie’s, including Percy, Red’s Run, Fis Trail, International, and Schiller Road.
Numerous runs stem from the peak of the mountain, while many trails are situated along the Silver Queen Gondola line.
– Expert and Extreme Runs
Approximately 26% of the terrain is comprised of an expert or extreme runs, with the lowest expert trails being Niagara, Franklin Dump, and Norway followed by Super 8, 1A Lift Line, Corkscrew, and Corkscrew Gully.
An array of runs branch off near Bonnie’s, while Walsh’s and Lud’s Lane run along the boundary near the peak, connecting with Hyrup’s and Kristi. Extreme runs are situated at Traynor Ridge along the ski boundary to the right and include T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6.
– Additional Features
The base is near Rubey Park Bus Station which provides free shuttle transport to all mountains at the ski resort, which is great for ease of access.
This area is more suitable for pros, experts, and thrill-seekers, and many additional facilities suited for large families, beginners, or children are absent. However, there is a medical assistance and ski patrol station at the peak of the mountain.
– Restaurants and Bars
Ajax Tavern and Element 47 are situated at the base near Gondola Plaza which is great for disabled, elderly, or young visitors, while Bonnie boasts a central position, and Sundeck is situated at the peak.
All of these locations offer various delicious meals topped with après drinks and delights.
Aspen Highlands
The Aspen Highlands overlooks Hunter Peak, and the area comprised of 1,040 acres of terrain, 144 trails with the longest being 3.5 miles, boasting an altitude of 11,675ft and a highland elevation bowl of 12,392ft with a vertical rise of 3,635ft.
This area experiences around 300 inches in annual snowfall, with snowmaking capabilities covering 20% of the area at 121 acres.
A detailed map can be viewed here.
– Travel and Gondolas
The area is serviced by 2 triples and 3 high-speed quads, with the Exhibition taking patrons from the base at 8,040ft to the Merry-Go-Round eatery, and Loge Peak taking patrons to 11,675ft in altitude.
Other lifts include the Thunderbowl, Cloud Nine, and Deep Temerity which also allows access to the peak. The Highland peak requires a hike up to 12,392ft.
– Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Around 23% of the area is comprised of blue runs for intermediate skiers, with the Smuggler, Tunderbowl, and Park Avenue being nearest to base.
Broadway runs down from the peak, branching into Hayden and Meadows which connect with Wine Ridge down to T-Lazy-7 Catwalk and Golden Horn.
A plethora of blue trails are scattered alongside these trails, offering amazing views and challenges.
– Black Runs for Advanced Skiers
Only around 12% of the terrain is comprised of black runs, with the Powder Bowl and Limelight being nearest to base.
Bear Hollow Road offers exceptional views along the ski boundary line, leading into shorter black runs in a more central location.
– Expert and Extreme Runs
There are plenty of experts runs in this area, amounting to a whopping 65% of the total ski terrain. Expert runs are situated throughout the area, with the nearest being the Lower Stein, complemented by shorter expert runs nearby.
An entire collection of expert runs stems from the peak, including South Castle, Mushroom, Lucky Find, SoddBuster, and much more.
– Additional Features
This area is more suitable for pros, experts, and thrill-seekers, and many additional facilities suited for large families, beginners, or children are absent.
However, there is a medical assistance and ski patrol station, warming hut, and a set of restrooms at the peak of the mountain, and a scenic area.
– Restaurants and Bars
Aspen Mountain features Merry-Go-Round in a central position, and Cloud Nine is situated higher up the mountain. Both of these eateries offer wonderful hunger-busting meals and tantalizing refreshments.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is comprised of a 470-acre ski terrain area overlooking the Highland peak, with an elevation of 9,900ft and a vertical rise of 2,030ft, featuring 44 trails of which the longest is 3 miles.
This area experiences annual snow of 200 inches, with snowmaking capabilities covering 27% of the area at 108 acres.
A detailed map can be viewed here.
– Travel and Gondolas
The area is serviced by 4 ski and snowboard school lifts, 3 high-speed quads, and 1 double. The Summit Express takes patrons from the Buttermilk base area at 7,870ft up to the East Summit at 9,720ft in altitude, which is also accessible by the Tiehack Express.
The West Summit at 9,900ft in altitude can be reached using the West Buttermilk Express from West Buttermilk at 8,693ft elevation, where restrooms, a warming hut, and parking is located.
– Green Runs for Beginners and Novice Skiers
Around 35% of the area is comprised of beginner-friendly terrain, posing long runs like the Sterner Catwalk, Homestead Road, and Oregon Trail to Tiehack.
Plenty of green trails span across the higher terrain for stunning views, some of which explore the East and West Summit areas.
– Blue Runs for Intermediate Skiers
Approximately 39% of the terrain is suitable for intermediate skiers, with Columbine leading from Bear being nearest to the base followed by Baby Doe.
Buckskin and Eagle Hill lead to Tiehack, stemming from Sterner Gulch and Ptarmigan from the East Summit, coupled with an array of shorter blue runs scattered around the area.
Big Face Hollow runs from the West Summit into Camp Bird, which runs towards West Buttermilk.
– Black Runs for Advanced Skiers
The area includes 21% of terrain suitable for advanced skiers, with only 5% being suited for experts. Spruce and Government lead into Superpipe near the base, stemming from Uncle Chuck’s Glades near Little Teaser.
Spectacular black runs span along the boundary line, comprised of Tiehack Parkway which branches into an array of shorter trails. There are no extreme terrain that runs in this ski area.
– Additional Features
The area features Frog Fort and Tiehack, scenic warming cabins with refreshing facilities, a ski patrol, and a medical spot at the East Summit, as well as varying freestyle ski terrain.
– Restaurants and Bars
Buttermilk boasts The Cliffhouse which is situated upon the East Summit, offering quenching refreshments and breathtaking panoramas of the Highland Peak and surrounding snowy mountains.
All of the restaurants and eateries at Aspen Snowmass offer fantastic refreshments and winter warming meals and would be an exceptional opportunity for memorable après drinks and delights.
For details on all of these venues, what menu they offer, what average pricing is like, as well as their unique serving styles and flairs, check out more information here.
Due to the conditions of reopening the resort in 2020, some of the establishments may be under new terms of service or may remain closed indefinitely. So, this will need to be confirmed prior to booking.
Ski Schools
Both group and private skiing lessons are offered at Aspen Snowmass, with one on one lessons offering a tailored learning experience with individual attention, and group lessons now being capped at a maximum of five individuals.
These lessons cover things like edge changes, the functionality of boots, spinning, and the power of pole plants.
Those who book lessons early may be rewarded with a 15% lift, max group lessons, and equipment rental discounts. Check out information on ski lessons at Aspen Snowmass here.
Ski Rentals
Ski equipment and gear can be rented from Four Mountain Sports, offering free storage and transfer service between mountains.
At Aspen Snowmass, one can access Aspen at 520 E Durant Avenue, which boasts a selection of skis, equipment, gear, outerwear, and accessories, as well as a Helly Hansen concept store.
A ski rental store situated in W Hotel at 550 South Spring Street offers a high-end ski rental experience with a wide choice of accessories that can be bought – however, this store is only available to W Hotel patrons.
View further information on these establishments here.
Ski Passes
Aspen Snowmass offers a wide selection of passes suitable for varying preferences and budgets. Purchasing a ski pass early generally results in paying lower fees, more details can be found here.
Certain passes include extension days, and pricing titled N/A will not be available after 11/13/2020.
| Ski Passes | Early Pricing | Regular Pricing | |||
| Pass Name | Age | Pass Price | Insurance | Pass Price | Insurance |
| Premier | ALL | $2,399 | $168 | $2,849 | $200 |
| Premier Senior | Ages 65 – 69 | $1,799 | $126 | $2,099 | $147 |
| Premier Child/Teen | Ages 7 – 17 | $899 | $63 | N/A | N/A |
| Premier College | ALL | $899 | $63 | N/A | N/A |
| Premier Silver | Ages 70+ | $649 | $46 | $819 | $58 |
| Parent Pass | ALL | $2,399 | $168 | ||
| Valley Weekday Pass | ALL | $999 | $70 | $1,049 | $74 |
| Valley 7 Pack | ALL | $399 | $28 | $449 | $32 |
| Premier Chamber | ALL | $1,799 | $126 | $2,099 | $147 |
| Valley Weekday Chamber | ALL | $899 | $63 | $999 | $70 |
| Valley 7 Pack Chamber | ALL | $399 | $28 | $449 | $32 |
Après-ski and non-ski activities
For those who are seeking additional entertainment apart from skiing adventures, Aspen Snowmass has this covered with an array of delightful events and activities in winter to keep you and your accompaniment engaged throughout your entire stay.
These attractions are located in the Snowmass area near Elk Camp.
ULLR Nights
These fun-filled outdoor and indoor parties are hosted every Friday night during peak ski season, offering the enjoyment of mouthwatering meals, thirst-quenching drinks, and live entertainment under sparkling lights.
Alpine Coaster
This elevated coaster is coupled with stunning scenery, covering over a mile of the forest at up to 28mph. View more details here.
Tubing
Aspen Snowmass offers tubing facilities during winter, comprised of multiple lanes that have been crafted into the landscape near Elk Camp and topped with magically twinkling lights. Persons have to be 38 inches or taller in order to participate, and only one person is allowed per tube. View more details here.
| Package | Includes | Price |
| Coaster Only | 3 rides; Daytime only; Can be used over multiple days | $54 |
| Tubing Only | Daytime only, N/A on ULLR Nights | $42 |
| Coaster &Tubing Combo | 3 rides; 1 day of tubing; Gondola access | $64 |
| Coaster & Tubing Combo (ULLR Night) | Gondola access; Coaster and Tubing riding during specific ULLR Night | $64 |
Conclusion
Pros of Skiing in Aspen Snowmass
– A stunning selection of intermediate, advanced, expert, and extreme runs
– Great ski schools, family, and children’s facilities on Snowmass
– Enthralling and fun non-ski winter activities available
– Spectacular scenery, eateries, and accommodation locations
Cons of Skiing in Aspen Snowmass
– Not much terrain for beginners
– Not many activities available off the snow
This resort boasts phenomenal features, suitable for skiers of all levels, with plenty of enticing attractions. It would be a great spot for learning, and a mind-blowing location for intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers.
There is an endless amount of skiing opportunities, unforgettable memories, and après experiences that await those visiting Aspen Snowmass.