Aspen Snowmass is a premier ski destination in Colorado, comprising four distinct ski areas: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass [1] [2]. These mountains collectively offer a world-class experience for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, with a combined 5,547 acres of terrain, 336 trails, and 43 lifts [2].
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Aspen Mountain, often referred to as Ajax, is known for its challenging terrain and does not feature any beginner (green circle) runs [3] [5]. It was the first ski area developed by the Aspen Skiing Company in 1946 and is notable for its unique cultural flavor, reflecting its early history as part of a utopian social experiment [5]. The mountain offers 76 trails, with a significant portion considered expert terrain (23% expert, 21% advanced, 48% intermediate, 5% beginner across all four mountains) [2] [5]. The longest run on Aspen Mountain is three miles, and it has an average annual snowfall of 300 inches [5]. Recent additions include the Hero’s terrain, adding 153 acres and a new high-speed quad for the 2023/2024 winter season [3].
Aspen Highlands is another mountain with a “wild spirit and dynamic terrain,” including the legendary Highland Bowl, offering over 1,500 vertical feet of challenging skiing and views of the Maroon Bells [1] [2]. Similar to Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands does not have beginner terrain [5].
Buttermilk is ideal for beginners, featuring gentle slopes, ski rentals, ski schools, a magic carpet, and a beginner chairlift [1] [2]. It’s a welcoming mountain perfect for those learning to ski or snowboard, and also hosts the X Games slopestyle course and halfpipe [1] [2].
Snowmass is the largest of the four mountains, offering abundant charm and diverse terrain suitable for all levels [1]. It’s particularly favored by families and children learning to ski, with gentle beginner-friendly areas like Fanny Hill and Elk Camp [2]. Snowmass is also known for its convenience, with 95% of its lodging being ski-in/ski-out [2].
The Aspen Snowmass complex provides a single lift ticket for access to all four mountains, and it also accepts the Ikon Pass [2]. The area is easily accessible via Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE), located just 4 miles from downtown Aspen, or Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about a 4-hour scenic drive away [2]. A complimentary public transportation system, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) buses, connects Aspen, Snowmass Village, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, making it easy to navigate between the resorts without a car [2].
Accommodation options range from slopeside lodges to full-service hotels, blending mountain charm with modern comfort [1] [4]. Aspen itself offers a vibrant après-ski scene, luxury shopping, and fine dining, while Snowmass provides a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with extensive ski-in/ski-out lodging [2]. The two towns are about nine miles apart and are connected by free shuttle services [2].