Image from the OnTheSnow website
Spanning over 5,000 acres, 300 trails, 40 lifts and 4 mountains, it doesn't get better than Aspen Snowmass in Colorado. From finely groomed pistes, to the Winter X-Games, to world renowned après, discover what makes Aspen Snowmass a mecca that any winter fan will love.
Mountains on Mountains on Mountains on Mountains
You read that right. There are FOUR different mountains located between the neighboring towns of Aspen and Snowmass that make up the Aspen Snowmass ski area. These include: Snowmass Mountain, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and my personal favorite, Buttermilk Mountain. Each mountain has what you would expect from a world class ski area including lessons, rentals, tours, on-mountain dining and so much more.
Snowmass Mountain
Located in the town of Snowmass, this mountain area has a little something for everyone. From long runs, to parks and pipes, to even a climbing wall and ice-skating facility, you'll be hard-pressed to have a dull moment during your stay. Sitting atop Snowmass Mountain at 10,620ft is Sam's, a modern Italian restaurant with eating options that will please the whole family. Hang up your boots for a pair of slippers when you enter for an afternoon cocktail in the lounge or house made pasta in the dining room.
With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, you could spend a week on the mountain and still not cover every run. Snowmass Mountain has a vertical rise of 4,406ft (1,343m) and 150 miles (241km) of trails. When it comes to the breakdown of run difficulties:
Image from Viceroy Snowmass website
Buttermilk Mountain
Buttermilk Mountain may be the smallest mountain in terms of skiable terrain, but it makes up for it by packing in an incredible amount of parks, pipes and trails. Home to X-games Aspen every January since 2001, Buttermilk is a freestyle skier and riders dream come true. With 6 main parks, dozens of rails, and a 22-foot superpipe, there's a little something for every winter sports fan. Sitting atop the Buttermilk Mountain Summit is the on-mountain dining experience, The Cliffhouse. Overlooking the Maroon Creek Valley, this eatery is known for fresh American and Asian cuisine. For those interested in uphill skiing, The Cliffhouse is home to a Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club each week.
Buttermilk has 470 acres of skiable terrain, with a vertical rise of 2,030ft (618m) and 21 miles (34km) of trails. Buttermilk is by far the best mountain for a wide range of skill levels, boasting the most green and blue trails out of the four mountains. The breakdown is as follows:
Image from Post Independent website
Aspen Mountain
Located smack-dab in the middle of downtown Aspen, this mountain is incredibly easy to access whatever your accommodations may be. Nicknamed "Ajax" for one of the silver mines that used to operate in Aspen, this mountain has it all. Located at the base is The Little Nell. This is a 5-Star luxury resort that offers ski-in, ski-out access directly to the mountain. Grab a hot breakfast mid-mountain at Bonnie's, then ski down to Ajax Tavern for a light lunch. Finally, have dinner at Element 47 located inside The Little Nell for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Aspen Mountain has 675 Acres of skiable terrain, a vertical rise of nearly 3,300ft (1000m) and 64 miles (103km) of trails. With no green runs, this mountain caters more towards the intermediate to advanced skier. The breakdown is as follows:
Image from the official Aspen Snowmass website
Aspen Highlands
Located between Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen Highlands is one of the less crowded mountains at the Aspen Snowmass resort. Considered a 'locals' mountain, the majority of runs are off-piste, meaning that knowledge of the terrain is encouraged. While the Cloud Nine Bistro is the only on-mountain eatery for the Highlands, it's a heavenly experience if you get the chance. Located at the top of the Cloud Nine Lift (10,900ft), the cabin has views of the Maroon Bells in the backdrop.
Aspen Highlands is the second largest mountain in terms of skiable terrain with 1,040 acres. The mountain has a vertical rise of 3,635ft (1,108m) and 84 miles (135km) of trails. The Highlands are for the more advanced and adventuress skier with the majority of trails being considered expert level runs. The breakdown is as follows:
Après Ski
Image from the official Little Nell website
After a long day of riding powder on the slopes, what better way to relax than drink at a bar or a dip in a rooftop heated pool? These are just a few of the social activities that you can do while at the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. Apsen is home to four different 5-star hotels including:
Each of these resorts offers an expansive list of culinary options, bars, clubs, and spas that will make you ask yourself, 'Why would I ever leave?'. My personal recommendation is The Little Nell rooftop. Here, you'll find an atmosphere catered toward a younger crowd featuring a live DJ, two bars, and multiple heated pools.
X Games Aspen
Image from the official Aspen Snowmass website
The Winter X Games takes place at the base of Buttermilk Mountain every January, with the biggest athletes in snowboarding and skiing competing for a chance to step onto the winners podium. The events are spread out over a span of 4 days, Thursday-Sunday, with each day filled to the brim with action packed excitement. Noteworthy events include:
X Games Aspen has turned into much more than a competition for athletes, it's a four day celebration of music, partying, and the best winter sports in the world.
Image from the official EDM website
Some of the biggest names in music now perform at the Winter X-Games. These include artists such as:
When you're not watching athletes throw it down on the slopes, or listening to top talent at the X Games Music Stage, you can check out the Vendor Village at the base of Buttermilk Mountain. Here, a mix of brands including the likes of Jeep, GoPro, and Burton Snowboards hand out samples of their product and allow participants to try new gear for the upcoming winter season before they are officially released.
Image from Aspen Signature Properties website
Aspen Snowmass in the wintertime is unlike any other resort in Colorado, or even the United States. Featuring thousands of acres of skiiable terrain, dozens of world-class culinary options, top-tier resorts and action packed events, nothing else compares. Next time that you're gearing up for your next winter adventure, make sure sure that Aspen Snowmass is at the top of your list.