Winter Wonderland: Aspen Ski Resort

Aspen Snowmass is a winter paradise that has attracted skiers and snowboarders alike for decades. With its world-class slopes, charming surrounding area, and gorgeous landscape, it’s no wonder that it is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Aspen ski resort includes four separate mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, all accessible with a single lift ticket. Whether expert or beginner, there truly is something for every level. Here’s the scoop on each below.

Aspen Mountain is home to the Silver Queen Gondola that picks up right outside The Little Nell hotel in the center of the town of Aspen. It is a more challenging mountain and not recommended for beginners with blue runs being the least advanced option and most of the runs being double black diamonds. It has two on-mountain dining options: Sundeck at the top of the gondola and Bonnie’s which is mid-mountain - don’t miss out on the pancakes!

Aspen Highlands is the destination for expert skiers with the famous Highland Bowl that offers a fantastic in-bound backcountry experience. In addition to the bowl, the mountain boasts primarily blue and double black diamond runs making it a thrilling mountain for more advanced skiers. It is also home to the casual Merry-Go-Round cafeteria and the legendary Cloud Nine Bistro, which is the ultimate on-mountain apres destination in America.

Buttermilk is the smallest mountain of the four. It is a great mountain for beginners and families with green, blue, and black graded runs. At the base of the mountain is a one-stop shop for lift tickets, ski school, rentals and relaxing making the start and end of the day seamless. At the top of the mountain is Cliffhouse, the on-mountain restaurant with fantastic views of Maroon Creek Valley. It is also home to Tiehack, a great uphilling option.

Snowmass is the largest of the four mountains that make up Aspen ski resort with over 3,300 acres of terrain. It is also suitable for all skill levels, which makes Snowmass the most family friendly and group skiing mountain. There are wide and gentle slopes for beginners, as well as challenging runs for more advanced skiers. It has a variety of dining options and offers ski-in/ski-out access for a variety of accommodations in the town of Snowmass.

Aspen ski resort is truly a winter wonderland that has it all. Pack up your cold-weather gear and get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure this upcoming season.

Aspen ski resort is also home to several fantastic luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants, and endless shopping. Because of its diverse offerings, Aspen is also a great spot for those who prefer more apres, less ski.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Aspen. In need of further inspiration? Check out Melanie Pink‘s guide, 5 Days of Luxury & Outdoor Adventure in Aspen, CO.