Exploring Aspen Snowmass
If you’re looking for a premier ski destination, look no further than Aspen Snowmass in Colorado. This travel guide highlights the top reasons to plan your skiing or snowboarding adventure in Aspen Snowmass this season!
Location: Where is Aspen Snowmass?
Aspen Snowmass is located in the heart of the White River National Forest, approximately 318 kilometers west of Denver, Colorado. The drive from Denver, passing through the picturesque Glenwood Springs, takes around 3.5 hours under good weather conditions. Aspen sits at an elevation of 2,410 meters above sea level.
Aspen Snowmass encompasses four world-class ski resorts: Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass Ski Area. An Aspen Snowmass ski pass grants access to all four resorts, and Ikon Pass holders can enjoy up to 7 days of skiing at these locations.
Arriving in Style: The Best Ways to Reach Aspen Snowmass
Aspen boasts its own airport, Aspen Pitkin County Airport, one of the busiest ski destination airports in the U.S. During the ski season, you can find weekly flights from major cities throughout the U.S. Flights from the east coast of Australia and Auckland connect through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, and Houston, offering seamless travel to Aspen. The airport is just 6.4 kilometers from downtown Aspen, with many hotels and lodgings providing convenient transportation options.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic drive from Denver to Aspen via the stunning Glenwood Canyon route, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Discover the Four Mountains of Aspen Snowmass
Your lift ticket for Aspen Snowmass provides access to four distinct ski resorts, covering over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain. Here’s an overview of each:
Aspen Mountain
Located in the renowned town of Aspen, this resort offers 675 skiable acres, with terrain split approximately 50% blue (more difficult) and 50% black and double black (expert) trails. Aspen Mountain does not have beginner terrain, so novices should start at Buttermilk or Snowmass.
Aspen Highlands
A local favorite, Aspen Highlands offers some of the best skiing on Colorado’s Western Slope. It features just over 1,000 acres of terrain, with about 25% blue and 75% black and double black trails. Like Aspen Mountain, it does not have beginner terrain.
Buttermilk
The smallest mountain in Aspen Snowmass, Buttermilk offers 470 skiable acres, with terrain evenly split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, making it perfect for families.
Snowmass
One of the largest ski resorts in North America, Snowmass offers something for everyone with 5% easiest, 50% intermediate, and the remaining as expert-level terrain.
Aspen Snowmass for Families
Aspen Snowmass is an ideal destination for family ski holidays, offering a range of activities and facilities to ensure a fun-filled experience for kids of all ages.
Ski and Snowboard Schools for Children
All four mountains offer private ski lessons based on skill level, but only Snowmass Mountain and Buttermilk provide comprehensive ski school programs that include lessons, childcare, lift tickets, equipment, lunch, and snacks. These programs are available for children as young as 2.5 to 3 years old.
The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center
Located in Snowmass Village, this multilevel childcare facility offers ski school programs, ski rentals, and supervised activities for children aged 8 weeks to 4 years. The center features themed rooms and dedicated staff, including a licensed registered nurse and state-licensed childcare services.
Fun Activities for Kids Beyond Skiing
For a change from skiing, try tubing at Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain, which offers lighting for night tubing. Enjoy Ullr Nights at Elk Camp with s’mores, snowbiking, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, and delicious food. Kids can also enjoy the five-story climbing wall at the Limelight Hotel in Snowmass or explore The Collective in Snowmass Base Village for food, drinks, skating, and games. Ice skating options include the outdoor rink at Silver Circle in downtown Aspen and the indoor Aspen Ice Garden.
Adult Winter Fun in Aspen
Aspen Snowmass is also a top winter destination for adults seeking adventure and a lively après-ski scene. Unwind at cozy spots like Ajax Tavern or the stylish Sky Hotel. For nightlife, Belly Up Aspen offers live music and DJ sets, while J-Bar at the historic Hotel Jerome provides a more relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy additional activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, and spa treatments.
Unveiling Pandora’s – Aspen Mountain’s Expansion
Get excited for Aspen Mountain’s new expansion, Pandora’s, launching in the 2023-2024 season. This addition includes 153 acres of new skiing and riding terrain, increasing Aspen Mountain’s skiable area by 22%. Pandora’s features 1,220 vertical feet of groomed trails and glades, with intermediate to advanced terrain and extensions to expert runs like Walsh’s, Kristi, and Hyrup’s.
Discover the Ultimate Aspen Snowmass Adventure in 2023
Aspen Snowmass offers an epic ski trip experience with four amazing ski resorts, family-friendly activities, and the exciting Pandora’s expansion. Book with Mountainwatch Travel for a stress-free, well-planned getaway, and enjoy the best that Aspen Snowmass has to offer this ski season!
