Aspen Ski Vacation Guide
An elevation of 7,908 feet and four different mountains to choose from (accessible on the same lift ticket, no less), Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, provide a solid foundation for all the winter sports that visitors can handle. Each mountain has its own personality and level of difficulty, providing something for everyone.
Growing in popularity, Aspen rental properties are an ideal lodging choice to put you in close proximity to the slopes while offering more privacy and space than the standard hotel room. Especially popular are Aspen condo rentals.
Aspen Mountain is, quite frankly, unfit for beginners. Adrenaline flows freely on the slopes of this well-regarded ski spot, also known as Ajax, especially on the ungroomed portions and double diamond runs. Intermediate and advanced snow lovers will be in heaven as they cruise the 76 trails, ride the eight lifts, and test their abilities on the bump runs east of Spar Gulch or the 3,276 foot vertical drop. A newly improved gondola, the Silver Queen, has recently been added; six person cabins, 360 degree views and wheelchair access make the 14 minute ride to the top a pleasure. With 300 inches of yearly snowfall and five restaurants, Aspen Mountain is the total package for die-hard skiers.
On the other end of the spectrum is Buttermilk Mountain, considered to be one of the best places for neophytes to learn the ropes. The smallest of Aspen's peaks, Buttermilk consists of 42 trails, most of them approachable to non-experts. A restaurant, a café, nine lifts and 420 acres provide the perfect setting for wannabes to acquire the skills they seek in comfort.
In between are Aspen Highlands and Snowmass, both versatile and lovely mountains well-equipped for lots of traffic. Open from mid-December to early April, Aspen Highlands has a good mix of runs, a terrain park, seven restaurants, and spectacular views of Maroon Bells. A new lift called Deep Temerity has recently opened, expanding the accessible acreage and doubling the length of Highland Bowl.
Snowmass is the largest of the four towering peaks and is heavy on intermediate fare. The ski school offers lessons for people of all ages, upper trails wind through the trees, twelve restaurants take care of any and all hunger pangs, and 3,100 skiable acres ensure that claustrophobia never sets in.
