Pat Dimon enjoys the fresh ft. of powder in the S1 trees on Aspen Mountain.
Don't forget to look for Plum's mountain reporters at the top of Aspen
Mountain, when they give live weather update every day from 7:30 to 10
a.m.
Duncan Clauss and Allison Fleming pick the perfect trail at Highlands.
The Silver Queen Gondola brings skiers and riders up to the 11,212-ft. summit in 15 minutes.
Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts
For more than 60 years, Aspen/Snowmass has offered some of the best skiing and riding in the world. Boasting 5,285 acres of terrain, 336 trails, an average snowfall of 300 inches, and four distinctly different mountains—Aspen has something for every level of skier or rider.
A day lift ticket offers access to all four mountains so take advantage of your options by hopping on the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s free skier shuttle. The shuttle has various pick-up stops in downtown Aspen and the four mountains so getting to the slopes is both easy and free.
Once you have arrived at your mountain of choice, take our advice and pick up a trail map before heading out, as our mountains can be a little tricky to navigate. And no matter which mountain, or what terrain you choose, be sure to wear a helmet and review your skier responsibility code.
Buttermilk
Beginners
Buttermilk is the perfect mountain for beginners, with wide, groomed trails such as Tom’s Thumb, Larkspur, Westward Ho, Homestead Road, and Blue Grouse, all located off the West Buttermilk Express. Skiers and boarders looking to perfect their skills midmountain—before braving the summit—can unload at West Buttermilk Express’ midway station where they can practice connecting turns on the lower half of Camp Bird.
Intermediate
Wannabe jibbers should head to the S3 Terrain Park on Red’s Rover, which boasts plenty of boxes and mini-rails. Uncle Chuck's Glade and Jacob's Ladder freestyle terrain areas are perfect for intermediate riders and skiers eager to build their park skills. Intermediate trails can also be found off of the Summit Express where skilled skiers and riders can cruise on trails such as Savio, Lover’s Lane, and Buckskin.
Expert
Even though Buttermilk is home to the ESPN Winter X Games where some of the world’s best riders and skiers compete for X glory, don’t expect to find any expert terrain on this beginner-friendly mountain. While the Upper Tiehack lift offers access to black diamonds such as Tiehack Parkway, Racer’s Edge, and Ptarmigan Glade, we’re pretty sure that the mountain’s 2,030-ft. vertical rise won’t pose a challenge to advanced skiers. Our advice—head to one of Aspen/Snowmass’ three other mountains.
Snowmass
Beginners
Snowmass’ six-passenger lift, Village Express, offers easy access to groomed trails as well as an option to unload midway for beginners’ favorites, including Lunchline, Scooper, Dawdler, and Fanny Hill. Got a little one looking for a lesson? New this year, the Tree House Kids' Adventure Center in Snowmass Base Village boasts the Ski & Snowboard School’s check-in, equipment rentals, and retail all under one roof, so you can streamline the hectic process of getting your kids on the slope.
Intermediate
Ready to tackle more intermediate terrain? Head to the Elk Camp chair for trails such as Grey Wolf and Bear Bottom or to the Big Burn chair for Sneaky’s and Dallas Freeway. Warm up your legs on Timberline’s tight bump lines, but be ready to hear hoots and hollers from the spectators riding Big Burn lift. If your knees aren't up for the quick turns, give your legs a rest on the wide-open expanses of Dallas Freeway or Mick's Gully, also off the Big Burn lift.
Expert
Since Snowmass offers 3,010 acres of terrain—making it the second largest ski area in the country—advanced skiers and riders can find plenty of hidden powder stashes and steep terrain. We recommend connecting from the Naked Lady lift to the High Alpine lift where you can unload and tackle the Head Wall. Be warned: you’ll have to hike a little but this inbound terrain is truly epic, especially after it has dumped snow.
Aspen Highlands
Beginner
Although Aspen Highlands boasts some of the best hike-to terrain in North America, novice boarders and skiers can still find plenty of great wide-open groomers on this locals’ friendly mountain. The Exhibition lift offers newbies access to wide-open groomers such as Apple Strudel, Exhibition, Prospector, and Red Onion.
Intermediate
Moderate skiers and riders will love the terrain off of both the Cloud Nine lift and Loge Peak lift. Off of Cloud Nine be sure to check out Gunbarrel, Grand Prix, and Upper Robinson’s. When skiing the Loge Peak chair, enjoy long cruisers such as Broadway and Hayden.
Expert
Highlands is a playground for expert skiers and has become, without a doubt, the locals’ favorite mountain. One of the best features of this mountain has to be the Highland Bowl. With a 12,392-ft. summit and 40- to 45-degree pitch for more than 1,000 vertical ft., Highland Bowl offers an incredible off-piste adventure inbounds. If you're an expert skier or rider, the views and turns are worth the grueling (and yet serene) 45-minute hike. Trust us, it’s that good.
Aspen Mountain
Beginner
We’re not going to lie, if you’re a beginner skier or rider Aspen Mountain is not for you. And while you may not be ready for the intermediate and expert terrain that dominates Aspen Mountain (known to locals simply as “Ajax”), you can still enjoy the views by grabbing lunch or après at the Tavern, located directly at the base of the mountain.
Intermediate
For the best intermediate terrain, hop on the Silver Queen Gondola, a 15 minute ride to the 11,212 ft. summit, and check out the steep corduroy on Silver Bell, Dipsy Doodle, and Buckhorn. While the Gent’s Ridge lift is painfully slow—it is known to locals as “the couch”--it offers access to some great grooms on the upper half of the mountain, where you can let your boards rip on Copper, Bellissimo, and Lazy Boy.
Expert
With black and double black trails covering more than 50 percent of the mountain, it’s not hard to find challenging terrain on Ajax. Our favorites—in no particular order—are “the Dumps” which boast great tree skiing and plenty of powder stashes off of Ruthie’s lift. If you are an expert skier, a day on Ajax isn’t complete without making turns on Walsh’s off of Gent’s Ridge. Continue the run down Gentleman’s Ridge, Jackpot, and to the base of the mountain where you can hop on the gondola and catch your breath just in time for another lap.
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