Aspen, CO, has four mountains for those looking for a ski adventure: Aspen Mountain, Aspen highlands, Aspen Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Aspen is one of the most recognized ski destinations in the world.
Due to the steep, mountainous terrain in the Aspen area, the ski trails enjoy a reputation of being fast and tricky. Buttermilk is the only mountain that offers a nice mix of beginner and intermediate ski trails. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass cater to intermediate and advanced skiers.
Visit the Aspen Ski Resorts Guide for more information on each of the ski resorts. You can also check out the Aspen map to get a general idea of where the resorts and neighborhoods are located in Aspen.
Due to the differing resorts, mountains, and terrain, it is helpful to know which destinations offer the best skiing trails for your ability.
Beginner to Intermediate Skiing |
Intermediate & Advanced Skiing |
Buttermilk and Snowmass are the two best resorts for beginner and intermediate skiers. Buttermilk offers the largest selection of beginner trails out of all the resorts, and is a perfect choice for ski lessons, families, and novice skiers. Buttermilk also has a great terrain park, with over 40 jumps and 25 rails. Snowmass Resort offers good beginner runs, but features mostly intermediate-level trails. These trails vary greatly in length and difficulty, with many that may be suitable for more experienced beginners. Due to its close proximity to the airport, Snowmass Resort is convienent for visitors, making it a popular Aspen resort. |
Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain are the two destinations for intermediate and advanced skiing. Aspen Highlands is comprised of 47% expert trails, making it the perfect place to test your skiing abilities. Aspen Mountain is the local favorite. The price point at Aspen deters some visitors, which funnels traffic to other resorts in the area. Locals choose Aspen mountain because of the advanced terrain and less crowded lines. There are no beginner trails at Aspen Mountain, so only seasoned skiers should attempt these slopes. |
