No other Colorado town boasts the impressive compilation of Colorado ski resorts in one location like the town of Aspen does. Home to the Winter X Games and a legendary terrain park, Aspen boasts a collection of four ski areas including, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Ski Resort.
The four mountains make up a total of 5,527 skiable acres, 362 trails from beginner to expert, 41 chairlifts, and access to the beautiful towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village. All four mountains are connected by short rides via the free bus system, making it easy to ski all four in one day.
Here are the ski areas closest to Aspen, CO, in order of proximity:
Aspen Mountain – <1mi | minutes walk
Famous for its black-diamond runs, skiing history, and the host of the World Cup races, Aspen Mountain is a legend in the skiing community. Advanced and expert skiers and riders love the mountain’s big bumps, steep grade, and out-of-this-world glades. With no green runs, Aspen Mountain is geared more towards intermediate to expert skiers and riders.
Aside from its epic runs, the entire Aspen Mountain experience is unlike any other. Take in stunning mountain views at the Sundeck, cheers to the lively apres-ski scene at Ajax Tavern, and toast to the good life with the pop-up Oasis champagne bar, all in a day’s work at Aspen Mountain.
Aspen Mountain features 675 acres of skiable area, both bowl and cat skiing, 64 trails, and runs for intermediate, advanced, and expert. The ski area sits at a base elevation of 7,945 feet (2,422 meters) and its summit elevation reaches 11,212 feet (3,417 meters), with a vertical rise of 3,267 feet (996 meters). The annual average snowfall is 300 inches.
Aspen Highlands – 2 miles | 5-10 minutes drive
The local’s favorite, the Aspen Highlands is often overshadowed by its neighboring mountains, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds. There’s a little bit of something for everyone at Aspen Highlands. have the thrill of your life with a hike to the Highland Bowl for some of the best steeps around, while beginners rejoice with the long cruisers off the Cloud Nine Chairlift.
Aspen Highlands features 1,040 acres of skiable area, both bowl and cat skiing, 84 miles of trails, and a nice blend of beginner and intermediate runs along with hike-accessible bowls that are some of the steepest in the state. The ski area sits at a base elevation of 8,040 feet (2,451 meters) and its summit elevation reaches 12,392 feet (3,777 meters), with a vertical drop of 3,635 feet (1,107 meters). The annual average snowfall is 300 inches.
Buttermilk – 3 miles | 10 minutes
Best known for its role in hosting the Winter X Games Aspen, Buttermilk is a beacon for freestyle riders and skiers looking to test just how high they can fly. Buttermilk Park features a variety of terrain including, the number one 22-foot superpipe, jumps, quarter pipes, and anything else you can think of for freestyle riders and skiers.
Beyond its expansive terrain parks, Buttermilk also welcomes beginners and intermediates with its wide-open, gently rolling hills and The Hideout – an imaginative learning center for adolescent skiers. Expect mainly green and blue runs, with no double-black-diamond trails.
Buttermilk mountain features 470 acres of skiable area, 21 miles of trails, world-class terrain parks, and plenty of accessible runs for beginners and intermediate skiers and riders. The ski area sits at a base elevation of 7,870 feet (2,399 meters) and its summit elevation reaches 9,900 feet (3,018 meters), with a vertical rise of 2,030 feet (618 meters). The annual average snowfall is 200 inches.
Snowmass – 9 miles | 20 minutes
Despite holding the record for the highest vertical drop in the country, Snowmass in Snowmass Village is also known for its wide-open, groomed trails. It’s rated as one of the best family ski areas in the U.S.
Skiers and boarders will find everything they need here for a fun day on the slopes from the expert terrain at Burnt Mountain Glades to the outstanding beginner facilities for first-timers. Off the mountain, guests will enjoy the Snowmass Base Village featuring an ice rink, climbing wall, luxury lodging, and more.
Snowmass Mountain offers 3,132 acres of skiable area, terrain parks, 91 trails, 21 chair lifts, and a variety of terrain including, untouched glades, steeps, halfpipes, and gentle cruisers. The ski area sits at a base elevation of 8,104 feet (2,470 meters) and its summit elevation reaches 12,510 feet (3,813 meters), with a vertical drop of 4,406 feet, the highest in the country. The annual average snowfall is 300 inches.
The Aspen Snowmass area offers one of the best ski experiences in Colorado on its over 5500 skiable acres. With easy access to four different mountains, each showcasing its own features and unique terrain, all you could ever want for your skiing adventure.
But if you’re looking to venture a bit further, the legendary and luxurious terrain of Vail Ski Resort is just under two hours away. Ski both Vail and Aspen on one trip for the ultimate Colorado ski vacation.
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