Buttermilk Ski Resort - Aspen, CO

Buttermilk is Aspen’s beginner and family mountain resort, with over 400 acres of gently sloping groomers and wide-open ski trails. It’s the perfect learning mountain to practice a new winter sport.

Coincidentally, it’s also where the Winter X Games have been held annually for several years (in Aspen since 2002). Every January, the best winter athletes from around the world show up to compete in a variety of competitions, from alpine skiing to snowmobile racing.

Terrain

Buttermilk Summit Express Lift — Heading to the summit of Buttermilk Ski Resort.

Buttermilk has a 2000-foot vertical and 470 acres of skiable terrain. Most of the trails at Buttermilk cater to those learning the sport. These wide-open and gently rolling runs are a perfect place to practice your skills before venturing over to Snowmass or the Highlands. The mountain is also a favorite Aspen resort for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

The smooth-rolling slopes offer a prime place to try out new tricks and hone existing skills. There are many natural features to jib off of, in addition to two terrain parks and a giant 22-foot superpipe. Greens and blues make up nearly three-quarters of the terrain at Buttermilk.

There are some black runs, but not a single expert (double-black diamond) trail. The place to go for expert stuff is Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. There’s a total of 44 trails and 2 terrain parks, including the Panda Pipe & Park for beginners.

Village

Buttermilk Mountain Lodge — Buttermilk base lodge.

Buttermilk has dining available at both the base and summit: The Bumps and the Cliffhouse on the Summit. There is also lodging available at the base of Buttermilk and four rental and retail shops. Downtown Aspen is a short drive or free shuttle ride away.

Aspen has everything you need for a dream ski vacation. You can find five-star lodging, dining, shopping, and more in this historic mining town.

Need a place to stay? Read about the best hotels in Aspen.