The area has Four great ski mountains: Aspen (Ajax), Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.
Check out some of the Impressive facts:
- Ski area 5,305 acres
- Number of lifts 43
- Number of runs 329
- Grade of skiing: 42% advanced, 43% intermediate, 15% beginner
- Top elevation 12,510 ft
- Vertical drop 4,406 ft
- Average snowfall 25 ft
- Season 24 November 2011 - 2 April 2012
ASPEN / SNOWMASS VILLAGE
Aspen/Snowmass’ investment in its guest experience is unparalleled with over $130 million in on-mountain improvements made during the last six years. Additionally, Aspen/Snowmass will invest nearly $8 million this year alone, giving guests the most seamless skiing/riding experience in the industry. Recent improvements include 11 new lifts with two new gondolas, the industry-leading Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, three new restaurants, two superpipes, additional terrain and – perhaps most importantly – the ability to speed through hands-free gates at all lift locations so you can spend more time skiing/riding.
ASPEN AIRPORT/SARDY FIELD
- 3 miles/4.8 km to Aspen
- 6 miles/9.6 km to Snowmass Village
Aspen and Snowmass make a fantastic destination for first time skiers to North America and also for regulars to North America and who have yet to sample the charm of Aspen and Snowmass.
Born2Ski can help you find suitable accommodation for your Aspen and Snowmass holiday stay with a whole range of properties to suit every budget — From Ski Condominiums and Ski Lodges to Catered Aspen Chalets and some fabulous Ski Hotels.
Aspen along with our other favourite St Anton is a world class ski destination.
Its four great ski areas offer endless off piste and back country skiing plus fantastic nightlife and the renowned shopping. The Cirque Bar and Grill is know locally for live music and the Sky bar (39 Degrees) and J bar are all great places to head to after skiing.
The town of Aspen has everything plus the four very different ski mountains have ski and snowboard terrain to suit everyone.
Aspen Mountain which runs into the centre of Aspen town is closest, Aspen Highlands is known for its steep runs and the famous Highlands Bowl, Buttermilk is excellent for beginners and anyone wanting snowboard parks. Home of the famous X games in January.
Snowmass is the largest area with skiing and riding for all abilities. There is a regular connecting FREE shuttle bus to all the ski areas so Aspen and Snowmass really do offer all the perfect ingredients for a great ski or snowboard holiday.
The Skiing
Beginners
Buttermilk and Snowmass mountains are beginners' and families' heaven — both are forgiving and uncrowded with wide open gentle slopes which make learning to ski fun for everyone
Intermediates
Discover the long cruising runs on Aspen Highlands, starting from the mid-mountain 'Merry Go Round' restaurant. Ajax has a huge range of runs whilst Snowmass has enough trails to exhaust the piste skier.
Advanced
There are challenges in all 4 mountains. Snowmass offers great tree skiing and plenty of off-piste powder, plus some wickedly steep chutes including The Hanging Valley Glades and the Cirque the longest lift served vertical rise in the USA. Aspen boasts a minefield of moguls and offers the most challenging skiing of all.
However the must do of every advanced skier if possible is the classic hike along the ridge to do the ‘Highland Bowl’ what can we say but magnificent and totally memorable. One of those great ski runs to tick off on your top 10 list. Definitely Pay a visit for lunch to the excellent ‘Cloud Nine Bistro’ and sample the Austrian style après and a well deserved schnapps. I can personally recommend the fondue.
Snowboarders
Freestyle action is at Snowmass — Pipeline Terrain Park or at Buttermilk - Crazy T'rain, the world’s longest terrain park. The park is 2 miles long and is home to the X-Games competition which occurs every January.
Après Ski
Aspen certainly has some of the best après ski in North America we can vouch for this and with great restaurants also there is plenty to do after a days skiing.
Renowned ASPEN NIGHTLIFE!
Consistently ranked tops in nightlife (with over 100 bars, restaurants and clubs), Aspen/Snowmass offers something for everyone with everything from billiards to jazz clubs, dancing to no-nonsense watering holes, coffee houses to internet-connected taxi rides. Never a dull moment when the sun goes down.
Great musicians love Aspen/Snowmass, and the feelings mutual. Check out the wicked live music scene at our outdoor concerts in downtown Aspen, Belly Up in Aspen and the Snowmass concert stage. Every week boasts a great line-up; The Offspring, Ziggy Marley, Ozomatli, Violent Femmes, John Hiatt and the Roots have all recently rocked the house.
Some of our favourite bars are : Eric's Bar, Mezzaluna, J Bar, 39 Degrees and Syzygy for Jazz.
A definite must for everyone who loves Austrian style après ski — such as me then you must visit Cloud Nine at least once on your stay — for great lunch and après on Highlands. I certainly have spent many happy hours here dancing and having fun.
Restaurants
Consistently rated the #1 resort in North America for dining, Aspen/Snowmass has over 100 bars and restaurants to choose from. You'll find menus to please every palate here.
Some of our favourites are: Elevation, The Steak Pit, Su Casa and Zocalito Latin Bistro.
Other Activities
- Superb shopping
- several first-class art galleries and museums
- Aspen Club health and leisure centre
- Anderson Ranch Arts Centre
- Snowmobiling
- Hot air ballooning
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice skating
- Snow cat ski tours
- Husky dog sledding
