Four Mountains + Two Towns = One Epic Winter Experience In Aspen Snowmass
One resort made up of four magical mountains and two vibrant towns, Aspen Snowmass has something to meet the needs of every type of skier or snowboarder, whether a first-time rider or a seasoned professional. Sitting at the base of two of the mountains, visitors can stay in Aspen and Snowmass Village, combining chic ski-in, ski-out hotels and family-friendly apartments, a variety of off-slope activities and an extensive variety of food and drink options.
Aspen Mountain: Best for powder and parties
Opens 23 November
Locally known as Ajax, Aspen Mountain rises from the heart of Aspen town where visitors will be met by a tight-knit local community, exquisite dining opportunities and a buzzing après scene. This winter season (23/24), Aspen Mountain welcomes the opening of Hero’s, a new terrain expansion adding 153 acres of steep glades with spectacular views of Independence Pass as well as a brand-new high-speed quad. The steep slopes of Aspen mountain are also home to the 2024 Audi FIS Ski World Cup (1-3 March) where alpine racers from around the world will suit up and clip in to compete in men’s slalom and giant slalom. Head to Ajax Tavern at the foot of the mountain for an open-air après experience at the terrace of Ajax Tavern, part of the iconic Little Nell Hotel. Be sure to try its infamous burger and truffle fries.
Buttermilk: Best for beginners and park rats
Opens 9 December
Located halfway between the towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village, Buttermilk is widely considered the resort’s best beginner-friendly mountain. A natural playground, Buttermilk offers gentle terrain which is perfect for kids to master the basics with a renowned ski school and newly transformed base area, offering an intuitive skier service building that ensures a smooth experience. Buttermilk Terrain Park is home to the iconic X Games where visitors will be able to watch three days of heart-pounding action featuring the world’s best athletes competing in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Pop into Cliffhouse for a much-needed rest and refuel with hearty mountain food from the popular Mongolian grill.
Snowmass: Best for families and off-slope adventures
Opens 23 November
With more terrain than all three other mountains combined, Snowmass offers a variety of runs suited to all types of skiers. At the bottom of the pistes, visitors will find the resort's second town, Snowmass Village, which exudes an authentic alpine feel and offers a variety of off-slope activities for families to enjoy. Head to Elk Camp for Ullr nights where kids can ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, tube down the mountain and enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire. If you are looking for a way to explore the area's natural beauty without putting on your skis, why not take a free guided snowshoe hike with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) for a glimpse into the high alpine ecosystem. Tours depart daily from the Elk Camp Gondola.
Aspen Highlands: Best for backcountry and uphilling
Opens 9 December
A more modest mountain, Highlands is a local favourite with a wild yet welcoming terrain boasting wide open runs begging to be carved, as well as the resort's most iconic backcountry experience, The Highland Bowl. Hiking and skiing the remarkable Highland Bowl is a must for any advanced-to-expert skier or boarder. Reaching 3,700 metres above sea level, the bowl is the ultimate powder playground with 270 acres of terrain to conquer. Pay a visit to Cloud Nine Bistro, an authentic European-style eatery with fondue, wine and a breath-taking backdrop of the iconic Maroon Bells. Uphilling, more commonly known as skinning or ski-touring, refers to hiking up the mountain on skis and is another incredible way to experience Highlands terrain. A rewarding, yet tasking experience, uphilling is perfect for those looking for a challenge.
Where to stay?
With all four mountains within conveniently close proximity, there is a range of options for accommodation scattered across both Aspen and Snowmass Village. Here are some of the top picks.
MOLLIE, Aspen - opening early 2024
MOLLIE Aspen, a new boutique hotel featuring 68 rooms in the heart of Aspen is due to open in early 2024. Designed by Post Company, MOLLIE’s interiors feature native materials from Aspen and the wider Western region, accentuated with natural woods, earthen ceramics and hand-dyed textiles. The hotel’s culinary programme is led by Gin & Luck, the group behind the Death & Co. brand, and consists of a lobby bar and restaurant with year-round outdoor seating and an all-day café. Set atop MOLLIE’s top floor is a rooftop pool and bar that transforms into a speakeasy by night, serving signature cocktails and light fare with unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain.
Limelight Aspen and Limelight Snowmass
Located in the heart of Snowmass Village, Limelight Hotel Snowmass provides guests with ski-in/ski-out access, and is within close proximity of Snowmass’ shops and attractions to keep the whole family entertained. The hotel boasts Colorado’s largest indoor rock-climbing wall, spa pools, children’s game area and fitness facilities. . Only a 20 minute drive away, The Limelight Hotel Aspen features 126 guest rooms and suites with a modern alpine interior. The popular Lounge bar and restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas and daily après-ski specials. Both hotels offer pet-friendly rooms, live music and more, ensuring a relaxing, yet fun-filled experience for friends, families, couples and solo travellers.
The Little Nell, Aspen
Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, The Little Nell boasts a stylish and sophisticated interior and prime slope-side location. The hotel offers an incredible range of on- and off-mountain activities throughout the year such as snowcat powder tours and snowshoe experiences. Element 47, the hotel’s main restaurant, offers incredible food cooked by world-renowned chefs whilst the Ajax Tavern serves up heart alpine food on the mountainside patio.
