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Aspen’s Ski Heaven: 4 Perfect Places for Every Adventurer

With its four distinct mountains, Aspen/Snowmass offers an unparalleled skiing experience, making it a haven for ski enthusiasts of all levels.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Skiing in Aspen is one of the favorite activities for tourist / Photo via Snowmass
Skiing in Aspen is one of the favorite activities for tourist / Photo via Snowmass

In Aspen, four ski resorts are interconnected, allowing visitors to use the same lift ticket. Nestled in the scenic Roaring Fork Valley, these ski resorts are conveniently located near one another.

 

The four ski destinations—Aspen Mountain (often called Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass—are ranked in proximity to Aspen’s downtown area. 

 

These resorts provide a variety of terrains, catering to every skill level. Advanced skiers can tackle challenging bowls, steep vertical drops, and lengthy runs, while beginners enjoy smooth groomed trails and gentle slopes.

Skiing through the trees is a highlight, and compared to the busier resorts in Summit County, Aspen maintains a more relaxed atmosphere.

 

While Aspen has a reputation for being expensive, there are ways to save money. Early-season discounts on multi-day lift tickets are worth considering, and affordable lodging options can be found in Carbondale, a 30-minute drive away. 

 

After hitting the slopes, visitors can take advantage of happy hour specials in town.

The Little Nell Aspen / Photo via The Little Nell website
The Little Nell Aspen / Photo via The Little Nell website

Aspen Mountain, aka Ajax

Aspen Mountain, known locally as Ajax, is a playground for experienced skiers and snowboarders. 

 

The mountain features advanced runs from top to bottom, including steep terrain, moguls, tree runs, and groomed trails. 

 

The slopes lead directly into Aspen’s charming downtown, offering one of the most picturesque ski-in Aspen experiences.

 

The Silver Queen Gondola provides a smooth, snow-free ride from the town center to the summit. 

 

On the mountain, several dining options are available, including a reasonably priced lodge at the peak. Downtown Aspen complements the ski experience with high-end restaurants and a historic ambiance.

Aspen AJAX Ski Resort / Photo via AspenChamber
Aspen AJAX Ski Resort / Photo via AspenChamber

Aspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands is a favorite among locals, known for its challenging terrain and the iconic Highland Bowl. 

 

Reaching the bowl involves a strenuous hike of 30 to 45 minutes from the main lift, ascending about 700 vertical feet along the ridge. 

 

The effort is rewarded with exceptional skiing and breathtaking views. Snowboarders can also navigate the terrain with ease, thanks to a minimal traverse at the end of the run.

 

While dining options on the mountain are limited, the small Highlands Village at the base offers two restaurants.

Aspen Highlands Cabines are part of the fun of the experience / Photo via AspenHiglands.com
Aspen Highlands Cabines are part of the fun of the experience / Photo via AspenHiglands.com

Buttermilk Mountain

Buttermilk is perfect for beginners but also offers fun opportunities for intermediate and advanced skiers. 

 

Despite its modest size (470 acres) it makes excellent use of its terrain with three express lifts, well-groomed trails, and impressive terrain parks. 

 

One of Buttermilk’s standout features is its free, up-close parking, adding to its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.

Most of the runs are easygoing blue cruisers, with some mild tree skiing available. 

 

Powder often lingers in the glades longer here than at the other resorts, making it a hidden gem for fresh tracks. Dining options include one on-mountain restaurant and two more at the base.

A man skiing at Buttermilk Mountain / Photo via Jesse Hoffman
A man skiing at Buttermilk Mountain / Photo via Jesse Hoffman

Snowmass

Snowmass is the largest of Aspen’s four mountains and the most popular for visitors. Its expansive terrain caters to every skill level, with numerous lifts providing access to its vast slopes. 

 

Skiers and snowboarders should plan at least a full day to explore everything Snowmass has to offer.

 

The resort boasts the most on-mountain dining options, along with a bustling base village. 

 

Nearly 95% of Snowmass accommodations offer ski-in/ski-out convenience, making it a top choice for those seeking an effortless ski-in Aspen experience. 

 

The modern village, built into the mountainside, enhances the overall experience with its contemporary design and amenities.

If you found this article about Best Places for skiing in Aspen interesting, please share it. You can also check out Trends for Luxury Vacations in 2025 and other travel articles in Journey  section. 

The theme in the campaign is "The World Is Yours" / Photo via Louis Vuitton
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