Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass comprises four distinct mountains, each offering a unique character and connected by a convenient free bus system and a single lift ticket. Snowmass is the largest with 3,362 acres, while Aspen Mountain is known as a steep hill favored by locals. Highlands is famous for the challenging Highland Bowl hike, and Buttermilk serves as a gentle paradise for beginners and hosts the X Games. The resort is also included on the Ikon Pass.

A frequent and efficient free bus system connects all four Aspen Snowmass mountains. It is highly recommended to use this service for travel between mountains rather than driving.

Snowmass is an intermediate skier's dream, offering 3,362 acres of varied terrain. Its Big Burn is a massive open bowl featuring perfectly pitched blue runs, providing enough scope for a week of exploration on its own.

For first-timers, Buttermilk is the ideal mountain, providing gentle, wide slopes and patient instructors. Snowmass also offers excellent beginner terrain at Elk Camp, conveniently accessed via a gondola from the village. The Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School operates across all four mountains, consistently ranked among the best in the world. Beginners will find the most suitable instruction and terrain at Buttermilk.

Snowmass Village is purpose-built with families in mind, offering convenient ski-in/ski-out lodging, a walkable layout, and the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Centre. This village is also generally more affordable and convenient for families compared to Aspen town itself. For kids' ski lessons, the Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School offers multi-day camps, which are highly recommended for structured progression and better results than single lessons.

For advanced skiers, Aspen Mountain offers no green runs, with its entire terrain dedicated to intermediate to expert levels. The legendary Highland Bowl at Highlands requires a challenging 45-minute bootpack hike at altitude. This ascent rewards with an unforgettable descent of over 3,000 feet of steep, open bowl skiing, considered one of North American skiing's ultimate experiences. The Aspen Snowmass Ski and Snowboard School also offers guided experiences for the Highland Bowl, which is a bucket-list item if you can manage the hike.

For a delightful après-ski experience, visit Ajax Tavern at the base of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy their famous truffle fries on the patio, soaking in the atmosphere after a day on the slopes.

When choosing accommodation, consider Snowmass Village for its abundance of ski-in/ski-out lodging options and overall convenience. It also tends to be more affordable, especially for families, compared to Aspen town.