Are you looking for the perfect skiing destination? Look no further than Aspen, Colorado. The city is known for its world-class ski resorts that cater to skiers of all levels. In this article, we’ll explore the top ski resorts in Aspen, what makes them unique, and why they’re worth visiting.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Aspen Mountain
- Snowmass
- Buttermilk
- Aspen Highlands
- Highlands Bowl
- Maroon Bells
- Off-slope activities
- Accommodations
- Ski schools
- Best time to visit
- How to get there
- Skiing gear
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Aspen is home to four ski resorts: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. Each resort is unique in its own way, offering a range of skiing terrains, from beginner slopes to advanced runs. With over 5,500 acres of skiable terrain and an average of 300 inches of snow per year, Aspen is a skier’s paradise.
Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is the oldest and most famous ski resort in Aspen. It’s known for its steep, challenging terrain, and it’s a favorite among advanced skiers. The resort has a vertical rise of 3,267 feet, and it offers 76 trails, with the longest run being 3 miles. The resort also boasts some of the best views in Aspen, with panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Snowmass
Snowmass is the largest ski resort in Aspen, with over 3,300 skiable acres. It’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its wide range of skiing terrain, from beginner slopes to expert runs. The resort has a vertical rise of 4,406 feet, and it offers 94 trails, with the longest run being 5.3 miles. Snowmass is also home to the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, which offers childcare services and ski lessons for kids.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is the perfect ski resort for beginners and families. It’s known for its gentle, rolling slopes and its excellent ski school. The resort has a vertical rise of 2,030 feet, and it offers 44 trails, with the longest run being 3 miles. Buttermilk is also home to the ESPN Winter X Games, which take place every January.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands is known for its challenging terrain and its backcountry skiing. The resort has a vertical rise of 3,635 feet, and it offers 130 trails, with the longest run being 5.3 miles. Aspen Highlands is also home to the legendary Highlands Bowl, which offers some of the best powder skiing in North America.
Highlands Bowl
The Highlands Bowl is a must-visit for advanced skiers. It’s accessible only by hiking or by taking a snowcat, which makes it even more exclusive. The bowl offers over 700 acres of backcountry skiing, with runs that can last up to an hour. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every serious skier should try.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, located just outside of Aspen. The peaks are known for their stunning beauty and their popularity among hikers and photographers. In the winter, the Maroon Bells offer some of the best snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Aspen.
Off-slope activities
Aspen offers a range of off-slope activities, from shopping to dining to spas. The city is known for its luxury boutiques and its world-class restaurants. It’s also home to some of the best spas in the world, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day on the slopes.
Accommodations
Aspen offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy cabins. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, check out The Little Nell or the St. Regis Aspen Resort. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options, like the Aspen Mountain Lodge or the Tyrolean Lodge.
Ski schools
If you’re a beginner, taking ski lessons is a must. Aspen offers a range of ski schools, from group lessons to private lessons to kids’ ski lessons. The most popular ski schools in Aspen are the Aspen Snowmass Ski School and the Buttermilk Ski School.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Aspen for skiing is from December to February. During this time, the snow is at its best, and the slopes are not too crowded. If you’re looking for a more affordable time to visit, try visiting in March or April.
How to get there
Aspen is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and it’s not the easiest place to get to. The closest airport is the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which offers flights from major cities like Denver, Los Angeles, and Chicago. You can also drive to Aspen from Denver, which takes about 4 hours.
Skiing gear
If you’re planning a skiing trip to Aspen, it’s essential to have the proper gear. Make sure to bring warm clothing, including a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, and a hat. You’ll also need ski boots, skis, and ski poles. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent it at one of the many ski rental shops in Aspen.
Conclusion
Aspen is one of the best skiing destinations in the world, with four world-class ski resorts and a range of off-slope activities. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, there’s something for everyone in Aspen. So pack your bags, grab your skis, and hit the slopes!
FAQs
- What is the best ski resort in Aspen for beginners? Buttermilk is the best ski resort in Aspen for beginners.
- What is the best time to visit Aspen for skiing? The best time to visit Aspen for skiing is from December to February.
- How do I get to Aspen? The closest airport to Aspen is the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which offers flights from major cities like Denver, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- What off-slope activities are there in Aspen? Aspen offers a range of off-slope activities, from shopping to dining to spas.
- What is the Maroon Bells? The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, located just outside of Aspen.
