Aspen Ski Resort Guide & Reviews Ski Area, Apres-Ski, Things to See & Do in Aspen
Overview
A world famous ski resort, Aspen is known for its challenging and extensive ski terrain and classy apres-ski.
Yet, under the vail of sophistication, its a mountain village that is full of fun and packed with things to do on and off the slopes so dont't be put off by its reputation as being a ski resort reserved for superstars.
Après-ski
Cocktail and champagne bars are the norm with uber cool clubs and refined dining across the full spectrum of international cuisines is on offer - you will be spoilt for choice.
There are of course, many pubs and bars around the resort that serve up the more usual apres-ski beers, wine and live music.
| Key information (local area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2422m |
| Top lift | 3418m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 103 |
| Ski area (acre) | 675 |
| Longest run | 5 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | km |
| Season | Nov - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✔ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Sophisticated & lively |
Aspen Ski Area
If you think you could go skiing or snowboarding in Aspen and cover every trail and piste in a week then think again - the skiable terrain, covered by a single lift pass is massive with 5303 acres spread over 4 mountains with 329 pistes! The downside is that they are not lift-linked - there is a free shuttle that links all the areas.
- Aspen Mountain - intermediates and experts
- Aspen Highlands
- Buttermilk - best for beginners and snowboarders
- Snowmass - the largest skiing resort in the area
Beginners
Skiing on the local Aspen mountain is not for beginners - instead, newcomers and early intermediates head to Buttermilk just 3 miles from Aspen. Here, the 42 trails are more gentle and ideal for learning basic turns.
Intermediate
Whilst better known for its steeps, powder and bumps Aspen Mountain also holds some great wide-open blue cruiser runs which are perfect for intermediate skiers and boarders.
Advanced
Aspen Mountain has a reputation for challenging black or double-diamond pistes and its well desrved. Over half of the 76 pistes are reserved for advanced skiers and boarders with the back-country offering superb off-piste terrain.
Snowboard
The back-country off-piste areas are best for snowboarders on Aspen mountain. For one of the best terrain parks in Colorado, head to Buttermilk.
Aspen Lodging
There are many ski-in, ski-out chalets on the slopes of Aspen Mountain that may be rented direcly from the owners. However, the majority of the lodges and condos are in Downtown Aspen. This is where you can walk to most of the apres-ski venues with all the amenities on your door-step.
Spa & Wellness
With state of the art spas and wellness facilities throughout the village, you are never far from a relaxing treatment - the perfect tonic after a good day on the slopes.
Things to See & Do
For younger children, the Hideout at the base of Buttermilk offers an extensive childcare and activity program and is just 3 miles from Aspen. Snowmass Mountain’s Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center is also a very good option.
Off the slopes, there are plenty of other activities to keep ythe children and adults entertained including...
- Ski bikes
- Snowmobile tours
- Tobogganing
- Snow tubing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Cinema
- Bowling
- Sleigh ride dinners
Mychaletfinder's view on Aspen, Colorado
Aspen ski resort has a big reputation for being exclusive to the Hollywood A List but it is actually open to everyone. A superb resort, great fun, family friendly and guarantees snow being so high up in the Colorado Rocky mountains. With 4 mountains, the ski area is certainly vast and there is no danger of getting bored on the slopes.
