Winter in Aspen Snowmass

One resort made up of four mountains and two vibrant towns, Aspen Snowmass has something to delight every type of skier or snowboarder.

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, plus a variety of off-slope activities.

Aspen Mountain: Best for powder and parties

Locally known as Ajax, Aspen Mountain rises from the heart of Aspen town. This winter season Aspen Mountain welcomes the opening of Hero’s, a new terrain expansion adding 153 acres of steep glades with spectacular views of Independence Pass. There is also 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 w. Head to Ajax Tavern at the foot of the mountain for an open-air après experience, part of the iconic Little Nell Hotel.

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. Buttermilk offers gentle terrain which is perfect for kids with a renowned ski school and newly transformed base area. Buttermilk Terrain Park is home to the iconic X Games where visitors will be able to watch three days of action featuring the world’s best athletes competing in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Check out Cliffhouse for a much- hearty mountain food from the popular Mongolian grill.

Snowmass: Best for families and off-slope adventures

With more terrain than all three other mountains combined, Snowmass offers a variety of runs suited to all levels. At the bottom of the pistes, visitors will find the resort’s second town, Snowmass Village, which exudes an authentic alpine feel ideal for fanilies. 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, take a free guided snowshoe hike with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). 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. It also has the resort’s most iconic backcountry experience, The Highland Bowl. Hiking and skiing the 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. 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.

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.

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. MOLLIE’s interiors feature native materials from Aspen and the wider Western region, accentuated with natural woods and hand-dyed textiles. The hotel’s culinary program is led by Gin & Luck, the group behind the Death & Co. brand. It consists of a lobby bar and restaurant with year-round outdoor seating and an all-day café. MOLLIE’s top floor houses a rooftop pool and bar that transforms into a speakeasy by night.

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. 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.

The Little Nell, Aspen 

Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, The Little Nell boasts a stylish interior and prime slope-side location. The hotel offers a wide 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 top class food cooked by renowned chefs whilst the Ajax Tavern serves up hearty alpine food on the mountainside patio.