Snowmass Ski Area
Aspen Snowmass is a world-class ski destination comprising four distinct mountains, offering unparalleled terrain and breathtaking Rocky Mountain scen...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better conditions
Snowmass Ski Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better conditions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aspen Snowmass is a world-class ski destination comprising four distinct mountains, offering unparalleled terrain and breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery.
"Aspen Snowmass is hands down one of the best ski destinations our family has skied!"
🎟️ Book Lift Tickets Early
Secure your Aspen Snowmass lift tickets online in advance for potential savings and to guarantee access.
🚗 Consider Public Transport
Free shuttle buses connect the four mountains and Aspen town, a convenient and eco-friendly option.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snowmass's Expansive Terrain
Snowmass Mountain
The second-largest ski area in Colorado, offering diverse runs for all skill levels. Explore its vastness for an unforgettable day on the slopes.

Aspen Highlands Bowl
Aspen Highlands
A challenging hike-to terrain offering breathtaking panoramic views and incredible powder skiing for advanced riders.

Buttermilk's Terrain Parks
Buttermilk
Renowned for its world-class terrain parks, hosting X Games. Perfect for freestyle skiers and snowboarders looking to hit jumps and rails.

Aspen Mountain (Ajax)
Aspen Mountain
The iconic, historic mountain offering challenging groomers and stunning views of the Roaring Fork Valley. No beginner terrain here!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Aspen Snowmass
Best Time to Hit the Slopes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Lift Tickets Early
Secure your Aspen Snowmass lift tickets online in advance for potential savings and to guarantee access.
🚗 Consider Public Transport
Free shuttle buses connect the four mountains and Aspen town, a convenient and eco-friendly option.
🎿 Rent Gear in Advance
Book ski and snowboard rentals ahead of time, especially if you need them for multiple days or during peak season.
🗺️ Explore All Four Mountains
Each mountain offers a unique experience. Dedicate time to Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Buttermilk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Lift Tickets Early
Secure your Aspen Snowmass lift tickets online in advance for potential savings and to guarantee access.
🚗 Consider Public Transport
Free shuttle buses connect the four mountains and Aspen town, a convenient and eco-friendly option.
🎿 Rent Gear in Advance
Book ski and snowboard rentals ahead of time, especially if you need them for multiple days or during peak season.
🗺️ Explore All Four Mountains
Each mountain offers a unique experience. Dedicate time to Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Buttermilk.
☕ Après-Ski Vibes
Enjoy the vibrant après-ski scene in Snowmass Village and Aspen town with live music and great food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aspen Snowmass for its incredible terrain variety, stunning scenery, and well-maintained slopes, making it a top-tier ski destination. The efficient lift system and friendly staff contribute to a positive experience, though some find the costs to be quite high and parking can be a challenge.
"This place is pretty incredible! We came just to ride the mountain coaster, but there's so much to do and the facility looks brand new. Staff is also extremely friendly!"
Mr3dPHD
"I love this ski mountain. It has a variety of runs. Amazing variety. They have all kinds of national or like world wide competitions from time to time. Mountain is huge with so many different lifts. It’d take like 30 mins to traverse from one side to the other. The blue/black runs are on the easy side. But double blacks are standard double black difficulties. Mountain is not crowded at all.
There are many many food options. Even a decent proper restaurant on the top of the black run area on the bottom left. Pretty decent views.
Parking lot could be hard to find unless paid parking. Then there’s public transport which people take but it’s super slow compared to driving yourself.
I also love the Aspen logo cap. I bought 3 in different colors 💀 after I left.
The downtown is nice too. Many boutique stores like almost anything you can think ofz
Only few months to go till the next season🙂↕️what can I say I love this place."
I
"First time on the mountain and what a great time it was! Came out for a bachelor trip and it didn’t disappoint! The weather was warm but there were a couple nights we got snow and really brought some fresh pow onto the mountain Didn’t get to ride all the mountains but highly recommend! Will be back!"
Dominick Santoro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Snowmass from Aspen via the free RFTA bus system, which runs frequently between the towns and mountains. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging and expensive.
The most convenient way is to use the free RFTA shuttle buses that connect Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. They run on regular schedules throughout the ski day.
Yes, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the closest, offering direct flights from select cities. Denver International Airport (DEN) is a larger option, about a 4-hour drive away, with shuttle services available.
Yes, there is parking available at Snowmass, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Paid parking options are also available. Consider using the shuttle service to avoid parking hassles.
Snowmass Village is very walkable, with shops, restaurants, and lodging all easily accessible. The ski-in/ski-out access is a major perk for many visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Snowmass lift tickets online through the official Aspen Snowmass website. Buying in advance is highly recommended, as prices can increase closer to your visit and availability may be limited.
The cost of Snowmass lift tickets varies depending on the season, day of the week, and how far in advance you purchase them. Expect prices to be higher during peak periods. Checking the official website for current pricing is best.
Look for potential discounts through multi-day passes, Ikon Pass options, or early/late season promotions. Sometimes, booking through lodging packages can also offer savings.
While not always required, making reservations for lift tickets, especially during peak times, is strongly advised to ensure you can ski on your desired dates. Check the Aspen Snowmass website for the latest reservation policies.
Lift operating hours typically start around 8:30 AM and run until 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM, depending on the mountain and time of year. It's always best to check the daily ski report for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Snowmass offers excellent intermediate terrain. Runs like 'Hunky Dory,' 'Big Burn,' and 'Hogback' are highly recommended for their groomed conditions and enjoyable gradients.
Yes, Snowmass has dedicated beginner areas and gentle slopes, particularly in the Assay Hill and Elk Camp areas. Many visitors find it suitable for learning.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Snowmass offers tubing, ice skating (free!), snowshoeing, and scenic gondola rides. The village also has shops and restaurants.
While Aspen Snowmass is a popular destination, many reviewers note that Snowmass itself is vast and often feels less crowded than other mountains, especially on weekdays.
There are numerous on-mountain dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Elk Camp Restaurant and Sam's are popular choices for a meal with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning panoramic views, head to the top of the mountain or the Highland Bowl. The vistas of the surrounding Rockies are incredible.
Yes, many ski lifts offer scenic views. Be sure to secure your phone or camera properly, especially on windy days. The gondolas provide enclosed, stable platforms for photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Mid-day can be bright, but also offers clear views of the terrain.
The views from the summit of Snowmass, overlooking the vast ski area and the Elk Mountains, are iconic. Also, capturing the unique architecture of Snowmass Village can make for great shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for action shots. Consider a durable, weather-sealed camera and extra batteries, as cold temperatures drain them quickly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the slopes, Snowmass Village offers family-friendly activities like tubing and ice skating, which are often free. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, and the availability of diverse dining options ensures everyone finds something they enjoy. Consider booking accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access to make getting around with little ones much easier.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for accommodations slightly further from the prime ski-in/ski-out locations, or consider staying in nearby towns like Basalt or Carbondale and utilizing the RFTA bus system to commute. Packing your own snacks and water, and taking advantage of the more casual on-mountain eateries can also help manage food expenses.
🏂 Advanced Riders & Freestylers
If freestyle is your passion, Buttermilk is the place to be, with its world-class terrain parks featuring jumps, rails, and halfpipes. Snowmass also offers a variety of challenging black and double-black diamond runs for those looking to push their limits on its vast terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Four Mountains
Aspen Mountain (Ajax), located directly in town, is for intermediate to advanced skiers only, with challenging groomers and no beginner terrain. Aspen Highlands is a local favorite, offering steep and challenging runs, including the famous Highland Bowl, which requires a hike to access but rewards with incredible powder.
Finally, Buttermilk is renowned for its world-class terrain parks, hosting the Winter X Games, making it a mecca for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. It also offers some beginner-friendly slopes.
Lift Tickets and Passes: Maximizing Value
For avid skiers and snowboarders, consider the Ikon Pass, which often includes access to Aspen Snowmass. If you plan on visiting multiple resorts throughout the season, this can be a very cost-effective option. Always compare the cost of individual lift tickets versus a multi-resort pass to determine the best value for your trip.
Look out for Aspen Snowmass discount lift tickets or Snowmass lift ticket deals, especially during the shoulder seasons or through specific promotions. While half-day lift tickets are sometimes available, they may not offer significant savings compared to a full day, so weigh your options carefully.
Ski Rentals and Gear
It's advisable to reserve your equipment in advance, especially during peak holiday periods or when traveling with a group. This ensures that the specific gear you need will be available. Many shops offer online booking and allow you to pick up your gear the evening before your first ski day, maximizing your time on the slopes.
Consider the type of skiing you plan to do when selecting your rental equipment. For general cruising, all-mountain skis are a good choice. If you're looking to explore off-piste or powder conditions, wider skis might be more suitable. Don't hesitate to ask the rental shop staff for recommendations based on your experience level and the current snow conditions.
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