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Aspen and Snowmass Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Bucket list resort
  • 4 mountains
  • As classy as it gets

Great for

  • Celeb spotting
  • Non Skiers
  • Varied ski area

Ski Holidays in Aspen and Snowmass

Prestige is probably the word that best describes Aspen Snowmass. This is one of the most renowned resorts worldwide, with 4 ski areas, exclusive dining and après, high-end shopping and the chance to rub shoulders with the A-Listers. If you can afford Aspen Snowmass, there are few places to rival this exquisite destination.

  • Flight Time
  • 9 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Denver, Jackson Hole etc.
  • Time zone
  • GMT -5 to -8 hours
  • Language
  • English
  • Currency
  • US Dollar
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Aspen and Snowmass Stats

Top Altitude
3,813m (Snowmass)
Bottom Altitude
2,399m (Buttermilk)
Resort Altitude
2421m (Aspen Village)
Total Piste
335 runs
Longest Run
Longshot (5.3 miles)
Slope Orientation
N/E/W
Vertical Drop
1,343m (Snowmass)
Skiable Vertical
1,343m (Snowmass)
Night Skiing
No
Glacier Skiing
No

Like its sister town Chamonix, Aspen's one of the best known, sought after resorts in the world. Obvious of the fact that the town has the highest average property price in the USA (an insane $5 million in 2018), it has long been a destination for the rich and famous. Stars and celebrities are sprinkled around the town, and Roman Abramovich, Mariah Carey and Lance Armstrong all have residences here (to name a few), giving you the chance to show up the celebs on the slopes. Despite this, the economic downturn in the late noughties did not leave Aspen unscathed, which, in our opinion, is no bad thing. Still ridiculously upmarket, the recession opened the doors to us mere mortals, enabling more reasonable accommodation and (much) cheaper dining options.

The skiing is world-class, with four mountain areas, each aiming at its own individual style and skill level. Aspen's town is situated at the bottom of Aspen Mountain (formerly Ajax Mountain), only a few miles away from Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands, with Snowmass Mountain and town a little further. Great for groups, families and solo skiers, the offerings off the slopes are extensive, with exclusive nightlife, fine dining, spas, as well as the necessary designer shops to keep its ultra-rich happy, with Prada, Gucci and Dior to name a few.

Aspen town itself started life as a mining town. The town's prosperity has been reproduced, mimicking its past affluence (an example of which would be being the first town in Colorado to generate and provide electricity for everyone residing in it in 1887). This has inspired the beautiful Victorian architecture, creating a visually spectacular setting. With its full population pushing 7000, the town has more amenities than many purpose-built ski settlements.

The Snowmass Mountain resort has recently had a $1 billion investment into its infrastructure. Located a few miles down the valley, various accommodation types have been built to cater to a more family-centric vibe. Structured in much the same way as terraced fields, the accommodation is tiered to make most lodging ski-in/ski-out.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Aspen and Snowmass Transfer Times

Eagle County Airport75 miles, 1 ½ hours
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport3.5 miles, 10 mins

The nearest airport to Aspen and Snowmass is Denver at 354 km or about ? by car

What's the ski area like in Aspen and Snowmass?

The four separate ski areas aren’t lift-linked, but the complimentary shuttle makes quick and easy transfers. Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass all offer customers different experiences and, combining to provide 335 runs and 5,524 skiable acres, offer a massive variety of skiing.

Aspen Mountain looms over the town of Aspen. It is not recommended for anyone other than a confident intermediate and above. It has no beginner runs; with 65% advanced and expert terrain, there’s no question of whom this mountain is aimed at, with numerous black diamond and double diamonds reachable from the top of the Silver Queen Gondola.

Aspen Highlands is home to some of the best groomers in the universe. Like Aspen, it’s aimed more at intermediates and advanced skiers than beginners, although it does feature 20% beginner runs. Head backcountry after a hike up to the Highland Bowl for some steep, high altitude skiing.

Buttermilk is the place to go if you’re setting out on skis for the first time. With wide, progressive terrain, you can descend the 2030 vertical feet completely on beginner runs, meaning you aren’t relegated to the bottom of the mountain as with most resorts. 35% of the mountain is beginner, and 39% intermediate, meaning you can easily progress throughout the week. We like the runs underneath West Buttermilk Express for confident beginners. Also, Buttermilk has made its mark as a freestyle heaven. Host to the X Games, it features 5 parks, 4 of which are linked to create one insane mega park over two miles long – a must for any wannabe Shaun White or Henrik Harlaut.

Last, but by no means least, is Snowmass. Furthest from Aspen, Snowmass has the largest skiable area, at over 3000 acres and one of the largest skiable verticals in the country at over 4,400 feet. An intermediate’s mecca, 55% of the mountain is mid difficulty terrain. The ability to ski the whole vertical on blues increases your time on the snow and, therefore, your ability to learn, progressing you at a faster rate. Take the Cirque Surface Lift to ski the length of the mountain right back into Snowmass Village itself.

Which other ski resorts are near to Aspen and Snowmass?

The nearest ski resorts to Aspen and Snowmass include Copper Mountain, Powderhorn.

Ski Area Facts

LocationUSA, Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Established1946
Downhill335 runs
Lift Pass$804-$984 (adult 6 day)

Beginner Slopes

15.5%

Intermediate Skiing

40.5%

Advance & Expert Terrain

44%

Snowboarding Trails

335 runs100%

Aspen and Snowmass Restaurants

Where to eat in Aspen and Snowmass and on the mountain

Element 47 Named after the 47th element in the periodic table, this restaurant is an homage to silver, responsible for bringing wealth to the town of Aspen. This restaurant’s atmosphere, service and food are an equal or better in comparison to the element, and could be likened to gold or platinum for the overall experience.

New York Pizza The New York Pizza company offers both sit in and takeaway options for some of the best pizzas in town. Offering pizzas, sandwiches and salads, this quick and easy eatery is a favourite for kids and adults alike, with options to customize your own pizza as well as its own signature “pies”.

Piñons Having been established in the town for 25 years, Piñons is a cracking example of Aspen fine dining. Decorated in a contemporary style, the varied and interesting twists on the al fresco cuisine provides a perfect setting for any celebration meal, or simply giving yourself a holiday treat.

Aspen and Snowmass Après Ski

Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Aspen and Snowmass

Eric’s Bar Part of the complex housing the Cigar Bar, Aspen Billiards and Su Casa, Eric’s Bar is one of the most popular venues in town. Open til late, you can go catch a chilled out drink early in the evening, or join later when it gets busier, with a buzzing vibe and atmosphere.

The Ajax Tavern Probably the most atmospheric, down to earth après joints in Aspen, the Ajax Tavern is a great option for those looking to party after their day’s skiing. With an extensive patio for sunning yourself on those warmer days, their broad drinks menu can keep you hydrated throughout the afternoon and evening as well as the numerous après food bites too.

Caribou Club For the most elite entertainment and nightlife in town, why not buy a week’s membership to the Caribou Club. Usually costing $500 for a couple’s weekly affiliation, and rising to about $1500 during peak dates, exclusivity is the key to this establishment. Graced by stars and celebs, you can enjoy a drink, food or a dance in a number of rooms, all furnished to the highest standards and oozing class.

Aspen and Snowmass Activites for Non-skiers

Krabloonik Fine Dining and Dog Sledding For a truly authentic mountain experience, and great way to see the surrounding scenery, give Krabloonik a call. Their two hour rides are held both morning, afternoon and evening, and are typically pulled by 10 Alaskan sled dogs, with the morning and afternoon rides including lunch, and the twilight one featuring a beautiful dinner. Perfect for everyone above the age of 3, this has all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience.

Above It All Balloon Co. If you think you’ve exhausted the sightseeing from the ground, or want to get some perspective on the area in which you are staying, jump in one of the baskets of the Above It All Balloon Co. With over 25 years’ experience, the staff are incredibly knowledgeable of the surrounding area, and hope to provide you with a fun, informative and safe ride, before being treated to a spectacular champagne brunch.

Aspen Recreation Center If the weather isn’t great, or your kids need entertaining when not skiing, or you just want to relax in sauna or steam room, make your way down to Aspen Recreation Center. With a large pool complex, complete with slide and lazy river, sports facilities like gym, tennis courts and climbing wall, and spa amenities in the shape of sauna, steam room and hot tub, there is likely to be something to keep your whole group entertained for hours.

Aspen Expeditions Worldwide For a rock climbing experience in the stunning scenery of the Rockies, look no further than Aspen Expeditions Worldwide. With trips into Independence pass, just a short drive away from resort, you have the option of a beginner session, perfect for easing you into climbing, to more difficult routes and pitches. The professionally certified instructors ensure the most possible safety and fun during you trip, allowing you to focus on the task (or rock face) in hand.

Aspen Golf Club If you’re looking for a pleasant way to spend your summer afternoon, we would definitely recommend checking out Aspen Golf Course. This 18 hole mountain course is a beautifully scenic ramble through the mountains, at a very reasonable price if you tee off slightly out of the main peak times. With lessons available, as well as a restaurant on site, you will have everything you need for a great day in the sun.

Aspen Fly Fishing Guide Service Surrounded by the fantastic scenery, some think there is no better way to spend a lazy summer day than waist deep in a river with a rod in hand. Operating in the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, Aspen Fly Fishing Guide Service can provide a knowledgeable excursion in Aspen’s waterways, in either a full or half day, perfect for the experienced veteran or enthusiastic rookie.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

With around 150 retail stores and a further 40 art galleries, Aspen is both one of the world's designer shopping centres, on a par with Gstaad or Cortina, and also a provider of more shopping of all types than most other winter sports resorts in the world. Famous names include Banana Republic, Chanel, Gap and Ralph Lauren. Unfortunately for those who don't like them, there are also several furriers trading for those who do.

Aspen Snowsports Finding the right equipment which matches you style in order to maximise comfort and enhance your ability is a crucial factor of any ski trip. Aspen Sports features 7 locations and provides rental delivery for utmost convenience, as well as storage at the store which it was rented from. Combine this with the quality of service you would only expect for Aspen, and you have the makings of a perfect rental experience.

Four Mountain Sports Owned by the company who are responsible for maintaining the four ski areas available for your pleasure in Aspen Snowmass, you can expect only the very best from Four Mountain Sports. Featuring a truly massive range of premium skis and boards in 9 separate locations (including one at the base of each of the mountains), you are able to switch your equipment at any time, maximising your chance of finding skis that really suit your riding style.

Aspen and Snowmass Package Ski Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Aspen and Snowmass

Whilst historically not great very early in the season, the snow depth and fall builds to their pinnacle between January and March, receiving the most snow from the annual average of 300 inches per season. The height of this resort manages to maintain most of this snowfall late into the year, with many saying it isn’t actually the lack of snow that closes the resort, but the lack of people wanting to ski.

Earlier in the season, the height can make for intense cold – whilst typically great piste skiing, if you fancy some fair-weather riding or a goggle tan, try and go later around March. In addition, if you’re looking for a bit of backcountry or want to sample the in-bound off-piste such as the Highlands Bowl, the best time is between the end of January and the beginning of April. The fact that most of the slopes face north means that the sun stays off them for longer, maintaining good conditions later in the day and making spring skiing all the more enjoyable. If you just want piste skiing but less queuing, just before Christmas is super – with the festive day to look forward to when you get back, you’ll be able to focus on something other than missing the Aspen slopes.

What's Aspen and Snowmass like at Christmas?

Being the benchmark of quality for a ski area is a tough accolade, but this resort takes it in its stride. Not only that, but Christmas in Aspen can be one of the most magical experiences, with its extensive 12 Days of Aspen Christmas events.
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Aspen and Snowmass like in the New Year?

Most think Aspen is only accessible to the super-rich. Whilst this is true in part, it’s become much more open to us mere mortals, and for those spending New Year in Aspen this is easily visible - from outrageously priced eating and parties to free events around the town.
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Aspen and Snowmass like in Half-Term?

Spending the school holidays in America is always a great option, as you avoid the crush found in most European resorts. Add to this, mountains catering for different skill levels and styles and you’ll find spending February Half term in Aspen is nigh on unbeatable.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Aspen and Snowmass like at Easter?

In our humble opinion, Easter in Aspen is an outrageously awesome experience. The sunny weather and altitude usually provide the perfect combination of good snow and warmth, and with a majority of north facing slopes, conditions stay better for longer.
Easter Ski Holidays

Aspen and Snowmass Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Aspen and Snowmass snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Aspen and Snowmass snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Aspen and Snowmass snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Sunny skies Today
  • Sunny skies Sunday
  • Sunny skies Monday
  • Sunny skies Tuesday
  • Sunny skies Wednesday
  • Current snow depth at top
    119 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    69 cm

Ski Accommodation in Aspen and Snowmass

We have 70 ski holidays in Aspen and Snowmass. Search all Aspen and Snowmass ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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Families have long been a vital part of Aspen Snowmass' clientele, and with the structure of the resort of 4 ski areas, all ages are catered for beautifully. With regards to skiing, whatever your skill level, you're sure to find something. If you have younger kids who are new to skiing, the Ski and Snowboard School is often regarded as one of the world's best. Providing lessons for kids from the age of 3 up to 17, their bases are situated at Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. You can also grab a family private lesson, perfect for learning with your loved ones. Aspen has offered for children under 6 to ski for free in past years, a fantastic incentive for families and a telling sign of how geared towards families this resort really is.

Buttermilk is a mountain paradise for beginners, with green runs peppered everywhere - usually very quiet. The ability to make your way from the top to bottom of the mountain on beginner runs can give newbies a real boost of confidence and set you up for progressing onto the more difficult terrain. Snowmass is also thought of as a brilliant family destination, with the largest ski area around. Its variety keeps most levels entertained. In addition to this, most accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, a great feature for those with little ones who don't fancy a walk. One thing to keep in mind, Aspen Mountain above Aspen town doesn't have any beginner runs whatsoever, so make sure you have the relevant ability and confidence for more challenging terrain before you set ski here.

Alternatively, if your child doesn't fancy the idea of skiing or is simply too young to join in, the town of Snowmass offers childcare at the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center. A kid's paradise, this indoor childcare centre cares for those from the age of 8 weeks to 4 years, allowing you to explore the ski area or sample the villages' delights. If you're looking for things to do during the evening, there are many restaurants to keep the kids and childish adults entertained. Brunelleschi's is a lovely little restaurant offering beautiful Italian food. It also has a kids' menu, where you can make your own pizza or pretzel, perfect for the budding chef or just keeping the children entertained. If they're not tired after their meal or want a different type of exercise other than skiing, you could always pop on down to the Aspen Recreation Centre, with its swimming pool, water slides and lazy river keeping young and old alike amused for many an hour.

Aspen Snowmass’ options, both on and off the mountain, make it a paradise for group skiing. Its four ski areas offer a variety of terrain and allow people to ski in an area dedicated to their style and skill around similar skiers or boarders. Buttermilk and Snowmass are great beginner areas, with the former also housing some of the best terrain parks in the country. Aspen Highlands features what are widely regarded as some of the best groomers in the world, perfect for intermediates, as well as some hairy steeps for some in-bound, off-piste skiing in the Highlands Bowl. Aspen Mountain, looming over Aspen town, contains absolutely no beginner runs. Thus, it is only really for confident intermediates and above, with some fantastically scary double diamonds and tree runs to keep the more advanced skiers entertained.

This resort’s après ski and off-mountain activities also make it an attractive destination for group holidays. A plethora of restaurants are sure to mean everybody’s tastes and budgets are catered for – whether you want adventurous American style food in Chef’s Club by Food & Wine, al fresco dining in Element 47, Italian in Mezzaluna or fast food in New York Pizza, the vast possibilities allow fussy members to be sated. The après ski is also varied, with options including live music in Belly Up Aspen, craft cocktails in Jimmy’s, a cigar from the humidor in the Cigar Bar or just a few end-of-the-day pints in Ajax Tavern. For those who don’t fancy skiing, boredom is a word not associated with this resort. You could survey the surrounding area from the hot air balloon or grab a ride on a husky sled tour.

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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Aspen and Snowmass

Maximum and minimum adult Aspen and Snowmass lift pass prices ranged from €270 to €270 for 6 days access to the Aspen and Snowmass ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Aspen and Snowmass holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price €41 - €41 €45 - €45 N / A
6 Day Price €266 - €266 €270 - €270 N / A
Age Range N / A N / A N / A
Aspen and Snowmass Packages + Extras

Getting to Aspen and Snowmass

Most of our ski holidays to Aspen and Snowmass packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Aspen and Snowmass from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Aspen and Snowmass from the UK?

Flights from London take about 9 hours to Denver, Jackson Hole etc.. This table shows approximate transfer times to Aspen and Snowmass from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Denver 354 km ?
Eagle County 112 km 1 hour 30 minutes
Aspen 1 km 5 minutes
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long is the transfer from nearest United States train station to Aspen and Snowmass?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Aspen and Snowmass transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Glenwood Springs 64 km 1 hour 4 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Aspen and Snowmass Maps

Aspen and Snowmass piste map
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Regional map
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Town Map
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More Aspen and Snowmass Information

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Aspen and Snowmass Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Aspen and Snowmass ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Similar Ski Resorts to Aspen and Snowmass in United States

United States Ski Holiday Resorts

Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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