Aspen Easter holidays
As with many of the other ski areas in Colorado, spring skiing in this resort is a real draw. With the sun beating down, softer snow and warmer temperatures, the ability to work on your tan on the slopes in the morning, before heading to an après venue (like Ajax Tavern) in the afternoon to soak up the sun on the patio is one of the best feelings in the world. At Aspen, the range of events available should manage to take the fancy of anyone who enjoys a bit of skiing, and even those that don’t.
Typically, the snowfall starts to tail off at the end of March. However, the beauty of this resort is its altitude – at its lowest point of 2,399m at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, it is higher than the majority of resorts in the Alps. Add to this the highest point of 3,813m at the Snowmass summit, and you have the makings of much lower temperatures, and the ability to usually maintain good snow later into the season. In addition, the majority of pistes on each of the mountains face north, and thus reduce exposure to the warm spring sun, meaning that it has less opportunity to melt the oh so precious snow. It has been claimed that its lack of people wanting to ski later in the season, rather than lack of snow that is the reason for Aspen closing in April.
As is typical with most US resorts, Aspen hosts a number of spring events on its mountains to entertain customers and locals alike. Previous years have seen happenings such as the Bud Light Spring Jam, with freestyle competitions, concerts and parties, all for free. The Battle in the Bowls has been a mainstay in late March, open to the public to battle their way up and down a mountain course in as little time as possible. Lastly, Schneetag is an event much like pond skimming seen in other resorts such as Breck and Heavenly, with a twist. Instead of simply skimming over a stretch of water on skis and maybe in fancy dress, Aspen’s event requires participants to build funny structures on skis and attempt to skim these over the water, much like Red Bull’s Flugtag. Usually a brilliant day’s entertainment and watching from a safe distance you can enjoy, wince and cheer for every success and, more often than not, fall. For a brilliant place to take advantage of the spring sun whilst having a drink, head to Zane’s Tavern in Aspen and chill on the patio, or cash in on the outdoor area of the Ajax Tavern for a usually great atmosphere.
Easter snow and skiing conditions in Aspen
Easter Snow History
Top alt:3,813m
Average snow depth
Mar/Apr188cm/90cm
Bottom alt:2,399m
Average snow depth
Mar/Apr136cm/68cm
Resort alt:3,813m
Easter ski rating