Aspen ski trip planning: four mountains, three days
Planning an Aspen ski trip starts with one decision: which of the four mountains fits your group. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass each have a different personality, and they share one lift ticket system, so you can ski all four in a single trip.
Before you go
Best time to visit
The ski season typically opens around Thanksgiving and runs into April. Holiday weeks around Christmas and Presidents' Day are the busiest. January and February bring cold temperatures and dependable snow. March is a local favorite, with longer days, sunshine and spring skiing.
Getting there
Aspen Pitkin County Airport is just a few miles from town and the fastest option, though mountain weather can delay flights. Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail is a backup about a couple of hours away. From Denver, the drive is long, and Independence Pass is closed in winter, so you will go around through Glenwood Springs. Check road conditions before you drive.
Getting around
Aspen is compact and walkable. Public buses connect town with Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass, and many lodges offer shuttles. You can leave the car parked for most of the trip.
Where to stay
- Downtown Aspen: walk to the Silver Queen Gondola, restaurants and shopping. Lively at night.
- Snowmass Village: ski in, ski out lodging, a family friendly base village and the largest mountain.
- Aspen Highlands: a smaller base village with direct access to expert terrain.
- Down valley in Basalt or Carbondale: a quieter option with a longer commute.
Know the four mountains
- Aspen Mountain, also called Ajax, rises right out of town. It is all intermediate and advanced terrain with no beginner runs.
- Aspen Highlands is known for Highland Bowl, steep expert terrain reached by a hike from the top of the lifts.
- Buttermilk is gentle and friendly, home to the ski school and well known for its terrain parks. It has hosted the Winter X Games.
- Snowmass is the largest of the four, with long cruising runs and terrain for every level.
Day 1: Settle in at Buttermilk or Snowmass
Morning
Aspen sits at nearly eight thousand feet, and the summits go much higher. Start easy. Pick up rentals in town, then spend the morning on Buttermilk or the gentler runs at Snowmass to get your legs under you. Drink plenty of water.
Afternoon
Take a lesson if anyone in your group is new or rusty. Snowmass has long groomed cruisers that are perfect for warming up. Stop early if the altitude is catching up with you.
Evening
Walk around downtown Aspen. Visit the historic Hotel Jerome, built in the silver mining era in 1889, and look at the Wheeler Opera House, another landmark from the same period. Have an early dinner and get some sleep.
Day 2: Aspen Mountain
Morning
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola from downtown to the summit of Aspen Mountain. On a clear day the views over the Elk Mountains are excellent. Spend the morning on the groomed blue runs off the top, then explore the ridge runs if you are comfortable.
Afternoon
Take a lunch break at the Sundeck at the summit, then ski until the legs say stop. Advanced skiers can explore the steeper runs and glades on the sides of the mountain.
Evening
Après ski in town. The streets around the base of the gondola fill with skiers in the late afternoon. Book dinner ahead, since popular restaurants fill quickly during the season.
Day 3: Aspen Highlands or a rest day
Morning
Strong experts should head to Aspen Highlands and hike Highland Bowl for one of the most memorable runs in Colorado. Check conditions with ski patrol, and only go if you are confident on steep, ungroomed terrain. Everyone else can return to their favorite mountain.
Afternoon
If your legs need a break, take a snowshoe walk or a cross country ski on the Nordic trails around town. Some visitors take a guided snowmobile or snowcat tour toward the Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed peaks in North America. The road to the Bells is closed to cars in winter.
Evening
For your last night, consider a drive down the valley to Glenwood Springs for a soak in its famous hot springs pool, or stay in town for a final dinner and a stroll.
If not everyone skis
Aspen works well for mixed groups. Nonskiers can ride the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain for the views and lunch at the top. Town has art galleries, shopping and the Aspen Art Museum, a modern building with a rooftop terrace that looks out on the mountain. Snowshoe tours, sleigh rides, dog sledding and cross country skiing on the valley's Nordic trail system are all good ways to spend a day outside without lift tickets. Spa time is a popular choice too, and many lodges have pools and hot tubs that feel perfect after a cold day.
What to pack
Pack layers you can add and remove: a base layer, a warm mid layer and a waterproof shell. Bring a warm hat, gloves or mittens, wool socks and goggles for flat light days. Sunglasses and strong sunscreen matter at high elevation, even in midwinter. For town, waterproof boots with good grip are more useful than fashionable shoes, because sidewalks can be icy. Book rentals ahead in busy weeks so the gear is waiting for you.
Tips for a great ski trip
- Respect the altitude. Drink water, limit alcohol the first night and take it easy on Day 1.
- Bring layers, goggles, sunscreen and lip balm. The sun is intense at elevation.
- Book lodging, lessons and rentals early for holiday weeks.
- If you are coordinating a big group, our group trip planner guide shows how to agree on mountains and dinners with a quick vote.
Planning it in Wander Off
Create an Aspen adventure and add each mountain, restaurant and activity to the Plan tab by day, so the group knows who is skiing where. Invite everyone to vote on dinner spots and the rest day, then book flights, lodging and things to do in the Tickets tab, and ask the AI Travel Concierge for ideas, which our AI travel planner guide explains. Photos and videos from every run land on the right day and place automatically. When the trip is over, make it public so friends can copy your plan, or start a summer mountain trip with our Yellowstone 3 day itinerary.
