Aspen

Closed
Jack Lee
SnowPak Local Insider
Jack Lee
Pros
  • Upscale and lively town with tons of food and shopping
  • Fantastic intermediate and advanced ski terrain
  • Low elevation - altitude sickness won't be a problem
Cons
  • Expensive ski vacation

Overall

3.5

Aspen Mountain or “Ajax”, first opened in 1946, and is the flagship venture of the Aspen Skiing Company which has now expanded into a complex of four ski areas. Aspen is collectively known as a “skier’s mountain” as the terrain primarily appeals to intermediates with nearly half the runs rated blue and the remainder to be carved up by advanced and extreme skiers. If it’s your first time skiing, best to head down to its sister resorts Snowmass and Buttermilk across town.

Best month to go

February

Ski season on Aspen Mountain generally begins in late November during Thanksgiving weekend and goes through late March - sometimes stretching into April. The crowds start flooding in Christmas week and the party continues until the end of January as the town comes alive for the Wintersköl festival and the X Games. But if you’re only there for the mountain, the slopes are deserted during the X Games though it’s still considered peak season for lodging. If you’re a powder hound, the best months to ski or ride Aspen Mountain are December, January and February. That said, March and April are Colorado’s snowiest months, so even if you arrive late in the season there are still freshies to go around – though the snow tends to be a little heavier, turning into compact powder near the tail end of the season. For a good balance of sun, snow and quiet, February is good bet!

FLY TO

Aspen Pitkin County Airport

DRIVE/ SHUTTLE TO

Aspen Mountain (10 minutes)

Aspen (Walk)

  • Wide variety of lodging, dining and nightlife options
  • Aspen mountain has a reputation for expensive accommodation
  • Reasonably priced yet less convenient lodging further from slopes

Find accommodations around here

Snowmass Village (5-10 mi)

  • Great location for skiing at Snowmass and other mountains
  • Larger rental homes and condos than Aspen
  • Kids programs at the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center

Find accommodations around here

For beginners

There's no beginner terrain at Aspen Mountain so it's best to check out Buttermilk or Snowmass instead!

More beginners tips

For intermediates

Intermediate's will have plenty to ride here! Our picks for intermediates would have to be Dipsy Doodle under the Ajax Express lift and Ruthie's Run beneath Ruthie's lift where you can dip in and out of other runs through the trees.

More intermediates tips

For experts

Aspen Mountain is truly an expert's playground! Check out our favorite here Traynor's Ridge - the terrain is steep with large rocks and cliffs to launch off while you weave between the trees!

More experts tips

Find freshies

Ride between the trees from the end of Bear Paw to Rayburns above Spar Gulch. Unofficially known as the Cone Dumps, this is where unlimited face shots await!

Ditch the crowds

The Ajax Express lift is one of the busiest lifts, giving access to the upper mountain and two on-mountain restaurants. Avoid it during lunchtime or take the Silver Queen Gondola for other awesome terrain.

Non skiers

Non-skiers will be smothered with the endless activities here. Aspen Mountain is notoriously known for its vibrant nightlife so you know where non-skiers will be at night. During the day non-skiers can do everything from yoga classes to Nordic skiing.

Families

Families with intermediate skiers should do laps off Silver Queen Gondola where you'll find long and steep blue runs! The resort itself is also known for its family-friendliness as the town of Aspen is conveniently located at the foot of the mountain with a wide range of dining and lodging options.

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Aspen Reviews

Good 3.9 / 5
based on 58 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Average!3 / 5Nov 11, 2017
PEPeter E.
intermediate skier
Love it.awesome place.Love to go back.great people.great accesability.great resort.great peole.great prices.great lodging and food.perfect family place.perfect great accomodations and the lodge.love it.love to go there again.great skiing especially with all the snow.... More
Average!3.5 / 5Nov 10, 2017
NSNickolas S.
intermediate snowboarder
Aspen or Ajax if you want to be cool, can be quite an intimidating mountain. From the base it might as well be Everest. But one you get to the top, with it's majestic views, and start to actually make your way down you'll find it's quite possible.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 09, 2017
TThibaud
expert snowboarder
While the drive to aspen is hideous and strenuous the destination is world class. From steep runs to world class restaraunts aspen is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who want to shred powder in the afternoon then relax in a chalet in the evening.... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 26, 2017
JJJustin J.
Hands down best local spot with short lift lines and steep deep powder. The restruant has great food and excellent brews to complete the day and keep you hydrated. Love the hike to terrain!
Superb!5 / 5Oct 23, 2017
JSJason S.
I would highly recommend any intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders to ride aspen. Do not go here if it is your first time skiing. I loved taking one gondola to the very top of the mountain. Aspen has been my favorite place so far.
Poor!1 / 5Oct 20, 2017
EWEvan W.
Aspen is where it's at if you're a tourist. Everyone please head to Aspen for some wonderful tourist fun. So packed and icy; this place stinks! Ohh yeah, $15 hamburgers, yikes
Superb!5 / 5Oct 17, 2017
NGNick G.
Trees runs for days, some of the best bumps in the country, no beginner runs, ski right into town, amazing views, access to three other mountains, and it's not a Vail resort.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 07, 2017
JJason
Great mountain, mostly intermediate or advanced. Never crowded, fun town with lots of shopping and night life. Nothing is cheap about Aspen, so bring a big wallet or go somewhere else.
Superb!5 / 5Dec 17, 2013
SStacy
The scenery was absolutely magnificent. The natural beauty especially when the snow falls so softly in the evening is breathtaking.
Poor!1 / 5Oct 25, 2013
JJames
Too Expensive