Build your Aspen Ski Trip
Learn more about Aspen
- 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
- Expensive ski vacation
Overall
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.
February
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
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
For beginners
There's no beginner terrain at Aspen Mountain so it's best to check out Buttermilk or Snowmass instead!
More beginners tipsFor 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 tipsFor 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 tipsFind 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.