Skiing in Aspen

Here's our guide to Aspen

Skiing and the Mountains

• The skiing is spread over four mountains Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands, one lift pass covers them all
• Aspen Mountain, or Ajax as it is known, is the area directly above the town. It has a good range of intermediate and advanced runs but is not suitable for beginners. The off-piste powder is superb and there are plenty of challenging moguls
• Snowmass is about 12 miles away by free shuttle bus and is the largest area with 16 lifts and a wide range of skiing for all abilities
• Buttermilk, a mile outside the town, has earned the reputation as one of the best beginner's and practice areas in North America
• Aspen Highlands has a more relaxed and casual atmosphere with wide runs and long easy intermediate trails. Its Jelly Bean bus service runs every 15 minutes from the centre of town
• Aspen/Snowmass boasts the most extensive system of groomed cross-country skiing in North America, often called the fifth mountain. T here are more than 40 miles of Nordic groomed trails that link Aspen and Snowmass
• If you love powdertake a  powder tour. Luxury snowcats take you to prime untracked stashes on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Fresh tracks guaranteed and a gourmet lunch is included
• The resort has committed to host the X-Games competition until 2007 and now lays claim to the longest terrain park in the world, located on Buttermilk Mountain
• Join the staff of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains for an early morning first run of the day on freshly groomed snow or powder. Offered on Wednesdays and Fridays in Snowmass and daily in Aspen. Space is limited so advance reservations are recommended

Après-ski

• Stop in at the legendary J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome on the National Register of Historic Places and order the infamous "Aspen Crud." Ask the bartender to show you the autographed drawer, signed by every bartender who's served there since the 1800s
• Aspen is as famous for its shopping as it is for its skiing and is an expensive resort to visit. This is demonstrated by the rows of designer stores nestled in amongst its picturesque frontier town buildings. Y ou would be hard pushed to name a European ski resort that can boast a Prada and Chanel store in its list of shops
• The Popcorn Wagon with a fire pit out front and yummy (cheap) food is a perfect people-watching location and is also a locals' favourite. Open late, it's a great post-party pit stop
• Consistently rated the #1 resort in North America for dining, Aspen/Snowmass has over 100 bars and restaurants to choose from. Recommended restaurants are t he Renaissance and Mezzaluna, and you'll often see famous faces at the Hostaria
• For a taste of old Aspen visit the Red Onion, Aspen's oldest and most famous bar since 1892 - celebrating 114 years as the locals' favourite 
• Out past your bedtime? No problem… The Aspen/Snowmass party scene is legendary so the town offers a free bus service, which operates until 2am. If you do drive and find you've had too much to drink, take advantage of the Tipsy Taxi programme...ask any bartender how to get a free taxi ride home
• Storytelling by the campfire is an old Aspen tradition. Enjoy roasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and tales of the old West.  Free for all ages

Resort Facts