Aspen Deals & Travel Info
Aspen Mountain is the crown jewel of the Aspen/Snowmass area which encompasses 4 ski resorts. Aspen is one of the most famous luxury destinations in the world, but the skiing is a small part of this allure. Aspen Mountain is smaller than Snowmass, less extreme than Aspen Highlands, and has less beginner terrain than Buttermilk. It is a great place to ski, but the city of Aspen and it’s pedestrian village, luxury real estate, and unique shops are really what make this a one-of-a-kind ski town.
Aspen Mountain Highlights
Considering a vacation to Aspen? Here is a quick summary for you:
- Steep moguls and tree skiing
- Not for beginners (try Buttermilk instead)
- World-famous luxury mountain city
- Fun top to bottom runs via the gondola
- Access 4 local Aspen/Snowmass resorts
- Hidden memorials for Jimi Hendrix, John Denver, Jerry Garcia and others
Aspen, CO FAQ
There is plenty of expert skiing here but this mountain is not covered with unavoidable cliffs or extreme terrain. There is just no beginner terrain here. You can easily make it from the top to the bottom without skiing any black runs.
Nope. The parks in the Aspen/Snowmass area can be found on Buttermilk and Snowmass.
There are many and the mystery makes it a bit more fun. Here is a tip for those that are interested. Head down Ruthie’s Run and check out some of the tree islands on your right-hand side. There is a long, strange trip through the woods there that will take you to one of these memorials. If you really want an experience, take a right off of International toward some of the giant rocks that you can see from the Silver Queen Gondola.
Aim for the Brush Creek Park & Ride lot, just outside of town. This is on the free bus route and will take you into Aspen. There is virtually no parking for skiers in Aspen unless you have accommodations there.
Getting to Aspen
Many people fly right into the Aspen airport because it is located only a few minutes from downtown Aspen. Flying into the Eagle County airport is also another option. Driving from Denver is tough during the winter months because Independence Pass closes for the winter, making the drive even longer. That drive is almost 4 hours during the winter if the weather is good. See more Aspen transportation info here.
Tips for Skiing Aspen Mountain
Find steep moguls on Bell Mountain. You’ll be able to see the mogul fields on the Face of Bell, Back of Bell, and surrounding trails while traveling up the Silver Queen Gondola.
Use the Silver Queen Gondola for fun top to bottom runs. This is a great way to ski lots of vertical, but be careful towards the bottom because everyone gets funneled into a small area.
Wash’s and Traynor Ridge have the steepest skiing. Walsh’s and the surrounding trails are more likely to be opened throughout the season than Traynor Ridge. Walsh’s is where one of the two paraglider launch sites is located.