Aspen Mountain

The identities of Aspen Mountain and the city of Aspen are intertwined. Both are rooted in a silver mining past, and both are forever moving forward in the pursuit of pleasure today. For visitors, joy can come in many forms here: excellent skiing and riding on the mountain, followed by world-class dining and shopping in town. When it comes to terrain, Aspen Mountain is unlike any other ski mountain in America, offering an abundance of options in a surprisingly compact space. A dash down the Face of Bell is a rite of passage for expert skiers the world over, while those in search of groomers can cruise down the same runs that will host the 2017 Audi FIS World Cup Finals. When the day is done, watch the action on the mountain fade into town at Ajax Tavern, the iconic après ski spot at the base of the Silver Queen Gondola.

Aspen Highlands

Situated in between Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk, you will find a true original – Aspen Highlands. Rising 3,635 feet (1,108 meters) from the base area, this narrow ridge presents a dramatic reveal as you ride the chairlift up — blue and black runs dive down its flanks, while glimpses of the iconic Maroon Bells in the distance leave little doubt that you are on the one-and-only Aspen Highlands. Once you are at the top, you’ll find the real reason why this mountain is adored by locals: the hike-in terrain of Highland Bowl, rising another 717 feet above the last lift. Over at the newly renovated Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro — where the après ski scene goes into overdrive around 2 pm — rub elbows with an eclectic mix of locals, international skiers and the occasional celeb over pots of steaming fondue and glasses of champagne.

Buttermilk

Ranked #1 Overall Resort by Transworld Snowboarding Buttermilk represents the quieter side of Aspen Snowmass. Here you can enjoy excellent beginner terrain, the smooth but steep advanced runs of the Tiehack area, and the amazing scenery of nearby Pyramid Peak. Try some new tricks at the S3 Terrain Park or the Buttermilk Terrain Park, which despite its international fame (courtesy of the X Games Aspen) still has a mellow vibe to it. At Buttermilk, lift lines are a rare sight, allowing you to enjoy as many turns as you can squeeze into a day. At the base, the new Hideout — an innovative learning center for children — invites young kids to find their way into the sport of skiing through gentle slopes and interactive play areas.