Aspen

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Aspen is really four ski areas rolled into one resort. Aspen Highlands, Aspen (or Ajax) Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass can all be skied with the same ticket. Most are clustered close to downtown Aspen, but Snowmass is down the valley near Snowmass Village. A free shuttle system connects the four.

Aspen Highlands. Locals favorite Aspen Highlands is essentially one long ridge with trails dropping off either side. Aspen Highlands has thrilling descents at Golden Horn, Olympic Bowl, and Highland Bowl, a hike-in experience unlike any in Colorado. The steep and often bumpy cluster of trails around Steeplechase and Highland Bowl makes this mountain one of the best places to be on a good-powder day. Aspen Highlands has a wide-open bowl called Thunder that's popular with intermediate skiers, as well as plenty of lower-mountain blue runs. The best overall downhill run is Highland Bowl. Besides the comparatively short lift lines and some heart-pounding runs, a highlight of Aspen Highlands is your first trip to the 12,500-foot summit. The view, which includes the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak, is the most dramatic in the area, and one of the best in the country. Maroon Creek Rd., Aspen, CO, 81612. 970/925-1220 or 800/525-6200. www.aspensnowmass.com. Early Dec.-early Apr., daily 9-4.

Aspen Mountain. Open since 1947, Aspen Mountain is a dream destination for mogul and steep skiers. Nearby Bell Mountain provides some of the best bump skiing anywhere, followed by Walsh's (also a favorite for snowboarders), Hyrup's, and Kristi's. Those wanting long cruisers head to the ridges or valleys: Ruthie's Run, Ridge of the Bell, and International are the classics. There are no novice-level runs here: this is a resort where nearly half the trails are rated advanced or expert, and a black-diamond trail here might rank as a double-black diamond elsewhere. The narrow ski area is laid out on a series of steep, unforgiving ridges with little room for error. Most skiers spend much of the morning on intermediate trails off the upper-mountain quad. Then they head for lunch on the deck of Bonnie's, the mid-mountain restaurant that on sunny days is one of the great people-watching scenes in the skiing world. After a big storm there's snowcat skiing on the back side of the mountain. The biggest drawback to skiing at Aspen Mountain is that too many trails funnel into Spar Gulch, making the end-of-day rush to the bottom chaotic and often dangerous—a situation that has become increasingly tense because snowboarders are now part of the mix. Durant St., Aspen, CO, 81611. 970/925-1220 or 800/525-6200. www.aspensnowmass.com. Late Nov.-mid-Apr., daily 9-4.

Buttermilk. If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Aspen, spend a day at Buttermilk—a family-friendly place where it's virtually impossible to get into trouble. Buttermilk is terrific for novices, intermediates, and, thanks to its half-pipe and Buttermilk Park (which has over 100 features), snowboarders. It's a low-key, lighthearted sort of place, and an antidote to the kind of hotdogging you might encounter at Aspen Mountain. Sterner Run is a favorite for its length and curves, while Racer's Edge appeals to speed demons. Among the featured attractions is a hangout for children named Fort Frog. The Tiehack section to the east, with sweeping views of Maroon Creek valley, has several advanced runs (though nothing truly expert). It also has superb powder, and the deep snow sticks around longer because many serious skiers overlook this mountain. Buttermilk's allure hasn't been lost on pros, however; it now hosts the Winter X Games. W. Buttermilk Rd., Aspen, CO, 81612. 970/925-1220 or 800/525-6200. www.aspensnowmass.com. Early Dec.-mid-Apr., daily 9-4.

Facilities

Aspen Highlands. Aspen Highlands: 3,635-foot vertical drop; 1,028 skiable acres; 118 trails; 18% beginner, 30% intermediate, 16% advanced, 36% expert; 3 high-speed quad chairs, 2 triple chairs. Aspen, CO.

Aspen Mountain. Aspen Mountain: 3,267-foot vertical drop; 675 skiable acres; 76 trails; 48% intermediate, 26% advanced, 26% expert; 1 6-passenger gondola, 1 high-speed quad chair, 2 quad chairs, 1 high-speed double chair, 3 double chairs. Aspen, CO.

Buttermilk. Buttermilk: 2,030-foot vertical drop; 470 skiable acres; 44 trails; 35% beginner, 39% intermediate, 26% advanced; 3 high-speed quad chairs, 1 double chair, 4 surface lifts. Aspen, CO.

Lessons and Programs

Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Skiing Company gives lessons at all four mountains. Full-day group lessons start at $139, and a private half-day lesson for up to five other people will cost you $485. A noteworthy deal is the three-day guaranteed learn-to-ski or learn-to-snowboard package at Snowmass or Buttermilk, which includes lessons, rental gear, and lift tickets for $405. The company also runs snowcat trips on Aspen Mountain. Aspen, CO. 970/925-1220 or 800/525-6200.

Aspen Mountain Powder Tours. Aspen Mountain Powder Tours provides access to 1,500 acres on the back side of Aspen Mountain via a 12-person snow cat. Most of the terrain can be handled by confident intermediates, with about 10,000 vertical feet constituting a typical day's skiing. Reservations are required at least a day in advance, but you should book as early as possible. Full-day trips—including a hot lunch, two guides and all the skiing you can do—cost $410. Aspen, CO. 970/920-0720.

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets are $87, but almost nobody pays full price, thanks to multiday savings, early- and late-season specials, and other discounts.

Rentals

Numerous ski shops in Aspen rent equipment. Rental packages (skis, boots, and poles) start at around $45 per day and rise to $75 or more for the latest and greatest equipment. Snowboard packages (boots and boards) run about $50. Bargain shopping at stores around town may turn up better deals.

Aspen Sports. Aspen Sports has plenty of gear to choose from. 408 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, CO, 81611. 970/925-6331. www.aspensports.com.

Pomeroy Sports. Pomeroy Sports, at the base of Aspen Mountain across from the gondola, has good deals on equipment and rentals. 614 E. Durant Ave., Aspen, CO, 81611. 970/925-7875. www.pomeroysports.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
• Fishing
• Fitness
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Ice Skating

• Mountain Biking
• Nordic Skiing
• Paragliding
• Rafting
• Tour Sports