Aspen Winter Activities: 7 Fun Adventures for Snow Bunnies
Home to a top ski resort and one of the best small cities in the U.S., Aspen packs a big punch in terms of things to do. While the area offers year-round recreation, winter welcomes thousands to play in fresh powder. Keep reading for the top Aspen winter activities and plan a Colorado escape to the mountains.
Top Aspen Winter Activities for Snow Lovers
Skiing and Snowboarding
With four mountains and two towns, Aspen-Snowmass offers ski and snowboard terrain for all skill levels. Skiers find over 200 miles of trails, with beginning, intermediate and expert runs. Those new to the sport can take lessons, which serve guests as young as 2 years old.
For an added adventure, head to one of the terrain parks at Snowmass. Skiers and snowboarders have access to pipes, jumps, rails and combos. With over 100 features, this mountain ranks among the best terrain parks in the U.S.
In addition, Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System offers over 60 miles of cross-country trails that connect Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt. The whole family will find trails suited to their skills. For another option, skip the lines and crowds and schedule a powder tour. This option gives skiers VIP access to snowcats and backcountry trails.
In order to ski, guests must purchase lift tickets or passes. Multi-day tickets may offer discounts, and tickets work on all four mountains: Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk.
Snow Tubing
Grab the group and hop on a tube to ride down the mountain. Just head to Meadows at Elk Camp, where multiple lanes await tubers. The Snowmass tubing hill suits most ages, and tubers must be taller than 38 inches. As an added bonus, the area allows visitors to tube on select nights.
Guided Tours on the Mountains
Join local guides for expert tips and a behind-the-scenes look at Aspen-Snowmass. Guided tours provide a way to explore in a safe environment.
Looking for a new activity? Take a daily snow-bike tour. Suited for those 12 and older, these tours teach riders how to snow bike and then tackle two runs. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours, and reservations and lift tickets are required.
For something more laid-back, book a snowshoe tour. Trek along ridgelines while learning about the area’s ecology and hanging out with naturalists. Snowshoe tours also provide families a fun way to explore together.
Ice Climbing
Rock climbers can’t miss the opportunity to ice climb frozen waterfalls. Aspen Expeditions offers ice climbing tours for new, intermediate and advanced climbers. Their trained and certified guides help climbers navigate frozen locations for an adventurous experience and unforgettable views.
Alpine Coaster
One of the newest Aspen winter activities is Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. This attraction allows guests to ride a mile over the forest on an elevated track that reaches 28 miles per hour.
Each ride lasts seven to nine minutes, with curves, turns and hairpins. In order to customize the adventure, riders control the coaster’s speed and can brake when needed. Passengers should be at least 38 inches tall to ride, and drivers must be at least 54 inches and physically able to drive the coaster sled.
Ice Skating
Aspen Ice operates as a recreation facility dedicated to ice skating, figure skating and ice hockey. Open year-round, Aspen Ice welcomes visitors to glide across the indoor ice rink with friends and family. The facility charges a skate and rental free for public skating and hosts Friday night DJ skates.
Aspen Recreation Center members have free access to public skating at Lewis Ice Arena. The arena includes an NHL regulation-size rink, skate shop and rentals. Both venues also host private lessons.
Time to plan! Browse Aspen vacation rentals. After reading about these Aspen winter activities, learn about skiing Aspen and get tips.