Skiing Aspen: Travel Tips for Your Colorado Vacation

Skiing Aspen offers vacationers access to four mountains in Colorado. The Aspen-Snowmass area is home to Aspen Mountain, Snowmass Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Mountain. Each offers their own terrain and activities for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. When it’s time to plan an Aspen ski vacation, there is some important information to know and ways to save money. Read more for some skiing Aspen travel tips.

Skiing Aspen: Visitor Guide to the Basics and Tips

How to Purchase Lift Tickets

Aspen-Snowmass offers visitors two options for skiing access: tickets and passes. Lift tickets are available from one to 10 days in several different price points, and those who purchase early receive discounts. Also, the more tickets purchased, the more guests save.

Those skiing Aspen regularly should consider a season pass, which offers unlimited skiing and riding and exclusive benefits. Both tickets and passes provide access to all four mountains located in the Aspen-Snowmass area.

Book Equipment Rentals

Several companies offer equipment rentals for the ultimate Aspen skiing experience. One of the largest is Four Mountain Sports, which has nine locations throughout Aspen-Snowmass. All ski packages include skis, boots, and poles, and snowboard packages include board, boots and bindings. Helmets and safety equipment must be purchased separately, but those who plan in advance receive discounts.

Transportation Options

Aspen is located about 220 miles from Denver International Airport, but the city also has its own airport that offers direct flights from United, Delta and American Airlines. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport provides hundreds of one-stop connections from and to Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and other cities.

Once in Aspen, visitors can get around town via bicycles, shuttles and walking on pedestrian-friendly streets. The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (aka Rafta to locals) provides public bus transportation throughout the four mountains.

Take a Ski Lesson

For first-timers or experts, Aspen ski lessons are a smart way for the family to gain new skills. Aspen-Snowmass offers lessons for all ages, ranging from as young as 2 years old to adults. Younger guests are grouped into lessons by age, and adults can take group and private lessons. Women can also join the women-only group that caters to intermediate and expert skiers.

Explore Mountain Tours

Learn about Aspen-Snowmass in a new way when on an Aspen sightseeing tour. Early birds will want to reserve a spot for First Tracks, an early morning first run on the freshly groomed snow.

Aces Ski Tour is open to guests older than 7 years old, and lift tickets and gear are required. This free tour caters to intermediate skiers who want to learn about the alpine environment, winter habitats and wildlife. ACES (Naturalist from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) also offers two-hour guided snowshoe tours that explore Rocky Mountain winter ecology and animals. These tours cost around $45-$65 per person.

Try Other Winter Activities

Guests not into skiing Aspen have plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy. Every Friday during peak winter season, visitors can join Ullr nights, a nighttime party that honors the Norse God of Snow. Just take a gondola ride to Elk Camp for tubing, ice skating, snowbiking, live music, and s’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire.

Younger kids have fun with interactive exhibits at Treehouse Kids Adventure Center and The Hideout. For a family dinner paired with adventure, try a Snowcat dinner ride for a meal on the mountain. Guests will also find affordable yoga classes and one of the best apres ski scenes in North America, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

Learn more about Aspen-Snowmass and what to expect when visiting.