Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 02, 2018
Doug S. intermediate skier
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Pros
- Steep terrain with long runs and lots of moguls - a real expert's playground
- Plenty on offer for intermediate skiers and snowboarders
- Endless activities and vibrant nightlife in town of Aspen just next to the base
- Family-friendly resort
- Lift ticket also covers Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk
Cons
- Terrain not suitable for beginners; try nearby Snowmass or Buttermilk instead!
- Limited groomed runs
- No terrain parks, but there are natural features around
- Can be a pricey ski vacation
Overall
Aspen Mountain or “Ajax”, first opened in 1946, and is the flagship venture of the Aspen Skiing Company which has now expanded into a complex of four ski areas. Aspen is collectively known as a “skier’s mountain” as the terrain primarily appeals to intermediates with nearly half the runs rated blue and the remainder to be carved up by advanced and extreme skiers. If it’s your first time skiing, best to head down to its sister resorts Snowmass and Buttermilk across town.
Best month to go
February
Ski season on Aspen Mountain generally begins in late November during Thanksgiving weekend and goes through late March - sometimes stretching into April. The crowds start flooding in Christmas week and the party continues until the end of January as the town comes alive for the Wintersköl festival and the X Games. But if you’re only there for the mountain, the slopes are deserted during the X Games though it’s still considered peak season for lodging. If you’re a powder hound, the best months to ski or ride Aspen Mountain are December, January and February. That said, March and April are Colorado’s snowiest months, so even if you arrive late in the season there are still freshies to go around – though the snow tends to be a little heavier, turning into compact powder near the tail end of the season. For a good balance of sun, snow and quiet, February is good bet!
FLY TO
Aspen Pitkin County Airport
DRIVE/ SHUTTLE TO
Aspen Mountain (10 minutes)
Aspen (Walk)
- Wide variety of lodging, dining and nightlife options
- Reputation for expensive accommodation
- Reasonably priced yet less convenient lodging further from slopes
Snowmass Village (5-10 mi)
- Great for skiing at Snowmass and other mountains
- Larger rental homes and condos than Aspen
- Kids programs at the Treehouse Kids Adventure Center
For beginners
There's no beginner terrain at Aspen Mountain so it's best to check out Buttermilk or Snowmass instead!
More beginners tipsFor intermediates
Intermediate's will have plenty to ride here! Our picks for intermediates would have to be Dipsy Doodle under the Ajax Express lift and Ruthie's Run beneath Ruthie's lift where you can dip in and out of other runs through the trees.
More intermediates tipsFor experts
Aspen Mountain is truly an expert's playground! Check out our favorite here Traynor's Ridge - the terrain is steep with large rocks and cliffs to launch off while you weave between the trees!
More experts tipsFind freshies
Ride between the trees from the end of Bear Paw to Rayburns above Spar Gulch. Unofficially known as the Cone Dumps, this is where unlimited face shots await!
Ditch the crowds
The Ajax Express lift is one of the busiest lifts, giving access to the upper mountain and two on-mountain restaurants. Avoid it during lunchtime or take the Silver Queen Gondola for other awesome terrain.
Non skiers
Non-skiers will be smothered with the endless activities here. The town of Aspen is notoriously known for its vibrant nightlife so you know where non-skiers will be at night. During the day non-skiers can do everything from yoga classes to nordic skiing.
Families
Families with intermediate skiers should do laps off Silver Queen Gondola where you'll find long and steep blue runs! The resort itself is also known for its family-friendliness and the town of Aspen is conveniently located at the foot of the mountain with a wide range of dining and lodging options.
Aspen Highlands
| Aspen Mountain | Aspen Highlands | |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | - | - |
| intermediate | 48 % | 23 % |
| advanced | 26 % | 12 % |
| expert | 26 % | 65 % |
| total runs | 76 | 144 |
| ski area | 675ac | 1,040ac |
| summit elevation | 11,214ft | 11,677ft |
| total lifts | 8 | 5 |
| child lift ticket | Free | Free |
| adult lift ticket | $155 | $155 |
| uncrowded | ||
| snow | ||
| back country | ||
| value for money | ||
| average total snowfall | 199″ | 200″ |
Save up to 38% when you book a Aspen Mountain package!
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Aspen Mountain Reviews
Doug S. Very Good!4 / 5Nov 19, 2018
Fernando L. advanced snowboarder
Superb!4.8 / 5Dec 04, 2017
JDJeremy D.
I love this park. The runs are fun and always varied, the lift time and wait is never very bad. And the options you have from easy runs to diamonds is great. It's the perfect place for begenners and pros both. If your looking for a awesome place to shred aspen is for you... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 30, 2017
BLBen L.
Wicked terrain! Way too much to explore in one day, so spend a few here! Only downside is it is very expensive, lift tickets and accomodations. Can get quite crowded too. It is busy for good reason though1... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
My favorite of all the Aspen mountains. Lots of variance in terrain from the nice long trails for cruising, to steep and technical for a challenge. Also, the park is always on point. Lift ticket prices are high but this is one mountain where it may be worth it. The mountain is expansive so even on a busier day if you get to the top and steeper... Moreexpert snowboarder
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 21, 2017
MSMaximillan S.
I had the most fun I've ever had snowboarding at Aspen mountain, the lifts were efficient, the mountain wasn't to crowded, and they made it easy to rent equipment. I would definitely shred there again.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Superb!5 / 5Nov 20, 2017
AGArt G.
I hope I win so I can travel there and enjoy a short vacation. LIVING in Lubbock Texas gets boring sometimes. There's nothing to do here. I'm a disabled Marine Corps veteran... Morebeginner skier
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 20, 2017
DHDavid H.
I love Aspen! I grew up a skier so when I return to Aspen Mountain and found skiers, I was thrilled. I could feel the mild distain. "Ug snowboarder". The nice thing about being a former skier is I understand. I have always tried to raise the bar for the clan of Burton Americans.
It was a time warp. The moguls were like in the old days. ... Moreexpert snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 19, 2017
ACAlbert C.
Aspen was more than I expected. Super friendly staff and such a great environment. The trails were perfectly groomed and has some amazing views. Truly a excellent experience!! I've been recommending the resort to all my friends!... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 17, 2017
EMEric M.
This would be fun, and be the best time ever. I would love to do this. This is a trip of a life time. It's also beautiful as can be.... Morebeginner snowboarder