Buttermilk Ski Resort

Children skiing with coach in Buttermilk Ski Resort
Colorado / Buttermilk

We have put together a list of everything you need to know about Buttermilk Ski Resort.

Buttermilk Ski Resort Overview

Buttermilk Ski Resort is the smallest of the four ski resorts at Aspen Snowmass, which includes Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands. It is known for being the most beginner and family-friendly with plenty of gentle slopes. It hosts the X Games, an annual sports competition.

Ski Terrain

  • Beginner runs: 35%
  • Intermediate runs: 39%
  • Advanced runs: 26%
  • Expert runs: 0%
  • Total ski runs: 44
  • Terrain Parks: 9

Mountain Statistics

  • Summit elevation: 9900 feet
  • Skiable area: 470 acre
  • Average Snowfall: 200 inch

Buttermilk Ski Resort Trail Map

Buttermilk trail map

Buttermilk Ski Resort Lift Tickets

Buttermilk Ski Resort has several types of lift tickets including day lift tickets, season passes, Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective Pass. Below is a detailed explanation of the differences between the lift tickets.

Day Lift Ticket

The Buttermilk Lift Ticket gives you access to all four mountains in Aspen Snowmass. The lift ticket availability can potentially be limited during busy periods to maintain a good ski experience. 

  • Cost: Prices start from around $196 for a 1-day Adult ticket (in-resort rate). In general, weekend prices are more expensive than weekday prices.
  • Available for purchase: During ski season

Season Passes

Buttermilk offers several season pass options to cater to different preferences. These season passes provides access to all four mountains of Aspen Snowmass.

  • Premier Pass: This pass gives you access to all four mountains throughout the ski season plus additional benefits such as a complimentary Ikon Base Pass, Uphill  Pass, and Summer Sightseeing lift ticket. It also provides discounts for day lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and more.
  • Alpine Pass: This pass gives 1-Day or 2-Day access each week throughout the ski season, with no blackout dates. 
  • Valley Pass: This pass is only for those with a Colorado driver’s license or state-issued ID from one of the selected areas near Aspen Snowmass. It provides 7-day access throughout the ski season.

Ikon Pass

You can access Buttermilk Ski Resort on 2 types of Ikon Passes. Ikon Passes are available for purchase pre-ski season until around the end of November. Lift reservation is required and can be made using your Ikon account after your pass has been issued. The differences between the passes are highlighted below.

  • Ikon Pass gives unlimited access to 15 resorts and up to 7 days each at 40 ski resorts with no blackout dates throughout the ski season. You can access Buttermilk (or the other Aspen Snowmass mountains) for a total of 7 days. 
  • Ikon Base Plus Pass gives unlimited access to 14 ski resorts and up to 5 days each at 41 destinations with some blackout dates. You can access Buttermilk (or other Aspen Snowmass mountains) for 5 days in total.

Mountain Collective Pass

The Mountain Collective Pass provides 2 day access each to 24 ski resorts across 5 continents with no blackout dates. 

  • Mountain Access: 2 days total at Aspen Snowmass including Buttermilk. Lift reservations are required so it is recommended to reserve as early as possible
  • Additional Benefits: Half-price for additional days at the Collective resorts and lodging deals.
  • Ideal for: People who want to ski at multiple ski resorts for a short period of time.

Buttermilk Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Buttermilk Ski and Snowboard School offer group lessons, private lessons, and clinics. The check-in locations are either at the base of the Summit Express, inside the ticket office, or at the Hideout.

  • Adult Group Lessons (Age 18+): The lesson is for up to 5 people for a full day. For first-timers, lift tickets, rentals, and helmets are included in the price.
  • Child Group Lessons (Age 2.5-17): There are half or full-day lessons for ages 2.5-4, but only full-day lessons are available for ages 5-17. For ages 2.5-6, there are only ski lessons, and for ages 7-17, both ski and snowboard lessons are available.
  • Private Lessons: This is a personalized lesson of up to 5 people with the option of half or full day. You get priority lift access, complimentary ski storage, and transportation between mountains. There are also guided experiences to explore Buttermilk like a local.
  • Group Clinics: This lesson is for intermediate or advanced skiers and riders to improve their skills with skilled professionals. There is also a Race Clinic (for improving racing abilities) and Women’s Edge Ski Clinic available.

Nearest Town to Buttermilk Ski Resort

Buttermilk Ski Resort is located just 3 miles from the town of Aspen, which is roughly 3.7 miles from Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport. Aspen also provides easy access to Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Snowmass ski resort. The ski town is known for its upscale atmosphere with luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end hotels.

Buttermilk Ski Resort Lodging

Buttermilk has a small base village with basic amenities only including one lodging, The Inn at Aspen, which is within a short walking distance to the chairlifts. However, there are plenty of lodging options available in the town of Aspen, which is only around a 8 minute drive or shuttle to Buttermilk plus close to Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain. For more information, visit Aspen ski-in-ski-out lodging.

On Mountain Dining

Buttermilk Ski Resort has only 3 on-mountain dining options.

Cliffhouse

Located at the top of Summit Express, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is known for its Mongolian BBQ.

Opening hours (subject to change): 10am - 3:15pm (Mon-Sun)

Google Maps

Home Team BBQ

This tavern, located at the base of Buttermilk, serves smoked meat and Southern sides.

Opening hours (subject to change): 8-10:30am, 11am-9pm (Mon-Sun)

Google Maps

Buttermilk Mountain Lodge

This restaurant is located at the base of Buttermilk. It offers pasta, salads, grill selections, soups, and baked goods.

Opening hours (subject to change): Breakfast 7:45am, 11:00am-5pm (Mon-Sun)

Google Maps

Buttermilk Ski Resort Contact Information

Address: 38700 CO-82, Aspen, CO 81611, United States

Phone number: (800) 525-6200

Email: contactus@aspensnowmass.com

Google Maps | Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ski packages to Buttermilk Ski Resort?

There are ski vacation packages to Buttermilk Ski Resort, which bundle lodging, lift tickets, rentals, and transfers together to make your ski vacation planning a lot easier. See Aspen Snowmass ski packages for more information.

When is the best time to go skiing in Buttermilk Ski Resort?

February is the best month to visit Buttermilk Ski Resort for less crowds and great snow. It is crowded from Christmas week until the end of January as the town of Aspen comes alive for the Wintersköl festival and the X Games. If you’re a powder hound, the best months to ski or ride Buttermilk are December, January, and February.

What amenities are available at Buttermilk Ski Resort?

Buttermilk has basic amenities at its base village including a parking lot, a few restaurants, a ski school, ATM, and a free shuttle service around Aspen.

When does Buttermilk Ski Resort open?

Buttermilk usually opens around mid-December to early April. For historical and estimated opening dates, see Buttermilk opening dates.