Ski Resorts in Aspen

Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is home to the 1883 Hotel Jerome and the 1889 Wheeler Opera House. Both buildings shaped Aspen's future.
During World War II, the J Bar at the Jerome was a hangout for 10th Mountain Division members. After the war, ski instructor and former 10th Mountain Division member Friedl Pfeiffer teamed up with Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke. Pfeiffer wanted to develop a ski area. Paepcke wanted to develop a cultural center. Both accomplished their dreams. Years later, celebrities such as John Denver and gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson would call Aspen their home. The Wheeler Opera House hosts writers' workshops, and the 673 acres of Aspen Mountain boast a terrain mix of 48 percent intermediate trails and 52 percent advanced and expert trails. Beginner terrain is significant in its absence.

Snowmass

Snowmass has a completely different ambience. This is laid-back, family-friendly Aspen. Its 88 trails are divided into 6 percent beginner terrain, 50 percent intermediate, 12 percent advanced and 32 percent expert. This mountain is noted for its wide, well-groomed trails.

Aspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands caters to those who enjoy steep, big mountain skiing. this area is famous for its impressive bowls. Its terrain is divided into 18 percent beginner trails, 30 percent intermediate, 16 percent advanced and 36 percent expert.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk plays host to ESPN's X Games, but it is actually Aspen's most beginner-friendly area. Its terrain is divided into 35 percent beginner trails, 39 percent intermediate and 26 percent advanced. Despite its lack of expert terrain, Buttermilk has some easy bump runs, which are suitable for mogul novices.