Aspen receives a lot of publicity for the rich and famous that visit Aspen, but the real drawcard is the huge amount of terrain available across the four mountains, the light dry Colorado powder, and the consistently great weather.

Aspen Snowmass is made up of four separate ski resorts that are within a 15km radius of each other: Aspen Mountain; Snowmass; Aspen Highlands; and Buttermilk Mountain. Aspen Mountain looms above the town of Aspen, Snowmass is a 20 minute drive from downtown Aspen, and Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands are only a few clicks away from town. Whilst the resorts are close to each other and are covered on the same lift ticket, they are not interconnected except via a free shuttle that runs between Aspen and the ski resorts.

The Aspen Snowmass resorts provide a ski area of 2,146 hectares and a whopping number of marked trails (329), 43 lifts, 5 terrain parks and numerous halfpipes. The trails have a good spread of variety for beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert riders. Aspen boasts plenty of wide groomed trails, powder bowls, moguls, tree runs, and gated backcountry skiing. And there's no prize for guessing the predominance of tree species around Aspen!

It is easy for hard-core skiers and snowboarders to overlook Aspen because of its glamorous reputation, but rest assured there are plenty of steeps and white knuckle runs to challenge experienced riders.

Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain has the longest history of the resorts in the area, and even though snowboarding is now permitted, Aspen Mountain still retains a culture rich in the tradition and soul of skiing. At only 273 hectares Aspen Mountain is a petite ski area, and it has no beginner runs at all. Aspen Mountain has lots of blue cruisers for strong intermediates, but it's most well known for the steeps, bumps, and the World Cup downhill course.

Snowmass

Snowmass is the largest of the four ski areas at 1,267 hectares and if you want to attempt a top to bottom run, undertake an intensive pre-season fitness regime, as the vertical descent is the longest in the United States. Snowmass offers the most terrain diversity for all ability levels, and Snowmass represents shredder heaven with three terrain parks and two pipes. Snowmass is incredibly family friendly and the ski area and village have lots of facilities for the little tackers. Snowmass has something for everyone!

Aspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands has 416 hectares of terrain for all ability levels, but it's most well known for the truly expert terrain – the type you'd love to send your mother-in-law down! Subsequently Aspen Highlands is often regarded as the "locals' mountain" and is well established as the spiritual home of Aspen. The Highland Bowl is the piece de resistance of Aspen Highlands. It features steep backcountry style terrain in an open bowl that fans down to tight trees. It's partially snowcat accessed but is mostly hike-to-terrain. With an unfortunate history of a propensity for avalanches, all powderhounds thank the tireless patrollers and locals who stomp down the bowl early in the season to enhance snowpack stability. On big powder days look for the 'Epic' ski flag. The Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol will unfurl this flag when the conditions are truly on.

Buttermilk Mountain

The 190 hectares at Buttermilk is largely tame and mostly suited to beginners and park and pipe lovers. The ski resort has two terrain parks: a beginner park; and Buttermilk Park that has 100+ features including an Olympic sized superpipe and X games course. It's the longest terrain park in the world which explains why this mountain has become a mecca for freestylers.

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