Quick Info
Mountains: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass. One ticket: Access all four. Best for: Ajax for experts, Highlands for locals, Buttermilk for beginners, Snowmass for families.
Aspen Snowmass offers something unique: four distinct mountains on one lift ticket. Each has its own character, terrain, and culture. Locals have their favorites; visitors can sample all four in a single trip. Understanding the differences helps you choose where to ski each day.
Free buses connect all four mountains, making it practical to mountain-hop. Start your morning on Ajax for steep groomers, bus to Highlands for the Highland Bowl hike, or head to Snowmass for endless intermediate cruising. The variety is unmatched in American skiing.
Aspen Mountain (Ajax)
The original rises directly from downtown Aspen. The Silver Queen Gondola lifts skiers from the town center to 11,212 feet. No beginner terrain—Ajax is for intermediate and expert skiers only.
The terrain is steep, sustained, and excellently groomed. Black runs dominate. The moguls on Ruthie's and the steeps off the back side challenge experts. Intermediate cruising exists but requires navigation around the blacks.
The vibe is Aspen's original ski culture. The Ajax Tavern at the base is a legendary après spot. Skiing down to town for lunch is part of the experience. This is where the Aspen mystique began.
Best for: Strong skiers who want to ski directly from town, steep groomers, the classic Aspen experience.
Aspen Highlands
The local favorite offers the steepest terrain and the famous Highland Bowl—a 45-minute hike to 12,392 feet for experts-only powder skiing. Highlands attracts serious skiers away from Ajax's crowds.
Highland Bowl is the marquee attraction. Hike from the top of the Loge Peak lift to access above-treeline terrain that holds Colorado's best snow. Avalanche-controlled but genuinely challenging. Not for everyone.
Beyond the bowl, Highlands offers excellent steep skiing without the hike. The terrain is consistently challenging. Fewer beginners means shorter lift lines and a more focused atmosphere.
Best for: Expert skiers, those willing to hike for turns, avoiding crowds, a more hardcore skiing culture.
Buttermilk
The beginner mountain is also home to the X Games. Gentle groomers and one of America's best ski schools share space with the superpipe and slopestyle courses that host competitive events.
Learning terrain is Buttermilk's strength. Wide, easy runs let beginners progress without intimidation. The ski school operates extensive programs. First-timers start here.
The terrain parks are world-class despite the mountain's gentle reputation. Buttermilk hosts the Winter X Games annually. Park rats and pipe specialists train here alongside families.
Best for: Beginners, ski school, families with young children, terrain park enthusiasts.
Snowmass
The big one is actually larger than the other three combined. Over 3,300 acres and 4,406 feet of vertical—the most in Colorado. Snowmass offers something for everyone across its massive terrain.
Intermediate cruising defines Snowmass. Long, rolling blue runs let strong intermediates rack up vertical. The scale is impressive—runs seem to go on forever.
Expert terrain exists in the Cirque and Hanging Valley areas. Gladed tree skiing fills the spaces between groomed runs. Advanced skiers can find challenges, though the mountain's character leans intermediate.
The village at Snowmass offers self-contained lodging, dining, and ski-in/ski-out access. Families often base here rather than in Aspen proper.
Best for: Families, intermediate skiers, those wanting big terrain, self-contained resort experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain should I ski first?
Depends on your level. Beginners: Buttermilk. Intermediates: Snowmass. Experts: Ajax or Highlands. The free bus makes mountain-hopping easy if you want to sample several.
Can beginners ski any mountain besides Buttermilk?
Snowmass has extensive beginner terrain. Ajax has none. Highlands has limited options. Buttermilk remains the best choice for first-timers.
Is the Highland Bowl hike worth it?
For expert skiers comfortable on steep terrain, absolutely. The snow quality and pitch are exceptional. But it's a genuine 45-minute hike at altitude—not for casual skiers.
How do I get between mountains?
Free buses run regularly between all four mountains and downtown Aspen. Plan 20-30 minutes for transfers. Most skiers pick one or two mountains per day rather than rushing between all four.