Which Aspen mountain should I ski? Snowmass for all-around best experience and biggest terrain. Aspen Mountain for experts and that classic "Aspen" vibe. Aspen Highlands for steep terrain and locals' favorite. Buttermilk for beginners and families. One lift ticket works at all four.
Aspen isn't just one ski area - it's four mountains operated by Aspen Skiing Company. One lift ticket gets you access to all four, and free shuttles connect them.
Each mountain has a completely different personality. Here's the honest breakdown.
Quick Comparison
| Mountain | Best For | Terrain | Vertical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmass | All levels, families | 3,362 acres | 4,406 ft |
| Aspen Mountain | Advanced, scene | 675 acres | 3,267 ft |
| Aspen Highlands | Experts, locals | 1,040 acres | 3,635 ft |
| Buttermilk | Beginners, parks | 470 acres | 2,030 ft |
Snowmass
The biggest of the four by far. More terrain than the other three combined. This is where you go if you want to ski all day without repeating runs.
What makes it special:
- 3,362 skiable acres - you could ski for a week and not repeat runs
- Terrain for every level, from gentle groomers to serious steeps
- Biggest vertical drop in the US (4,406 ft)
- Less crowded than Aspen Mountain
- Village at base with lodging, restaurants, shops
The vibe: More family-friendly and relaxed than downtown Aspen. Locals love it. Fewer "see and be seen" crowds.
Best runs: Big Burn (huge open bowl), Hanging Valley (glades), Long Shot (longest groomer)
Aspen Mountain
The iconic one. Where celebrities ski. Where apres-ski invented itself. No beginner terrain at all - this mountain is intermediates and experts only.
What makes it special:
- Gondola drops you right in downtown Aspen
- Classic steeps and bumps
- Sundeck restaurant at top with mountain views
- The quintessential "Aspen experience"
The vibe: Glamorous, sceney, classic. This is where you'll see the fur coats and designer ski outfits.
Important note: No green runs. Serious. If you're a beginner, don't come here. The easiest way down is an intermediate blue.
Best runs: Walsh's (classic bump run), Gentleman's Ridge (steep but forgiving), Bell Mountain area
Aspen Highlands
The locals' mountain. Steeper terrain, fewer crowds, more serious skiing. The Highland Bowl is legendary.
What makes it special:
- Highland Bowl - hike 20-45 minutes for some of the best in-bounds terrain anywhere
- Steep, challenging runs throughout
- Best views of the Maroon Bells
- No crowds compared to Aspen Mountain
- Locals' favorite - more authentic vibe
The vibe: Serious skiers, less scene, more about the skiing than the fashion.
Highland Bowl: Worth the hike. Seriously. Carry your skis up 45 minutes for 3,000+ vertical feet of steep, untracked (if you're early) skiing. One of the best lift-accessed experiences in North America.
Best runs: Highland Bowl (obvious), Steeplechase, Olympic Bowl
Buttermilk
The beginner mountain. Also the terrain park mountain (hosts Winter X Games). Smallest of the four but perfect for its purpose.
What makes it special:
- Best ski school in the area
- Gentle, wide runs for learning
- World-class terrain parks
- Hosts Winter X Games
- Less intimidating than other mountains
The vibe: Families, kids, beginners, and park riders. Chill and friendly.
Don't overlook: Even if you're an expert, the terrain park here is legit. Some of the best superpipes and features in Colorado.
Lift Tickets
One ticket works at all four mountains. Prices vary by day and season:
- Peak season (holidays): $200-250+/day
- Regular season: $150-200/day
- Multi-day discount: Gets cheaper per day
- Ikon Pass: Aspen is included
Pro tip: Book lift tickets online in advance. Window prices are significantly higher.
Getting Between Mountains
Free shuttles run between all four mountains frequently. The system works well:
- Aspen Mountain - downtown, walk to gondola
- Highlands - 5-minute shuttle from downtown
- Buttermilk - 10-minute shuttle from downtown
- Snowmass - 15-20 minute shuttle from downtown (or stay in Snowmass Village)
Which Mountain to Ski When
First day: Snowmass - warm up on variety of terrain
Expert day: Highlands for Highland Bowl
Classic Aspen experience: Aspen Mountain for the scene
Learning/kids: Buttermilk all day
Powder day: Highlands Bowl or Snowmass Big Burn
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Aspen mountain is best for beginners?
Buttermilk is specifically designed for beginners and families. It has gentle terrain, excellent ski school, and a friendly atmosphere. Snowmass also has good beginner areas. Avoid Aspen Mountain - it has no beginner runs at all.
How much are Aspen lift tickets?
Day tickets range from $150-250+ depending on season and when you book. Advance online purchase is significantly cheaper than window prices. Multi-day tickets offer better per-day rates. Ikon Pass holders get days at all four mountains.
What is Highland Bowl?
Highland Bowl is a hike-to terrain area at Aspen Highlands offering some of the best in-bounds skiing anywhere. You hike 20-45 minutes carrying your skis for 3,000+ vertical feet of steep, expert terrain. It's legendary and worth it.
Can I ski all four mountains in one day?
Technically yes, but you'd spend more time on shuttles than skiing. Better to pick 1-2 per day. For a week trip, plan to spend at least one full day at Snowmass (biggest) and one at Highlands (steepest).
What's the best time to ski Aspen?
January-February typically has best snow conditions. March has good snow plus warmer temps. Avoid Christmas week and Presidents' Day if you dislike crowds. Late season (April) can be excellent with smaller crowds.
Is Aspen worth the price?
For the total experience - world-class terrain across four mountains, excellent restaurants, beautiful town - yes. If you're purely counting dollars per vertical foot, other resorts offer better value. Aspen is about the complete package.