Aspen Ski Resort Information & Review
Aspen Ski Resort Review
Aspen Ski Resort Website:https://www.aspensnowmass.com/our-mountains/buttermilk
Aspen Ski Resort Trail Map
Aspen Ski Resort Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
Summary: Aspen Ski Resort is one of four Aspen Snowmass Mountains located in Aspen, Colorado. The ski resort is located in the heart of Aspen with lifts running directly from the town to the summit of the mountain. Aspen Mountain is a locals favorite but is not recommended for beginner skiers or boarders with no easy terrain to choose from. Many who frequent Aspen Ski Resort talk about the interesting flow that the runs have as the mountain is essentially located in a massive valley.
Parking: Parking at Aspen Ski Resort can be a bit tricky sometimes. The town has free street parking on Sundays but otherwise requires paid metered parking which can be very expensive or finding a lot. If you are not visting on Sunday and don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, your best bet is to take one of their many free shuttles. View this page for more information about parking at the mountain.
Season Pass: As of the 2019-2020 Season, Aspen Ski Resort offers two options for season passes: The Aspen Snowmass Season pass or limited skiing & riding from the Ikon Pass.
Strengths:
- Aspen Mountain has awesome summit views from the top. Stop at Sundeck to grab some food and a drink and soak in the beautiful Elk Range.
- Like the other 3 resorts part of Aspen/Snowmass, Aspen Ski Resort has updated almost all of its lifts.
- If you like skiing or boarding glades and moguls, you will not be disappointed in the number of trails to choose from.
- Overall, I feel like the mountain has a great mix of groomed runs and non-groomers to keep the entire day exciting.
- Looking for a steep mountain? Look no further. Deep pow days are not a problem at Aspen as over half the mountain are black or double black runs. Typically a black diamond run will be a 40% grade or steeper which is great when its chest deep.
- The more you get to know the mountain, the higher the chances are that you will find entire sections that you may have to yourself. Unlike some other ski resorts which distribute people without trying, a skier or rider has to make an effort or have knowledge of the mountain to find some areas of it.
Weaknesses:
- Aspen Ski Resort does not offer any beginner terrain (runs below a blue square, so if you are trying to learn the sport or a bit inexperienced, it’s probably best to head to Buttermilk.
- Overall, Aspen Mountain has the worst parking situation out of the other 3 three resorts. Even if you are willing to pay for parking, it can be tough to find a spot that is close to the mountain.
- Since the majority of its trails face east, the sun can play a massive role in the light you have during the day. Once you hit 2-3PM almost the entire middle half and lower half of the mountain will be in the shade. This is not a huge deal, but can lower temps and keep runs a bit icier in between storms.
- Aspen Mountain is so exposed on top and winds can drastically slow down the gondola on gusty days. In addition to slow lift times, it can make conditions on top wind blow even with fresh snow.
- Aspen Mountain can be a bit tricky to learn if it is your first time there. The mountain has a weird funnel like feel to it with only the main Gondola running from base to summit.
- On days where the mountain is crowded, the trails can get extremely busy as there are really only a handful of runs that will transport guests from mid mountain to the base area.
- Aspen Mountain will attract a certain kind of clientele…I will just leave it at that.
- If you are looking to extend your day after the lifts are closed, Aspen is not a cheap area to do so.
Mick’s Tip: Look, I get it, I am the first person who doesn’t want to look like a tourist/Jerry and pull up the trail map, but doing so at Aspen is a very good idea before heading down the slopes. The mountain has an odd flow to it. Understanding the valley where the terrain sits can help you avoid runs that may be over your skill level and also better access powder stashes.
Best Views: Without a doubt, the best views from Aspen Ski Resort can be found on the summit just behind the Gondola. A clear day will provide breathtaking views into the Elk Range including 14,000 foot mountain, Castle Peak.
