Aspen Ski Resort, USA

Overview of Aspen

Aspen began life as a silver mining town and has now become one of the world’s most famous resorts with its lively feel and stunning views of Aspen Mountain. Aspen has attracted the rich, the famous and, of course, many ski enthusiasts to live and stay. It is not hard to see why; extensive skiing and boarding for all abilities, some of the best après-ski from budget to fine dining and superb accommodation in a town with a ‘heart’.

Ski holidays in Aspen are a memorable experience. For decades, Aspen has drawn ski enthusiasts from across the globe, attracted by one of the most well-known ski resorts in the world. Aspen has been open for ski holidays for well over 60 years and over time has earned a reputation as a glitzy and glamorous ski resort. Originally a silver mining town, Aspen is rich in history and character, and its Victorian architecture is just one of its many charms. Aspen is the winter ski playground of the rich and famous, the great and the good, and second home to many Hollywood stars. However, ski holidays in Aspen are far from being all froth and no substance. Aspen offers some of the best ski facilities in the world, varied terrains to suit all levels, challenging and demanding slopes, plenty of other snow activities and a renowned après-ski. If you just happen to spot a few celebrities as you ski, so much the better!

Aspen has something to offer everyone. The ski area is spread over four peaks, offering a diverse range of ski trails to suit all abilities and styles, and plenty of other snow activities. There are naturist-guided ski tours, snowmobile tours, snowshoe tours, evening snowcat rides and sleigh rides. Ski holidays in Aspen have masses to offer away from the snow. Aspen has indoor and outdoor ice skating, a sports complex, bowling and hot-air ballooning. Aspen has an extensive and eclectic range of shops, including antique shops, bookstores, art galleries and exclusive boutiques. There is even a spa to refresh and rejuvenate both mind and body. A free shuttle bus service runs throughout the ski resort, so you can be sure not to miss out on whatever in Aspen takes your fancy.

So think beautiful vistas, pine forests, hidden glades and majestic mountains, world-famous ski terrain and superb facilities. Dream about having enough runs to ski and ski, yet never hit the same run twice. Imagine every snow activity you'd want to have a go at and plenty of off-mountain activities, buzzing après-ski and yet plenty of relaxation. Ski holidays in Aspen are truly incomparable.

3 Things We Love About Aspen

1. The rich history before skiing, which gives the town its unique character
2. Diversity of skiing over 4 peaks, with everything from beginner to expert terrain and amazing snow parks
3. Amazing hotels, amazing hospitality and more experiences than you can manage on one holidays... You'll have to go back!

Skiing and Boarding in Aspen

Aspen Snowmass is made up of four incredible mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass.

Continued investment into the mountain infrastructure and the resort gives guests one of the most seamless skiing/riding experiences in North America. High speed chairlifts and gondolas whisk you up to seemingly endless, perfectly groomed runs with options for all levels of skier.

The four peaks provide endless excitement and adventure whether you are a beginner on Buttermilk, an expert on Aspen Mountain or a crazy park rat in one of Aspen's 5 terrain parks.

Activities in Aspen

Here's just a sample of the fun you can have in Aspen & Snowmass once you've unclipped from your skis or snowboard...

• Alpine Coaster – an exhilarating ride of over a mile long through a forest on an elevated track at speeds of up to 28mph. For winter thrills off the slopes, look no further than the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.
• Full moon dinners – Skin or hike up Tiehack on Buttermilk to dinner at Cliffhouse under the full moon. Get there early to enjoy hot drink around the atmospheric fire.
• Aspen Powder Tours - Luxury snow cats take you to prime untracked runs on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Fresh tracks guaranteed with a gourmet lunch included.
• Snowmass Luminescence - An interactive series of LED illuminated walkways and arches that will ignite your senses. In addition, you can experience a large scale interactive LED installations. Snowmass Luminescence is an interactive art and light display brought to you by Snowmass Tourism and Aspen Snowmass immerse yourself a dazzling world of light and art.

https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/stories/activities-at-aspen-snowmass-for-non-skiers

Après Ski in Aspen

• French Alpine Bistro, The Snow Lodge at St Regis Aspen, J Bar, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Ajax Tavern, Limelight lounge, Chica, Alpin Room

Places to eat in Aspen

(Classic dining) Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro- A ski patrol shack-turned-après epicenter, where champagne is sprayed as often as it is sipped, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is perfect for your party even if you’re not partying. Standouts for sharing include the Raclette—which you cook for yourself on tabletop grills—and the decadent Gruyere Fondue.

Ajax Tavern- Home to a rocking après scene and the original truffle fries (which are too good not to share at the table), Ajax Tavern is your first stop after a ski day on Aspen, especially since it sits directly at the base of the mountain. Order the Ajax double cheeseburger, an elevated ode to the Double Double Animal Style from In and Out that features local wagyu beef. To warm your bones on a chilly day, try the tomato soup, which comes with a melty grilled cheese on the side.

Lynn Britt Cabin- If you are looking for a longer slope-side lunch with true Western ambiance, glide down Velvet Falls at Snowmass and park your skis outside Lynn Britt Cabin. Inside, the cozy home offers a warm and intimate environment to settle in for a multi-course meal you won't soon forget.

(Iconic and easy)

Sundeck- Enjoy panoramic views of the Elk Mountains and the Highland Bowl from the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain. One of the country’s first LEED-certified buildings, the Sundeck offers lunch, a full bar and a cozy fireplace to warm your boots between runs.

Cliffhouse- For a DIY mountain lunch check out the Mongolian Grill at The Cliffhouse on Buttermilk. After selecting from a number of fresh proteins, vegetables, and sauces, pass your custom order to the chefs and watch them sizzle your selections on a huge flat-top grill. Dramatic views of Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Creek Valley are an added bonus.

Bonnie’s- Pancakes make people happy and Bonnie's has been putting smiles on skiers’ faces with their dinner plate-sized, porridge-based flapjacks for decades. The Strudel at this mid-mountain Aspen institution is epic too—and never say no to a healthy dollop of homemade whipped cream.

(Going gourmet)

Sam’s- Sam’s is a sophisticated slopeside option on Snowmass that serves Italian comfort food—think Ribollita and Rigatoni Bolognese—in a comfortable setting where guests are welcome to remove their ski boots, don a pair of slippers, and stay a while.

Alpin Room- The Alpin Room on Snowmass serves Alsatian-inspired comfort foods in a modern, light-filled space. You’ll find warming dishes like French Onion Soup and Potato and Onion Fondue along with an amazing Carrot Cake—which was a staple of the space’s previous eatery, Gwyn’s.

Element 47- The Little Nell’s fine dining option pairs mountain-inspired cuisine with a stellar wine program. The menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in an elegant, art-filled setting. For a unique and educational experience, ask about the private wine tastings in the cellar, where many notable names are scrawled along the floor-to-ceiling wine racks.

Family Features Aspen

• Aspen Recreation Centre – Tthe perfect location for anyone of all ages can enjoy multiple activities such as Ice-skating, rock climbing, sledding, swimming in the indoor pool, and nordic skiing are all activities to try as a family.
• Guided tours - Go off the beaten path as a family with many educational and fun guided tours to be found in Aspen. Take a snowshoe tour with ACES through the beautiful and pristine Castle Creek Valley. For the more adventurous family, consider a snowmobile tour with T-Lazy 7 Ranch to see the iconic Maroon Bells.
• Family Ski Lessons - A family ski lesson is the perfect way to bond. Glide through tree trails, carving new memories sure to last a lifetime.
• Outdoor ice rink – located in the Snowmass Base Village plaza, the outdoor ice rink offers free skate rentals and extended hours. After you skate, enjoy an après snack, drink or dinner at the Limelight Lounge or sit by the outdoor fireplaces to soak in the atmosphere.