🏔️ Overview – The Must-Read Travel Guide to Aspen Snowmass- Luxury Ski Destination in Colorado.

Aspen Snowmass is one of North America’s most iconic luxury ski destinations, offering legendary terrain, a vibrant culinary and cultural scene, and unmatched hospitality. It’s the perfect blend of alpine adventure and cosmopolitan charm.

🔹 The Four Mountains (All on One Lift Ticket)

1. Aspen Mountain (what locals used to call Ajax) – No beginner slopes, steep terrain for intermediates and experts right above downtown Aspen. Hero’s is the new terrain expansion in Aspen Mountain with 153 ne acres of glades and chute­­s offering magnificent views of Independence Pass.
2. Aspen Highlands – Known for its Highland Bowl and deep powder runs. Advanced/expert terrain.
3. Snowmass – Family favourite with wide-open cruisers, terrain parks, and the most skiable acres. Lots of ski in/ski out properties.
4. Buttermilk – Best for beginners and home to the Winter X Games.

✈️ Getting There

🔸 By Air

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)

• Just 10 minutes from downtown Aspen.
• Direct flights from Denver, L.A., Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and San Francisco (seasonally).
• Note: Delays and cancellations due to weather are common.

Alternative Airports

• Eagle County Airport (EGE) – 1 hr 45 mins (70 miles) from Aspen
• Denver International Airport (DEN) – ~4 hours by car. (220 miles) Offers more flight options and international connections.

🔸 By Road

• From Denver: Take I-70 west to Glenwood Springs, then Hwy 82 east to Aspen (~4 hrs, weather dependent).
• From Eagle: Drive via I-70 to Glenwood Springs and Hwy 82 (~2 hrs).

🚐 Ground Transfers & Shuttles

• Roaring Fork Express – Private SUVs and shared shuttle services from ASE, EGE, and DEN.
• Colorado Mountain Express (Epic Mountain Express) – Shared transfers from Denver to Eagle. You need to transfer then to RFTA or private transfer to make it to Aspen.
• Rental Cars – Available but not necessary if staying in Aspen or Snowmass (excellent public transport). Expect to pay pricey parking fees, unless your lodging gives you free parking!
• Free Skier shuttle – Free shuttle buses run continuously between all four mountains during the day and between the towns of Aspen and Snowmass until 2 AM.

🏠 Where to Stay

🏨 Aspen

• The Little Nell – Five-star ski-in/ski-out luxury.
• Hotel Jerome (Auberge) – Stylish, historic, with a vibrant social scene.
• W Aspen – Trendy, modern, and fun, with rooftop pool.
• Limelight Hotel Aspen – Friendly luxury with great amenities.
• The Gant – Full condos with kitchens and concierge services.

🏡 Snowmass

• Viceroy Snowmass – Luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel with spa and fine dining.
• Limelight Snowmass – Excellent family-friendly base right in the new base village.
• Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection – Modern Mountain lodge with great ski access.
• Timberline Condominiums – Comfortable condominiums located slope-side, just above the higher village.
• Top of the Village – Well-kept condominiums on the top of Snowmass Village.

🎿 On-Mountain Dining

Aspen Mountain (Ajax)

• Bonnie’s – Cozy, legendary lodge with deck seating.
• Sundeck – Summit cafeteria with panoramic views.
• Ajax Tavern (base) – Chic and social, perfect for après.

Aspen Highlands

• Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – Champagne lunches with European flair.
• Merry-Go-Round – Relaxed mid-mountain stop with hearty fare.

Snowmass

• Elk Camp Restaurant – Spacious, stylish, with great mid-day options.
• High Alpine Restaurant – Formerly Gwyn’s, updated with high-quality offerings.

Buttermilk

• Cliffhouse – Mongolian grill with unbeatable views.

🍽️ Where to Eat at Night

🏙️ Aspen Town

🍷 Fine Dining

• Element 47 – Refined dining at The Little Nell.
• Matsuhisa Aspen – World-class Japanese Peruvian fusion cuisine by Nobu.
• Cache Cache – Elegant French American with deep wine list. Always a favourite in Aspen.
• Steakhouse No. 316 – Intimate steakhouse with plush décor.

🍴 Casual & Trendy

• White House Tavern – Top-tier burgers in a charming old house.
• Clark’s Oyster Bar – East Coast seafood meets mountain chic.
• Campo de Fiori – Intimate Italian with a loyal local following.

🍕 Family-Friendly

• Brunelleschi’s – Pizza and pasta in a relaxed setting.
• Hops Culture – Craft beer and elevated pub fare.

🌄 Snowmass Village

🍽️ Best Dinner Spots

• Toro Kitchen & Lounge (Viceroy) – Latin Asian fusion with sleek ambiance and outdoor fire pits.
• The Artisan (Stonebridge Inn) – Farm-to-table menu and cozy mountain lodge setting.
• IL Poggio – Italian classic with great wines and a local favourite.
• Kenichi Snowmass – Modern sushi and Asian fusion in the new Base Village.
• Slice & Brews – Casual, fun pizza and beer spot for families or quick bites.

🌙 Aspen Highlands

🍷 Limited but Cozy Options

• Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro (Private Dinners) – Book the entire venue for exclusive evening events.
• Willow Creek Bistro (Inside Ritz-Carlton Club) – Fireside dining with classic American dishes and mountain views. Open to the public with reservations.
• For more variety, most visitors dine in Aspen town (10 minutes by car or shuttle).

🌌 Unique Experience: Snowcat Dinner at Snowmass Cabin (formerly Lynn Britt Cabin)

An unforgettable culinary evening in the heart of the mountains.

• What it is: Ride a snowcat up the snowy slopes to a rustic log cabin.
• Experience: Candlelit four-course Colorado-inspired menu, fine wine, and live acoustic music.
• Cuisine: Think elk medallions, Rocky Mountain trout, and seasonal sides.
• Atmosphere: Romantic, cozy, perfect for couples or small groups.
• Reservation: Required. Offered 2–3 nights per week in peak season.

🎿Ski & Snowboard School + Rentals

🔸Ski & Snowboard School: You can rest assured that the ski and snowboard teachers of the Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School will make you a better skier and boarder. With 20 nationalities represented in their team, you will be able to learn in your own language. Reservations recommended.

🔸Four Mountain Sports.: The official ski and snowboard rental shops of Aspen Snowmass. They are placed in nine convenient locations and what is great, is that by the end of the day, you leave your skis or snowboard at the bottom of the slopes and ask the valet person where you want your skis the next day. If you are skiing one day in Aspen Mountain and the next in Snowmass, you do not have to worry of carrying your skis with you. They will be the next day waiting for you at the bottom of the slopes.

⛷️🎢 Other activities

• Uphilling: The uphillers are increasing year-on-year. You see people at sunrise attaching their skins to their skis and going up for uphill breakfasts and you can also see many at dusk for moonlit ski tours.
• Breathtaker Alpine Coaster & Tubing: a favourite of families, you can strap into a coaster car for a speedy descent. Located in Snowmass. Go as fast as you dare as you go down 400 vertical feet on a mile of turning track! A favourite of kids and parents alike!
• Ullr nights: on selected nights during the winter season, you can honour Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, with Ullr Nights. This is a nighttime winter wonderland party at Elk Camp on Snowmass. Friends and family take an evening gondola ride to Elk Camp for outdoor winter activities such as tubing, riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, s’mores (marshmellows with chocolate that you heat on the fire to eat al melted), and hot chocolate by the bonfire. You also have the option of have an à la carte dinner.

 

🛍️ Après-Ski, Shopping & Nightlife

• Après at Ajax Tavern, Chair 9, or W Aspen rooftop – The scene after skiing. Or stay up the mountain on Aspen Mountain at Eleven212. Located just next to the Sundeck Restaurant, it blends mountain heritage with modern comfort.
• Shopping – Designer stores (Prada, Moncler), luxury Western wear (Kemo Sabe), and art galleries. The Aspen Museum is a must-visit.
• Nightlife – From mellow wine bars to DJ sets at Bootsy Bellows or Caribou Club (members only).

💡 Insider Tips

• Going as a family is affordable: Children 6 and under ski/snowboard FREE! You can bring the grandparents, as people aged 70+ are eligible for a Senior Silver Pass (a highly discounted season pass).
• Don’t rent a car – Everything is walkable or connected by free shuttle.

• Altitude – Aspen sits at 8,000 ft. Stay hydrated and rest the first day. I would recommend taking electrolytes as the altitude is no joke!
• Reservations – Essential for top restaurants and Cloud Nine.
• Best time to go – Mid-January through March for consistent snow and fewer crowds than holidays.

More info: aspensnowmass.com 

Start planning your next trip!

 

If looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check the direct booking for Il Coure della Valdigne here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using.

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your lodging directly with me here.Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

If you prefer, you can also book my apartment through Booking.com

Booking might be cheaper if you have Genius status!

Check my Mountain Art on my Shop

You can go to my shop and see what have been inspiring me lately, lots mountain landscapes in soft pastels, and now in oils too. Go here to check my latest works!

If interested in me doing a special commission for you, let’s talk!

NEW from 2025- I’ve launched The-Ski-Guru Consulting

Needing help to get contacts in the ski tourism business– I am offering new consulting services- contact me here.

Featured Image: Pyramid Peak viewed from Buttermilk Mountain. Photo: Ann Driggers. Courtesy: Aspen Snowmass. The Must Read Guide to Aspen Snowmass.