Colorado knows skiing.
As winter approaches, the locals across dozens of Colorado ski towns prepare for the population surge. Droves of visitors come from Colorado to New Zealand to ski in any of the resorts scattered throughout the western slopes.
If your idea of adventure includes snow-capped mountains offering challenging moguls and heart-stopping vertical drops, add Aspen to your list of stops.
Aspen presents some of the best skiing in the world, which could explain celebrity sightings, overpriced real estate, and booked hotels throughout the season.
From Austria to Colorado
Building a ski resort in Aspen was the brainchild of Austrian Friedl Pfeifer, an accomplished skier who came to Aspen at the end of World War II to do just that. In 1947, Pfeifer's creation of the longest chair lift in the world began the transformation of a mining town to one of most sought after winter vacation spots in the world.
Aspen is situated around 215 miles to the southwest of Denver. Aspen also has its own airport offering regular connecting flights from Denver.
Downhill Skiing in Aspen
Although Aspen is not lacking in outdoor winter activities, most visitors come for the downhill skiing opportunities.
The area boasts 4,500 acres of downhill terrain divided between four mountains. The mountains offer downhill terrain suited for various levels, attracting beginner to expert skiers.
Snowmass Mountain Offers Large Variety on Expansive Grounds
Appropriately named, Snowmass is the largest of the four mountains, offering panoramic views and the greatest range of terrain. Ski runs are built on the steep mountain slopes where gold miners once tunneled their way in search of the precious metal.
The 3,000 acres sprawl over a complex landscape of peaks, long and gentle runs, ridges, and gullies that give skiers a well-rounded mountain to spend the day.
From the gentle cruise down Fanny Hill to the rolling wide sections on Big Burn, plus numerous steep descents, Snowmass appeals mostly to the intermediate level skier.
For the Most Experienced Skiers
Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, is best suited for seasoned skiers. Looming above Aspen, Ajax Mountain attracts the hard core skiers looking for an adrenaline rush. Of the four, Ajax is technically the most challenging ski mountain.
More than 50% of the trails are at the advanced or expert levels, and there are no beginner runs here.
Flying over jumps and bumps, plowing down the mountain at dizzying speeds, and plunging down a 3,200 foot vertical drop offers the challenge expert skiers are looking for.
On the backside of Aspen mountain, advanced level skiers push the limits with snowcat skiing. For those who want to literally get off the beaten path, this is it.
Aspen Highlands Provides the Fun Without the Glamour
Independently owned, Aspen Highlands is touted as the cheapest and least expensive resort in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Situated adjacent to the Aspen Mountain, the Highlands demand a respectable level of skill from novices and intermediate skiers alike. Aspen Highlands is where you will find Olympic medallists zigzagging down sharp descents.
The lack of glimmer and tourism makes Aspen Highlands a favorite with locals. The variety of trail levels also lends to a favored skiing spot for out of town skiers looking for an Aspen ski vacation.
Highland's well-known Highland Bowl, along with exhilarating runs like No Name Bowl, Aces and Eights and Deception, which starts steep and continues to get steeper along the way, also provide enough challenge for the more expert skier.
Buttermilk is Appealing to Beginner Skiers
Buttermilk can be considered a rather large hill. With no expert trails and gentler ski areas, Buttermilk will be a better choice for novice skiers and beginners. Because 75% of the trails are marked as blues and greens, Buttermilk offers the least intimidating option for new skiers.
You will not find any "bowls" here or steep vertical drops. Although there are a few advanced trails, you will mostly find wide, rolling hills that are appealing to brand new skiers, low risk takers, or those with small children.
Buttermilk is also known as home to the longest terrain park and the host to January's ESPN Winter X Games.
Aspen ski lift tickets are not cheap. Look for deals online or try this website.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skier, you'll find a challenging, rewarding and fun vacation at any one of the four majestic Aspen ski resorts.
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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