General Information:
Aspen-Snowmass: 800-262-7736 or 970-925-1940.

Aspen is 220 miles west of Denver, served by a local airport and a good road from Interstate 70 at Glenwood Springs. It is America’s most glamorous ski area and also one of the world’s best for skiing conditions. Four huge mountains offer excellent choices for all ability levels, though skiing on Aspen Mountain is mainly for capable adult skiers. You will find fewer children and beginning skiers in Aspen than in most other ski areas. Snowboards are allowed on three mountains, but not on Aspen Mountain.

Aspen Mountain, the most demanding of the four ski areas, has 75 trails and over 600 skiable acres (65% advanced, 35% intermediate). Its highest lift goes to 11,210 feet, and its longest run is three miles. Most people ski the summit of this mountain because that part has the best snow and huge terrain available. You see mainly above-average, adult skiers on Aspen Mountain, no snowboarders.

Snowmass Mountain has 79 trails and nearly 2,600 acres (38% advanced, 52% intermediate, 10% beginner). Its highest lift goes to 11,835 feet, and its longest run is four miles. It is considered an excellent area for intermediate skiers, with long smooth runs that are very popular.

Aspen Highlands has 81 trails and over 600 acres (47% advanced, 33% intermediate, 20% beginner). Its highest lift goes to 11,675 feet, and its longest run is over three miles. It is known for excellent tree skiing, several double-black freefalls, and unusually well groomed slopes.

Buttermilk has 45 trails and over 400 acres (26% advanced, 39% intermediate, 35% beginner). Its highest lift goes to nearly 10,000 feet, and its longest run is three miles. It is the smallest mountain in Aspen, but it has fine skiing and a bowl that many people don’t know about.

Snowcat skiing is available on the backside of Aspen mountain. Nordic skiing is extensive, with the largest maintained tracks in the United States here. Child-care and ski lessons are available for children of all ages.

Luxury lodging includes the Little Nell, a Mobil Five Star hotel with 90 rooms and executive suites, restaurant, lounge, pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise center and other amenities. The Ritz-Carlton has 255 luxury rooms, suites, four restaurants, lounges, pool, hot tubs, fitness center, steamroom and sauna. The Snowmass Lodge and Club has 75 rooms plus 60 one- to three-bedroom condominiums, pools, hot tubs, steamrooms, fitness center, restaurant, lounge, child-care center, and indoor facilities for tennis and racquetball. These are among the top accommodations in Aspen. Less expensive lodging is available.

Luxury condominiums include Aspen Square with 100 studio and 2-bedroom units, pool, hot tub, saunas and fitness center. The Prospector has one-bedroom luxury units, hot tub, sauna and bar. The Chamonix in Snowmass has two-and three-bedroom ski-in and ski-out condos, pool, hot tub, sauna. Less expensive condos are available. Condo management companies include Aspen Resort Accommodations, 970-925-7301.

Popular, expensive restaurants include the Crystal Palace, Pinons, Little Nell, Snowmass Lodge and Club, Syzygy and a sleigh-ride to Burlingame Cabin where dinner and live music are available.

Night spots that usually have music or dancing include the Little Nell, Ritz Carlton, Syzygy, Wheeler Opera House, LaBoheme, and Silvertree Hotel.

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