One of the first places many people think of when considering where to head for a winter ski vacation is Aspen, Colorado. Deserving of its stellar reputation, Aspen is the winter playground of the rich and famous since it boasts every snow and ice sport imaginable and some of the best soft powder in the country. Make your way to Aspen this winter and experience a memorable ski or snowboarding adventure at this luxurious world-class ski resort.
First time visitors may be overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of trails and runs since the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass almost always exceed expectations. Aspen Highlands alone features 131 trails that never feel crowded as this mountain averages only two skiers per acre. Best known for its steep, big mountain skiing in Highland Bowl, Olympic Bowl, and Steeplechase, beginners and intermediate skiers should not be scared away since there is abundant mid-mountain terrain to meet their needs.
While the Snowmass hill may give the first impression of being smaller since it “only" has 90 trails, these soft and steep slopes are spread out over three times the space as Aspen Highlands, creating an intense mountain experience that simply cannot be enjoyed in one day. Overflowing with steeps, cruisers, halfpipes, and terrain parks, Snowmass offers wide open spaces that are perfect for a thrilling day of adventure or family-friendly activities.
The other two ski areas, Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax) and Buttermilk, offer 76 and 44 trails respectively while providing totally unique outdoor experiences. Ajax is designed for more seasoned skiers with its steep, bumpy runs that take visitors right into the heart of Aspen and provide some of the most incredible views of the town. Buttermilk, however, is tailored towards those who have little ski experience and who need practice on wide, rolling terrain before attempting the more difficult runs of the other three mountains.
Although cruising down a challenging mountain can look easy to an onlooker, it is difficult and strenuous work that requires plenty of focus and energy. During your time on the mountain, don’t forget to stop by some of the amazingly delicious restaurants perched throughout the resort so you can stay on top of your game no matter how many hours you’ve been hitting the slopes. If you are starting your day on Snowmass, enjoy an energizing breakfast at Gwyn’s High Alpine to get your day of adventure started on the right foot and be sure to try the Montagna Restaurant and Bar on Aspen Mountain and Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro on Aspen Highlands throughout your trip.
Visitors to Aspen during the second week of January will certainly want to take advantage of their fortunate timing to stop by the Winterskol Festival that takes place from January 11-14. Held in downtown Aspen and on the four ski hills, the event is aimed at entertaining residents and vacationers alike with over 40 organized events. Take in live entertainment, a parade, a dog fashion show, fireworks, interesting competitions, and much more during this always entertaining and amusing event.
Since your vacation in Aspen is certainly going to be centered around your time on the slopes, stay close to all the fun and excitement with a vacation rental that is just steps away from the lifts. There are numerous Aspen vacation rentals located throughout this stunning town so you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and easy access to all four of the hills for the duration of your trip. After a long day on the slopes, retreat to accommodations that provide all the comforts and luxuries of home when you stay in an aspen condo or home rental with more amenities and space than you ever imagined.
Resorts in Aspen have something to offer everyone from beginners to experienced skiers. They offer ski or snowboard lessons and equipment rentals for the convenience of its visitors who may be considering learning to ski. Skiing and snowboarding lessons include lessons in safety and skier responsibility. Trail maps, videos and photos are readily available. For your convenience, or just for laughs, they also offer on-mountain photos and live cams.
A slow start to winter caused some initial worry for Aspen as well as ski areas around the world. But December brought nearly 30 inches of snow in Aspen. Aspen's most skied mountains are Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Each mountain has something new and exciting to offer its skiers. Most lifts are open daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Sky Cab opens at 8 a.m., Cirque lift opens at 10 a.m., the Village Express and Big Burn lifts open at 8:30 a.m.
Buttermilk is probably most famous for its role in the ESPN Winter X Games. Its 470 acres offer 21 miles of terrain with the longest run being 3 miles. It also offers forty-four gently rolling trails for beginners and family skiing. Buttermilk offers a lot of versatility and wide open slopes for its skiers. On average, there are only 4 people per acre at a time on Buttermilk's slopes and trails. This provides an excellent atmosphere for beginners and intermediate skiers who may not be ready for the more crowded slopes.
Buttermilk's base elevation is 7,870 feet above sea level with a summit elevation of 9,900 feet and vertical rise of 2,030 feet. When skiing Buttermilk you may see Winter X Games champions, Olympians or families just learning to ski. Buttermilk is open for skiing from December 8, 2007 through April 6, 2008.
Aspen Mountain has been a favorite ski destination for skiers since 1947. More difficult than Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain has steep, bump runs that run directly into the town of Aspen, Colorado. The mountain offers many well-known, well-traveled trails as well as less populated trails. Some of Aspen Mountain's best kept secrets are its black and double-black-diamond tracks that venture off the beaten path into a much less traveled terrain. On average, Aspen Mountain isn't very crowded at only three skiers per acre.
Aspen Mountain's base elevation is 7,945 feet with a staggering vertical rise of 3,267 feet and summit of 11,212 feet above sea level. Aspen Mountain's 673 acres are open for skiing from November 22, 2007 through April 13, 2008.
Aspen Highlands is a favorite among the local skiing populous. The highlands offer simply breathtaking views of the surrounding Maroon Bells. Of course, there is a lift that delivers passengers to the summit or you may choose to hike the 12,392 foot trail. Aspen Highlands is probably best known for its steep, big mountain ski areas like Steeplechase, Highland Bowl and Olympic Bowl. It also offers a test of stamina in the form of the newly extended Mushroom trail and Child's Play in the Highland Bowl. Aspen Highlands has added an additional stunning 220 acres over the last two seasons.
Aspen Highlands' base elevation is 8,040 feet with a summit elevation of 12,392 feet at the top of Highland Bowl. There are 125 exciting trails in the 1,010 acres that range in difficulty from easy to expert. Aspen Highlands is open from December 8, 2007 through April 6, 2008.
Snowmass is Aspen's largest ski mountain at 3,132 acres. It offers something for everyone from beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders. Best known for its wide open cruising paths and family friendly activities, Snowmass has been rated one of the best family ski areas in North America. The sheer size of Snowmass nearly guarantees fewer skiers per acre. On average there are only two people per acre skiing Snowmass.
Snowmass' base elevation is 8,104 feet with a summit elevation of a breathtaking 12,510 feet above sea level. It consists of 91 trails with the longest run being 5.3 miles and the steepest run with a slope of 40 degrees.
Both Jennifer Weiss & Roger Munns are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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