Aspen Mountain Colorado (US)

Ski Resort Review, Information and Guide

View of the base of Aspen Mountain

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Aspen Mountain
Mountain Summary:

Base: 7,945 ft

2,422 m
Summit: 11,212 ft

3,418 m
Vertical: 3,267 ft

996 m
Ski area: 675 acres

2.7 km2
Runs: 76
Longest Run: 3.0 miles

5.83 km
Total Lifts: 8
Terrain parks: 0
Snowfall: 300+"

762 cm
Hours: 9am-3:30,4pm
Night Skiing: no

Lifts:

Gondolas: 1
HS Quad Chairs: 1
Quad Chairs: 2
HS Double Chairs: 1
Double Chairs: 3

Runs/trails:

Beginner: 0%
Intermediate: 48%
Advanced: 26%
Expert: 26%

Daily Report:

2024-03-18 06:00:00
Status:open
Percent Open:100%
Lifts Open:8/8
Base Depth:52 in
Snow 24hr:0 in
Snow 7day:8 in
Snow Surface:
Packed Powder
Weekday hrs:
Mon-Fri: 9a-3:30p
Weekend hrs:
Sat/Sun: 9a-3:30p

 

Currency:USD

Resort Services:

  • ski rental
  • ski instruction
  • food
  • ski shop
  • child care 2.5+

Trail Map:

Aspen Weather:
° Weather Forecast
° Weather Radar

Virtual Tours:

Virtual Tour of Mountain Bowl at Aspen Mountain
Gondola Peak

Virtual Tour of the base village at Aspen Mountain
F.I.S. Lift Peak

Virtual Tour of the Aspen Mountain Base
Mountain Base

The base of Aspen Mountain and the town of Aspen Colorado
Aspen Mountain Description:

Aspen Mountain can be found at the edge of the town of Aspen Colorado. In fact the base village at the foot of Aspen Mountain is the town of Aspen itself, a descendant of an old Colorado silver mining town turned upscale luxury destination ski resort. The terrain is rated for intermediates and higher with no beginner "green" rated terrain. Aspen Mountain, nicknamed "Ajax" by locals, is one of four Aspen area resorts (the other are Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk). Buses in the area eventually lead to the bus terminal near the base of Aspen Mountain (close even when walking in ski boots), making access the resort about as simple as it could possibly be. Parking is limited and expensive making bus travel essential.

Hot Cider served on the mountain

Hot cider is served on the mountain

The mountain is a blend of a rugged skiers mountain with the luxury service of a five star hotel. Where one may expect to find a self serve water dispenser, at Aspen Mountain one will find a smiling face serving hot cider. The town extends this luxury level of service at the restaurants and hotels. You can slum it in Aspen but you will have to try hard to find it as luxury and service are the norm.

View of Aspen Mountain resort from the top of FIS lift

View of Aspen Mountain from the top of F.I.S. chairlift

Aspen Mountain Terrain:

Aspen Mountain has a variety of steep runs at the intermediate and advanced levels, lots of mogul runs and steep mogul runs. It is a small mountain which can be covered in a day or two. Luckily there are three other Aspen resorts nearby to explore.

Beginners and Intermediates:

Copper Bowl blue trail

Blue Run: "Copper Bowl"

There are no beginner "green" runs. Most of the intermediate "blue" runs are fairly easy and some might even qualify to be rated a beginner "green" but you will find a steep section somewhere along the way which may be troublesome to beginners.
Silver Bell blue trail

Blue Run: "Silver Bell", easy, groomed, wide and flat.

Advanced Ski Terrain:

Aspen Mountain has an abundance of short mogul runs with steep inclines rated as black diamond and double black diamond. The most difficult include a lot of trees and moguls. The run "S1" (off to the right from the top of F.I.S. lift) was notable for its extreme nature. Most advanced runs here are of limited length so there is never a situation where you are stuck on a tough run for very long.
Tip: Note that the double black diamond run "Walsh's" leads to "Lud's Lane", a cat-track that is uphill in both directions. To avoid a hike, carry enough speed at the bottom of "Walsh's" to ski out (this should be re-graded).
Easy Chair

Tree Runs:

Aspen Mountain has runs with trees rather than dedicated tree runs and glades. If you want to ski trees, head off the main trail to the trees. Most of the mountain is below the tree line so there are plenty of opportunities.
Walsh's

"Walsh's": a run with trees

Mogul Runs:

Mogul runs can be found all over this mountain. Some are not marked on the trail map and will have to be found by skiing the mountain.
mogul run under the Silver Queen gondola

Mogul run under the Silver Queen gondola

Mogul run

Many Double Black Diamond Mogul runs feed off of "International", available from the peak of F.I.S. chair

Shadow Mountain Lift Line: Mogul run

Moguls on "Shadow Mountain 1A Lift Line": ski with an audience - glory or shame

Out of Bounds Skiing:

Aspen is the gateway to the Sawarch and Elk mountain ranges. The adjacent Conundrum Valley and Castle Valley is an avalanche prone area and last took a life of an experienced local in February 2015. Check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) Aspen Colorado avalanche conditions before heading out. There is also a network of cabins which are part of the Colorado Rocky Mountain hut system maintained by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. They are self sufficient and well equipped for overnight boarding. Reservations are required. Luxury Aspen Mountain Snowcat tours are available from the top of the Silver Queen gondola. These "Aspen Powder Tours" are available by reservation: 970-920-0720 or 800-525-6200 x3720
See Aspen Powder Tours

There are a number of guided lift-served back-country descents offered by Aspen Expeditions: 970 925-7625

Other guided backcountry tours and guides:

Aspen Mountain Terrain Parks:
There are no terrain parks at Aspen Mountain. Head to Aspen's Buttermilk resort for the terrain parks used in the X-Games!

Village, Town & Shopping:
The village at the base of the mountain is the town of Aspen and everything can be found here. Equipment rental and sports shops, art shops, clothing, restaurants and lodging can be found in town, walking distance from the base.


A panoramic virtual tour of the base at Aspen Mountain

Shopping in the town of Aspen

Shopping and dining in the town of Aspen define elegance and luxury

Links:

Next: Aspen Mountain Apres Ski, Dining and Nightlife

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