The Ultimate Aspen Ski Vacation Guide: Where to Ski, Stay, Eat & Play

Planning an Aspen Ski Vacation?

There are ski vacations, and then there are Aspen ski vacations.

The skiing is world-class, but the experience extends well beyond the mountain.

A perfect day might mean first tracks in the morning, lunch overlooking the Elk Mountains, après-ski in town, and dinner somewhere special that evening.

The trick is knowing how to make the most of all of it.

Four Mountains, Four Experiences

Aspen Snowmass offers four distinct mountains: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.

That variety is part of what makes the destination so appealing.

Aspen Mountain puts you directly above downtown Aspen.

Snowmass offers extensive terrain and is particularly appealing to families and groups with a range of abilities.

Aspen Highlands is known for its challenging terrain and legendary Highland Bowl.

Buttermilk is especially popular with beginners, families, and freestyle skiers.

Rather than choosing one mountain and staying there all week, consider exploring several.

Skiing Isn't the Whole Vacation

The beauty of Aspen is that you can build a day around skiing without letting skiing dictate the entire day.

Maybe one person in your group wants to ski from first chair until last call.

Someone else wants to sleep in.

Another person wants to shop.

Everyone can still meet for lunch or après.

That's what makes Aspen such an easy destination for groups with different interests.

Plan for Après-Ski

Après isn't simply something you do after skiing.

In Aspen, it's part of the culture.

Meet friends for a drink, order something to eat, listen to music, and watch the town come alive as skiers return from the mountain.

Then head home, change, and start the evening.

Explore Aspen's Dining Scene

Aspen's dining scene gives you plenty of reasons to make dinner part of the itinerary.

From casual spots to sophisticated fine dining, the area offers options for every type of evening.

Aspen Snowmass itself highlights everything from classic on-mountain dining to fine dining and casual local favorites.

For a special occasion, make reservations well in advance.

For a casual night, ask locals or your rental team where they're going.

Don't Forget the Non-Skiers

A great ski vacation works for everyone.

Non-skiers can shop downtown, visit galleries and museums, enjoy a spa day, snowshoe, dine, or simply take in the scenery.

That's particularly important when traveling with a mixed group.

Choose Your Home Base Carefully

Where you stay can have a major impact on your ski vacation.

Consider whether you want to be walking distance from downtown, close to a ski lift, in Snowmass Village, or somewhere quieter with more privacy.

Explore Aspen Snowmass vacation rentals to search properties by location, dates, features, price, and ski access.

The Best Aspen Ski Vacations Have Balance

Ski hard.

Eat well.

Sleep in.

Explore town.

Take a day off.

And don't underestimate how enjoyable it can be to spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing while watching snow fall outside your window.

That's part of the Aspen ski experience, too.