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- This Town is a Skiing Paradise! ⛷️🏔️ - Aspen, Colorado.
This Town is a Skiing Paradise! ⛷️🏔️ - Aspen, Colorado.
Allow us and Mayor Torre of Aspen take you through Aspen!
Random Towns
May 13, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Today’s town is one of the best ski destinations in the United States. Take a look below ⬇️
Situated in the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range, Aspen was founded as a mining camp during the Colorado Silver Boom. In the mid-20th century, Aspen experienced a cultural renaissance and is now known for its vibrant arts scene, upscale boutiques, and luxury resorts. The city hosts several annual events, including the Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Ideas Festival. With a population of around 7,000 residents, Aspen attracts millions of visitors each year, making tourism a significant part of its economy.
Aspen, Colorado, is a town that is well recognized by the ear despite its rather underwhelming population of 7,000. The reason Aspen is so renowned is largely due to its natural beauty, which comes alive in the summer. But what has put Aspen in the international spotlight for many years has been its world-class ski resorts. On 4 separate mountains, skiers from around the world gather in Aspen to get their stab at some of the best snow and best terrain parks. Aspen has become somewhat of an extreme skiing hotspot, hosting the Winter X-Games for now 2 decades. About 1.5 million tourists visit Aspen every year.
Despite all of this recognition and tourism, the Mayor of Aspen, Torre, tells us,
“There's still the special place that Aspen is that it was when I moved here 30 years ago.”
But what is it that made Aspen great then and made Aspen what it is to the locals?
“It's all summed up in what's called the Aspen idea, and that is mind, body and spirit, you know? So what's most important to Aspenites is, is living a full and fulfilling life, having a ton of experience and, you know, making the most out of every day with mind, body and spirit as part of it.”
So, in Aspen, it’s prioritizing living a rich and meaningful existence, cherishing each moment as an opportunity for growth and connection. This philosophy permeates life in Aspen, from outdoor adventures to cultural pursuits, fostering a community deeply committed to personal well-being and fulfillment. Yet, amidst the allure of Aspen's natural beauty and vibrant culture, there exists a sense of responsibility.
“Along with how wonderful and amazing Aspen is, I think that a lot of us also feel a responsibility to maintain that and make it sustainable. And it's in the same vein of of sharing it. You know, we love to share what Aspen has meant to us as locals and people that live here. We love to share that, but we want to make sure that we are maintaining and keeping this special place for Aspen for others to enjoy.”
Enjoy Our Aspen Skiing Guide
1. Aspen Mountain
Also known as "Ajax," Aspen Mountain rises steeply above the town of Aspen.
It was opened in 1947 and has a rich history as one of Colorado's oldest ski resorts.
The mountain hosted the FIS World Cup Finals in 2017.
Advantages
Offers challenging terrain suitable for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Close proximity to downtown Aspen, providing easy access to amenities and nightlife. There is actually a lift that takes you atop Aspen Mountain from downtown Aspen (Gondola Plaza), so you can actually take your skis with you downtown, take the lift, and ski all the way back downtown.
Stunning views of the Elk Mountains and the town of Aspen.
Disadvantages
Limited beginner and intermediate terrain compared to other Aspen resorts.
Can get crowded, especially during peak seasons.
Terrain
Aspen Mountain is known for its steep runs and mogul fields, making it popular among expert skiers and snowboarders.
The mountain features primarily intermediate and advanced terrain, with few beginner trails.
2. Aspen Highlands
Home to the Highland Bowl, a renowned backcountry skiing destination accessible via hiking or snowcat.
The mountain is known for its challenging terrain and excellent tree skiing. For some, it’s the most fun skiing, and for others, it’s the most intense.
Aspen Highlands is part of the Aspen Snowmass resort complex.
Advantages
Some of the most challenging terrain, including steep chutes and gladed runs.
Less crowded than Aspen Mountain and Snowmass.
Stunning views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.
Disadvantages
Limited beginner terrain, with most trails geared towards intermediate and advanced skiers.
Limited on-mountain dining options compared to other Aspen resorts.
Relative Terrain:
Steep and high-skill terrain, including the famous Highland Bowl.
The mountain offers a mix of intermediate and advanced trails, with few (but some!) beginner options.
3. Snowmass
Snowmass is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, covering over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain.
The resort opened in 1967 and has since expanded to become a premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor recreation.
Snowmass offers a wide range of terrain, including groomed runs, terrain parks, and backcountry terrain.
Snowmass has the most vertical feet of skiing of any ski area in the U.S.
Advantages
Offers diverse terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, including extensive beginner and intermediate trails.
Family-friendly amenities and activities, including ski schools, kids' programs, and on-mountain dining options.
Wide-open slopes and long cruising runs, perfect for enjoying Colorado's famous powder snow.
Disadvantages
Can feel crowded during peak times, especially around the base area and popular lifts, but there are many other lifts, and crowding is rare.
The size of the resort can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, leading to difficulty navigating the mountain.
Terrain
Snowmass offers a vast and varied terrain, with something for everyone from beginners to experts.
The mountain features wide-open areas, challenging moguls, and tree-lined glades, as well as terrain parks and halfpipe.
4. Buttermilk
Known for hosting the Winter X Games annually since 2002, showcasing world-class athletes in skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
The resort gained international recognition as the venue for the Winter X Games, attracting spectators and participants from around the globe.
Buttermilk offers a laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, making it a popular choice for beginners and families.
Advantages
Abundance of beginner-friendly terrain, including gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas.
Less crowded than other Aspen resorts, providing a relaxed beginner experience.
Disadvantages
Limited advanced terrain compared to other Aspen resorts, with fewer challenging runs and off-piste opportunities.
Limited on-mountain dining options and après-ski activities compared to larger resorts like Snowmass and Aspen Mountain.
Terrain
Buttermilk is renowned for its beginner and intermediate terrain, offering wide-open slopes and gentle pitches ideal for learning and progression.
The resort features several terrain parks, including the legendary X Games park, which attracts professional athletes and freestyle enthusiasts from around the world.
See you in Aspen!
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