Nestled in Colorado's majestic Elk Mountains, Aspen transforms into a world-class winter playground from late November through mid-April. With four legendary ski mountains, championship events, vibrant cultural celebrations, and unparalleled luxury, this comprehensive guide will help you plan the ultimate Aspen winter getaway.
World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding Across Four Mountains
Aspen Snowmass: Four Mountains, One Unforgettable Experience
The 2025-26 winter season opens November 27, 2025, and runs through April 19, 2026, offering access to 5,700+ acres of terrain across four distinct mountains—all on a single lift ticket.
Aspen Mountain (Ajax) The flagship mountain rises directly from downtown Aspen, offering expert terrain without a single beginner run. Known for its steep mogul runs and impeccable grooming, Ajax provides ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen's renowned dining and shopping scene.
Snowmass The largest of the four mountains features terrain for every ability level, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. With upgraded lifts for the 2025-26 season—including the new six-passenger Elk Camp lift—Snowmass combines extensive terrain with modern amenities and slopeside lodging options.
Aspen Highlands Home to the legendary Highland Bowl, this mountain offers some of Colorado's most challenging inbounds terrain. Adventurous skiers can hike to the bowl's 12,392-foot summit for breathtaking views and truly earned vertical.
Buttermilk Famous for its beginner-friendly terrain and world-class terrain parks, Buttermilk hosts the Winter X Games and provides the perfect learning environment for new skiers and snowboarders.
Insider Tips:
- Book lift tickets 30 days in advance to save up to 25% on multi-day passes
- Book lessons early for the best times and instructors
- Free RFTA buses connect all four mountains and both towns
- Mountain delivery from Four Mountain Sports lets you rent once and ski anywhere
Iconic Winter Events 2025-2026
Winter X Games Aspen
January 23-25, 2026 (25th Anniversary)
The world's premier action sports competition returns to Buttermilk for its historic 25th consecutive year in Aspen. Watch over 100 of the world's best skiers and snowboarders compete in SuperPipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, and Knuckle Huck events. New for 2026: Snowmobile competitions return with both Freestyle and Speed & Style events.
What to Expect:
- Three days of elite competition and live music
- Tickets required for all access (no free viewing areas)
- Multiple ticket levels from General Admission to premium Chalet passes
- On-site sponsor activations and X Fest entertainment
- Evening concerts and parties throughout Aspen
- Historic milestone celebration with special events
Pro Tip: The first 500 local high school students can receive complimentary day-of General Admission tickets with valid student ID.
Aspen Gay Ski Week
January 11-18, 2026 (49th Annual)
The longest-running gay ski week in America returns for its 49th year, bringing together thousands of LGBTQ+ visitors for seven nights of parties, concerts, comedy, films, and dining experiences. This vibrant celebration serves as the annual fundraiser for AspenOUT, supporting anti-bullying and mental health services.
Featured Events:
- Mountain du jour with guided groups across all four peaks
- Nightly friendship dinners at Aspen's finest restaurants
- Drag Queen Bingo brunches
- White Party at the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain
- Pool party at Aspen Recreation Center
- Live performances at Wheeler Opera House
- Daily après-ski gatherings and receptions
Host Hotel: The Limelight Aspen offers special packages and après-ski menus (3-7 PM).
FIS Ski World Cup
Dates TBA (typically late March)
Watch the world's top alpine racers compete in Super-G and Downhill events at breakneck speeds. This international competition brings Olympic-caliber athletes to Aspen's challenging courses.
The Snow League by Shaun White
February 26-28, 2026
Legendary snowboarder Shaun White's innovative competition format makes its second appearance in Aspen. Buttermilk hosts the third stop of this four-event series featuring halfpipe and slopestyle competitions in a fresh, athlete-driven format.
Aspen Shortsfest
April 2026
This Oscar®-qualifying film festival showcases the world's best short films. Perfect for celebrating Aspen's transition from winter to spring with a week of cinematic excellence, creative storytelling, and filmmaker Q&As.
Thrilling Winter Adventures
Snowmobiling Tours
Experience the stunning winter wilderness of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass region and the hills above Lenado on guided snowmobile excursions.
T-Lazy-7 Ranch Adventures
Maroon Bells Tour (2 hours)
- Journey to Maroon Lake at the base of North America's most photographed peaks
- Explore thick aspen groves and wide meadows through White River National Forest
- Hot chocolate stop with photo opportunities
- Pricing: $325 single rider, $425 double
- Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:30 PM
Klondike Lunch Tour (2.5-3 hours)
- Ride to a rustic mountain cabin with spectacular views of 14,000-foot Pyramid Peak
- Gourmet Wagyu beef cheeseburger lunch by wood stove
- Ideal for families and groups
- Pricing: $375 single rider, $525 double
- Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM
Requirements: Drivers must be 18+ with valid license. Minimum passenger age varies by tour (4-7 years).
Western Adventures Inc. Offers snowmobile tours to Kobey Park and rentals for experienced operators seeking backcountry exploration above Lenado.
Alpine Coasters and Tubing
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Snowmass Speed down Snowmass mountain at up to 28 mph on this thrilling year-round alpine coaster. Control your own speed on this scenic ride through the forest.
- Starting at: $66 per rider
Snow Tubing at Elk Camp Family-friendly tubing with unlimited runs. Combo packages available with the Breathtaker Coaster.
- Coaster & Tubing Combo: $78
Snowcat Dinner Tours
Ascend the mountain in a comfortable snowcat for romantic dinners at exclusive mountaintop locations:
Lynn Britt Cabin – Intimate dining experience with panoramic views Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro – Gourmet cuisine at 10,700 feet
Both experiences include the scenic snowcat ride, multi-course meals, and unforgettable mountain ambiance.
Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing
Aspen offers extensive groomed trail systems perfect for both classic and skate skiing:
Aspen Cross Country Center Located on the Aspen Golf Course, this facility offers:
- Miles of groomed trails for all ability levels
- Daily group lessons at 11:00 AM
- Equipment rentals and private lessons
- Easy access via RFTA bus (Truscott stop)
Ashcroft Nordic Trail System Explore stunning backcountry terrain with professional guides through pristine forests and meadows.
Ute Cup Nordic Series Join this seven-event recreational race series emphasizing fun and fitness for all ages and abilities throughout the winter season.
Ice Skating
Multiple venues offer both outdoor and indoor skating experiences:
Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink
- Free skating and skate rentals
- Open 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM (weather permitting)
- Located in front of Limelight Hotel Snowmass
- Outdoor fireplaces and après dining nearby
Lewis Ice Arena (Aspen Recreation Center)
- Full-size NHL rink open year-round
- Public skating sessions and hockey programs
- Skate rentals available
- Lessons for all ages and skill levels
Aspen Ice Garden
- Indoor rink in downtown Aspen
- Public skating and private rentals
- Perfect for parties and group events
Silver Circle Outdoor Rink
- Free outdoor skating (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM in winter)
- Steps from Aspen Mountain
- Bring your own skates (no rentals available)
Snowshoeing
Guided snowshoe tours with naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies take you through serene forests with breathtaking Elk Mountain vistas. Self-guided trails also available throughout the valley.
Beyond the Slopes: Downtown Aspen Culture and Dining
Shopping and Galleries
Downtown Aspen features world-class shopping from high-end fashion boutiques to art galleries, jewelry stores, and western outfitters. The pedestrian-friendly core makes browsing a pleasure between mountain adventures.
Culinary Excellence
With over 80 restaurants, Aspen's dining scene rivals any major city:
Las Montañas – Celebrated Mexican cuisine in Mill Street Plaza 39 Degrees – Premier après-ski location with mountain views Hotel Jerome – Historic elegance and prix fixe cocktail experiences Slope & Hatch – Slopeside dining at Snowmass with barbecue favorites
Nightlife and Entertainment
Belly Up Aspen Live music venue featuring world-class acts from Snoop Dogg to B.B. King. Two full bars and eclectic programming year-round.
The Red Onion Aspen's funkiest cocktail bar with vintage furniture, moody lighting, craft cocktails, and small bites in an eclectic atmosphere.
Wheeler Opera House Historic venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, films, and special performances throughout winter.
Family-Friendly Activities
Aspen Recreation Center
Beyond ice skating, the ARC offers:
- Indoor swimming pools
- Rock climbing walls
- Fitness facilities
- Basketball courts
- Programs for all ages
Whoa Nellie Sledding Hill
Free sledding just off Maroon Creek Road, perfect for families seeking traditional winter fun.
Winter Mountain Improvements 2025-26
Snowmass has invested nearly $80 million in enhancements:
New Elk Camp Lift – Upgraded from four to six passengers for increased capacity Ullrhof Restaurant Rebuild – Complete reconstruction (reopening 2026-27 as Aspen Snowmass's first fully electric restaurant) Enhanced Dining – New 120-seat deck at Elk Camp with retractable umbrellas and mountain views Lift Line Restaurant – New slopeside dining at Viceroy Snowmass (December opening)
Getting to Aspen
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) The closest airport offers nonstop flights from 10+ major cities during winter season. New for 2025-26: Direct flights from Charlotte three times weekly (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays through March 29, 2026).
Denver International Airport (DEN) Located 200 miles from Aspen. Ground transportation, rental cars, and shuttle services available.
Free Local Transportation The RFTA (Roaring Fork Transportation Authority) provides complimentary bus service connecting all four mountains, downtown Aspen, and Snowmass Village.
Planning Your Aspen Winter Escape with Travel with Aspect
At Travel with Aspect, we specialize in creating unforgettable Aspen experiences tailored to your preferences. Our luxury accommodations and comprehensive services ensure a seamless, stress-free vacation.
Premium Accommodations
Luxury Chalets, Condos, and Estate Rentals Our carefully curated portfolio features premium properties ranging from ski-in/ski-out condos to expansive private estates. Each property offers:
- Prime locations in downtown Aspen or slopeside Snowmass
- High-end amenities including gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, and elegant living spaces
- Stunning mountain views and modern comfort
- Access to world-class skiing and cultural attractions
Featured Properties:
- Downtown Aspen hotels near shops, dining, and the Silver Queen Gondola
- Slopeside Snowmass accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access
- Private homes perfect for family gatherings and group retreats
- Boutique condos combining luxury with convenience
Concierge Services
Our dedicated concierge team handles every detail:
- Advance lift ticket purchases with early booking discounts
- Ski school and private lesson reservations
- X Games and event ticket procurement
- Dinner reservations at Aspen's finest restaurants
- Snowmobile tour and activity bookings
- Spa appointments and wellness services
- Custom itinerary planning and local insider recommendations
Transportation Services
Navigate Aspen effortlessly with our comprehensive solutions:
- Private airport transfers from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport
- Mountain shuttle coordination
- Special event transportation
- In-town car service for dining and nightlife
Best Time to Visit Aspen in Winter
Late November - December: Opening season with smaller crowds and holiday festivities. Early booking recommended for Christmas and New Year's weeks.
January: Peak winter with X Games (late January), Gay Ski Week, excellent snow coverage, and the coldest temperatures. This is Aspen's busiest month.
February - Early March: Prime conditions with longer days, major competitions, and consistent snowfall. February brings The Snow League and occasional powder storms.
Late March - April: Spring skiing with warmer temperatures, longer daylight, uncrowded slopes, and special events like Aspen Shortsfest and FIS World Cup races.
Essential Winter Packing List
- Layered clothing with moisture-wicking base layers
- Waterproof ski jacket and pants
- Warm gloves (bring extras)
- Insulated winter boots
- Sunglasses and ski goggles
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm (mountain sun is intense)
- Après-ski outfits for Aspen's vibrant nightlife
- Casual elegant attire for fine dining
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone for spectacular scenery
Aspen's Unique Winter Atmosphere
Aspen seamlessly blends world-class outdoor recreation with sophisticated cultural offerings. After exhilarating days on the slopes, immerse yourself in art galleries, live music venues, and culinary experiences that rival any major city. The town's historic Victorian architecture provides charming contrast to modern luxury amenities.
Whether you're seeking powder days on Highland Bowl, front-row seats at X Games, gourmet dining experiences, or simply the magic of skating under the stars, Aspen delivers an unparalleled winter experience.
Make This Winter Unforgettable
From championship skiing across four legendary mountains to world-class events, cultural celebrations, and authentic Colorado charm, Aspen offers the perfect winter escape. The combination of athletic excellence, luxury accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and natural beauty creates memories that last a lifetime.
Let Travel with Aspect transform your Aspen dreams into reality. Our luxury chalets, condos, and estates provide the perfect basecamp for your Rocky Mountain adventure, while our concierge and transportation services ensure you experience the very best of Aspen without stress or hassle.
Ready to plan your Aspen winter escape? Contact Travel with Aspect today to discover our exclusive properties and customize your perfect winter itinerary. Whether you're chasing powder, celebrating at X Games, or enjoying romantic mountaintop dinners, we'll create an extraordinary experience in the heart of the Rockies.
Travel with Aspect specializes in luxury vacation rentals and comprehensive concierge services in Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado. From ski-in/ski-out condos to elegant downtown properties, we offer handpicked accommodations and personalized service to make your mountain getaway extraordinary.