Aspen Snowmass Ski Guide (2026/27): Season Dates, Lift Tickets, Hotels, MICHELIN, Après & Getting There

The back story

Season 2026/27: Aspen Mountain 26 Nov 2026 – 18 Apr 2027; Snowmass 26 Nov – 11 Apr; Aspen Highlands 12 Dec – 11 Apr; Buttermilk 12 Dec – 4 Apr (aspensnowmass.com) · Ski area: 5,700+ acres on four mountains; Snowmass alone 3,300+ acres and 96 trails · Top viewpoint: Highland Bowl summit, 12,392 ft; the Sundeck at 11,212 ft atop Aspen Mountain · Passes: Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective accepted; no lift reservations needed in 2026/27 (aspensnowmass.com) · Lift company: Aspen Skiing Company · Nearest airports: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE, closed 4 Apr – 19 Nov 2027); Eagle (EGE) 70 miles; Denver (DEN) 220 miles

The back story

Aspen Snowmass: the back story

Aspen Snowmass·In depth

A silver town in its quiet years, a ski company founded eighty years ago, and four mountains that grew around the Aspen Idea of mind, body and spirit.

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Lift passes, ski schools and hire

One ticket, four mountains, 2026/27

Aspen Snowmass lift tickets

Aspen Snowmass·Lift tickets and passes·€€€€

One lift ticket covers Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass; book 30 days ahead for the best rate.

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Every age, all four mountains

Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard School

Aspen Snowmass·Ski school·€€€€

Private and group lessons for every age and level across the four mountains, with children’s lessons from 2½ years.

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Panda Peak and The Hideout

Buttermilk for beginners

Aspen Snowmass·Beginner area·€€

The gentlest of the four mountains, with the Panda Peak chairlift at the base and The Hideout learning centre.

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270 acres to 12,392 ft

Highland Bowl

Aspen Snowmass·Hike-to expert terrain·€€€

Aspen Highlands’ legendary bowl: a hike to the 12,392-foot summit for some of the most celebrated in-bounds steeps in Colorado.

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Nine shops across the four mountains

Four Mountain Sports

Aspen Snowmass·Ski and snowboard rental·€€€

The resort’s rental and gear shops, with overnight storage and transfers of your equipment between mountains.

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3,300+ acres, 96 trails

Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain·€€€

The biggest of the four, larger than the other three combined, with wide groomers, glades and the Cirque, and a ski-in, ski-out village.

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Where to stay, every budget

Who it suits. On a budget: Value lodges such as the St. Moritz Lodge and Aspen Mountain Lodge with breakfast included, RFTA buses to all four mountains, children 6 and under skiing at no charge, and Buttermilk for first days. Mid-range: Limelight hotels in Aspen and Snowmass, family-run lodges near the gondola, and long lunches at Sam’s and Bonnie’s. Luxury: The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome, Bosq’s MICHELIN star, champagne at Cloud Nine and snowcat dinners on the mountain.

Slopeside at the base of Aspen Mountain · In depth

The Little Nell

Aspen Snowmass·Five-star hotel·€€€€

Aspen’s ski-in/ski-out hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain, with the region’s only ski-in/ski-out spa, a heated outdoor pool, Element 47 and Ajax Tavern.

675 E. Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Aspen’s social hub since 1889 · In depth

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection

Aspen Snowmass·Historic luxury hotel·€€€€

Aspen’s historic 1889 landmark on Main Street, with the intimate Yarrow Spa, a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, Prospect, the J-Bar and Bad Harriet.

330 E. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
At the base of Aspen Mountain · In depth

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Aspen Snowmass·Luxury resort hotel·€€€€

A St. Regis at the base of Aspen Mountain, with the 15,000 sq ft RAKxa Wellness Spa, a 24-hour heated outdoor pool, Velvet Buck and Mountain Social Bar & Lounge.

315 E. Dean St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Ski-in, ski-out at Snowmass · In depth

Viceroy Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Luxury resort·€€€€

A ski-in/ski-out resort of suites and residences in Snowmass, with a full-service spa, an all-season heated pool and spa pools, Toro and Lift Line Tavern.

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98 suites, Bauhaus design, West End · In depth

Aspen Meadows Resort

Aspen Snowmass·Resort·€€€

A 98-suite Bauhaus resort on the Aspen Institute campus in the West End, with a health centre, steam rooms, an outdoor saline lap pool, hot tub and West End Social.

845 Meadows Road, Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
A walk from the Silver Queen Gondola · In depth

Limelight Aspen

Aspen Snowmass·Hotel·€€€

A relaxed downtown hotel steps from the Silver Queen Gondola, with a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, breakfast in the stay, two rooftop terraces and the Limelight Lounge.

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Ski-in, ski-out at the Elk Camp Gondola · In depth

Limelight Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Hotel·€€€

A ski-in/ski-out family hotel in Snowmass Base Village, with two outdoor spa pools, a five-storey climbing wall, a kids’ room and the Limelight Lounge.

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Two blocks from the gondola

Mountain Chalet Aspen

Aspen Snowmass·Family-run hotel·€€

A friendly, family-run hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain, two blocks from the Silver Queen Gondola.

333 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Breakfast and parking included

St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums

Aspen Snowmass·Value lodge·€

One of Aspen’s best-value stays: rooms and condos with a heated pool and steam room, breakfast in season and parking included.

334 W. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
38 rooms, near the bus to all four mountains

Aspen Mountain Lodge

Aspen Snowmass·Value lodge·€€

A friendly 38-room lodge half a mile from the gondola, with outdoor pool, hot tub, breakfast and parking included.

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Breakfast and parking included

Annabelle Inn

Aspen Snowmass·Small hotel·€€

A small Main Street inn with breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi included in the nightly rate.

232 W. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
19 rooms, three blocks from the gondola

Hotel Durant

Aspen Snowmass·Family-run lodge·€€

A family-owned lodge of 19 rooms with a European feel, three blocks from downtown and the gondola.

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Restaurants and mountain huts

One MICHELIN star (2026)

Bosq

Aspen Snowmass·Contemporary·€€€€

Chef Barclay Dodge’s intimate restaurant, cooking seasonally around foraging, fermenting and local farms.

312 S. Mill St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
In the MICHELIN Guide (2026)

Element 47

Aspen Snowmass·Contemporary·€€€€

The Little Nell’s sleek dining room, named after silver, Aspen’s founding metal, steps from the slopes.

675 E. Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
In the MICHELIN Guide (2026)

Prospect

Aspen Snowmass·Contemporary·€€€€

Hotel Jerome’s colourful, eclectic dining room, cooking with the seasons.

330 E. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
In the MICHELIN Guide (2026)

Mawa’s Kitchen

Aspen Snowmass·Contemporary·€€€

A welcoming, tucked-away room in the Aspen Airport Business Center, worth the search.

305 Aspen Airport Business Center, Ste. F, Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Modern Italian atop Sam’s Knob

Sam’s, Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain restaurant·€€€

A bright, skylit Italian dining room at the top of Sam’s Knob, with house-made pasta and some of the best views in Snowmass.

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French home cooking at altitude

Alpin Room, Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain restaurant·€€€

Head Chef Emily Oyer’s take on French mountain cooking at the top of the Alpine Springs chairlift.

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Mid-mountain lunch, après and snowcat dinners

The Cabin, Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain restaurant·€€€

A renovated mid-mountain cabin off Velvet Falls with European-inspired lunches, a taco bar on the deck and snowcat dinners.

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Mid-mountain on Aspen Mountain since the 1960s

Bonnie’s

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain restaurant·€€

Aspen Mountain’s mid-mountain breakfast spot since the 1960s, famous for pancakes, white-bean chili and apple strudel.

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At the 11,212-foot summit

Sundeck, Aspen Mountain

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain restaurant·€€

The summit restaurant with 30-foot ceilings, a rock fireplace and a patio facing the Highland Bowl.

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Atop Buttermilk, facing Pyramid Peak

Cliffhouse, Buttermilk

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain restaurant·€€

A laid-back summit restaurant known for its Mongolian grill and views of Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Creek Valley.

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Sandwiches in a wood-panelled room

White House Tavern

Aspen Snowmass·Tavern·€€

Premium sandwiches, good wine and cocktails in a lively, wood-panelled tavern with an open kitchen.

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Après-ski and bars

Beside the Silver Queen Gondola

Ajax Tavern

Aspen Snowmass·Slopeside bar and bistro·€€€

The classic Aspen après: a sun-soaked patio at the foot of Aspen Mountain, truffle fries and a Wagyu double cheeseburger.

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Fondue and champagne on Aspen Highlands

Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

Aspen Snowmass·Mountain bistro·€€€€

A former patrol shack facing the Maroon Bells, famous for fondue, raclette, caviar and its champagne-soaked après.

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At 11,212 ft on Aspen Mountain

Eleven212

Aspen Snowmass·Mountaintop après venue·€€€

Aspen Mountain’s open-air summit après, with A-frame cabins, fireside Adirondack chairs, live music and DJs.

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At Hotel Jerome since the 19th century

J-Bar

Aspen Snowmass·Historic bar·€€€

Aspen’s 19th-century social hub, where ski bums and socialites share craft beers and vintage-inspired cocktails.

330 E. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Down-valley since 1980

Woody Creek Tavern

Aspen Snowmass·Locals’ tavern·€€

A down-home tavern a few miles from Aspen, papered with forty years of Polaroids and known for margaritas and enchiladas.

2858 Upper River Road, Woody Creek, CO 81656Explore View on map

Shops

Flagship in Gondola Plaza

Aspen Collection

Aspen Snowmass·Ski wear and rental·€€€€

The ski company’s own label, with merino sweaters, après pieces and premium ski kit in Aspen and Snowmass Mall.

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An Aspen institution for nearly 50 years

Explore Booksellers

Aspen Snowmass·Bookshop·€€

A bookshop and gathering place on Main Street, with a children’s room and free-flowing conversation.

221 E. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Open daily 9am–9pm

Carl’s Pharmacy

Aspen Snowmass·Pharmacy and general store·€

Aspen’s everything shop: prescriptions, cosmetics, groceries, beer and wine, toys, books and party supplies.

306 E. Main St., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Groceries in town

City Market, Aspen

Aspen Snowmass·Supermarket·€

Aspen’s supermarket on East Cooper Avenue, for self-catering and picnic supplies.

711 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Sportswear and leather outerwear

Pitkin County Dry Goods

Aspen Snowmass·Clothing·€€€

Sportswear, jeans, accessories and leather outerwear for men and women on East Cooper Avenue.

520 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map
Downtown on Cooper Avenue

Aspen Sports

Aspen Snowmass·Sports shop·€€

A downtown sports shop for gear, with bike rentals in summer.

408 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map

Spas and wellness

The region’s only ski-in, ski-out spa

The Spa at The Little Nell

Aspen Snowmass·Hotel spa·€€€€

A slopeside spa at the base of Aspen Mountain, rooted in the Aspen Idea of mind, body and spirit.

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7,000 square feet, outdoor pool

The Spa at Viceroy Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Hotel spa·€€€€

A nature-inspired spa with signature rituals using local, sustainably harvested ingredients, and an outdoor pool.

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At Hotel Jerome

Yarrow Spa, Hotel Jerome

Aspen Snowmass·Hotel spa·€€€€

Hotel Jerome’s spa, at the centre of the hotel’s rest-and-recovery stays.

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Outdoor pools with cabanas

Spa pools, Limelight Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Hotel pools·€€€

Heated outdoor spa pools with cabanas and a fireplace, steps from the Elk Camp Gondola.

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For lodge guests

Pool and steam room, St. Moritz Lodge

Aspen Snowmass·Lodge pool·€

A heated pool, steam room and large whirlpool for guests of one of Aspen’s best-value lodges.

334 W. Hyman Ave., Aspen, CO 81611Explore View on map

Getting there

Fly to ASE, or drive from Eagle or Denver

Getting to Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass·Getting there

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is minutes from town; Eagle County is about 1½ hours by road and Denver about 3½.

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Closed 4 Apr – 19 Nov 2027

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)

Aspen Snowmass·Airport·€€

Aspen’s own airport, a short ride from town, with Aspen Chamber guest services in baggage claim.

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70 miles, about 1½ hours

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), for Aspen

Aspen Snowmass·Airport·€€

The nearest alternative to Aspen’s airport, 70 miles away by I-70 and Highway 82.

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220 miles, about 3½ hours

Denver International Airport (DEN), for Aspen

Aspen Snowmass·Airport·€€

Colorado’s main international gateway, 220 miles from Aspen by I-70.

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All four mountains and the airport

RFTA buses

Aspen Snowmass·Valley bus·€

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority runs the valley’s buses, linking the airport, Aspen, Snowmass and the four ski areas.

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Property: the neighbourhoods

The Victorian core beneath Aspen Mountain

Downtown Aspen

Aspen Snowmass·Neighbourhood

The historic heart of Aspen between Main Street and the Silver Queen Gondola, with its galleries, shops and hotels.

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Quiet streets, Victorian homes and the Aspen Institute

The West End

Aspen Snowmass·Neighbourhood

A quieter residential quarter of Victorian homes and tree-lined streets, home to the Aspen Meadows campus.

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Above town, facing Aspen Mountain

Red Mountain

Aspen Snowmass·Neighbourhood

The hillside across the river from downtown, with views back to Aspen Mountain.

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Ski-in, ski-out on the biggest mountain

Snowmass Village

Aspen Snowmass·Neighbourhood

A resort village built around Snowmass, where about 95% of lodging is ski-in, ski-out.

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Down-valley ranch country

Woody Creek

Aspen Snowmass·Neighbourhood

A rural, low-key community down the valley from Aspen, home of the Woody Creek Tavern.

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