Snow Sport activities in Aspen
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A
Aspen Mountain
One of four ski mountains within a 15-minute drive from Aspen, one of two with a lift open in summer (the Silver Queen gondola), and the only one that rises directly out of downtown Aspen (elevation 7945ft) to a summit at 11,212ft.
Aspen Mountain, cofounded in 1947 by a couple of the 10th Mountain Division boys (hence the statues on the ski plaza), has 675 acres and 76 trails of ski terrain. Inbound you’ll get a variety of glades, bumps and steeps, and you can always find fresh tracks out of bounds on the backside. The mountain is serviced by eight lifts, including a gondola and a high-speed quad. In the summer it's a haven for mountain bikers. The top of Aspen Mountain,…
reviewed
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B
Buttermilk Mountain
Popular with snowboarders of all levels, Buttermilk was voted #1 by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader’s Poll for best park and pipe. Located just 2 miles (3km) west of Aspen proper, it has 44 trails across 470 acres (190 hectares). With a 22ft superpipe in its golden terrain park, riders who want to jump and try out their bag of tricks can do so to their hearts' content. The resort is also an ideal playground for newbie riders and skiers.
Afraid to climb onto that lift for the first time? Buttermilk has instructors and terrain forgiving enough to get you contemplating snowboarding's toughest black diamond runs before you know it. Mostly a winter playground, there…
reviewed
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C
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands resort, 2 miles (3km) southwest of town, is a web of 118 trails on 1028 acres (416 hectares) of uncrowded terrain that is revered by many locals and accessed via five ski lifts. It offers loads of thrills for the daredevils - at least 75 acres (30 hectares) of expert-level tree-skiing - but also keeps the beginners and intermediates happy.
At the base of the resort, the Aspen Highlands Village offers many ski and tourist services, restaurants and shops. And no other mountain offers views of the spectacular Maroon Bells from the slopes.
reviewed
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D
Ashcroft Ski Touring
This local Nordic outfitter serves 20 miles (35km) of groomed trails through 600 acres of subalpine country. The mountain backdrop is spectacular, the Ashcroft ghost town eerie. Rent classic cross-country ski equipment, ski gear or snowshoes. Individual and group lessons, as well as snowshoe and ski tours, are available daily. Shuttles ($35) to and from Aspen are available.
reviewed
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E
Aspen Cross Country Center
Local outdoor outfitter Ute Mountaineer has operated the Aspen Cross Country Center, set on Aspen's public golf course, for more than 25 years. Located near the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System (a 60-mile web of Nordic bliss linking Aspen with Snowmass, Ashcroft and Basalt), the center is a convenient spot to demo gear, take a lesson or head out on a guided tour.
reviewed