Ski Resorts Aspen Colorado

If you are seeking out the best Colorado ski resorts, Aspen Colorado is a skier's dream come true.

Like most of the popular Colorado ski areas, Aspen’s history took shape during the mining era. In fact, many of Aspen's most impressive Victorian buildings, such as the Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler Opera House were built during this period. Sadly, the town's glory days were short lived. In 1893, silver was demonetized, and Aspen's economy suffered.

Hope was briefly restored in the 1930s when an international investment group came to the area in search of a perfect location for a ski area. However, the outbreak of World War I forestalled their plans. Then, during World War II, the 10th Mountain Division began training at Camp Hale. The skiing mountain warfare troops glamorized the sport. Suddenly, everyone wanted to learn to ski.

When the war ended, ski instructor and former 10th Mountain Division member Friedl Pfeiffer teamed up with an industrialist named Walter Paepcke. Paepcke and his wife wanted to build a cultural mecca in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Pfeiffer wanted an elite ski resort. Working together, they both fulfilled their dreams. In the 1950s and 1960s, Aspen developed three additional mountains, which included Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Today, they are more than just ski resorts. Aspen Colorado is an exciting cultural destination which has been home to writers such as Hunter Thompson and musicians such as John Denver.

Each of the four resorts of Aspen has its unique character. Your lift ticket gives you access to all four areas, which are connected by a ski bus. The bus is usually free until 5pm. After that, it costs three dollars one way.

Snowmass is the most family friendly of the four Aspen resorts. It is home to the Treehouse Kids' Adventure center, which offers kids ski lessons and off-slope activities. It has a base elevation of 8,104 feet, and a summit elevation of 12,510 feet. Its vertical rise is 4,406 feet. Twenty-two modern ski lifts serve 88 trails. Snowmass is preferred by those who enjoy wide-open, groomed cruisers.

Buttermilk is home to the ESPN X Games. However, this should not intimidate beginners. Buttermilk actually has the best terrain for novices. Its base elevation of 7,870 feet and a summit of 9,900 feet makes it a good place to acclimate if you are coming from sea level. Nine lifts serve 44 trails.

Boasting a base elevation of 8,045 and a summit of 11,675 feet, Aspen Highlands is a high-alpine paradise for mogul skiers. Five lifts serve 131 trails.

Aspen is also famous for its steeps and bumps. It has a base of 7,945 feet and the summit is 11,212 feet. Eight lifts serve 76 extremely challenging trails. Powder lovers can take a luxury Snowcat tour off the backside of Aspen Mountain. Gourmet lunch is included.

While you can find decent instruction at most ski resorts, Aspen Colorado has some unique programs. Beginners should consider the Beginner’s Magic program, which includes three days of lessons, lift tickets and equipment. Those interested in backcountry skiing might enjoy Clendenin’s Camp with the Champs. Clendenin also has a unique program which features an indoor ski stimulator. Lessons on the simulator help you develop skills without the fear of falling.

Weems Westfeldt’s Sport Diamond workshops are designed to improve both your technique and your mental attitude about the sport. If you're looking for women-only ski clinics, World Extreme Champion Kim Reichelm conducts a four-day ski workshop which begins with a morning yoga session, and continues with individualized instruction and video analysis on the hill. There's even an après ski party to celebrate your accomplishments!

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