Visiting “Aspen” really means visiting Aspen Snowmass, which includes four separate ski areas rolled into one cohesive resort. One lift ticket gains you access to all four mountains, each with its own personality: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain (locally called Ajax), Buttermilk, and Snowmass. A free shuttle system connects them, giving you access to more than 5,300 total acres across the four ski areas.
Which is Better, Aspen or Snowmass?
There’s no absolute, definitive answer when it comes to choosing between Aspen or Snowmass. The truth is, you’ll have entered paradise, regardless, and they’re only a few miles apart. But depending on your preferences or the day, one mountain may meet your expectations more than another. For that reason, we’ve categorized our recommendations.
For an Adrenaline Rush on Snow: Aspen
If you’re an advanced skier who loves the adrenaline rush of challenging steeps, Aspen proper is the place for you. Between Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands, you’ll have long, fast, steep descents and the famous Highland Bowl where you’ll have your choice of double-black-diamond runs after a 45-minute hike to summit at 12,392 feet.
For the Available Ski Terrain: Snowmass
Snowmass is by far the king of Aspen’s four mountains in terms of skiable terrain. With nearly 4,000 skiable acres compared to Aspen’s 600, Snowmass has plenty of wide-open terrain, challenging and kid-friendly tree trails, bowls and walls, and all levels of runs. Snowmass also boasts the highest vertical rise in the United States: 4,400 feet.
For Nordic Skiing: Aspen and Snowmass
The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council provides free access to an incredible 60+ miles of maintained trails in the valley, creating the largest free and groomed Nordic trail system in all of North America. The Aspen Nordic Center periodically offers free skate and classic clinics, complete with ski and boot rentals, so watch their calendars for event notifications!
For the Big Events: Aspen
Just reading this list of annual events, we’re sure you recognize at least a few — and they all take place in Aspen. Check out the XGames, Food & Wine Festival, Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Words, and the Golden Leaf race (one of America’s 14 most scenic races).
For the Nightlife: Aspen
While Snowmass does boast weekly summer concerts on Fanny Hill along with the annual JAS Aspen Snowmass concert, Aspen has more — and more frequent — music and theater performances. Besides the top-notch bars and restaurants, you’ve got the convenience of world-class performances at the Wheeler Opera House, Isis Theatre, and the not-to-be-missed Belly Up, for starters.
For the Variety and Convenience: Snowmass
If you’re ready to relax and don’t want to plan where you’re going next, Snowmass is the place to stay. You’ll have accessible childcare, ski lessons and rentals (or mountain bike lessons and rentals), shops and restaurants, an ice skating rink (mini golf and lawn games in the summer), a game room, and a five-story climbing wall… not to mention the Lost Forest and Snowmass Bike Park. With regular live music performances and events during the summer and winter, you’ve got everything you could need or want to do in one place.
For the Historical Cache: Aspen
Snowmass’ arrival in 1967 doesn’t compare with the founding of Aspen way back in 1879. Aspen is full of historical landmarks and stories dating back to its days as a silver mining town; Aspen didn’t become a ski area until 1947. The Hotel Jerome and Wheeler Opera House, for example, have been around since 1889 and are still standing (and booming) today.
For the Mountain Biking: Snowmass
While both Aspen and Snowmass are convenient for accessing ample single track, Snowmass takes the mountain biking win, due to the Snowmass Bike Park. Take your bike up the Elk Camp Gondola and Elk Camp chairlift, then explore a full 25 miles of purpose-built downhill trails at all levels, dropping nearly 3000 vertical feet (from upper Elk Camp to Snowmass Base Village). The Aspen valley has also been recognized as an IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center — one of only 7 in the world and the only one in the state of Colorado!
So, Should I Stay in Aspen or Snowmass?
We answer this question on a frequent basis, and — as we’ve already mentioned — no matter which location you choose as your “home base,” you won’t be disappointed. Our preference is staying in Aspen to enjoy the town, its restaurants, and events. You can plan day trip excursions for activities like skiing and mountain biking in Snowmass. Explore our Aspen vacation rentals and book your next vacation.