If you’re looking for a ski destination out west that has it all, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. I’m going to share all the TOP reasons to come snowboarding or skiing in Aspen Snowmass in Colorado this season!
In This Article
- Is Aspen open?
- Where is Aspen?
- What is the Easiest and Best Way to get to Aspen Snowmass?
- The Four Mountains of Aspen Snowmass
- What is the Best Month to Ski in Aspen?
- Is Aspen Snowmass a Good Place for Beginner Skiers and Snowboarders?
- Is Aspen Snowmass Good for Intermediate Skiers and Snowboarders?
- Is Aspen Snowmass Good for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders?
- How is Aspen Snowmass’s Ski School?
- Is Aspen Snowmass a Great Ski Destination for Kids?
- Is Aspen Snowmass on the IKON Pass?
- Taking a Day Off: Things to do in Aspen Snowmass other than Ski or Snowboard
- Go For a Snowshoe
- ACES Snowshoe Tour
- Ashcroft Snowshoe Tour
- Private Snowshoe Tour
- Nordic Skiing
- Sleigh Rides
- Tubing on the Snow
- Spa Experiences in Aspen Snowmass
- Art Galleries
- Aspen Art Museum
- Aspen Historical Society
- Ice Skating
- Fly Fishing
- Bike Ride: Ride a Fat Bike
- Snowmobiling
- Swimming
- Eating & Drinking Through Aspen
- Yoga
- Take A Ride On The Silver Queen Gondola
- Dogsledding
- Is There Nightlife in Aspen?
- In Conclusion
Is Aspen open?
Aspen Snowmass is open for 2022/2023 ski season!
This world-famous ski town is one of my all-time favorite ski towns in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, offering incredibly diverse downhill skiing and cross-country skiing opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
In addition to world-class skiing and snowboarding, Aspen also boasts stunning scenery, luxurious hotels, private homes and condos, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. So if you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, Aspen, Colorado should be at the top of your travel list!
Where is Aspen?
Aspen, Colorado is nestled in the White River National Forest approximately 198 miles away from Denver. From Denver, Aspen is to the west on I-70 and then the south once you reach Glenwood Springs in the Colorado Mountains. The drive from Denver to Aspen will take you about 3 and a half hours by car (with good weather!). The Aspen elevation is 7,908 feet above sea level.
Aspen Snowmass is a ski region encompassing four world-class ski resorts. These ski resorts are Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass Ski Area. All four resorts are on the same lift ticket. Thus, you may ski and snowboard at any of the four ski resorts on your Aspen Snowmass ski pass. Also, if you hold an Ikon Pass, you can ski up to 7 days at Aspen Snowmass ski resorts.
What is the Easiest and Best Way to get to Aspen Snowmass?
Aspen has its own airport! The Aspen Pitkin County Airport is one of the busiest ski destination airports in the country with weekly flights from Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Phoenix during the ski season.
The Aspen Pitkin County Airport is 4 miles from downtown Aspen with many of the hotels and lodging properties offering transportation to and from the airport. It’s so convenient to fly into Aspen Pitkin County Airport for your ski vacation! In the summertime there’s a full schedule of flights on the roster too.
As an alternative, the Vail Eagle County Regional Airport is about an hour and 40 minutes from Aspen. Vail Eagle Airport also has a full schedule of flights to choose from. Grand Junction Regional Airport is two hours and 20 minutes from Aspen if you’d like another choice!
If you’re planning on driving to Aspen from Denver, it’s an easy, gorgeous drive! From Denver to Aspen it will take you about 3 and a half hours. You’ll drive through Glenwood Canyon before you reach the Aspen Snowmass area, which is a scenic, winding drive showing off the beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Local’s Tip #1: If you’re planning on driving from Denver to Aspen during the winter, give yourself some extra time for stops to eat and use the restroom along the way. Also, check the weather for Vail Pass before you start your drive. Vail Pass is the highest altitude that you’ll be driving over so it’s a good idea to see what the weather will be when you anticipate driving through that area. Planning around the weather is the safest way to drive from Denver to Aspen.
Local’s Tip #2: Try not to drive from Denver to Aspen on a Friday afternoon, as you’ll hit a lot of traffic. Many residents of Denver will travel to the mountains for the weekend so Friday afternoons tend to be more crowded on the road. This holds true for Sunday evenings from Aspen to Denver. Give yourself more time if you plan to drive during these times.
This post is all about skiing in Aspen.
The Four Mountains of Aspen Snowmass
When you ski at Aspen Snowmass your lift ticket is valid at ALL FOUR distinct ski resorts.
A single lift ticket for Aspen Snowmass covers 5,500+ acres of skiable terrain. Lift ticket pricing for Aspen Snowmass can be found here.
Aspen Mountain
The namesake and world-renowned town of Aspen is home to Aspen Mountain, which is accessible from two entry portals.
Although only 675 skiable acres, Aspen Ski Resort packs a mean punch. The terrain is about 50% blue (more difficult) and 50% black and double black (expert).
There is no beginner terrain on Aspen Mountain, so if you’re new to skiing, perhaps start off on either Buttermilk Mountain or Snowmass where you can get some ski experience first. If you’re a beginner skier hanging out in Aspen, just grab a drink at Ajax Tavern’s deck and watch for celebrities.
If you’re skiing on Aspen Mountain, catch the gondola up to the Sundeck (11,212 ft), warm up with a ski run down Dipsy Doodle to the F.I.S. two-chair and either huck down Bear Paw (expert) or enjoy untracked groomers under Ruthie’s chair. Check out the Aspen Mountain Trail Map here.
Don’t miss lunch at Bonnies, where you’ll find homemade pies, pancakes, and the best Reuben sandwich in the Roaring Fork Valley. When you’re skiing in Aspen Ski Resort, Bonnie’s must be on your list!
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Highlands is a local’s favorite and has some of the best skiing on Colorado’s Western Slope. With just over 1,000 acres, Highlands is in the shadows of its larger cousin Snowmass and its more famous sibling Aspen Mountain. But those 1,040 acres are only about 25% blue (more difficult) so you’ll want to be experienced before heading there. 75% of the terrain at Aspen Highlands is black and double black (expert terrain).
Similar to Aspen, there is no beginner ski terrain at Aspen Highlands. Head to Aspen Highlands once you’re ready to challenge yourself!
At Aspen Highlands, prepare yourself for wind-swept cornices and waist-deep Highlands Bowl, which beckons those daring enough to hike the hour-plus walk up a narrow ridge. If you prefer your terrain lift-served, catch Loge Peak lift and enjoy some fast blues under the Cloud Nine lift before tucking into a quinoa bowl at Merry-Go-Round. Check out the Aspen Highlands Trail Map here.
Buttermilk
This delightful enigma of a mountain is both home to ESPN’s X-Games in January and one of the best beginner ski schools in all of skiing. The smallest mountain in the Aspen Snowmass group of ski resorts at 470 skiable acres, Buttermilk is a personal-sized mountain with great fun for the whole family.
The terrain is split evenly between beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain making it a great spot for the whole family! Take advantage of the copious and free parking, jump onto the Summit Express, and take the kids over to Buttermilk West for an easy terrain park. The intermediate skiers in the group can loop the Tiehack lift until it’s time for the best Mongolian BBQ in Colorado at The Cliffhouse. Check out the Buttermilk Trail Map here.
Snowmass
With something for everyone, Snowmass Ski Resort is among the largest ski resorts in North America. While only 5% of the terrain is easiest, half is intermediate terrain and the remainder is expert-level skiing. Ski runs are wide, long, and vast providing plenty of room.
Lodging is abundant and getting around is very easy. There are two main portals into Snowmass Mountain; the most popular is the base village area that boasts a new Limelight Hotel Snowmass and a variety of restaurants, shopping, and bars. It’s a cute, walkable village with everything you need to enjoy a perfect day of skiing!
Snowmass skiing offers such a variety of terrain that you can easily forget that there are three other mountains on your lift ticket! With Snowmass being the largest of the four mountains with 3,342 skiable acres, it’s a full-size resort all on its own.
If you want ample parking and easy access to terrain, try the Two Creeks entrance. If you’re up for a short hike, access the Long Shot run from the top of the Elk Camp lift. From there, head lookers left to Sheer Bliss, where wide-open glades beckon.
If you want fast skiing with wide-open runs, give the Campground a try. In between, head over to Up 4 Pizza for lunch, at the top of the Big Burn. In Snowmass, you’re going to find some of the very best skiing in all of Aspen. Check out the Snowmass Trail Map here.
What is the Best Month to Ski in Aspen?
The best month to ski in Aspen will depend on the type of skier you are and your preference of weather! December is typically a cold and festive month to be in Aspen Snowmass. The holiday season brings a sparkle to the town with festive lights, vibrant energy, and a calendar of events!
Sometimes there’s fantastic snow in December and sometimes it’s a lighter start to the ski season. Thus, you will always experience a wonderful, energetic town in December, but the snow could be really great or not quite here yet.
January and February will likely provide a lot of snow and chilly weather as we’ll be well into the winter season! January can have some lodging “deals” while February is a bit of a higher-priced season over President’s weekend.
March is a perfect time to come to Aspen Snowmass if you’re looking for amazing snow and temperatures that are warming up slightly. Sunny days are typical through the winter in Colorado but after mid-March, we can have even nicer spring-like days. So, if you’re looking for ski days filled with sun and lunch on the deck, March is for you! Prices tend to be high during popular spring break dates. But, if you can work around the spring breakers and come towards the end of the month you might just find some great deals.
Is Aspen Snowmass a Good Place for Beginner Skiers and Snowboarders?
Beginner skiers and snowboarders will find lots of options at Aspen Snowmass! Since Aspen Snowmass has four ski areas, there is terrain for every type of skier and every level of skier and snowboarder ability.
You just have to know where to go.
Buttermilk and Snowmass are the best ski areas for beginners. Both of these ski resorts have top-notch facilities for both children and adults to learn.
Buttermilk: 35% of Buttermilk’s terrain is beginner trails. This provides beginner skiers and snowboarders with a great number of ski runs to learn and practice their skills, at their own pace. And, 39% of Buttermilk’s terrain is intermediate trails making it a wonderful ski resort to learn skiing and snowboarding and gradually move onto trails that are a bit more challenging.
Buttermilk is also a small ski resort, making it feel approachable and not intimidating. Group lessons or private lessons are available at Buttermilk.
Snowmass: Snowmass Mountain is also a great option for beginner skiers or snowboarders with two areas dedicated to newbies, Assay Hill and Fanny Hill. These are perfect for learning to carve turns and take your time getting down the mountain.
Snowmass ski resort also offers the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure, a perfect place for ski school to meet up for kids who are learning to ski. There’s also a daycare and playground at the Treehouse which is a perfect place for all the children to hang out!
Snowmass is a much larger ski mountain. 48% of the terrain on Snowmass is intermediate, providing lots of opportunities to practice those ski and snowboard skills!
There are over 3,000 skiable acres at Snowmass making it a great mountain for the entire family or group. If you’re visiting with people of all different ski ability levels, Snowmass is a perfect mountain to visit because everyone can go their own way and meet up throughout the day.
The challenges increase when you make your way over to Aspen Highlands and/or Aspen Mountain as they both have a lot more expert terrain.
This post is all about skiing in Aspen.
Is Aspen Snowmass Good for Intermediate Skiers and Snowboarders?
The perfect mountain in Aspen Snowmass for intermediate skiers is Snowmass Mountain. With 48% of the mountain being intermediate terrain (also known as More Difficult Terrain) Snowmass Mountain is perfect for skiers and snowboarders who are making great turns and enjoying themselves as experienced in the sport!
Aspen Mountain also boasts 48% of its terrain as Intermediate so if you fall into that group that is in between intermediate and expert skiing you’ll find plenty to ski at Aspen Ski Resort.
Snowmass Mountain has 3,342 skiable acres, with 98 trails! This size sets them apart from the other three mountains in Aspen Snowmass. It’s the most diverse mountain in the group with the most options of terrain.
Is Aspen Snowmass Good for Expert Skiers and Snowboarders?
Yes! Aspen Snowmass has a plethora of expert ski terrain for the advanced skier and snowboarder. There are many opportunities to challenge yourself on these incredible Colorado ski mountains.
Aspen Mountain has 26% of its terrain classified as expert ski runs and even some double diamond level runs only for the true experts. Aspen Highlands is known for its legendary steep terrain and incredible backcountry skiing. Perfect for the expert-level skier.
How is Aspen Snowmass’s Ski School?
If you’re visiting Aspen Snowmass ski resorts and looking for ski school, you’ll be thrilled to know there is an array of options for ski and snowboard lessons to help you improve your skills on the slopes. If you’re looking for private ski lessons Aspen’s Pros are top experts in the ski industry who love to deliver insider ski tips while guiding your skiing and snowboarding skills to the next level!
With over 1,200 instructors and guides across four mountains, you’ll find the perfect arrangement for your interest in Aspen ski lessons.
Aspen Snowmass ski school can be reserved for private ski lessons, group instruction, adaptive programming, or many other types depending on your age and skill level. You can even plan a special guided ski experience that is customized to your interest with priority lift access, flexible meeting times, and complimentary ski and snowboard storage and transfer. These special guided ski experiences can be reserved for a full day or half-day.
This post is all about skiing in Aspen.
Is Aspen Snowmass a Great Ski Destination for Kids?
Aspen Snowmass is perfect for kids and a fun-filled family ski vacation! If you’re looking for ski or snowboard school, private ski lessons are available at all four mountains depending on ski ability level.
Snowmass Mountain and Buttermilk have Aspen ski school programs that include a ski lesson, childcare, lift tickets, equipment, lunch, and snacks! Aspen ski lessons start at age 2 and a half to 3 years old.
The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center is an epic childcare facility in Snowmass Village. It’s a multilevel location with childcare facilities, ski school programs, ski rentals, and supervised fun activities for children ages 8 weeks to 4 years old. You’ll find themed rooms that are fun and energetic for the kids!
On staff at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, there is a team of fun-loving people that love to engage with kids! There’s also a licensed, registered nurse and state-licensed childcare for infants and toddlers.
For some fun kid-friendly things to do in Aspen Snowmass other than skiing, try Tubing at Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain. The lanes are carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp with lighting facilities to illuminate the runs! Guests take the gondola up to Elk Camp for a fun experience of Ullr Nights. Ullr Nights is a celebration at the top of Elk Camp with s’mores, snowbiking, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, and delicious food! There’s a fun climbing wall in Snowmass inside the Limelight Hotel with five stories for kids to enjoy and challenge themselves.
The Collective is a new gathering place in Snowmass Base Village. The Collective offers guests a place to eat, drink, skate, learn, and play! Enjoy Game Night in the game lounge with the kids.
Or, bring the family ice skating in Aspen! You’ll find an adorable outdoor rink at Silver Circle in downtown Aspen, near CP Burger and a short walk from The Little Nell. Or, the indoor Aspen Ice Garden is a great option too. The rink can be rented for private events or visited for public ice skating. In Snowmass, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating in the heart of Base Village, in front of the Limelight Snowmass Hotel.
Is Aspen Snowmass on the IKON Pass?
Yes! If you purchased the IKON Pass you have up to 7 days at the Aspen Snowmass ski resorts without any blackout dates. This means 7 days combined of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, or Snowmass. All the details about your IKON Pass including where you can ski and snowboard can be found here on the IKON Pass website.
Taking a Day Off: Things to do in Aspen Snowmass other than Ski or Snowboard
Visiting Aspen in the winter without skiing or snowboarding on your agenda is a great idea! There are so many things to do and experience in Aspen in the winter, that you will have an amazing time. Enjoy the Colorado mountains without ever strapping a ski on your foot!
Or, if you are planning on skiing in Aspen Snowmass but will have 2 or 3 days without skis on your feet, here are some fun winter ideas for you to enjoy the ski resort!
Go For a Snowshoe
Snowshoeing is a perfect way to enjoy the snowy outdoors without speeding downhill! Snowshoeing is easy to do and allows you to travel across terrain without sinking by providing a large flat surface to spread your weight across. There are plenty of snowshoe trails in Aspen Snowmass to explore.
There are some highly recommended Snowshoe Tours that will guide you along so you may discover new areas and experience gorgeous scenery in Aspen Snowmass! And, you’ll get to also learn about the area. Most days in the winter in Aspen Snowmass have great snowshoe weather with sunny skies and comfortable winter temperatures.
ACES Snowshoe Tour
Join Aspen Center for Environmental Studies for a Snowshoe Nature Tour or an On-Mountain Snowshoe Tour. These depart from either Aspen Mountain or Snowmass Mountain and are a two-hour guided snowshoe tour to learn about winter ecology, wildlife, and history. And of course, to enjoy the area and gorgeous views.
Ashcroft Snowshoe Tour
Explore the silver mining ghost town of Ashcroft and wander along snowshoe trails of Castle Creek. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery on a four-hour tour with lovely lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse. Pine Creek Cookhouse has fun options to choose from whether you’d like to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or take a special sleigh ride to lunch or dinner! To learn more about Pine Creek Cookhouse click here.
Private Snowshoe Tour
Hire a private Naturalist guide to take you on a custom tour of the snowshoe trails of the Aspen Snowmass area. This tour is two-hours and will provide private exploration and a very knowledgeable Nature guide to show you around. When you’re not skiing in Aspen, this is a wonderful way to get outdoors and enjoy the mountain scenery!
Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing in the Aspen Snowmass area is popular! Aspen Snowmass has the largest free system of cross-country trails in North America with terrain for every ability. The Aspen Cross Country Center is conveniently located in Aspen, where you can demo gear, take a ski lesson, or go on a guided tour. They have ski tuning and repair services, a public waxing room, locker rooms, and a lounge with hot drinks and snacks.
Sleigh Rides
A horse-drawn sleigh ride in Aspen is a special mountain experience! In Aspen Snowmass, there are a couple of neat options to do this magical winter activity. Aspen Carriage and Sleigh is a privately owned small company that offers private sleigh rides under cozy blankets through a forest of trees and an open meadow. Enjoy a hot chocolate or hot cider while enjoying your jingle-bell excursion!
Pine Creek Cookhouse is another very special experience in Aspen! Get pulled in a classic wooden sleigh to lunch or dinner cozy under a blanket. The sleighs can hold up to 15-18 guests and the ride is about 20 minutes. Reservations are required at the Pine Creek Cookhouse.
Tubing on the Snow
Snowmass ski area offers snow tubing with multiple lanes that are lift-served and carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp. Snow tubing is a fun activity that kids love to do in the winter in Aspen! It’s exciting and exhilarating to soar down the snowy slopes on a tube!
In the evening during Ullr Nights, they have lighting facilities to illuminate the runs at night during the Ullr Nights festivities. Ullr Nights are so much fun for kids! On select nights during the winter season, Aspen Snowmass has a nighttime wonderland party at Elk Camp on Snowmass mountain! Ullr Nights includes outdoor activities like tubing, riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, and snow biking.
Hot chocolate and s’mores are on the menu by the bonfire. You’ll also enjoy an a la carte culinary celebration with great menu selections available.
This post is all about skiing in Aspen.
Spa Experiences in Aspen Snowmass
When it comes to spas in Aspen, Colorado, there are some amazing options for a perfectly soothing and relaxing spa day! Starting with Remede Spa in St Regis Aspen. Remede Spa creates a luxurious experience for guests with its five-star spa menu, oxygen lounge, waterfalls, steam caves, and hot tubs. A visit to Remede Spa Aspen is an indulgence and very special occasion.
The Viceroy Snowmass hotel at the base of Snowmass mountain also boasts an amazing spa, with 7,000 sq feet of holistic wellness on offer. With six treatment rooms including a hydrotherapy Vichy shower room and a couple’s suite, you’re sure to enjoy spectacular relaxation. The location of the Viceroy Snowmass is ideally convenient to pop in for a soothing treatment right after you’re done skiing in Aspen Snowmass!
For a more intimate spa experience, the Hotel Jerome Spa offers a menu of rejuvenating treatments and therapeutic techniques.
Art Galleries
Spend the afternoon strolling the adorable, historical streets of Aspen, exploring the art galleries! A few top well-known galleries in Aspen are the Baldwin Gallery on Galena St, Peter Lik Gallery on East Hopkins Ave, and the Aspen Art Gallery on Hyman Avenue. For a full list of Aspen Art Galleries check out this list!
Aspen Art Museum
Aspen Art Gallery, in East Hyman Avenue in Aspen, is a non-collecting institution presenting contemporary art. The Aspen Art Museum offers community events, education, and immersive activities. Check the schedule before your trip to see if there are current happenings that interest you!
Aspen Historical Society
The Aspen Historical Society offers guided tours of the historical sites and scenes in Aspen! This is a great way to learn about Aspen’s history while exploring the town. Choose between the Wheeler Opera House Tour, Hotel Jerome Tour, Victorian West End Walking Tour, or a few others. The Aspen Historical Society is committed to preserving the local Aspen history and showcasing it in an interesting and inspiring way.
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is a fun way to spend a few hours in Aspen in the winter! With a few options in town to hop on the ice, you’ll find a rink right away. Silver Circle is an outdoor rink located in the heart of downtown Aspen. Also, the Ice Garden, an indoor rink can be found in downtown Aspen on Hyman Street. They have scheduled open rink time to bring the family and enjoy some skating!
Fly Fishing
Yes, fly fishing in the winter is an activity you can do! Aspen Flyfishing Guides offer guide services year-round. So if you’re interested in learning a fun, new outdoor skill, give it a try! Flyfishing in the winter is done midday when it’s the warmest. To learn more, check out Aspen Flyingfishing here.
Bike Ride: Ride a Fat Bike
Rent a bike with fat tires and explore the town of Aspen! The Aspen Cross Country Center rents fat bikes for under 4 hours and over 4 hours. This is a super fun way to explore and get off your skies for an afternoon.
Snowmobiling
If you want to get out on an adventure for the day you can book a snowmobiling tour in Aspen for an exhilarating snowmobiling tour with T-Lazy-7 Ranch!
T Lazy 7 offer tours to Maroon Bells, the historic town of Independence, and a rustic cabin called Klondike cabin where you’ll see spectacular views of 14,000 Pyramid Peak. Tours include lunch and guidance by experienced and knowledgeable guides who have a love for the area and its history.
Swimming
The City of Aspen Recreation Center has indoor swimming available at the Aquatic Center. You can enjoy a 25-yard 6 lane lap pool, leisure pool, and a 2-story water slipe for the kids! Swimming lessons are also available with reservations.
This post is all about skiing in Aspen.
Eating & Drinking Through Aspen
There is a food & beverage scene in Aspen worth taking a day to explore! It’s fun to make your way through town trying some of the notable restaurants and bars. Start off with breakfast at Prospect Restaurant at the legendary Hotel Jerome with a delicious Bloody Mary and Breakfast Tacos. Find the best guide on breakfast in Aspen here.
Make your way over to Ajax Tavern for lunch to people-watch the skiers coming down Aspen Mountain, while indulging in their yummy truffle fries and Kale & Quinoa Caesar Salad. Grab an Apres ski drink at the W Hotel at the Wet Deck (even if you didn’t ski!). And finish off the day with the best sushi in town from Matsuhisu on Main Street.
Yoga
Need some yoga and stretching to rejuvenate your body after shushing down the slopes? Aspen Shakti is centrally located in downtown Aspen on Hyman Ave with a lovely schedule of body flow, Hatha, and breath classes. Sign up online here. O2 Aspen is another wonderful yoga studio also located in downtown Aspen with a full schedule of offerings.
Take A Ride On The Silver Queen Gondola
Take a gondola ride up the Silver Queen Gondola in downtown Aspen to take in the views as a non-skier. Once landed at the top, enjoy lunch at the Sundeck Restaurant while you watch the skiers. So, even if you’re not skiing in Aspen, you can take in the gorgeous scenery!
Dogsledding
If you have not been dogsledding, this is your chance! Krabloonik Dog Sledding in Snowmass, Colorado offers the best way to explore the Colorado backcountry. Each sled is pulled by 8-10 Alaskan husky sled dogs and is guided by an experienced musher. You can choose from a morning, afternoon, or a twilight ride for a super special evening.
Is There Nightlife in Aspen?
Aspen Snowmass has incredible nightlife throughout the town of Aspen and some great Apres-ski spots in Snowmass too! Here are the BEST spots for an apres ski drink (happy hour) or nightlife that extends into the evening. These Aspen bars will show you a great time! Check out this Guide to the Best Bars in Aspen for a list of all bars.
Ajax Tavern
There’s no better seat in town for drinks and great vibes! Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Tavern Aspen is the perfect place to spend your apres-ski time or pop in for a casual dinner. It’s a great place to people-watch while enjoying a cold beverage in a fun atmosphere. Ajax Tavern is an iconic Aspen bar that’s been a hot spot for years!
Wet Deck at the W Hotel
The Wet Deck at the W Hotel is an all-weather rooftop bar with cabanas, couches, fire pits, and a DJ booth! Stop in for a cocktail and to take in the amazing views of Aspen Mountain! This is one of the best new bars in Aspen.
Aspen Public House
Located in vibrant downtown Aspen in the historic Wheeler Opera House is the Aspen Public House, a modern gastropub. Swing by for a few deliciously crafted cocktails or cold beers after a day of skiing or snowboarding. No better way to end the day!
J Bar Aspen
This historic J Bar inside the Hotel Jerome has an Old West vibe and vintage-inspired cocktails. The J Bar Aspen offers a casual mood and a western cozy atmosphere to hang out with friends and talk about the stories of the day! If you’re planning a trip to go skiing in Aspen, the J-Bar should be at the top of your list for a stop!
Hooch
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar has a cozy, downstairs location under Meat & Cheese Restaurant & Farm Shop. They have a swanky ambiance that is loved by locals as a comfy hang out for an Apres ski drink or an evening of celebration.
The Snow Lodge Aspen
The Snow Lodge Aspen is an upscale lounge and restaurant located inside St Regis Aspen. Live music, small plates, and creative cocktails set the scene for a memorable and fun evening!
Escobar
If you’re looking for a nightclub in Aspen to dance the night away, Escobar is it! You’ll find a fun dance floor, DJ, cocktails, and non-stop energy at this swanky spot.
Belly Up Aspen
Belly Up is the premiere live music venue in Aspen! Located downtown Aspen and hosting top bands and talents; Belly Up Aspen is a perfect place to spend a fun evening rocking out with friends and cocktails. Rolling Stone lists Belly Up Aspen as one of the “Best Clubs in America”. It’s a perfect venue for a special occasion or a night out during your vacation! Belly Up Aspen has long been one of my all-time favorite venues in town.
Courtesy of New Belgium Ranger Station
New Belgium Ranger Station
A fun, energetic bar on Snowmass Mountain to enjoy libations with your friends! Order up a draft beer, Irish Coffee, Tea Toddy, or a Ranger Margarita to celebrate a fun-filled day on the slopes in Snowmass, Colorado! With its location on the mountain, New Belgium Ranger Station is a perfect apres ski spot!
Zane’s Tavern Aspen
Zane’s is very much a “local’s bar” in Aspen. You’ll find a very casual, sports bar where you’ll find the local crowd hanging out for beer and wings. Inexpensive and comfortable, Zane’s is the place to go when you’re in the mood for a cozy hangout and nothing fancy.
Aspen Brewing Company
Located in downtown Aspen just a few blocks from the gondola, you can enjoy locally brewed beer and a fun, casual crowd. Aspen Brewing Company has everything from limited-edition IPAs to classic German-style pilsners.
Clark’s Aspen
If you’re craving oysters, ceviche, or lobster rolls, swing over to Clark’s for Happy Hour! Shots, locally crafted beers, and martinis are on the menu along with a fun, casual vibe and specialty raw bar. On the menu, you’ll also find steaming bowls of chowder, delicious burgers, freshly baked sourdough, and an array of other choices!
In Conclusion
Aspen Snowmass has something for everyone from the perfect terrain and Aspen ski school for beginner skiers to a pristine back bowl for the experts! Even if you’re planning a trip to Aspen Snowmass and you don’t ski, you’ll find plenty of world-class mountain activities to do in these Colorado mountains.
It’s a historic, iconic mountain town surrounded by the natural beauty of Colorado. Whether you’re skiing in Aspen or just along for the shopping, you’ll love it.
If you’re planning a trip to Aspen in the Summer, read about all of the amazingly fun activities to do in Aspen.
If you need help deciding where to stay while you’re in Aspen Snowmass, check out this article that features the BEST places to stay in Aspen. It lists all of your lodging options in Aspen Snowmass in detail!
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