Aspen Mountain (Ajax)

Aspen Mountain (sometimes called Ajax) is one of the four ski resorts that collectively make up Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Mountain has the longest history of the ski resorts in the area, and even though snowboarding is now permitted, Ajax still retains a culture rich in the tradition and soul of skiing.

Aspen Mountain looms above the mountain town of Aspen Colorado, a name that originated from the abundance of aspen trees growing in the area. Aspen was formed in the late 1800s as a silver mining camp. Whilst Aspen still retains some historic character, the town can now largely be characterized as an upscale tourist mecca and a playground for the rich and glamorous.

Aspen Mountain Ski and Snowboard Terrain

At 273 hectares (675 acres), Aspen Mountain is a petite ski area and only a fifth of the size of Snowmass. It has 76 trails packed into a narrow area that has a vertical drop of 996 metres (3,267 ft).

Aspen Mountain has no beginner runs at all, and is well known for the many blue cruisers for strong intermediates, and the black diamond steeps and bumps. The terrain split is 48% intermediate, 26% advanced, and 26% expert (double black), although in reality there is only a smidgeon of gnarly terrain, so true experts may prefer to head to Snowmass or Aspen Highlands. Along a similar vein, terrain park addicts should head elsewhere.

The lift infrastructure is pretty good. The main lift is a gondola that ascends from the Gondola Plaza in town up to the top of the ski resort in only 14 minutes, whilst Ajax also has an express quad and fast double chair, and 5 slower lifts.

Aspen receives an average of 300 inches (7.6 metres) of snowfall per season, which is “middle of the road” for a Colorado ski resort. The quality of the powder is also typical for Colorado, towards the light end of the spectrum, but during dry spells the slopes can become pretty slick.

Aspen is certainly not a hush hush destination where powderhounds can easily find fresh powder lines at 4pm, but thankfully it’s not crowded like many of the ski resorts near Denver that score the horrid weekend crowds. So generally lift lines are a non-issue.

Where is Aspen Mountain Ski Resort?

Aspen Mountain sits to the south and above the town of Aspen Colorado. The town of Aspen is 220 miles southwest of Denver International Airport. Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is another gateway airport which is about 3 miles (5km) from Aspen. See the where is Aspen and Aspen travel page for more information.

Aspen Hotels & Lodging

Aspen is a historic ski town with a wide variety of accommodation to suit most budgets and tastes. If you want to spend a fortune on accommodation in this town you certainly can, but there are also various options for those looking for moderately priced accommodation. Aspen has hotels, condos, lodges, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. See our Aspen hotels and lodging page for more information on where to stay.

Aspen Winter Activities

Other than skiing and snowboarding, things to do in Aspen include ice skating, paragliding, hot air ballooning, day spas, or a soak in hot springs. Other on-snow activities include snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Or powderhounds should head out cat skiing with Aspen Powder Tours for plenty of fresh lines.

Aspen is also heaven for any shop-a-holic with designer clothing shops, gift shops, and galleries. There are also plenty of Aspen ski shops and snowboard shops.

However you don’t need to partake in organised activities to make the most of Aspen. People-watching on the streets or in restaurants is amazing darhling and an activity in itself.

Why Go on an Aspen Ski Vacation?

Staying in the town of Aspen is fabulous. Aspen shopping in itself is enough reason to visit Aspen, and another highlight is the Aspen restaurants and the nightlife. There are lots of happening bars and the social aspects of an Aspen ski holiday are hard to beat.

Despite the shopping, the nightlife and all the other Aspen extras, the core product has always been and will always be the skiing and snowboarding. And if you’re staying in downtown Aspen then Aspen Mountain is the most convenient of the Aspen Snowmass ski resorts to ski at.