Every resort at Aspen has a distinct character. Snowmass provides endless terrain for families, Highlands is aimed at adventurous experts but still provides for intermediates, and Buttermilk is fun for younger families, and surprisingly exciting for park rats. Continuing on that thread, Aspen Mountain feels distinct to the local area. Unlike the other 3 resorts (which wouldn't really stand out from similar Colorado resorts), Aspen Mountain (or Ajax, as it's called there) rises straight out of Aspen's town center. This was the first resort in established Aspen and has some older (and very character-filled) lifts. It also makes you feel like you're not just at some international resorts when you see the local kids flooding the mountain on the weekend.

The terrain at Ajax is definitely pretty advanced. There's nothing here for beginners, and intermediates might feel slightly limited if they spend more than a few days here. Of course, this drawback means that there is abundant terrain for advanced and expert skiers. No matter where you are on the mountain, we felt like there was always a steep gladed area on either side, just begging to be explored. If you like moguls, then Ajax is also the resort for you. Personally, I would have preferred for some more terrain to be given to advanced corduroy, but that's just me.

Besides the terrain, Ajax has some nice facilities. There are a few pretty good eating areas above the base area, and the Sundeck has exceptional views, though that's pretty typical of everywhere in Aspen. The fact that the resort empties straight onto the town is also a huge plus, as the vibrant mountain village is leagues ahead of Snowmass' base.

We only visited Ajax once in the 2 weeks or so we spent at Aspen, and were a bit unlucky. The main gondola wasn't running leading to choke points lower on the mountain. And while the older lifts are cute, they're also kinda slow. When we visited (start of Feb), it had snowed a few centimeters the night before, but any freshies were gone pretty quickly.

Overall, while a quick glance at Ajax's trail map might not seem impressive, this resort has earned its international reputation. If we were to come to Aspen again, we would consider staying here instead of at Snowmass, since its efficient bus system makes transport between resorts easy.
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Aspen is Aspen... The name means a lot and maybe a little too much. With the town full of riches, you can not expect it to be cheap! And let me tell you ... It's not cheap!

While it is very expensive, it is very beautiful there... The nightlife is first class... AWESOME! And the skiing is pretty good as well.

This is where you go if you want a combination of nightlife and skiing and you do not mind spending money.

I went there with a group of 5 guys and we had an absolute blast! The skiing was very good - not great, but I like more extreme skiing - but I did really enjoy the skiing and then most of all looked forward to a nice Apres ski, dinner and then hitting the bars EVERY NIGHT!!!

Pros: Skiing is good, snow is good (consistent), lifts are great, many amenities, nightlife and accommodations are fantastic.

Cons: It is a little crowded and very expensive. If you're flying into Denver it's a little far to get to as well (considering all the places you pass by on the way there).

Best suited for: Families, couples (mostly), ski groups, bachelor parties, etc.
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If you've never been to Aspen, you've probably heard that it's all celebrities, glitz and glam. Sure, there are high-end shops and accommodation, but this place sure is a great ski town. It has a really nice mix of historic feel, combined with modern resort town features. The snow at Aspen is really good, and has been consistent during all my visits, with great powder. The terrain offers something for everyone, from beginners, to children, to hard-core experts. The town has some of the best apres-ski options of any place I have been, ranging from western pubs to high-end restaurants. Despite the resort having the reputation of being for the "rich", it really is for everyone, and the people are super friendly.

Pros: 1) Awesome snow, 2) Great town, 3) Great restaurants, 4) High-end accommodation

Cons: 1) Aspen be expensive for really nice accommodation, 2) Mountain views are nice, but not as ruggedly majestic as some other western regions
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I love Aspen - both the mountain itself and the town. The mountain has a TON of expert skiing, which is great for me. I'd say the mountain is best-suited for expert and advanced skiers. It's not a great mountain for beginners. There are few crowds on the mountain at most times, which is great.

The snow tends to be among the best of the Colorado mountains, but it depends on the season. When Aspen has a powder day, there is nothing like it. So if you're a powder hound, especially if you like tree skiing, there is almost nothing like it. The Glade runs as well as all of the runs off Ruthies lift are the best for powder days.

The town in general is beautiful and I love the atmosphere. Yes, you will occasionally see an old rich lady walking around in leopard boots. But beyond that, Aspen has some wonderful restaurants and bars with a beautiful mountain backdrop. You still get the feel of a small cozy mountain town, which is pretty rare (unlike the glitzy and overcrowded Vail).

It's a hike of a drive from Denver, but if you're staying for awhile, well worth the trip.
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Aspen...a simply amazing town and ski destination! I return year after year to Aspen not only for the skiing, but for Aspen itself.

The skiing has to be experienced to be believed....from the never ending, perfectly groomed cruisers, to the challenging steeps ....and everything in between! No crowds, space to really let yourself go, incredible snow and weather and a magical town with the lot. I can't say enough about it!
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I first came to the Aspen/Snowmass area from Oz in 1983. I was driving cross country, stopped and stayed for 3 seasons. Got married and brought my wife here, then added my son who has been coming here with us nearly every year since he was 18 months old (he is 17 now).

The powder is the lightest, often snows at night clear during the day, plenty of Steep & Deep on and off piste, the big wide high speed rollers of Snowmass, the retro steeps of Highlands, the gentle cruisers of Buttermilk and my Fav: the steep of Aspen Mountain.

Also a great ski town with plenty of events like Winterskol and the World Cup and restaurants of every description.
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I keep going back,that says it all. 2011 will be the 9th time. Good snow, a huge variety of terrain and easy transit between the 4 areas via free bus service.

No down days due to weather in my experience apart from an occasional delayed start due to low temperature,love those boot heaters. Lift lines no problem even on weekends when the locals are out.

All levels of eating out available from Maccas upward and similarly with the nightlife.

Plus I cannot fault the people I meet up with there for on slope and apres company and there would be close to a 50 year age differential there.
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Aspen is a wonderful place to ski with great variety of slopes and conditions from immaculate groomed slopes to deep powder and moguls.

It is also a lovely town, an old silver mining town, full of good restaurants and interesting shops and, of course, the occasional sight of a celebrity.
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If Aspen Mountain was just a stand alone ski resort, it wouldn’t be that impressive. It’s got some great pros such as a nice gondola, long groomed slopes, and lots of mogul runs (assuming that you like moguls!). Aspen Mountain also has some cons: it’s only a small ski resort; there is no alpine terrain; the steep runs are short and it’s difficult to do laps of the steeps without a lot of transit; and the slopes can get slick.

But Aspen Mountain isn’t a stand alone ski resort. It’s one of four Aspen ski resorts so when you consider all four resorts together there’s an abundance of terrain. And the huge plus of Ajax is that it sits above the amazing town of Aspen. Some of the town pros include: legendary shopping; top notch restaurants as well as wallet friendly eateries; a vibrant nightlife; and great people watching.

It is possible to vacation in Aspen on a budget, but you’re unlikely to get the same value for money compared with most other USA ski resorts. Lift tickets, accommodation, food and beverages all seem to have an Aspen currency associated with them, but this won’t concern most visitors to Aspen.

Whilst Aspen has a glitzy reputation, don’t be concerned that you won’t fit in if you don’t have a fur coat. Sure lots of people dress up, but if you want to go grungy or informal, there are some dining and drinking establishments where you’ll fit right in.

For more detailed ratings of Aspen Mountain and to see how it compares to other ski resorts around the world, see our powderhounds resort ratings. Keep in mind that some of the components of the rating system don’t pick up some of the best characteristics of Aspen (e.g. shopping, service, vibe)!
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