Aspen Mountain Ajax
Legendary ski resort known for challenging terrain, abundant powder, and stunning Rocky Mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Before the holiday rush
Aspen Mountain Ajax
Best Time
Before the holiday rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Legendary ski resort known for challenging terrain, abundant powder, and stunning Rocky Mountain vistas.
"Aspen is my all-time favorite place to ski, because of the abundance of snow and challenging terrain."
Share Your Skis! 🎿
To prevent theft, split your skis with a friend and store them far apart.
Book in Advance 🎟️
Lift tickets and accommodations, especially during holidays, sell out. Book early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gondola Ride to the Summit
Base of Aspen Mountain
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rockies. A must-do for any visitor!
Challenging Ski Terrain
Throughout Aspen Mountain
Experience some of the best powder and challenging runs in Colorado, perfect for advanced skiers.
Scenic Dining with a View
Various on-mountain restaurants
Enjoy a meal or après-ski drinks with unparalleled mountain vistas. A true Aspen experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Your Aspen Mountain Trip
Budgeting for Aspen Mountain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Share Your Skis! 🎿
To prevent theft, split your skis with a friend and store them far apart.
Book in Advance 🎟️
Lift tickets and accommodations, especially during holidays, sell out. Book early!
Consider Off-Peak Travel 🗓️
Mid-November offers a fraction of the price and fewer crowds before the holiday season.
Advanced Skiers' Paradise ⛷️
Ajax offers challenging terrain and excellent powder for experienced skiers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Share Your Skis! 🎿
To prevent theft, split your skis with a friend and store them far apart.
Book in Advance 🎟️
Lift tickets and accommodations, especially during holidays, sell out. Book early!
Consider Off-Peak Travel 🗓️
Mid-November offers a fraction of the price and fewer crowds before the holiday season.
Advanced Skiers' Paradise ⛷️
Ajax offers challenging terrain and excellent powder for experienced skiers.
Gondola Views are Spectacular! 📸
Don't miss the gondola ride for incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aspen Mountain (Ajax) is highly praised for its incredible snow quality, challenging terrain, and breathtaking views, making it a favorite for experienced skiers. The gondola ride and on-mountain dining are consistently highlighted as must-do experiences. However, visitors frequently note the high cost associated with visiting Aspen, particularly during peak holiday periods.
"Beautiful place to visit and photograph. You have to ride the gondola, the views are spectacular. The ski patrol group was particularly helpful with our group. Such nice folks."
Lori Ann Scardina, REALTOR
"What a place! Good snow quality and even better when you get 4-5 inches of fresh powder snow. You can share the ski pass with the other mountains. A must even it's expensive during holidays."
Sebastian Mochkovsky
"Aspen is my all time favorite place to ski, because of the abundance of snow and challenging terrain. Some of the best powder I have ever skied in. The snow is incredible. Only downside is the scarcity of real ski in-ski out accommodations. I recommend the Shadow Mountain condos which are truly slope side. You can ski up to the condos, within 10 feet of the door."
Carmen Brodeur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aspen Mountain is accessible via Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), which is about a 10-minute drive from the mountain. Alternatively, you can fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and take a shuttle or drive approximately 3.5-4 hours. Once in Aspen, the mountain is easily accessible by local buses or a short walk from many accommodations.
Parking at the base of Aspen Mountain is limited and can be expensive. It's often recommended to use the free local shuttle service or walk if staying nearby.
Yes, Aspen Mountain is part of the Ikon Pass. Ensure your pass is linked correctly and be prepared for potential issues, as one traveler mentioned needing assistance from the ticket office.
Aspen has an excellent free shuttle system that connects the four mountains (Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands) and the town. Walking is also very feasible for many areas.
Aspen Mountain (Ajax) is generally considered more challenging and is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers. Beginners might find Buttermilk or Snowmass more accommodating.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift tickets for Aspen Mountain can be quite expensive, especially during peak season. Prices vary, and it's always best to check the official Aspen Snowmass website for current rates. Purchasing in advance online often offers savings.
Discounts are sometimes available for multi-day passes, children, and seniors. Visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays can also offer better value. Sharing costs with friends for group trips can make it more economical.
Yes, you can purchase lift tickets at the ticket office on the mountain, but it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance to secure your spot and potentially get a better price.
Operating hours typically vary by season. During the ski season, lifts usually start running in the morning (around 9:00 AM) and close in the mid-afternoon (around 3:30 PM). Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
While you cannot directly share a single lift ticket, you can share the cost of a multi-day pass among a group if the pass allows for it, or if you coordinate your skiing days. Some travelers have found ways to make trips more cost-efficient by splitting expenses.
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola ride itself offers stunning panoramic views of the Rockies. Once at the top, various viewpoints provide incredible backdrops for photos. The ski patrol group has also been noted for being helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance or recommendations.
Yes, Aspen Mountain transforms into a beautiful hiking destination in the summer. The trails offer lush scenery and expansive mountain vistas, making it a great spot for landscape photography.
For winter, a durable camera that can withstand cold temperatures is essential. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the vast mountain landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife or distant peaks. A GoPro or similar action camera is great for capturing ski runs.
The après-ski scene in Aspen often has a vibrant atmosphere with beautiful mountain backdrops. Capturing the lively mood, the architecture, and the sunset over the peaks can make for great photos.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and flattering light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family consists of experienced skiers, Aspen Mountain can be a thrilling destination. The gondola ride offers a fun experience for all ages, and the views are spectacular. Consider staying in accommodations that offer amenities like pools or game rooms to keep children entertained off the slopes. Exploring the town of Aspen can also be an enjoyable family activity with its unique shops and restaurants.
💰 Budget Travelers
Sharing costs with a group is another excellent strategy. Splitting accommodation, rental gear, and even groceries can significantly reduce individual expenses.
couples
For couples who are avid skiers, Aspen Mountain provides challenging and rewarding slopes. Consider booking a ski lesson together to improve your skills or simply enjoy carving down the mountain side-by-side. In the evenings, explore Aspen's vibrant nightlife or opt for a quiet, intimate dinner. The overall ambiance of Aspen lends itself well to a luxurious and memorable couples' retreat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Aspen Mountain's Terrain
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, areas like 'Hero's' (when open) are highly sought after. The consistent snowfall contributes to fantastic powder skiing, especially after fresh dumps, which is a major draw for many visitors. While it's not ideal for absolute beginners, those with some skiing experience will find plenty of opportunities to hone their skills and enjoy exhilarating descents.
It's worth noting that Aspen Mountain is connected by shuttle to other resorts like Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands, which offer more beginner-friendly slopes. This allows visitors to experience a variety of terrain within the Aspen Snowmass area.
The Aspen Experience: Beyond the Slopes
Once at the summit, visitors can enjoy scenic dining at on-mountain restaurants, offering a chance to refuel with gourmet meals while soaking in the breathtaking vistas. The town of Aspen itself is a charming hub with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and a lively après-ski scene. Many visitors enjoy exploring the town after a day on the slopes, experiencing its unique blend of luxury and mountain culture.
For those looking for activities beyond skiing, Aspen offers options like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even horseback riding in the snow, which can be a more budget-friendly alternative.
Budgeting for Your Aspen Mountain Adventure
Another popular tip is to share expenses with friends. This can include splitting the cost of accommodations, rental equipment, and even groceries if you opt for a condo with a kitchen. Some travelers have found that group trips make the overall cost more manageable.
While it's challenging to have a truly 'cheap' trip to Aspen, focusing on smart timing, group travel, and exploring all available discounts can help make the experience more accessible. Remember to factor in the cost of food and potential activities, as these can also add up quickly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit