Buttermilk

Gentle groomers, big parks and the X Games.

Aspen’s learning mountain, with wide, gentle runs, a free Panda Peak lift at the base and The Hideout kids center. It is also home to X Games Aspen (Jan 29–31, 2027) and serious terrain parks with a superpipe. Great for families, first-timers and park riders; experts will want the other three mountains.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,030 ft

Summit

9,900 ft

Skiable terrain

470 acres

Trails

44

Lifts

8

Average snowfall

200″ a year

Longest run

3 mi

Snowmaking

23% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 35%
• Intermediate 39%
• Advanced 26%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Kids programs
• Cross-country
• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 24 (annual)Usually

  Christmas Eve at the Aspen Chapel

  The interfaith chapel at the Maroon Creek roundabout holds a kids’ service at 4 pm, a family service at 6 pm and an 8 pm “Midnight Mass” (2024 times). Town churches add more services.

• New Year’sDec 31, about 8 pm (2025 timing)Usually

  New Year’s Eve fireworks over Aspen Mountain

  Fireworks over Aspen Mountain, early enough for families. Afterward, hotels and bars in town like the St. Regis, W Aspen, Hotel Jerome and Silver City throw ticketed parties.

• Opening daySat, Dec 12

  Opening Day

  Buttermilk and Highlands open for the season during Wintersköl weekend.

• FestivalJan 29–31

  X Games Aspen

  The 26th straight year at Buttermilk: Big Air, Knuckle Huck, Superpipe and Slopestyle. Free to watch before 5 pm each day, with ticketed night concerts by ZHU and Marshmello.

• FestivalMid-March to early April (Mar 19–Apr 5 in 2026)Usually

  Spring Jam

  Spring events across the four mountains, including a halfpipe rodeo and sunset skiing at Buttermilk.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outInn at Aspen

  The only ski-in/ski-out hotel at Buttermilk, with a heated pool, hot tubs and a free 10-minute shuttle to downtown.

  Slopeside
• lodgeMountain Chalet Aspen

  Family-run downtown lodge next to the free Buttermilk shuttle. One of the better values in town.

  10 min drive
• hotelLimelight Aspen

  Family-friendly downtown hotel near the free shuttle to Buttermilk.

  10 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Terrain parks and superpipe · On mountain

  The X Games mountain has parks for every level, from first boxes to a full superpipe.

• The Hideout and kids lessons · At the base

  Dedicated kids’ learning center with easy greens and Fort Frog to explore.

• Full Moon Dinners at the Cliffhouse · Summit

  Skin or hike up under the full moon for dinner and hot drinks at the summit restaurant.

• Uphill Breakfast Club · Summit

  Fridays February through April: skin up to the Cliffhouse for French toast, then ski down.

• Aspen Cross Country Center · 3 min drive

  Rentals, lessons and groomed trails on the golf course just down Highway 82.

• Aspen Recreation Center · 3 min drive

  Indoor ice rink and pool, a good plan B for kids.

Après and nightlife

• Buttermilk Mountain Lodge

  Base lodge for an easy, family-paced drink and pasta after the last run.

• Woody Creek Tavern

  Funky roadhouse down valley, best known as Hunter S. Thompson’s old hangout.

• Aspen Brewing Company

  Downtown taproom with a deck facing Aspen Mountain.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) · about 5 min drive
• Denver · about 4 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 6 hr

Directions in Google Maps