Aspen’s Four Mountains: What They Offer and Hidden Details You Should Know

Aspen is unique in that your lift ticket covers four distinct mountains: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Each has its own personality, terrain, and après culture — and if you know the little insider details, the experience becomes even better.

Aspen Mountain (Ajax)
Right in town, Ajax is Aspen’s flagship mountain. Known for steep groomers, bumps, and no beginner terrain, it’s best suited for intermediates and experts. The Silver Queen Gondola runs from the heart of downtown straight to the summit, making it the most iconic ski lift in Aspen.

• Vibe: High-energy, social, convenient.
  
  
  

• Après: Ajax Tavern and The Little Nell at the base are legendary.
  
  
  

• Easter Egg: One of the red gondola cabins has built-in speakers — you can sync your phone via Bluetooth and DJ your ride up the mountain. Locals treat it as a party lift when it comes around.
  
  
  

Aspen Highlands
Highlands is the locals’ mountain, famous for its flowing terrain, lack of crowds, and, of course, Highland Bowl — Aspen’s rite-of-passage hike-to double-black descent. It’s where serious skiers go for steep, technical lines, but there are plenty of cruisers too.

• Vibe: Raw, authentic, less tourist-heavy.
  
  
  

• Après: Cloud Nine Bistro — ski-in-only, champagne-spraying, alpine chaos by day and candlelit Swiss lodge by night.
  
  
  

• Easter Egg: If you ride the Exhibition lift and keep an eye out, there’s a hidden tree shrine dedicated to Elvis Presley — part of Aspen’s quirky tradition of building secret shrines in the woods.
  
  
  

Snowmass
By far the largest of the four, Snowmass has something for everyone: 4,400+ acres, wide cruisers, terrain parks, family zones, and serious back bowls. It’s a self-contained resort with its own village, and you could ski here for a week without repeating runs.

• Vibe: Expansive, family-friendly, all-skill-level inclusive.
  
  
  

• Après: Venga Venga (base village) for margaritas and patio energy.
  
  
  

• Easter Egg: Ullerhof Lodge on-mountain is legendary for Bloody Marys — loaded with bacon, pickles, and garnishes. It’s across from the Big Burn lift and a must-stop if you want the most famous cocktail on Snowmass.
  
  
  

Buttermilk
Best known for hosting the Winter X Games, Buttermilk is the beginner- and intermediate-friendly mountain of the group, with mellow terrain and wide-open runs. It’s perfect for families, learners, and park riders.

• Vibe: Relaxed, approachable, playful.
  
  
  

• Après: Bumps Restaurant at the base for casual food and drinks.
  
  
  

• Easter Egg: During X Games, locals know you can sometimes ski right past the competition jumps between events for a surreal close-up view of the course. On quiet days, Buttermilk’s Tiehack side offers under-the-radar groomers with great views back toward town.
  
  
  

Belhop Concierge Tip
With one pass covering all four, the key is matching your day to your group: Ajax for in-town convenience, Highlands for adventure, Snowmass for variety, and Buttermilk for a laid-back vibe. Belhop can plan your itinerary to rotate mountains smoothly, book on-mountain lunches, and even arrange private guides to show you the shrines and hidden spots.