Ranking ski areas this good eventually becomes a little ridiculous. I have called Aspen Highlands my favorite of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains, and on pure terrain, especially Highland Bowl and Deep Temerity, I understand why I said it. Still, all four earn five stars from me for different reasons, and forcing them into a rigid hierarchy misses what each one does so well. Ajax makes perhaps the strongest case that technical skiing and an effortless overall experience can coexist. What makes Ajax singular is its position directly above the town of Aspen. You walk from the street onto the Silver Queen Gondola, climb thousands of vertical feet, and spend the day skiing sustained fall lines that deliver you right back where you started. With its remarkable setting, vibrant energy, and almost comical wealth, Aspen remains unlike anywhere else on Earth; I also understand why its excess wears on some people. The Little Nell and the other hotels at the base are second to none, while downtown sits close enough that the transition from ski boots to normal life feels almost absurdly easy. Beneath all that polish, Ajax is a serious skier's mountain. There are no beginner runs, and its steep vertical layout favors strong skiers who enjoy bumps, glades, and terrain that keeps asking for attention. The fast gondola makes full mountain laps remarkably efficient, and the compact trail pattern keeps the day moving. I like technical skiing, so the mountain's directness suits me: ride up, choose a line, and ski hard all the way down. Late in the day, the lower face often drops into shade, firms up, and can get icy enough to demand real concentration. Some visitors step onto the Silver Queen because it is beside their hotel and discover several hours later that convenience does not make the final descent forgiving. Ajax has a funny way of humbling people who came mainly for the town, which may be healthy in a place surrounded by so much luxury. I go in with my eyes wide open and genuinely enjoy the focus that the mountain demands when conditions get firm. Finishing a run on Ajax is part of the magic. After clicking out, you can head to Ajax Tavern, walk downtown for a meal, or stop at a bar. The shops and even a dispensary are right there, so the end of the session can take whatever shape you want. If you rent, Aspen Snowmass can transfer your skis between its mountains, while the excellent bus network makes the entire area remarkably easy to navigate. Summer deserves equal billing in any review of Aspen. The weather is beautiful, the pace is gentler, and outdoor life fills the valley. Crowds thin, prices ease somewhat, and the fresh alpine air remains every bit as restorative. People often say that locals come for the winter and stay for the summer; after experiencing both seasons, I understand exactly why. Ultimately, Ajax is one of the best ski areas in the world, full stop. Its sustained terrain, immediate town access, and slightly intimidating late-day personality give it an identity all its own. Highlands holds a special place for its Bowl and Deep Temerity, and Ajax earns the same five stars through a completely different combination of terrain and place. Every visit feels like a privilege, and I never leave Aspen without feeling lucky that I got to spend time there. read more

Even in Hawaii's version of cold, I find myself missing snow-covered mornings and accidentally falling asleep on a gondola ride in my travels to Aspen, Colorado. Some memories just stay warm forever. I truly enjoyed my experience on the gondola ride. I rode it so many times I fell asleep! Snow will always be magical to me. read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

first timerrr @ buttermilk in aspen -- was definitely warmer and everyone agreed. wish it were fluffier snow but still better than back home c: read more

See all

Shhh we traveled to another resort for better skiing & very excited that we did. There was better opportunities for everything snowboarding skiing ice skating very enthusiastic instructor's willing to help the first timers. I love it here & highly recommend coming here but it's exclusive so blend in read more

See all

Much better experience this time around. I've also noticed a whole lot more snowboarders on this mountain than before. I think in the last couple years they have remodeled some of the facilities on this mountain, and made it much better and cleaner and more modern. This latest experience was much better. The gondola line is still super long. And there's no parking structure to park your car if you want to ski or snowboard here. There street parking but it's only a four hour limit. So you gotta get down the mound halfway throughout your day and move your car. This mountain is much smaller than Snowmass, but the vertical drop is much higher, and you can get some really long runs from top to bottom. Overall a much more pleasant experience now that the snowboarders have taken over. read more

See all

Quality, for snow sports. One of the more expensive resorts I've visited. A number of the lower trails on skier's left were closed but otherwise I don't have any real complaints. The staff is friendly and the facilities are fantastic. We lost a water bottle one day and managed to claim it the next day at the lost and found. The prime location means it gets mobbed on powder days but otherwise the crowds are manageable. Trails are a little tricky. They could definitely use additional signs, as there are some serpentine traverses that will be annoying for riders. Terrain is solid, skewing more advanced. It was my favorite resort in the area as I enjoy the wide and smooth steeps, and they're long enough to burn your legs if you want to push it. Options are more limited for beginners but honestly the slopes and conditions are manageable and consistent. Veterans of east coast ice will have no issues here. Apps track your lifts and trails very accurately and should be fun for those who like numbers. Food options are solid all over the mountain. You can probably find reviews specific to each lodge. You'll pay appropriately for it but you'll get a quality experience here. read more

My review is for both Aspen Mountain and riding the Silver Queen Gondola to the summit. My experience was just okay. I specifically returned to Aspen, CO back over the summer time to hopefully witness some incredible views from 11,200 feet high. Unfortunately...I never "got there". Ultimately, I left feeling partially disappointed. Let me explain and go into details... I visited Aspen back in the middle of July, 2021. I happened to show up on a Sunday morning. When looking for parking, I found a spot on the side of the street and because it was Sunday, there was no fee to leave my car there all day. The Silver Queen Gondola which I was excited to ride was situated right in the heart of downtown Aspen. A ticket cost $31 roundtrip. Plus you can spend as much time at the top of Aspen Mountain as you'd like. Before riding the gondola, I took a photo with the sign at the front entrance saying..."Welcome to Aspen Mountain. Silver Queen Gondola". I believe this is a worthwhile photo opportunity to sort of officially announce that you have arrived and are ready to explore among the mountainous sights and surroundings of Aspen. The cable car was rather small compared to others. I'd say at the most it fits 4 people. For being a quiet Sunday morning around 10am...I had my own pod to myself which was nice. When riding to the top...I was able to snap pictures heading further up the mountain without being disturbed by strangers. And this was surprising...it took about 15 minutes to make it to the peak. That's a long ride in terms of ski lifts/cable cars...IMO. So I'd suggest to sit back and enjoy the ride. Upon arriving at the summit...honestly, there really weren't in your face kind of views. The mountains and backdrop was set so far away into the distance I briefly thought to myself..."what am I supposed to see now?" One thing...there is a really cool little monument statue worthy of a picture. It's situated right beside the patio area near the lodge/restaurant. It states..."Aspen Mountain, 11,200 feet"...another fun moment to announce you have arrived, lol. For me...I decided to do some hiking and exploring around the mountain. Now...some interesting views were from where you look out upon downtown Aspen where one of the ski lifts were located. So...I backtracked a little, maybe walking 3/4's of a mile back lower to distance myself from the crowds near the lodge. From my own little spot, I was able to capture some decent looking photo opportunities. Here's the thing...the backdrop and looking down upon the panoramic backdrop were hard to enjoy. I'm saying this because during my visit...there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was completely sunny out. Yet...there was this fog-like haze that hindered the setting. I couldn't understand what this haze was. It could have been simply the sun's reflections being strong and from this viewpoint atop Aspen Mountain, you're just situated too far away. I believe the layer of pollution/smog could have been possibly the wildfires from California had spread across to Colorado? My point is...I never discovered a special moment as if being here at the pinnacle/apex of Aspen Mountain had me inspired. I just left with an "eh, whatever type of feeling". Would I return to Aspen Mountain for another ride? No. Would I suggest riding the gondola and exploring high above at this peak area? I guess if you're visiting for the first time. Overall, I'd just mention to temper you're expectations. I don't know, maybe during winter times in ski season there are more worthwhile photogenic chances. Some last notes... The lodge does have a restaurant inside for sitting down, relaxing and dining. Outside on the patio there are a bunch of lounge chairs for hanging out. Off near the gondola station, there were lawn games for family activities like cornhole and shuffleboard including a playground for kids. There is a gentleman who if you pay money, will take a family photo for you. I was attempting to take pictures near where his camera stand was set up and it became awkward with him staring at me. There is a huge guide board to explain where all the ski trailheads are located. I'm not a skier, but it's incredible how many trails Aspen Mountain offers. I spent about 2 - 3 hours casually strolling around and searching for the best picture opportunities. That's why I was here. Though I could see for a sunny, summer Sunday most families spending all day up at the top just taking it easy and letting their kids run around. Alright well, this is my experience riding the Silver Queen Gondola to the peak of Aspen Mountain, Colorado. read more

See all

Exciting it was in taking the Silver Queen's Gondola up and down Aspen Mountain this summer. On clear mornings, spectacular is the view on top. Many trails to be taken. Serene it is to read. All set I was with a thermos of hot coffee and a breakfast sandwich; if not, a restaurant there is. A lovely way it is in greeting a new day! CHEERS! read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - Gondola Ride - majestic views! (8/24/20) - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

Very scenic view ski resort with beautiful nature surrounding and plenty of shop. Place is kind of expensive but do check the weather before heading there read more

See all

First class resorts but on the expensive side. Not for everyone but if you can afford it, it still gives you an experience of a lifetime!

Also called by Ajax by the locals and anyone that knows the area. No Ski school which means the chairlift doesn't stop a million times. Filled with locals and good skiers which means lower crowds. Its the smallest mountain in the area but nice to have the room and enjoy the original ski mountain. read more

See all

Just wonderful! Amazing views! What a blast this place. Reminds of a certain movie that always brings back good memories.

My husband and I enjoyed a trip to the top on the gondola during our visit over the week of July 4th. The mountain is beautiful. During the summer it can be reached by hiking or riding the gondola. Had we planned better we would have just hiked to the top. Given that visiting was a last minute change of plan we just rode the gondola up to the top. We purchased tickets for $25 a person to ride the gondola. The ticket office at the base of the mountain also offers combination tickets for Maroon Bells and multi-day passes for the gondola. The gondola ride was the longest one I've been on. What looked like the top from the base was actually the half-way point. At the top there are views and fun for the whole family. For kids they have a slide and play area. It looked like there were other activities set up in the kid area too. The lodge has a large cafeteria and a bar with wine, beer, and cocktails. The giftshop is very tiny and limited in what they sell. Outside the lodge there are plenty of tables, seats, and rocking chairs to sit and enjoy the fresh air and views. We purchased beers from the bar and relaxed in rocking chairs. What a great way to spend an afternoon! Wear your sunscreen because the sun will get you faster up here. read more

See all

One of the better aspects of Aspen over some of the other resort towns is that the ski mountains are right in the town. One minute you can be zooming down the slope and the next you can enjoy a nice cocktail. There is no driving involved. The Silver Queen Gondola is one of the in town lifts up Aspen Mountain. So convenient, so fun. read more

See all

Came here on Saturday for the XGames. From Denver and there were a few crashes on the i70 that made the 3 hour trip into a 10 hour trip. We finally get to the XGames and there's a ton of college kids throwing snowballs in the crowd. Hard. Some with ice. No event staff controlling the crowd. Extremely unsafe. Saw a child get pegged in the face and so did I. Ice cut my cheek. My boyfriend (it's his 30th bday by the way) goes to tell the college kids to stop (since there's no event staff or security controlling the crowd) and my boyfriend got punched in the face and it split his eyebrow open. the guy ran away and his friends wouldn't tell us his name. again no security even saw this or could help. We go to the medical tent where we're told he needs stitches and possible a scan on his head to make sure he's okay since his fat tissue was sticking out. we try to leave and we waited for the Snowmass line/bus for probably close to an hour, a crash right outside by the airport, and we didn't get back to our car until 11:30pm. (People are now throwing snowballs at the buses too that are transporting people and only ONE event staff told people to stop.) Urgent care is now closed only option is the hospital. But who wants to do that now after midnight?? would love to press charges against the college kid for assault, but no safety regulations, no event staff, and poor functioning resort. if you want to get assaulted and risk your safety, come to Aspen!!! read more

One of us hiked up through the bright yellow Aspen and one of us took the 15 minute gondola ride. Both had amazing views! Social distancing is great and each party gets their own private car. On the day we were there, they would only occupy every 4th car, giving them time to clean the others. The cafe at the top offers great views, lots of food choices, and many alcohol options. We chose water and kombucha, in the Clear Mind flavor, sat in red Adirondack chairs and soaked up the vitamin D. Aspen is always beautiful, but in the fall, it is extra magical! read more

See all

Gondola ride up here was so pricey!!! But anyways, it's a must when you're in the area. Despite the price you won't regret taking a ride up here. We saw a deer at the top of this mountain. read more

Aspen Mountain was quite small, so I only spent half a day here. I like that the gondola goes all the way to the top of the mountain, but the views aren't great. I went to chill in the restaurant at the top too, and it was fine; I liked the fireplace but the wifi was slow. The room was somewhat dark too. The runs were really long, and I wasn't a big fan of the bowls because of their length. Good snow though and great views! read more

This is a five star review for the silver queen gondola ride. What a fantastic time. I was skeptical of spending nearly $30 for the ride but it was worth every penny. 18 minutes each way. You can spend your time hiking or pic-nic-ing. Literally something for everyone. Bring your lunch or buy something at the restaurant. Dogs were everywhere! The views on top and in the gondola were amazing. Great way to spend an afternoon/day. read more

See all

On a beautiful September day we enjoyed the gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain. It was a clear morning so we were treated to extensive views of nearby peaks. What a vista! No snow yet so grab a bottle of water and do an easy hike on top Many trails and sites to see. Stop in the mountain house for a beer or glass of wine when done. Play with some of the toys on top. Frisbee golf, hula hoops, giant chessboard. Great trip! read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - View from the top - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

See all

Most of the reviews for Aspen Mountain are for ski season, but Aspen Mountain in the summer is amazing! Getting up the mountain via hiking: You can hike to the top of the mountain from the extension of the Ute trail. I hiked to the top of the mountain. It took about 2.5 hours for us to hike up from the base of the mountain. I sit at a desk 70-90 hours per week and barely made it to the top. I really have no desire to do it again, but if I did, I would take an hour long picnic break at the reservoir. It is unbelievably fulfilling to know that you made it to the top via the hike, though! You will finish your hike at the Silver Queen Gondola terminal. From the end of the Ute proper, you will have climbed another 2,000 feet in elevation for a grand total of over 3,000 feet in elevation gain. While you can choose to hike back down, it's free to take the gondola down the mountain. Via the Gondola: I've not taken the gondola to the top, but I think it's $25 to the top in the summer. Ironically, I hiked the mountain on a day my employer paid for me to ride the gondola. The lines can apparently get fairly long. At the top of the mountain, there are lots of fun activities. There are lots of free hula-hoops, frisbee golf, a big chess board, jumbo checkers, a playground, plenty of gorgeous look-out points, trails to hike, and many picnic benches and tables. It is a fun place for kids and adults. There are also two restaurants to eat at. I was provided with a free lunch at the Sundeck, which is the quick-service option. There is plenty of seating, and the prices are actually cheaper than town. There was also a sit-down option, but it was desolate. Aspen Mountain is a great place to hang out as a group in the summer, and you don't want to miss making it to the top of the mountain. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, as you will burn very quickly up here! read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - The top of Aspen Mountain - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

See all

Beautiful mountain. Gondola ride bike as pretty. About a 15-20 min ride one way. The cafeteria in the restaurant at the top of the mountain had decent food. We bought the $40 gondola ride pass which came with a $10 voucher to the restaurant so we got a wagyu hot dog which was tasty but no different than a fat normal hot dog and also the French dip which we also pretty tasty. Overpriced of course but it's a ski area and aspen so it's expected. read more

This is world class. Friendly service from everyone who works here. My friend and I came here for a snowshoeing tour. 2 hours later we cleared the mountain terrain and had the best views of town and the other side of the Aspen valley. I can't say enough about Aspen mountain. read more

The mountain is decent. But I'm giving 3 stars based on the fact that it is a smaller resort and definitely not worth the $129 lift ticket price compared to going to snowmass. There are no beginner runs which make it cool cause it's mostly intermediate to advanced skiers/boarders. There are also a lot of nice long blue runs but when I was there this past weekend there wasn't a lot of snow so I didn't really feel like trying anything off the groomed runs or moguls. read more

Coming from sea level #NORCAL I had a hard time breathing at the top of the mountain, but when I returned to California, my cardio was awesome. After I acclimated in Colorado, it was much easier. I drank a ton of water & hiked. I can't wait to return during winter. read more

Summer time park at meters close to "Aspen Ski Mountain" (google maps) or here are more parking options: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/en/aspen-mountain Take the Silver Queen Gondola ($26) to the summit for views, hiking, activities and free yoga class Mon Wed Fri 1030am. Buy the week pass ($31) if your staying for a few days. read more

Purchased the sightseeing ticket which is valid for 1 day in Aspen and Snowmass and includes $10 lunch credit per ticket. We took the silver queen gondola to the top of Aspen mountain, very scenic ride and enjoyed lunch at the Sundeck. Note the lunch credit cant be used an alcohol read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

This place needed remodeling 25 years ago. Stuck us in a basement room with no light or view when balcony rooms were readily available. Probably the most overpriced motel I've ever experienced. read more

Aspen Mountain is my favorite of the mountains. Why? Location, just a short walk from our condo, the Silver Queen Gondola (takes 24 minutes to get to the top) and intermediate to expert ski runs only. Am I being selfish? Hell yes! I'm here to ski and love the steep runs. If we were here a little later in the season we could have taken Lift One right above our condo. Next time...next time... read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

See all

I went on the final day of the season in 2008!!! I don't remember it being full of black diamonds but it was definitely a good time! Apres ski at Sky Hotel aka 39 degrees! read more

Aspen's advanced mountain! This is not for beginners so do not even bother if you aren't experienced...Go to Buttermilk. There are few easy runs on this mountain and it is mostly skiers. I board and I have definitely had my share of pissed off old grouchy skiers but I am a respectful rider and will never stop coming here. IT IS EXPENSIVE...LIKE EVERY OTHER GREAT MOUNTAIN IN THE USA. Seriously if you want to complain about the lift ticket then go ski some crappy mountain. The prices are the same at other high end ski resorts like Park City, Deer Valley, etc. You can get a college student discount and seniors can buy a season pass for only $400. This is not the place for annoying disrespectful skiiers or boarders...I love this mountain because for the most part it is filled with respectful advanced skiiers. You will stick out like a sore thumb if you are not a good skiier and it is actually dangerous to yourself and other skiiers so just go to another mountain. Food can be found at the Sundeck at the top (try the Stir Fry) or Bonnie's which is mid mountain (try the Stroodle) or at the base of the mountain. read more

"Oh get me right, all it takes is starry nights "I want my eyes to see these lights "hold hold hold on hold hold on" -----------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------- In A Sentence™ It's just a goddamn mountain where affluent Caucasians -- who must have never heard of how Sonny Bono died -- careen down at absurd speeds which are hazardous to one's health. Quick Review™ + The stars light up the nights. +/- As a first-time newbie popping my Aspen cherry, I did not see what is the big deal or why it is so hyped. - Overpriced. Overrated. Breck, Collins, and Steamboat all feature friendlier locals; not that it is a competition or anything. But, you don't have to take my word for it. KEY: + Positive observation +/- Neutral note - Negative observation Employee of Excellence™ N/A. One of the guys who works for the city who was volunteering for a sporting event I was working could go here, but I don't recall his name. Good guy though. -----------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------- Tons of tourists here -- naturally -- especially since Kennedys, Jack Nicholson, David Geffen, et. al, started visiting Aspen and made the rent too damn high. They're coming. They're coming! Where is Sheriff Hunter S. Thompson to lay down the law when you need him? Not good for kids*. (*Kids can't ski for shit.) Pro Tip: Don't drink and ski. Happy New Year! -----------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------- Rating: Three-stars, "A-OK." read more

Do you know all those photos of Aspen town with the big steep ski slope in the background? This is THAT mountain. Locals refer to it as Ajax Mountain. Aspen Mountain isn't nearly as big as Snowmass but it is the only mountain in the valley to be within walking distance of town. All four mountains in the valley are operated by the same company known as Aspen Snowmass. Those four mountains are Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountain. Aspen Mountain has a reputation for being a more challenging mountain than the other local mountains. You would think because it's located right next to town that it would have wimpy runs. But it doesn't. In fact it has zero beginner runs. So if you're learning to ski/board then this isn't your mountain. Go to Snowmass to learn. What Aspen Mountain lacks in size, it makes up for in height. It has 3,200 feet in vertical height and stretches way way in the back, so you can't see the whole mountain from simply standing at the bottom. There's only a couple slopes that feed down to the town. I like Aspen Mountain. It's basically a quality mountain. Believe it or not the majority of the rich & famous aren't very good skiers so you won't find many bozos on this mountain. That's a good thing. You'll only find serious skiers/boarders here. I also like it because other than maybe Park City and Breckenridge, there aren't too many other mountains where you can ski right down to an authentic western town. I say authentic because lots of ski areas have artificial towns that were later created by a ski resort. One hundred years ago Aspen actually used to be a real mining town. Personally I don't think I could ski Aspen Mountain for five days in a row, just because I don't like to ski the same trail twice. But in Aspen valley that's not an issue because there are three other mountains always waiting to be explored. Lastly, if you're commuting to this mountain, you'll either have to jump aboard public transportation or park your car in Aspen's town parking garage. Aspen's town parking garage is not located at the foot of the mountain but rather it is located roughly four blocks away in the center of town. read more

This is where the 1% come to ski. Mountain was fun, but town and folks were way too douchy. It's like you just moved Beverly Hills to the mountains. For a more laid back and relaxed skiing experience, go to Aspen Highlands instead. read more

So if you visit in the summer, you might wonder if it's worth spending $28 to ride the gondola ... I would argue that it is for the view at the top. Sure you could hike up, but who doesn't like (nearly) instant gratification? A bonus -- your dogs ride for free! read more

The Gondola ride was very enjoyable , the views were very nice, purchasing the package ticket is better than single ticket , if you plan to stay for several days. Many free activities at the summit , with awesome scenic views , the sundeck cafe is nice place to grab lunch and or drink and get some rest. Must do activity if you are visiting Aspen. read more

For snowboarders, I personally think Breckenridge is actually better than Aspen. Be warned that Aspen Mountain is definitely not for beginners as all the runs are at minimum intermediate blue runs, black diamond, and double black diamond runs. I think Aspen mountain is better suited for skiers though as I noticed there were lots of flat areas where skiers would excel at with their ski poles. The cost for Aspen mountain is quite a pretty penny but your lift ticket is good for all four mountains within the Aspen Snowmass area. read more

If only I could live here.....but a t shirt in one of the gift shops honestly sums it up: my life is your vacation. Beautiful scenery and slopes to explore. It was a holiday weekend and it wasn't packed, up towards the top and sides of the main gondola there were never more than four people congregated to get on a lift, amazing, you can't get that experience in the other Breckenridge/Vail resorts. Oh and if you need to buy yourself a private jet, they have a sales office at the bottom of the gondola, complete with decision making champagne. read more

Great mountain to ski on. All intermediate terrain and higher, and beginners would have a hard time here. Good options for dining and drinking on the mountain. Lines here would be hard to find and one doesn't have to wait long when you do. The gondola from the bottom takes you straight to the top quite quickly (15 min or so). Base opens in the middle of town so plenty of options for après after you're done with the slopes. It is well connected with the rest of town and the rest of the ski areas with free bus services that run regularly in the season. Do check out Ajax Tavern in the slope side The LIttle Nell, you won't be disappointed. read more

Nearly all double black with moguls. I guess it's a skiers dream, but for snowboarding it sucked. I'll never go back. read more

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort - Ski Resorts Near Me - Aspen, Colorado