Aspen Snowmass is a great destination for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The four mountains — Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk — provide a wide variety of beginner terrain. Our world-class ski and snowboard school always ensures visitors receive the instruction they need to have a safe and fun first ski vacation.
As the season turns, here are a few considerations to make the most of your ski vacation in Aspen Snowmass.
Sign Up for Lessons
Ski lessons do more than accelerate the learning curve. They make skiing safe and fun from day one.
Research the available ski and snowboard lessons at Aspen Snowmass ahead of your visit and select the program that is right for you and your group. For adults, consider the Max 5 First Time Group Ski or Snowboard Lessons. This is an accelerated learning method that includes beginner equipment, a helmet, and a beginner-area lift ticket. It’s a one-stop shop option that is perfect for new skiers and snowboarders.
There are also options for children's group lessons, private lessons, and childcare making Aspen Snowmass a perfect choice for family getaways.
The ski and snowboard Pros at Aspen Snowmass are more than instructors. They are guides who will help you learn to ski and snowboard while exploring all that the four mountains have to offer.
We recommend signing up for ski lessons in advance of your vacation.
Start at Buttermilk or Snowmass
While all four mountains contain green terrain, Buttermilk and Snowmass are best suited for never-ever skiers. With dedicated areas for beginners and a high percentage of appropriate terrain, newbies will have a great experience as a beginner at Buttermilk or Snowmass. As your skiing progresses you’ll quickly be ready for the terrain at Aspen and Aspen Highlands.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
Skiing and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains require taking good care of yourself. This includes staying hydrated and eating well while visiting the mountains. The altitude is part of the equation along with the effort you invest in the sport. Be sure to have a good breakfast each morning and take a nice lunch break while on the slopes.
All four mountains have great on-mountain dining experiences that range from grab-and-go to fine dining. For fine dining experiences, especially for groups larger than four persons, we recommend making a reservation.
Take a Rest Day
Aspen skiing for beginners tip; rest is essential to the learning process. If you visit Aspen for a week or more, schedule a rest day or two during your vacation. If attending skiing lessons, plan that rest day in between the day sessions. Your body will thank you for doing so.
Skiing is a full-body sport, and taking care of the body by resting goes hand and hand with staying hydrated and eating well. Don't forget to stretch as well.
Besides, it’s nice to have a day out of ski boots to enjoy all that Aspen has to offer besides skiing. You can visit museums, go shopping, spend the day at the spa, or experience other winter sports like ice skating, sledding, and nordic skiing.
Rent your Gear
Skiing and snowboarding require gear. The good news is that you can rent most of it at Four Mountain Sports, the official retailer of Aspen Snowmass. Any items you're unable to rent can be purchased at one of the various retail stores on the mountain.
We recommend renting as much as you can ahead of purchasing to gain experience that will tell you whether purchasing additional items is even necessary.
With convenient locations at all mountains, your rentals from Four Mountain Sports include free overnight equipment transfers and easy storage. You can ski Buttermilk one day and Snowmass the next without having to carry your equipment.
Stay in Downtown Aspen
To fully experience the joy of skiing in Aspen Snowmass, there isn’t a more magical place to stay than right downtown at the Aspen Square.
You can walk to dinner, nightlife, arts, and events in the area with ease. Find us a block from the main free skier bus terminal which will take you to Buttermilk, Snowmass, or Aspen Highlands— and the Aspen Mountain gondola is also just a block away.
Explore our Aspen condo rentals and book your stay with us at the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel.
If you have questions, please call us at 1-866-285-7876 or email us at reservations@aspensquarehotel.com with questions.