In addition to being a popular skiing destination, Aspen offers great terrain for snowboarders. Aspen is home to a variety of snowboarding terrain, from beginner-friendly parks to advanced backcountry slopes, where riders of all levels can find something.
If you are a snowboarder looking to experience the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass, we will tell you how and where to make the most of your day on the mountain.
Snowboarding on Aspen Mountain
Aspen Mountain, or Ajax, is known for its challenging terrain, which is perfect for intermediate to expert riders. Runs here are quite steep and ideal for riders looking for speed. With no beginner terrain (a larger area at the top with some low intermediates,) Ajax is the only resort in the Aspen Snowmass area designed for advanced riders or skiers.
What Makes It Special
If you have the skills and aren’t afraid of speed, Ajax is more than worthy of exploring. Groomed runs are fun, steep, and challenging, but it’s worth checking out the entire mountain for secret stashes. Riders must be apt on toe- and heel-side, or it will be a short (and likely miserable) day.
Having skills to get to a run is just as important as making it down that run on Ajax. Speed is necessary to make it over catwalks and navigate bumps and trees–possibly all before dropping in, or you risk being stuck on a catwalk all afternoon. In other words, if you are planning on snowboarding here, prepare for a quad-burning workout, and if you don’t like steep pitches, it’s going to be a long day. Steep and fast is the name of the game on Ajax, but it’s a favorite for those who aren’t afraid to push and challenge themselves.
The Après Scene
Sit on the deck of the Ajax Tavern and watch skiers and riders come down the hill, or head to CHICA Aspen for an incredible Latin American-inspired apres menu, plus live DJs and bottle service. The Aspen Art Museum’s weekly rooftop apres party with live music and craft cocktails is always a sure bet, while W Aspen’s 39 Degrees is situated just steps from the gondola and a go-to destination with signature cocktails and a live DJ seven days a week.
Snowboarding on Snowmass
With Snowmass' open glades and diverse landscape, riders of all levels will find something to challenge their skills here. Burly steeps, endless bumps, jumps, groomers, and shorter lift lines than rival resorts make the Snowmass terrain a favorite for riders.
What Makes It Special
This huge mountain is home to some of the very best beginner snowboarding in the state and some of the best powder terrain in the area. An entire area on the lower mountain dedicated to beginners and intermediates also means more opportunities for new riders looking to explore.
Snowmass also has some of the world’s best terrain parks. The mountain offers roughly 100 features, including a 22-ft Zaugg-cut superpipe to keep riders busy. Newbies and mini-shredders can enjoy the beginner features of Lowdown Park, while intermediate riders can learn new tricks and work on progression and Makaha Park. Snowmass Park has advanced and expert features such as a 22-ft Superpipe, well-cut hip and volcano transitions, and an evolving mix of rails, boxes, wallrides, and staircases winding their way down the ridge into jumps and hip features. Riding any of these parks and ripping the pipes make Snowmass a favorite amongst many riders.
The Après Scene
For a slopeside experience with the best deck on the mountain plus amazing fresh Mexican fare, Venga Venga delivers. High Alpine and Elk Camp feature fantastic outdoor seating to soak in the sun, while Lynn Britt Cabin offers a more elevated gourmet experience.
Snowboarding on Aspen Highlands
Advanced to expert riders love Aspen Highlands for its stunning views of the Maroon Bells and because it is home to the famed Highland Bowl, an open 270-acre powder playground accessed only by a steep and demanding climb.
What Makes It Special
Aspen Highlands has the most extreme snowboarding terrain and is regarded as the lowest-key of the Aspen ski areas. 144 runs spread over 1,040 acres served by five lifts and a maximum vertical descent of 3,645 feet, Aspen Highlands runs along a ridgeline between Maroon Creek and Castle Creek Valley.
Those looking for adventure should check out the Highland Bowl. This expert-only terrain is challenging, but the Bowl offers more snow than any other in-bounds area in the four resorts. The hike is grueling, and at the Staircase portion, the pitch is consistently steep without breaks, but the views are breathtaking, with some of the most majestic peaks in the country. Pyramid Peak and North and South Maroon are all visible at the top and stand majestically above 14,000 feet.
In total, the Highlands Bowl is spread across 270 acres. Those seeking a backcountry experience should also check out the Maroon Bowl on the back of Highland Bowl for an epic snowboarding experience.
The Après Scene
Highlands Alehouse offers laid-back old school fun with 16 beers on top and a wide selection of bottled beer, whiskey, cocktails, wine, and delicious and hearty classics on the menu.
Snowboarding on Buttermilk
Best known as the home for the Winter X-Games, the Buttermilk ski area is known as the easiest of the four resorts, with 44 runs spread over 470 acres that are served by four lifts with a maximum vertical descent of 2,030 ft. West Buttermilk is a haven for beginners with mellow runs and a renowned ski and snowboard school for those looking to learn the basics.
What Makes It Special
Snowboarders may not be challenged by the terrain here, but there is an awesome 2-mile-long terrain park accessible off the Summit Express Lift that offers over 120 features. The mountain continues to be well-known for its diversity and quality of terrain park and features.
The Après Scene
Take a trip to the infamous Woody Creek Tavern for a cold beer and an apres bite, or seek out the sleek and trendy nightlife scene at Escobar. The Wine Bar offers an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and light bites, while Limelight Lounge features live music and signature seasonal cocktails for an amazing way to relax after shredding the mountain all day.
Equipment Rental
Are you excited to go riding but need some gear? We have you covered. Check out these shops for anything you need to hit the mountain.
Four Mountain Sports
For snowboarding equipment rental, including equipment, clothing, goggles, gloves, and accessories, check out one of our nine locations across Aspen Snowmass.
Incline
This locally owned and operated ski and snowboard shop has locations at the base of Aspen Mountain and at Snowmass in the Snowmass Village Mall, plus extended hours for convenience.
Snowmass Sports
For 30 years, Snowmass Sports has been the go-to for snowboard rentals in Snowmass. Whether you are looking to purchase new equipment or rent equipment, Snowmass Sports will make the process easy and hassle-free.
Aspen Sports
With easy online reservations, expert fittings, and a wide range of equipment selection, Aspen Sports rents top-performing gear from premium snowboard brands.
Gene Taylor’s
With over 50 years of experience, Gene Taylor’s in Snowmass offers the most professional and affordable rental services in the Valley. Offering sales, rentals, and custom footbed service by Superfeet, Gene Taylor’s is one of the premier ski and snowboard shops in the state.
Head to Aspen for Your Next Snowboarding Adventure
Aspen is an amazing destination for snowboarding adventures, with four mountains, endless runs, and backcountry riding to check out. Whether you’re a new or advanced rider, there’s something to explore here.
At Aspen Square, we offer the convenience of walking to downtown restaurants, shopping, and events. We are located just a block from the main free skier bus terminal, which will take you to Buttermilk, Snowmass, or Aspen Highlands, with the Aspen Mountain gondola only one block away.
Explore our Aspen condo rentals to view our available rentals and start planning your ski vacation. Call (970) 925-1000 and let us help you get your vacation started, or contact Aspen Square’s Reservations desk (reservations@aspensquarehotel.com) for assistance booking your stay with us.