Aspen Buttermilk Ski Resort

Known for its family-friendliness, Aspen Buttermilk has a great reputation among beginners. Here you get to enjoy easy beginner runs from top to bottom and with a skiable terrain of 190 ha it has more than enough scope to enjoy.

You have three entrances to the trails in Buttermilk. The first one is Tiehack, where limited day parking is available. From here, hop in the Tiehack Express to get to the East Summit on 9720 feet above sea level. Turning left, you will see a ton of blacks like Tiehack Parklway, Javelin and Tierhack Trail right in front of you. If you head to the right, you wi´ll find runs that are designated blues only. If you consider yourself among intermediate skiers definitely hit Buckskin, Steiner Gulch, and Magic Carpet. Those hold some challenges but are still doable for beginners with a few days of experience.

Starting from the Main Buttermilk entrance, you will find different parking lots, the Ski & Snowboard school, mountain huts, and the terrain park for beginners right at the base of Summit Express. This Express lift will whisk you up the hill in a few minutes. As soon as you reached the East Summit, slip into your skis and off you go on blue and green runs. Trails like Friedl´s and No Problem start of as easy trails and merge with the green Homestead Road further down. Beginners and intermediates will never get bored with this variety. You will also find the second terrain park here: The Buttermilk Park.

The two terrain parks have challenges for every ability level in stock. The Panda Pipe and Ski & Snowboard Schools Park is awesome for those who are new to the world of Freestyle and have to get used to the techniques. The Buttermilk Park is well-known for maintaining always more than 100 features. It acts as host for the Winter X-Games every year, and it also boasts a 22-foot superpipe as well as a slopestyle course that not many terrain parks in the world can hold a candle to.

If you decide for the third entrance, the West Buttermilk, you will also have limited day parking to your disposal. Catch the West Buttermilk Express in order to make it up to West Summit on 9900 feet. This is your hotspot if you prefer the ideal mix of blues, greens, and blacks. The blue run Tom´s Thumb even gives you the option of changing onto Homestead Road at first and later on Buckskin, which is part of the Main Buttermilk section. Little Teaser is great if you look for a short black run that will make every expert skier think twice.

The Buttermilk Mountain Lodge is located at the base of the Summit Express, convinces with panorama windows, outdoor picnic tables and an easy-going menu for old and young. Warm up with homemade soups, Italian dishes like pizza and pasta and BBQ specialties. For those living a healthier lifestyle the fresh salads are a good option for lunch time. It also features special combos for kids on the menu.

Famous for the perfect panorama of the Pyramid Peak is the Cliffhouse. Pay a visit to this laid-back restaurant for a lunch break or for a coffee break in the afternoon. It´s best known for the Mongolian Grill. Choose your own meat, veggies or seafood and create your own dish. They also serve burgers soups and chillis. Kids combos are available as well.

The Panda Hill is the bunny hill of the ski resort and gives beginners the chance to warm up with their skis. Tree Skiing is possible as well. The Uncle Chuck´s Glades are located close to the Buttermilk terrain park.

Buttermilk itself is not famous for After skiing activities but with the town of Aspen just a few minutes away you will have endless options for your recreational activities. Aspen Music Festival & School has always a great event coming throughout the year. Even if Aspen has the reputation of being super exclusive, you´ll still have non-exclusive shopping options right in town as well. Couture meets outerwear- that could be the motto for your shopping experience in Aspen.

Indoor Malls are perfect if the weather does not play along. Movie theaters are available as well. With 300 sunny days annually, it´s always a blast to go hiking or do an other outdoor activity. You cannot even name all the recreation activities. From Jeep Tours, to Horseback riding, to Ice skating over rafting to Indoor and Outdoor climbing - it´s your choice what to do after a long day of skiing or instead of hitting the ski trails.

Again, Buttermilk is not the right address for wild party nights but with Aspen being just a car minutes away you will have abundant choices. When you hear nightlife, Aspen probably pops in your head sooner or later. So you know that nightclubs, bars, and pubs are lining the streets in Aspen. Belly up never has a shortage of live-music and the dance floor usually fills up pretty quick. The Caribou Club is one of the most luxurious clubs in town and a place where champagne is not a rare guest.

Chair 9 at the Base of Ajax is known for being among the best apres ski lounges in the country and opens the gates usually in the early afternoon for all head starters. Another nightclub that should be on your to do list is the Escobar Nightclub. This one is not only a club, but also a Patio Bar. J-B is more on the relaxed side and serves casual food and local brews. If you fancy a cocktail, visit the Sky Hotel which features the 39 Degrees Lounge and amazing mixed drinks. So you see, it does not matter what kind of Apres ski experience you prefer, Aspen has something for everyone.

The offer for foodies seems endless as it begins with French, American, Mexican, Japanese and Italian exquisite food and ends with Fast Food and Pizza shacks. Element 47 is a great place to find American specialties and a great list of wines to match the food. Prospect Terrace gives you exclusive outdoor dining and a breathtaking view of the Aspen mountains.

Campo De Fiori is your address for authentic Italian dishes by using only the best ingredients. Su Casa is a good example for an authentic Mexican place in town. Enjoy the classics like margaritas, tacos and burritos, prepared to cater to everyone´s taste buds. If you are into French and exquisite food, definitively reserve a table at Cache Cache. Reviewed by notable press from all over the world it´s known for gourmet cuisine at its best.

Denver International Airport is the closest major Airport. Only 220 miles away from the Aspen Airports, you can easily take ground transportation. With a rental car directions are fairly easy as well. Take I-70 and after change onto Colorado Highway 82. All parking lots are free of charge in Buttermilk. The village shuttles run between the different Aspen resorts at all times during the day and are free with a valid ski pass.