Aspen Snowmass is a premier skiing destination known for its breathtaking scenery, quaint mountain town vibe, and world-class slopes. With access to four unique mountains, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk, an unforgettable experience awaits every skier. If you are a beginner, you will also find plenty of beginner friendly trails, a ski school with skilled instructors, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

Beyond the slopes, the vibrant mountain town offers an enchanting ambiance filled with abundant outdoor activities, fabulous dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events. Whether you are carving your first turns or refining your skills, Aspen provides a magical escape that is truly one of a kind.

Preparing for Your Trip

When To Visit

Ski season in Aspen runs from late November through mid-April, with peak season starting December through February. While this time of year means larger crowds on and off the mountain, the conditions are optimal and perfect for beginners.

What To Pack

When it comes to packing for skiing, it’s important to plan for the day ahead. Check the forecast and become familiar with the terrain conditions so you’re prepared for whatever the mountain throws at you. It’s always easy to remove a layer if you are too warm, but being out on the slopes with frozen fingers and toes is a sure way to shorten your day (and make it miserable.) 

To be best prepared, be sure to pack the following:

• A warm, insulated base layer
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Insulated, waterproof ski jacket and pants
• Ski goggles, insulated gloves or mittens, and a helmet
• Sunscreen!! (always). Higher elevation means higher risk for sunburn, even in winter. 
• Lip balm

It’s likely that you don’t own much in the way of ski gear if you are just starting out, but goggles and a helmet can be rented along with your skis. Remember that ski jackets and pants don’t need to be high end; you simply need a warm, waterproof layer to keep you warm and dry in the cold, snow, and wind. If the forecast is predicting unusually cold weather, layer a fleece underneath your ski jacket to provide even more warmth.

Where To Stay

For convenience and ease, choosing a place with ski-in/ski-out access will help maximize your time on the mountain. Alpine Property offers vacation rentals with the finest amenities including ski-in/ski-out access as well as all the comforts of home. 

Picture yourself stepping directly onto the slopes from your doorstep, popping by your rental for a quick lunch, or relaxing by the fire after a day of skiing. Many of our properties feature mountain views, elegant décor, comfortable furnishings, private hot tubs, pools, fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces. Staying with us ensures you are close to beginner-friendly slopes, ski schools, and other fun attractions ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Beginner Friendly Ski Areas

Aspen’s four mountains each offer something unique. For beginner skiers, Snowmass and Buttermilk are the places to be.

Snowmass

For new skiers, Snowmass offers plenty of gentle and welcoming slopes for beginners. Add to that an amazing ski school and you have a great place to start your skiing journey.

Elk Camp Meadows

Located at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola, this area is considered ideal for beginners with wide open groomed runs, gentle slopes, magic carpets, and a short chairlift designed to aid in skill practicing before progressing to other parts of the mountain.

Fanny Hill and Assay Hill

Many of Snowmass’ green terrain is found on Fanny Hill and Assay Hill, both located near the main base area. These beginner-friendly zones are ideal for children and true beginners to learn how to ski or ride and develop their skills.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is loved for being the beginner’s mountain as well as host of the winter X-Games. The accessible terrain of Panda Peak is specifically designed for children and beginners, while the gentle, accessible terrain and wide groomers make it the perfect place for those just starting out.

Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands

While beginner options exist on all four mountains, it is recommended to stick with Buttermilk or Snowmass if you are a newer skier. The size of these two beginner friendly mountains will provide ample opportunities to hone your skills.      

Ski Lessons and Rentals

Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or looking to refine your skills, the Aspen Snowmass Ski School has something for everyone. Choose from group clinics for beginners, private lessons with expert instructors, and award-winning programs for kids, including adaptive skiing options for those with special needs.

When it comes to rental equipment, picking out your gear is easy at the official retailer of Aspen Snowmass, Four Mountain Sports. Elevate the experience with Aspen Collection, featuring dedicated fitting times and high end service in Aspen’s Gondola Plaza and Snowmass Base Village.

Safety Tips for Beginners

Enjoying skiing safely and confidently while you build your skills is essential to a great experience. Here are a few tips:

Warm Up

Properly warming up is necessary to avoid injury. Stretching, staying hydrated, and properly warming up the muscles will help with injury prevention.

Lessons

While not a necessity, taking lessons will help with learning the basics like how to turn, how to stop, how to safely get on and off the chairlift, and basic slope etiquette. Lessons are also a great refresher if you aren’t able to get on the mountain often.

Safety

If it’s your first time on the mountain, it’s not a good idea to ski alone as it’s easy to get lost or injured. Wearing the proper equipment (like helmets) is also important to avoid serious injury. Know your limits and which areas are right for your skill level.

Off Mountain Activities

Skiing may be the highlight of your time in Aspen, but there is plenty to do off mountain as well. Enjoy the beauty of the area by trying snowshoeing, tubing, or a scenic gondola ride. Head downtown to explore the art galleries, enjoy the fantastic dining and boutique shopping, or partake in the apres ski options! Aspen has an amazing vibe and beauty that is not limited to downhill skiing.

Plan Your Trip To Aspen Today

Aspen Snowmass offers an unparalleled experience for beginner skiers, combining world-class facilities with a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are mastering your first turns or exploring off mountain activities, you’ll find something to love.

Ready to plan your Aspen adventure? Explore our vacation rentals now and book your next stay with us today.