The town of Aspen was originally founded as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and is classically named after of the abundance of aspen trees in the area. This historical Colorado town has carved itself into one of the world's most famous ski resort communities. In fact, Aspen hosts four world-class alpine resorts for skiing and boarding. In Aspen you have the opportunity to ski Aspen Mountain (formally Ajax Mountain), Buttermilk, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands.
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Aspen Mountain
On January 11, 1947,
Lift 1 at Aspen Mountain Ski Resort cranked up her engines and began
transporting anxious skiers to the top of Aspen Mountain. At the time
of operation, Chair #1 was the world's longest chairlift of its kind.
Quick Stats about Aspen Mountain
- Season dates: November 26, 2009 - April 11, 2010
- Base elevation: 7,945 ft./2,422 m
- Summit elevation: 11,212 ft./3,418 m
- Vertical rise: 3,267 ft./996 m
- Terrain: 673 acres/272 hectares
- Number of trails: 76
- Miles/km of trails: 64 miles/103 km
- Longest run: 3 miles/4.8 km
Buttermilk Ski Resort
If you've ever watched the ESPN
Winter X Games,
then you are undoubtedly familiar with the Buttermilk
Ski Resort in Aspen, Colorado. Host of the ESPN Winter X Games
through 2010 (for an unprecedented nine consecutive years!), Buttermilk
is also a premier mountain for beginners & families. While boundless
skiers & snowboarders test the limits of modern day snow sports,
visitors to Buttermilk who like their skis closer to the ground will
enjoy the gentle cruisers which make up the Buttermilk terrain.
Quick Stats about Buttermilk Ski Resort
- Season dates: December 12, 2009 - April 4, 2010
- Base elevation: 7,870
ft./2,399 m
- Summit elevation: 9,900 ft./3,018 m
- Vertical rise: 2,030 ft./619 m
- Terrain: 470 acres/190 hectares
- Number of trails: 44
- Miles/km of trails: 21 miles/34 km
- Longest run: 5 miles/8 km
Snowmass Resort
Snow "Massive," as
it is called by locals, is too big to explore in just one day. The Snowmass
Mountain encompasses 3,132 acres of diverse terrain. With its
wide open runs, you'll often find skiers and snowboarders taking huge
wide turns while they enjoy Snowmass' freshly groomed corduroy. On a
powder morning, you'll find locals hitting up the steeps and cruisers.
On any given day, you'll find talented athletes challenging themselves
in Snowmass' world-class terrain park.
Quick Stats about Snowmass Mountain
- Season dates: November 26, 2009 -
April 11, 2010
- Base
elevation: 8,104 ft./2,473 m
- Summit elevation: 12,510 ft./3,813 m
- Vertical rise:
4,406 ft./1,343 m
- Terrain: 3,132 acres/1,267 hectares
- Number of trails:
91
- Miles/km of trails: 147 miles/237 km
- Longest run:
5.3 miles/8.5 km
- Uncrowded slopes:
On average 2 people per acre/5 people per hectare
- Lift capacity: 31,080 riders/hour
- Lifts: 21 Total: 19 primary - 1 eight-passenger gondola,
1 high-speed six passenger chair, 1 six-passenger pulse gondola (enclosed),
7 high-speed quads, 2 quads, 3 doubles, 4 magic carpets, 2 ski/snowboard
school lifts; 2 secondary - 2 platter pulls (Cirque and Scooper)
Aspen Highlands
Unsurpassed views
of the infamous Maroon Bells, coupled with steeps, cruisers & hike-to
terrain, make Aspen Highlands a favorite for locals. For the ultimate
skiing & snowboarding experience, Aspen Highlands will fill any serious
snow enthusiast's need for adrenaline.
Quick Stats about Aspen Highlands in
Colorado
- Season dates: December 12, 2009 - April 4, 2010
- Base elevation:
8,040 ft./2,451 m.
- Summit elevation: 11,675 ft./3,559 m. (top of Highland
Bowl 12,392 ft.)
- Vertical rise: 3,635 ft./1,108 m.
- Terrain: 1,028 acres/416
hectares
- Number of trails: 118
- Miles/km of trails: 84 miles/135
km
- Longest run: 3.5 miles/5.6 km
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