March 8, 2017 | Lifestyle
Spring skiing in Aspen/Snowmass is right around the corner and this calls for slushy turns, sun-kissed slopes, and maybe a beer (or two) on those cloudless days. Between all four mountains, Aspen/Snowmass offers incredible skiing, après events and other town happenings.
These are the days to just wear sweatshirts and ski pants, and the nights when it’s somewhat acceptable to leave the bar at 1 a.m., still in your ski boots. Here's what to do, who to see, and where to ski this spring in Aspen/Snowmass.
Where: Buttermilk Mountain
Why Ski Here: With family fun for all, beginner to immediate skiing, and a world-class terrain park, Buttermilk Mountain is a great mountain to take you and your little ones for a sunny day of skiing.
Trails: The Tiehack side of the mountain offers intermediate skiing on nearly empty slopes. Parking is always free and ski school proves to be a very easy experience for the whole family. And Buttermilk, home to the Winter X-Games, maintains a 2-mile long terrain park filled with jumps, rails, boxes and a 22-foot halfpipe.
Where: Aspen Mountain
Why Ski Here: With the convenience of town right behind the gondola, it’s steep terrain and fast laps make Aspen Mountain a must-ski mountain.
Lunch Time Pit Stop: Find picturesque views with your lunch outside at the Sundeck, have a beer on the deck of the mid-mountain restaurant, Bonnies, and then indulge in a second beer at Ajax Tavern at the bottom of the mountain.
Fresh Tracks: Be sure to ski some east-facing runs such as Bingo Glades or Jackpot as they stay sunny and soft until the very last gondola.
Watch the Professionals: As a bonus for this spring, catch the FIS Alpine World Cup from March 15-19. This will be the first time World Cup has been held in the United States in 20 years.
Where: Snowmass Mountain
Why Ski Here: By far the largest of the four mountains, Snowmass Mountain offers perhaps the most diverse terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The Perks: Whether you’re looking for beginner runs, a well-organized ski school, intermediate groomed runs, advanced steeps and cliffs, and another world-class terrain park, Snowmass really has it all. And with all the different aspects, it’s easy to find sunny slopes all day.
Social Hour: Be sure to grab a beer and check out the Bud Light Street Rail Fridays every Friday.
Where: Highlands
Why Ski Here: Perhaps the mountain with the most character, Highlands is surely a charmer. While it offers mostly advanced terrain, beginners to intermediates can find manageable terrain on the lower half of the mountain.
Bonus Exercise: And one thing that everyone needs to check off his or her list is a hike up the Highlands Bowl. And there is no better time to do the hike than on a warm spring day. Enjoy the hike, stunning views, and of course the skiing.
Apres All Day: Afterwards, be entertained on the deck of Cloud Nine or have a beer and slice of pizza at the Highlands Ale House. And, of course, if you’re still around on April 9, be sure to be apart of the Highlands closing party. It is something you don’t want to miss.
