Itinerary Summary
Day one flies from Denver to Aspen (ASE) or drives I-70, then Aspen Mountain Ajax runs to warm up, a full day on the vast Snowmass village, Aspen Highlands bowl off-piste, Buttermilk terrain park, and…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Denver landing and the climb to Aspen
10:00
2h
Regional flight from Denver to Aspen-Pitkin
Take the hour-long Dash 8 or regional jet from DEN to ASE, which lands 6 km from town. Flights cancel in heavy snow, so keep the I-70 drive as a backup and check the mountain forecast the night before.
📍 Denver to Aspen, Colorado
15:00
1.5h
Ski and boot fitting at a downtown shop
Get boots fitted and skis waxed before the first lift day, and ask the staff to set the bindings for your weight and level. Shops near the gondola hold gear overnight, so you can collect it on the way to the lift.
📍 Aspen downtown
18:00
2h
Groceries and dinner on Hopkins Avenue
Stock the fridge at the downtown market, where prices are lower than the resort village stores, then eat at a casual counter on Hopkins Avenue. Reserve a table in January and February, when the town is at its busiest.
📍 Hopkins Avenue, Aspen
💡 Pro Tip: Denver sits at 1,600 m and Aspen at 2,400 m, so drink more water than usual and take the first day slowly. A regional flight to Aspen takes about an hour when weather allows; the I-70 drive is four to five hours and needs winter tyres or chains after snow. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the United States visa section. Mountain Time is UTC-7, or UTC-6 in summer.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$1,57035%
Aspen slopeside hotels, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$90020%
Lamb burgers, green chile and apres-ski hot chocolate
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Denver to Aspen, and should I fly or drive?+
You can fly Denver to Aspen-Pitkin (ASE) in under an hour, but winter flights are often delayed by weather. Driving I-70 takes about 3.5 to 4 hours in good conditions and needs a capable car and winter tyres or chains. Many travellers book a shuttle if they do not want to drive mountain passes.
When is the best time to ski Aspen's four mountains?+
January and February usually bring the deepest snow and the most reliable coverage across Ajax, Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk. The season runs from late November to mid-April, with holiday weeks the busiest and priciest. Spring skiing in March and early April is warmer and quieter but lower runs soften early.
Do I need to book Aspen lift tickets in advance?+
Yes. Lift tickets are cheaper online ahead of time than at the window, and multi-day passes covering all four mountains are the usual choice for this itinerary. Peak holiday weeks sell out. Check the Aspen Snowmass site for current pricing and whether your pass includes Highlands bowl access.
Is Aspen's altitude a problem, and how should I adjust?+
Downtown Aspen sits near 2,400 m and the Highlands bowl goes higher, so shortness of breath and poor sleep are common in the first day or two. Arrive a day early if you can, drink more water than usual, limit alcohol on night one and use sunscreen, as UV is strong at this elevation.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Upscale · approx. $3,740–5,230 (≈ €3,250–4,550), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: hard
- Best for: Winter Getaway
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