Aspen: four mountains, two very different après plans
BADLAP editorial
Snow-covered peaks at sunset. Photo: Madison Kuhn / Photo license.
In Aspen, the gondola is downtown. The Silver Queen Gondola rises directly from downtown; Bell Mountain brings bumps and steep skiing back toward the same town. Spend a couple of days on Ajax, then make room for Highlands and the Bowl.
For experienced skiers who want demanding days and an evening scene, our starting combination is Aspen Mountain plus Aspen Highlands. Add Snowmass or Buttermilk when the group wants a different pace.
Ajax for town-to-mountain days
Aspen Mountain, also called Ajax, puts the Silver Queen Gondola at the center of the day. Bell Mountain's bumps and the mountain's steep gladed runs suit skiers looking beyond a week of easy cruising. Its official 2026/27 dates are November 26 through April 18, subject to operations. Those dates should not be applied automatically to the other three mountains.
For more detail, the resort's terrain guide with skier Sierra Schlag identifies Bell Mountain's Sunrise and Sunset, plus the steep wooded terrain known as the Dumps around F.I.S. Use the current trail map and operating report to plan a day around those areas.
Highlands for the Bowl
Highland Bowl is the reason to leave room for a Highlands day. The resort describes an approximately 45-minute hike in good conditions, with a snowcat sometimes covering part of the approach. Plan for the hike rather than depending on assistance. Check Bowl access and conditions before starting the hike.
Highlands also has groomed runs and bumps beyond its headline terrain. Meanwhile, the four-mountain overview points toward Snowmass for a broader terrain mix and Buttermilk for beginner-friendly skiing and parks. That makes the shared ticket useful when your traveling companions want different kinds of days.
Ajax Tavern or Cloud Nine?
For an afternoon that can roll straight into a downtown evening, Ajax Tavern sits beside the Silver Queen Gondola, with indoor seating and a mountainside patio. Its base location is the practical draw: finish skiing, meet there, then continue into town.
Cloud Nine is the on-mountain Highlands alternative. The resort's après guide calls for reservations, so confirm access and availability before planning the day around a table. Verify winter service directly and leave the drinks until your skiing is finished.
Downtown Aspen or Snowmass?
Choose downtown Aspen when Ajax and town evenings are the center of the trip. Choose a Snowmass base when most of the skiing will happen there.
The RFTA mountain bus network connects the four ski areas with free service, making a trip without a rental car worth pricing. Confirm the route from your actual accommodation and the evening return separately.
Prepared for winter 2026/27. Confirm individual mountain dates, Bowl access, transit and venue reservations before travel.
More places to ski: read the BADLAP journal.
After the lifts close: the Aspen After Hours guide.