How to Go Skiing in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado, is known as the ski playground of the rich and famous. When you visit, you could end up sharing a lift with your favorite movie star. But even if you don't spot any celebrities, you can get the celebrity treatment and enjoy fabulous skiing on world-renowned slopes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with an Internet connection

Book Lodging in Aspen

1. Book lodging for your ski trip at the Aspen Snowmass Web site (see Resources below). You may also call [phone].
2. Find inexpensive lodging in nearby towns such as Carbondale, Glenwood Springs or Basal.

Get to Know Aspen

3. Check the Aspen snow report. Visiti the Snowmass Web site and click "Snow Report" (see Resources below).
4. Learn about the four main ski mountains in Aspen, Colorado.
5. Discover Snowmass. Its summit elevation is 12,510 feet and its vertical rise is 4,406 feet. This mountain offers 90 trails and its longest run is 5.3 miles.
6. Visit Aspen Mountain. Its summit elevation stands at 11,212 feet and it has a vertical rise of 3,267 feet. The mountain offers 76 trails, its longest run being 3 miles.
7. Choose Aspen Highlands. It has a summit elevation of 11,675 feet and a vertical rise of 3,635 feet. This mountain offers an impressive 131 trails, and its longest run is 3.5 miles.
8. Select Buttermilk, the home of the Winter X Games. Its summit elevation is 9,900 feet, with a vertical rise of 2,030 feet. It offers 44 trails and its longest run is 3 miles.

Tips & Warnings

• Aspen is best suited to the intermediate skier and above.
• Watch out for altitude sickness, which can cause headaches and dizziness. Give yourself a day to acclimate, and drink plenty of water.

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