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March 17, 2026

Best Ski Resorts Near Aspen: Getting There in Style

Discover Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Mountain with luxury ski resort transfers. Skip the parking headaches and ride in style with Aspen Alpenglow Limousine.

Aspen Alpenglow Limousine

Best Ski Resorts Near Aspen: Getting There in Style

The Aspen/Snowmass area is home to four distinct world-class ski mountains, each with its own personality, terrain mix, and vibe. Whether you're a double-black diamond devotee chasing steep lines at Aspen Highlands or a family looking for gentle groomers at Buttermilk, choosing the right mountain—and getting there without the stress of parking and traffic—makes all the difference. This guide covers each resort and explains why a private [ski resort transfer](/ski-resort-transfers) is the smartest way to hit the slopes.

The Four Mountains of Aspen Snowmass

All four mountains are operated by Aspen Snowmass and covered by the Ikon Pass, making it easy to mix and match throughout a week-long ski vacation.

Aspen Mountain (Ajax)

Aspen Mountain sits directly above downtown Aspen and is the mountain most visitors picture when they think of "skiing in Aspen." Accessed via the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen's historic downtown, Ajax offers 3,267 acres of terrain with no beginner runs—this is an intermediate and expert mountain through and through.

Getting there: The gondola base is within walking distance of many downtown hotels, but for those staying in outlying neighborhoods or arriving with equipment, a private car drop-off at the gondola base saves significant hassle, especially during peak traffic hours.

Aspen Highlands

A short drive or shuttle ride from downtown, Aspen Highlands is beloved by locals and serious skiers for its challenging terrain, including the legendary Highland Bowl—a hike-to zone that rewards those willing to put in the effort with some of the most spectacular in-bounds skiing in North America.

Getting there: Highlands is located roughly 3 miles west of downtown Aspen. Parking is limited and fills quickly on busy weekends. A private [ski resort transfer](/ski-resort-transfers) deposits you at the base lodge without the parking scramble, leaving more energy for the mountain itself.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the most approachable of the four mountains, making it ideal for beginners, families with young children, and those returning to skiing after time away. It also hosts the annual X Games each January, transforming the lower mountain into a world-class freestyle venue.

Getting there: Located adjacent to the airport on SH-82, Buttermilk is easily accessible but shares the same corridor as airport traffic during peak hours. We recommend scheduling your pickup 15–20 minutes earlier on X Games weekends, when the road sees significantly higher volumes.

Snowmass

Snowmass is the largest of the four mountains, boasting 3,362 acres across diverse terrain for all ability levels. Its own village at the base makes it a self-contained destination, and many guests choose to stay in Snowmass rather than Aspen for a more resort-immersive experience.

Getting there: Snowmass Village is approximately 12 miles from downtown Aspen via SH-82 and Brush Creek Road. The drive winds through the Roaring Fork Valley and is stunning in any season. Our luxury vehicles make the journey a pleasure rather than a chore—settle in, enjoy the mountain views, and let us handle the road.

Why Skip Driving and Parking

Driving to any of the four mountains during peak ski season introduces frustrations that are easily avoided.

Limited and Expensive Parking

Resort parking lots fill before 9 a.m. on busy days. Street parking in Aspen is tightly regulated, and Snowmass lot fees add up quickly over a week-long visit.

Equipment Logistics

Skis, boots, poles, helmets, and layers make every journey to the mountain a gear management exercise. Our drivers assist with loading and unloading equipment, and our vehicle interiors stay warm and organized—no cold trunk fumbling required.

Apres-Ski Freedom

One of the great pleasures of a ski vacation is apres-ski: a celebratory beer at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, cocktails at The Little Nell's Ajax Tavern, or fondue at Sundeck on top of Ajax. When you have a [ski resort transfer](/ski-resort-transfers) waiting, you can enjoy the moment fully without worrying about driving down an icy mountain road.

Multi-Mountain Days: Our Most Popular Service

Many Alpenglow guests opt for multi-mountain days—starting at Aspen Highlands in the morning for Highland Bowl, then transitioning to Snowmass in the afternoon for big-mountain cruising. Our drivers coordinate between venues so your experience is seamless.

Vail Ski Resort: A Day Trip Option

For adventurous guests, Vail Resort is approximately two hours from Aspen via I-70. It's a full day commitment, but Vail's legendary Back Bowls are worth the journey for devoted powder hounds. Alpenglow offers [private transfers for longer day-trip excursions](/ski-resort-transfers) throughout the Colorado Rockies.

Book Your Ski Transfer

Don't let parking and traffic steal your powder days. Aspen Alpenglow Limousine provides comfortable, punctual [ski resort transfers](/ski-resort-transfers) to all four Aspen Snowmass mountains and beyond. Our fleet of Escalades and Sprinters accommodates equipment comfortably, and our drivers know these mountains and roads in every condition.

[Contact us](/contact) to customize your ski season transportation package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Aspen ski resort is best for beginners?

Buttermilk is the most beginner-friendly of the four mountains, with gentle terrain and excellent ski school programs.

Can you transfer between multiple mountains in one day?

Yes. We offer multi-mountain transfer packages and can coordinate pickups and drop-offs across all four Aspen Snowmass mountains.

Do you transport ski equipment?

Absolutely. Our vehicles have ample space for skis, snowboards, and boot bags, and our drivers assist with loading and unloading.