snowman123456

Aspen/Snowmass has 4 mountains. From what I understand Aspen mountain is the most advanced/technical.

I think Buttermilk is supposed to be the best for beginners. I think that the winter X-games are hosted at Buttermilk as well so Buttermilk has an additional "cool" factor. I would think that these factors make Buttermilk the most crowded mountain at Aspen/Snowmass.

Does Buttermilk get *TOO* crowded? I mean do you have to wait noticeably longer for a ski lift or does it feel claustrophobic because it's so packed with skiiers and snowboarders?

Snowmass seems more intermediate and Aspen Highlands seems like it may be the second best choice for beginners.

So is Buttermilk the best for beginners or does its popularity make Aspen Highlands a more pleasant experience?

Cool_As_Cakes

yeah, you're pretty much way off.

Buttermilk is definitely the most beginner friendly, but outside of the park runs, it's anything but crowded. Start there for sure. Rarely ever a lift line wait.

Aspen Highlands is NOT a beginner friendly mountain. It has its easy trails but most are Intermediate and higher. It can feel more crowded than it is because the mountain is basically one big cornice to which most all of the slopes fall off of. Locals favorite.

Snowmass would be the second best option for you. Huge area to ski with a fantastic amount of easy wide open blues and greens. Definitely a mountain that has something for everyone. This is my fourth winter here and i find new stashes all the time. Some of the best beginner trails are right off of the main 6pack lift at the mid station.

Aspen Mountain, if not a powder day, is a snowboarder's nightmare. Most everything on the upper mountain funnels into one area that gets very crowded and very bumpy. It definitely has some classic, unforgettable runs, but most people know those spots too and bump them out pretty quick. if aspen mountain is a must for you, be off of that mountain by 10am when all hell breaks loose.

None of the mountains have much, if any, of a lift wait.

hope this helps. enjoy, i sure do

snowman123456

Thanks for the helpful post Cool! My hotel is in Snowmass so I think I'm going to take a lesson on Snowmass on the first day I get there. By the next day I should have some basic skills and I can hang out all day on Buttermilk.

Toecutter

It would be a good idea to not get your expectations too high, lest you get frustrated. Most folks, including a recent poll on this site, take at least three days before they can link turns. Realistically if you take a lesson you could very well remain on the bunny hill all day long. If you get enough skills after one day to roam a bit, you will still likely be overwhelmed by anything other than mild green runs. It takes a bit of practice to get to where you can cruise around the mountain.