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Aspen Outdoor Recreation

If you’re looking for the best Aspen outdoor recreation, then look no further! We have tons of exciting adventures for you to take on!

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Aspen Outdoor Recreation

Buttermilk Ski Resort

Winter X Games at Buttermilk Resort

Ski Buttermilk – Home of the Winter X-Games

Home to the Winter X-Games, perfect beginner skiing, and spectacular views, Buttermilk is a ski resort with many sides.During the end of January each year when the X-games comes to town, Buttermilk becomes a massive world-wide event. The 2018 X-Games are scheduled for January 25th to January 28th. It’s definitely an eventful time to visit with impressive events and concerts throughout the 4 days. Aspen and the towns down-valley do fill up quite a bit, so plan accordingly.

Buttermilk also has mellow glade skiing and perfect uphill skiing options. Because of its family-friendly atmosphere, Buttermilk is a favorite with all generations of skiers. The ski area is right off Highway 82, close to the airport and right of the bus line. There is also some free parking available for skiers at the base and the Tiehack lot. Skiers can also enjoy some ski-in/ski-out lodging options at Buttermilk for the ultimate in skiing comfort and convenience. Head to Buttermilk for a sweet Aspen skiing experience!

Morning on skiing slopes in Aspen

BUTTERMILK SKI AREA FACTS

Vertical Rise: 2,030 ft./619 m
Terrain: 470 acres/190 hectares
Number of trails: 44
Miles/km of trails: 21 miles/34 km
Longest run: 3 miles/4.8 km
Lifts: 8, 3 hi speed quads, 1 double, 4 S3 lifts
Park & pipe: Buttermilk has two terrain parks – Buttermilk Park and S3 Park. Buttermilk Park has over 100 features, including the X Games 22-foot Superpipe and X Games Slopestyle Course. S3 Park is for the beginners and Ski & Snowboard Schools.

BUTTERMILK RESTAURANTS

  • Bumps at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge (base of the ski area)
  • The Cliffhouse (great views from the top)

Image Credit to Zach Dischner.

Aspen Hiking: Aspen to Crested Butte

Aspen to Crested Butte Hike

Looking for a true Aspen hiking experience, complete with mountain passes, wildflowers, and some serious elevation gain? Consider the nearly 11-mile thru-hike from Aspen to Crested Butte. The views are incredible. Contrasting red rock, Colorado blue skies, and beautiful flora along the hike, it’s a summertime Aspen Signature Properties staff favorite.

The Trail from Maroon Lake

Start in front of the towering Maroon Bells at Maroon Lake (elevation 9,580’). This is just outside of Aspen. The trail climbs and winds for nearly 6.5 miles to the top of West Maroon Pass (elevation 12,465’). You’ll hike through thick aspen trees, across rock fields and past scenic Crater Lake. This is a classic Colorado photo op. Overlooking both the Aspen and Crested Butte trail sides at the top of West Maroon Pass is your place.

After a short break at the top, head down into the meadow toward Crested Butte. Be prepared for what may be the most incredible display of wildflowers in all of Colorado. From here, it’s nearly all downhill as the trail meanders for about 4 miles toward the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead at 10,448’.

What to Know

This is not an easy Aspen hiking trail, but it is rewarding. At about 10.45 miles from trailhead to trailhead, it’s a solid hike with steep switchbacks and a lot of exposure, even below tree line. It averages about 8 hours to complete, depending on the fitness of your group.

Summer weather in the mountains around Aspen often features afternoon thunderstorms. It can quickly change from warm and sunny to downright cold and snowy at our high elevations. We highly recommend hitting the trailhead early in the day. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs must be kept on a leash. Don’t forget to practice “Leave no trace” guidelines. Pack out what you pack in. Read up on the full trail description or reach out to us before heading out on your adventure.

Trail from Aspen to Crested Butte

What to Bring

This hike is going to be a good workout. Bring snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, layers, a rain jacket, first aid kit and a topographic map. You can pick up the map at the Ute Mountaineer. Don’t forget your dog bags and extra water for dogs.

Aspen to Crested Butte Trail Shuttle

Unless you’re planning on camping for a night during your stay in Aspen, we suggest one of the shuttle services that will pick you up at the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead and bring you back the 3 hours by road to Aspen, such as Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle.

Have more questions about this hike or others? Just ask us! We’d be happy to give you more details and help in your planning.

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