World-class ski resort with diverse terrain and vibrant atmosphere
Snowmass Village, CO Get directions
"Of the four mountains, Snowmass is the one we keep returning to for laps—great parks and half-pipes paired with fun groomer terrain make it a standout. It’s that blend of park quality and smooth, fast cruising that anchors why we love boarding here." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Holiday magic fills the streets here—“It really doesn’t get any better than Aspen,” notes Dan Sherman—where simply walking around reveals a mall lit up in every nook and cranny and a vibe that’s as festive as it gets. The town layers on concerts and on-mountain celebrations, from torchlight parades to multiple tree‑lighting ceremonies, all set against great snow; check the seasonal events calendar to time your visit." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The chic, celebrity‑favorite Aspen ski area actually comprises four distinct resorts, giving you one of Colorado’s most varied experiences. Cut your teeth at Buttermilk—home to the Winter X Games and a learning area for younger riders—log serious vert at Snowmass with more than 3,000 acres and runs up to 5.3 miles, and seek steeper thrills at Aspen Highlands (snag a hard‑to‑get reservation at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro if you can). Aspen Mountain, known as Ajax, sits right in the middle of town, and after a long day you can pivot to high‑end après, a little luxury shopping, dining favorites like White House Tavern and Catch Steak, or rotating exhibitions at the Aspen Art Museum." - Brandon Perlman Brandon Perlman Brandon Perlman (also known as Mr. Luxury Ski) is one of the world’s foremost experts on luxury travel, specifically the upper echelons of ski, alpine culture, and outdoor lifestyle. Brandon has been an editor at notable publications like Departures. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The most expensive ski resort in the U.S. located in Colorado, offering terrain for all skill levels and a vibrant après-ski scene." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare
"It really doesn’t get any better than Aspen," Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer of Ski.com, shared with Travel + Leisure. "One of my favorite things to do in Aspen over the holidays is just walk around. The mall is full of lights in every nook and cranny, and the vibe is as festive as it gets." As Sherman explained, the town also puts on plenty of concerts and on-mountain celebrations like the torchlight parade, multiple tree-lighting ceremonies, and perhaps best of all, "great snow." There's also the annual 12 Days of Aspen celebration, so be sure to check the events calendar before your visit." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare