ASPEN MOMENTS · WINTER GUIDE
Winter is why most people come to Aspen: four mountains on one lift ticket, a downtown you can walk, and plenty to do on the days you don't ski. Here's our order of what's worth your time — on the mountain, off the slopes and after dark.
The Aspen Moments Index
The 12 best things to do in Aspen in winter, ranked.
The order is our team's: where we'd send a friend first. Beside each one, its rating on Google Maps, live, and a tap to Tripadvisor to compare. Prefer the crowd's view? Sort by Google rating.
12 things to do
01
Photo: Sumit Nandy · Google Aspen Mountain & the Silver Queen Gondola
On the Mountain
The gondola leaves from the edge of downtown and climbs Aspen Mountain to the Sundeck at the summit, where skiers and sightseers share lunch and wide views of the Elk Range. Non-skiers can ride with a sightseeing ticket — book ahead on busy days. Note that the mountain has no beginner terrain.
- Non-skiers
- Couples
02
Photo: Avi · Google Snowmass & Elk Camp
On the Mountain
The largest of the four mountains and the easiest for mixed-ability groups, with long cruising runs and ski-in lodging. At the top of the Elk Camp Gondola there's dining, tubing and a winter alpine coaster, so the non-skiers in the family have plenty to do.
- Families
- Groups
03
Photo: Jim Fralin · Google Highland Bowl
On the Mountain
Aspen's legendary in-bounds expert run: you bootpack the ridge to the 12,392-foot summit — about 45 minutes — then ski steep, open bowl terrain back down. A snowcat sometimes shortens the first stretch. Strong experts with good fitness only, and it opens after ski patrol's avalanche work, usually weeks into the season.
- Adventure
04
Photo: Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro Aspen Highlands · Google Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
On the Mountain
A small mid-mountain cabin at Aspen Highlands whose lunch and après seatings turn into Aspen's most famous party — fondue, raclette and Champagne. Seats are scarce, so reserve well before your trip; it's reached by chairlift, so you'll need a lift or sightseeing ticket.
- Couples
- Groups
05
Photo: T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Snowmobiles · Google Maroon Bells by Snowmobile
Off the Slopes
Each winter Maroon Creek Road closes to cars at T-Lazy-7 Ranch, about six miles below Maroon Lake. From there you reach the Bells on a guided snowmobile tour, or under your own power on skis or snowshoes. Tours need a reservation and depend on the weather; avalanche paths cross the road, so check conditions before going on your own.
- Adventure
- Groups
06
Photo: Doug Duff · Google Ashcroft Ghost Town & Pine Creek Cookhouse
Off the Slopes
About 11 miles up Castle Creek Road, past the preserved 1880s mining town of Ashcroft, this log restaurant at about 9,700 feet is reached in winter only on skis, on snowshoes or by horse-drawn sleigh. One of the valley's most memorable dinners — reservations are required, so book the meal and the sleigh together.
- Couples
- Evenings
- 07
Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System
Off the Slopes
A free, groomed cross-country network linking Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt, from gentle golf-course loops to real climbs. Rentals and lessons are available near the trailheads; for a quieter, fee-based option, Ashcroft Ski Touring grooms its own trails up Castle Creek.
- Free
- Non-skiers
08
Photo: Anirudh Koul · Google Silver Circle Ice Rink
Off the Slopes
A small outdoor rink at the base of Aspen Mountain, with skates to rent next door — an easy hour after the lifts close. It usually runs from December into late winter, weather permitting; for indoor public sessions, try the Aspen Ice Garden.
- Families
- Evenings
09
Photo: Belly Up Aspen · Google Belly Up Aspen
Culture & Nights
A small downtown club that books acts you'd normally see in arenas — the best night out in town in ski season. Big names sell out fast, so buy tickets when the calendar posts. For a seated show, the historic Wheeler Opera House two blocks away runs concerts, comedy and film all winter.
- Evenings
- Groups
10
Photo: J. BISBAL · Google Aspen Art Museum
Culture & Nights
A free contemporary art museum in Shigeru Ban's woven-lattice building in the middle of downtown. Changing exhibitions fill the galleries and the rooftop looks straight at Aspen Mountain. It's closed Mondays — check the hours before a storm-day visit.
- Free
- Non-skiers
- 11
X Games Aspen
Culture & Nights
The winter X Games come to Buttermilk every late January — Aspen has hosted since 2002, under an agreement that runs through the 2028–29 season. Evenings bring big-air contests and concerts at the base, and lodging fills early that weekend.
- Groups
- Evenings
12
Photo: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool · Google Glenwood Hot Springs
Day Trip
About an hour down the valley in Glenwood Springs: a historic, very large outdoor hot-springs pool, open every day of the year — soaking while the snow falls is the draw. The smaller, quieter Iron Mountain Hot Springs is half a mile away. Check Highway 82 conditions for the drive back.
- Families
- Non-skiers
Practical Tips
One Aspen Snowmass lift ticket covers all four mountains, and tickets bought online ahead of time are usually cheaper than at the window. Book Cloud Nine, Pine Creek Cookhouse and snowmobile tours before you arrive — they fill weeks ahead around the holidays.
The free RFTA buses connect downtown Aspen, the four mountains and Snowmass Village — easier than parking at the base areas in peak season.
Getting here in winter: compare every way in how to get to Aspen from Denver, or leave I-70 to a chauffeur with a private car from Denver to Aspen.