Buttermilk Ski Resort
Summit elevation
Skiable acres
Base Elevation
Total runs
Buttermilk Ski Resort Overview
Buttermilk Ski Resort is the smallest of the four ski resorts at Aspen Snowmass, which includes Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands. It is known for being the most beginner and family-friendly with plenty of gentle slopes. It hosts the X Games, an annual sports competition.
Ski Terrain
Resort Trail Map
Buttermilk Ski Resort Lift Tickets
Buttermilk Ski Resort has several types of lift tickets including day lift tickets, season passes, Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective Pass. Below is a detailed explanation of the differences between the lift tickets.
The Buttermilk Lift Ticket gives you access to all four mountains in Aspen Snowmass. The lift ticket availability can potentially be limited during busy periods to maintain a good ski experience.
- Cost: Prices start from around $179 for a 1-day Adult ticket (in-resort rate). In general, weekend prices are more expensive than weekday prices.
- Available for purchase: During ski season
Buttermilk offers several season pass options to cater to different preferences. These season passes provide access to all four mountains of Aspen Snowmass.
- Premier Pass: This pass gives you access to all four mountains throughout the ski season plus additional benefits such as a complimentary Ikon Base Pass, Uphill Pass, and Summer Sightseeing lift ticket. It also provides discounts for day lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and more.
- Alpine Pass: This pass gives 1-Day or 2-Day access each week throughout the ski season, with no blackout dates.
- Valley Pass: This pass is only for those with a Colorado driver’s license or state-issued ID from one of the selected areas near Aspen Snowmass. It provides 7-day access throughout the ski season.
You can access Buttermilk Ski Resort on 2 types of Ikon Passes. Ikon Passes are available for purchase pre-ski season until around the end of November. Lift reservation is required and can be made using your Ikon account after your pass has been issued. The differences between the passes are highlighted below.
- Ikon Pass gives unlimited access to 15 resorts and up to 7 days each at 41 ski resorts with no blackout dates throughout the ski season. You can access Buttermilk (or the other Aspen Snowmass mountains) for a total of 7 days.
- Ikon Base Plus Pass gives unlimited access to 14 ski resorts and up to 5 days each at 36 destinations with some blackout dates. You can access Buttermilk (or other Aspen Snowmass mountains) for 5 days in total.
The Mountain Collective Pass provides 2 day access each to 24 ski resorts across 5 continents with no blackout dates.
- Mountain Access: 2 days total at Aspen Snowmass including Buttermilk. Lift reservations are required so it is recommended to reserve as early as possible
- Additional Benefits: Half-price for additional days at the Collective resorts and lodging deals.
- Ideal for: People who want to ski at multiple ski resorts for a short period of time.
Buttermilk Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Buttermilk Ski and Snowboard School offer group lessons, private lessons, and clinics. The check-in locations are either at the base of the Summit Express, inside the ticket office, or at the Hideout.
- Adult Group Lessons (Age 18+): The lesson is for up to 5 people for a full day. For first-timers, lift tickets, rentals, and helmets are included in the price.
- Child Group Lessons (Age 2.5-17): There are half or full-day lessons for ages 2.5-4, but only full-day lessons are available for ages 5-17. For ages 2.5-6, there are only ski lessons, and for ages 7-17, both ski and snowboard lessons are available.
- Private Lessons: This is a personalized lesson of up to 5 people with the option of half or full day. You get priority lift access, complimentary ski storage, and transportation between mountains. There are also guided experiences to explore Buttermilk like a local.
- Group Clinics: This lesson is for intermediate or advanced skiers and riders to improve their skills with skilled professionals. There is also a Race Clinic (for improving racing abilities) and Women’s Edge Ski Clinic available.
Nearest Town to Buttermilk Ski Resort
Buttermilk Ski Resort is located just 3 miles from the town of Aspen, which is roughly 3.7 miles from Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport. Aspen also provides easy access to Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Snowmass ski resort. The ski town is known for its upscale atmosphere with luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end hotels.
Buttermilk Ski Resort Lodging
Buttermilk has a small base village with basic amenities only including one lodging, The Inn at Aspen, which is within a short walking distance to the chairlifts. However, there are plenty of lodging options available in the town of Aspen, which is only around a 8 minute drive or shuttle to Buttermilk plus close to Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain. For more information, visit Aspen ski-in-ski-out lodging.
On Mountain Dining
Buttermilk Ski Resort has only 3 on-mountain dining options.
Cliffhouse
Located at the top of Summit Express, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is known for its Mongolian BBQ.
Opening hours (subject to change): Closed for summer
*Opening date December 14, 2024
Home Team BBQ
This tavern, located at the base of Buttermilk, serves smoked meat and Southern sides.
Opening hours (subject to change): 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Wed-Mon)
Buttermilk Mountain Lodge
This restaurant is located at the base of Buttermilk. It offers pasta, salads, grill selections, soups, and baked goods.
Opening hours (subject to change): Closed for summer
*Opening on December 14, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are ski vacation packages to Buttermilk Ski Resort, which bundle lodging, lift tickets, rentals, and transfers together to make your ski vacation planning a lot easier. See Aspen Snowmass ski packages for more information.
February is the best month to visit Buttermilk Ski Resort for less crowds and great snow. It is crowded from Christmas week until the end of January as the town of Aspen comes alive for the Wintersköl festival and the X Games. If you’re a powder hound, the best months to ski or ride Buttermilk are December, January, and February.
Buttermilk has basic amenities at its base village including a parking lot, a few restaurants, a ski school, ATM, and a free shuttle service around Aspen.
Buttermilk usually opens around mid-December to early April. For historical and estimated opening dates, see Buttermilk opening dates.