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WELCOME TO ASPEN

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Aspen, USA ski and snowboard holidays.

How you rate it

The skiing / snowboarding
4.4 / 5  Good
The resort
4.3 / 5  Good
Family Holidays
3.5 / 5  Good
Apres ski
4.5 / 5  Good
There are runs for all grades of skiers to experts off piste in the back country bowls. the facilities are excellent and the staff are kind and helpful

ASPEN SKI HOLIDAYS

Aspen is widely rated as one of the top ski holiday destinations in the USA and is made up of 3 separate local ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Buttermilk as well as Aspen Snowmass, slightly further away. Generalisations are difficult but in essence Aspen offers high altitude ski holiday resorts, high altitude top lift heights, an impressive snow record, a mix of pioneer / alpinist towns and showbiz glamour and a wide and varied ski terrain that is capable of spreading its numerous visitors to ensure enjoyably un-crowded skiing (most of the winter). Aspen has a big name and it is true that it attracts many world celebrities and prices can be higher than other ski holiday resorts in the US / Canada but it is also true there are many mortals capable of affording to stay in this top resort.

THE GOOD, THE BAD

Good  We like:
About as good is it gets in the USA, high, great snow and wide, varied terrain

Bad  We don`t like:
Can be pricey and ski areas are disconnected

Good  You like:
Review Aspen ski holidays

Bad  You don`t like:
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ReviewREVIEW RESORT AND WIN

ASPEN SKI HOLIDAY INFO

Aspen Mountain skiing takes place on the edge of the Aspen ski holiday resort and although there is little terrain for the absolute beginner, there is a good mix of terrain. Aspen Highlands offers intermediate skiing as well as access to the off-piste in the highland Bowl, whilst Aspen Buttermilk essentially offers beginner and intermediate skiing. Further outside of Aspen is Aspen Snowmass, the impressive and extensive ski area which offers terrain for the broad spectrum of skiers and snowboarders. Aspen Snowmass also offers a wide selection of ski-in, ski-out accommodation although there is far less entertainment or facilities in Aspen Snowmass, compared to Aspen. Buses link all the ski areas in Aspen.

Review by Roger Cubbage, holiday taken March, 2009

The skiing / snowboarding

Snowboarding
4 / 5  Good
Beginner skiing
3 / 5  Neutral
Intermediate skiing
4 / 5  Good
Advanced skiing
5 / 5  Good
Off-piste skiing
5 / 5  Good
Terrain Park
5 / 5  Good
The ski lift system
5 / 5  Good
There are runs for all grades of skiers to experts off piste in the back country bowls. the facilities are excellent and the staff are kind and helpful

The resort

Resort attractiveness
4 / 5  Good
Resort facilities
4 / 5  Good
Resort atmosphere
4 / 5  Good
Resort prices
5 / 5  Good
Aspen is an old silver mining town with about 5,000 permanent residents during the year. It is attractive and has plenty of restaurants of varying prices to eat and bars for apres ski. It is expensive but depending on requirements, it is possible to eat out for normal ski resort prices. Accommodation I believe can be expensive depending on where you choose. The free ski buses are a marvel and run from the bus station to each of the four mountains every 15 minutes. They are dependable, easy and efficient.

Family Holidays

Family holiday atmosphere
3 / 5  Neutral
Family holiday facilities
3 / 5  Neutral
Kids ski class
4 / 5  Good
Kids crèche
4 / 5  Good
For families Aspen could prove expensive as eating out can mount up. There were plenty of children in the resort and large numbers in ski school on the slopes so there are plenty of ski school facilities and dedicated areas for learning at Buttermilk. I cannot comment on the creche facilities but I suspect they are available (at cost) and good.

Apres ski

Après ski atmosphere
4 / 5  Good
Après ski prices
5 / 5  Good
Aspen is not a cheap resort. With daily ski passes costing $96 per person per day, it adds up to nearly $200 for one days skiing for two people if you turn up on the day. I understand passes that are booked in advance can be much cheaper. There is plenty of apres ski atmosphere, especially at Snowmass which is the largest mountain with a huge variety of runs and attracts the most crowds. The prices are not cheap, but in line with expectations for a premier resort in the USA.