AS SEEN IN THE NOVEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF FREESKIER.

With Aspen/Snowmass having four mountains and 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, its sheer size alone promises some- thing for every skier. Consider 4,406 feet of vertical (at Snowmass), expansive backcountry, five terrain parks (including two 22-foot pipes) and a rockin’ downtown party scene, and it’s a no brainer: Aspen/Snowmass is one of the raddest places to spend your time. It’s also exactly why we opted to host our 2011 All-Mountain Ski Test at Ajax.

Last season, Aspen saw 360 inches of snowfall, and much of it came in bunches, especially in the latter portions of the ski season, making for a great powder spring. Winter X Games 15 returned to Buttermilk for the 10th year running, and new attendance records were set, showing the continued draw and excitement of the event. The resort is easy to access by a straight shot up I-70 from Denver (or a quick flight for those of you with thicker wallets), and it’s hopping year round.

A huge investment in energy efficient light bulbs, the replacement of two lifts at Buttermilk with a single high-speed quad (cutting ride time from 18 to seven minutes) and a new on-hill restaurant at Snowmass headline the capital improvements. The total package ensures Aspen/Snowmass will be perennially at the top of our must-visit list.

Photo Above: Ted Davenport shot by Matt Power.

ASPENSNOWMASS.COM
ACREAGE: 5,305 acres.
VERTICAL: 4,406 feet (Snowmass), 3,635 (Aspen Highlands), 3,267 feet (Ajax), 2,000 (Buttermilk).
2010-11 SNOWFALL: 360 inches.
2012 IMPROVEMENTS: New Tiehack Express lift on Buttermilk, energy efficient light bulbs throughout the resort.
HAPPY HOUR: 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel in Aspen.
PARK/PIPE: Five terrain parks and two 22-foot halfpipes.
DON’T MISS: The people watching around town, events like Winter X Games and free outdoor concerts.

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