Mountain Guide
Size / Elevation
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Peak: 9,900 ft | 3,018m
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Vertical Rise: 2,030 ft | 618m
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Base: 7,870 ft | 2,400m
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Total Area: 435 acres |
(1.8 sq km)
Terrain Overview
Mountain Range: Elk Range, Rockies
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44 Trails
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6 Terrain Parks
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1 Superpipe (Zaugg cut - 22 ft)
Peaks
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West Summit (9,900 ft)
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East Summit (9,720 ft)
Base
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Lift Stats
Uphill Capacity: 6,900 ppl / hr
4 Main Lifts
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3 High Speed Quads
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1 Double
4 Ski/Snowboard Schoo Lifts
1 Lift to Access Peak from Base
Terrain Mix
Buttermilk Ski Guides
Beginner
Beginner terrain is only 5% of of the total and true novices may prefer to start at Buttermilk. However, if you staying slopeside here or part of a more advanced group, Snowmass has a few areas devoted to getting started. Much of the Green terrain is at the base - Fanny Hill and Assay Hill. Those just learning, can also take the Elk Camp Gondola to the protected Meadows Area - with two magic carpets and a short lift.
Intermediate
Snowmass is an Intermediate's paradise, nearly half of the terrain is designated Blue. Wide, open slopes are accessible from almost all peaks. Blues come in all forms from smooth cruisers to perfectly spaced trees with a progression of steepness. There are countless trails to explore from the top of Elk Camp and the short hike to Longshot is a must. Big Burn's signature feature is widely spaced trees, thanks to the "big burn" forest fire in the 1880s. Alpine Springs has fresh groomers all day.
Advanced
Despite its family friendly rap, Snowmass has its share of Expert terrain - almost a third of the mountain is Double Diamond. We like to warm up on the steeper groomers and lower glades (Sam's Knob and Big Burn) as avalanche control is usually underway in the morning. Once clear, head to High Alpine and make your way to the Hanging Valley for the steeps and deeps. We also like the backcountry feel of the Burnt Mountain Glades, especially if you can scope it out before a big dump.
Buttermilk "the Milk" is considered the easiest of the four mountains and is largely regarded for children and learners. Don't be fooled though, there is some steeper terrain and powder sticks as experts tend to stick to the other mountains. Home to the X-games for 13 years straight - the parks and superpipes are first rate.
Top Trail Picks
Our team of experts has skied them all. Here are some of our favorites in each category.
Category
Trail Name
Description
Area / Getting There
Groomer
Ruthie's
Wide slope, ideal for warming up and prefecting your turns
Directly under the Ruthie's Lift
Natural Halfpipe
Copper Bowl
Gully between Gent's Ridge and Bell Montain makes for a natural halpipe
At the Base of the Gent's Ridge Chair, from the top take Copper to Lazy Boy and connect
Practicing
Buckhorn, Dipsy Doodle
Take laps on these shorter groomers and perfect your technique
From the top of Ajax Express, take laps and alternate a few different routes
Bumps
Northstar
Slightly less steep portion of Gent's Ridge with a nice strech of moguls
From the Sundeck, stay to your skier's right and follow 1&2 Leaf directly to Northstar
Speed
Aztec
Test your speed at the site of the annual International Women’s Downhill
Ruthies; From the top of Ruthie's, exit to the rigth and follow Summer Road to Aztec
Glades
Back of Bell (#1 and #2)
Our favorite face of Bell Mountain, also east facing, often filled with powder, and lots of Aspens to navigate
Backside of Bell Mountain; From the peak follow Silver Dip to Ridge of Bell and lookout on your right
Steep & Deep
Walsh's
Powder and moguls pile up on this short, steep stretch of east facing terrain, pause at the bottom to marvel, then gather some speed for uphill traverse out on Lud's Lane
From the Sundeck, stay to your skier's right and follow 1&2 leaf and lookout on your right
Fresh Powder
Perry's Prowl, Last Dollar,
Cone 1
These tend to be longer and less tracked than than the runs higher up the ridge and closer to the F.I.S lift
The Dumps; Exit F.I.S. to the right and stay long International to find your optimal point to drop in
On Mountain Dining Recommendations
Buttermilk has two locations for on mountain dining. The Cliffhouse Sundeck, at the top, has it all - views, cafeteria style food and a warming fire. Bonnie's, mid-mountain, is known for its pancakes at breakfast, chili for lunch, and two-tiered sundeck on Bluebird days.
Bonnie's
This cozy spot is loved by locals and tourists alike. Its easy to relax, warm up here and bask in the sun here. Everything is homemade. Start the day with oatmeal pancakes and coffee. At lunch, the white bean chile is popular. The apple strudel is legendary (the manager picks 90 cases of Roma apples from a local farm to ensure its fresh all season long).
Sundeck
This stunning location at the top of the Mountain is easily acessible from the Silver Queen Gondola and operated by the Little Nell. The food is cafeteria style, standard ski fare - soups, pizza, stir-frys. Re-energize with a coffee from the Lavazza Coffee Bar and warm up by the large rock fireplace.
Shlomo's Deli & Grill
Jewish Deli with a 30 year history in Apsen, re-opened at the Base of the Silver Queen Gondola in 2016. Great for a stop at all hours of the day. Grab breakfast before going up,come down to the base to warm up with some Matzoh Ball Soup, re-fuel with a sandwich, or stop by for aprés ski with the DJ.
