Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Aspen

Aspen is one of the most famous ski towns in the world, known for attracting celebrities & a high-end crowd.  Part of its popularity is due to the fact that there are four different ski areas: Ajax, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, & Aspen-Snowmass.  Each has its own benefits, which I’ll get into below.  I just wrote about skiing in Keystone ~ & frankly, accommodations there pale in comparison to the luxurious digs offered in Aspen.  But the funny thing is, each mountain really has one hotel option that is truly ski-in/ski-out.  So here, we’ll find the best ski-in ski-out resorts in Aspen!

Aspen really has FOUR different ski area: Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, & Aspen-Snowmass. Find out where to stay the closest to each mountain…

Overview of Aspen Skiing

• Aspen Mountain = Also called “Ajax,” this is pretty much ONLY blacks & blues. NOT great for beginners, as there are no green runs here.
• Aspen Highlands = You’ve got greens, blues, & blacks here ~ so good variety. Plus the top of the mountain leads you to the legendary, double-black “Highland Bowl” on the backside.
• Buttermilk = Great for beginners; lots of greens & blues. A great place to learn how to ski.
• Aspen Snowmass = Offering the most terrain & diversity, with greens, blues, & blacks. EVERYONE can ski at Snowmass & find terrain to suit them.

Interactive Aspen Hotel Map

Type your travel dates into the map below to get up-to-date hotel pricing for Aspen hotels & VRBO’s.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Aspen

1. The Little Nell ($$$$)

The Little Nell & its sister property, Residences at The Little Nell, bills itself as “the only true ski-in/ski-out hotel” at Aspen Mountain.  Others get you close, but none are right by the lifts like The Little Nell.  This hotel has been around a long time, & is an Aspen staple: they have state-of-the-art rooms with city or mountain views, fireplaces, marble bathrooms, & balconies.  Suites offer in-room hot tubs or steam showers.  Add to that their high-end dining at Element 47, or popular Ajax Tavern, which is just steps from the slopes: & you’ve got apres-skiing at its finest. 

The Little Nell is also the #1 hotel in Aspen for celebrity-spotting.

Closest Ski Lift(s): Little Nell Lift & Silver Queen Gondola.

The The Little Nell is the ONLY true ski-in ski-out property in Aspen’s main town.

See the slopes right from your suite…

Their legendary Ajax Tavern is a major apres-ski hot spot.

“MAGIC!! You’ll fall in love with The Little Nell.  The hotel is a perfect location for walking around the village, there’s ski in/out on Ajax, & car service is reliable + fast! Rooms are impeccable, bar is cozy & lively, food is wonderful, & the wine bar is a special experience. I can’t rave enough about it.”

 

– Johanna

Best Ski Resort in Aspen Highlands

2. The Ritz Carlton Club = Great for Families

The Ritz Carlton Club Condos are the only ski-in/ski-out option in Aspen Highlands, which sits between Ajax & Buttermilk.  In a chalet-style building with two large pools that face the slopes: the Ritz is a good option for groups, with 2 & 3-BR condo options, spacious living rooms, & full kitchens ~ set in a warm mountain-style.  Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Willow Creek Bistro ~ or stop in for a quick bite at Caffe Sienna.  There’s less nightlife here, so if that’s important to you: stay in Aspen or Snowmass.

Closest Ski Lift: Exhibition Lift

The Ritz offers HUGE 2 & 3-BR condos, making it a great choice for families. Photo: Aspen Snowmass Lodging.

“The Ritz is nestled at the base of Aspen Highlands. It’s a great ski-in/ski-out. Staff was amazing & condos are so comfy. Our concierge Bridgett was so helpful planning all of our dinner reservations. We never had a bad meal.”

 

– Joan L.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out at Buttermilk

3. The Inn at Aspen ($$$) = Great for Beginners!

Buttermilk is an easier mountain, making it a great spot for families & those learning to ski.  The Inn at Aspen corners the market here, as it’s the only hotel at the base of these slopes.  Rooms don’t offer kitchens like the Ritz does.  So if that’s important to you, book elsewhere.  But they do have a fitness center, outdoor pool & hot tub, & ski rental is just 20 steps from the front door. 

Buttermilk is Perfect for:  Families & beginner skiers.  Check prices at the Inn at Aspen here.

Closest Ski Lift: Panda Peak

Buttermilk is a great mountain for beginner & intermediate levels.

Rooms at the Inn at Aspen.

“HIDDEN GEM!! I’ve found my new place to stay in Aspen! Less than a mile from the airport, The Inn at Aspen has a fantastic shuttle service & friendly drivers. It was a luxury to get my skis out of the locker, walk five steps, & ski maybe 50 feet to the Buttermilk Lift. This is an easier mountain: but the secret is that more expert runs are rarely skied! There’s always fresh snow because so many people who ski at Buttermilk are learning on the greens.”

 

– Linda D.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out in Snowmass

4. Viceroy Snowmass ($$$) = Great for Romance

Snowmass is many people’s first-choice for skiing in Aspen, as it’s the largest mountain, with a wider variety of terrain than Ajax or Buttermilk.  You’ve got lots of wide, groomed runs here ~ making it popular with both boarders & intermediate skiers.  There’s truly something for everyone at Snowmass, & is a great choice for groups with varying ability levels.  The Viceroy Snowmass is the top choice here for ski-in/ski-out, as it’s right at the base of the mountain. 

Closest Ski Lift: Assay Hill Lift

Nestled right against Aspen-Snowmass is the Viceroy. Photo: Viceroy.

You’ve got everything from studios to four-bedrooms at the Viceroy.  Furnishings are sleek & chic: with kitchens & private sun decks.  Rent ski gear at the hotel, or use their valet service.  After skiing, slip into their heated saltwater pool & outdoor hot tubs.  Get a masage at their lux spa, apres-ski at the Nest, or simply enjoy room service. 

Benefits of Staying in Snowmass vs. Aspen: Snowmass is known for being a little more low-key than Aspen, which is famous for its nightlife.  Plus Snowmass Mountain is better-suited to all ability levels, where Aspen is best for advanced skiers.

The slopeside pool area at the Viceroy.

Rooms are modern & spacious, particularly if you ask for a corner suite. Photo: Viceroy.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Aspen

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