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.

Map of Aspen Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels

Aspen is about a four-hour drive from Denver International Airport, & in the winter: this drive can get hairy. If you can afford it, fly directly into Aspen-Pitkin Airport.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Aspen

1. The Little Nell & the Residences at The Little Nell ($679+)

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.  Other options 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 contemporary, 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, with great people-watching. 

The Little Nell is also the #1 hotel in Aspen for celebrity-spotting, due to its high-end rooms & popular restaurants.

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

The Little Nell & the Residences at the Little Nell are the ONLY two true ski-in ski-out properties in Aspen’s main town, & they’re at the base of “The Little Nell” lift.

See the slopes right from your suite…

While The Little Nell is high-end & classy, things can get a bit rowdy at their legendary Ajax Tavern, which faces the slopes.

“MAGIC!! You’ll fall in love with The Little Nell! We fell in love with Aspen, & The Little Nell had a lot to do with that! The staff & service is exceptional ~ from the moment you arrive at the airport. 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, the bar is cozy & lively, food is wonderful, & the wine bar is a special experience.

 

I can’t rave enough about it..”

 

– Johanna

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resort in Aspen Highlands

2. The Ritz Carlton Club at Aspen Highlands = Great for Families

The Ritz Carlton Club Condominiums are pretty much the only ski-in/ski-out option in Aspen Highlands, which is between Ajax & Buttermilk.  In a chalet-style building with two large outdoor pools that face the slopes: the Ritz is a good option for larger groups, with 2 & 3-bedroom 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 before hitting the slopes.  There’s not much going on in terms of 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 large groups & families. Photo by Aspen Snowmass Lodging.

“The Ritz is nestled at the base of Aspen Highlands. It’s a great ski-in/ski-out. The staff was amazing & condos are so comfy. It was our first visit to Aspen, but not our last. 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 Hotels at Buttermilk

3. The Inn at Aspen ($318+) = Great for Beginners!

Now we head to Buttermilk Mountain, which is west of Ajax & Aspen Highlands.  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 are smaller than previous hotels listed (though still roomy), & 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.  Plus, their Home Team BBQ gets rave reviews.

Downside of Staying at Buttermilk: Lack of challenging terrain & lack of walkable nightlife options make this a better spot for families & beginner skiers.

Closest Ski Lift: Panda Peak

As soon as you walk up to the Inn at Aspen, you’ll be able to see right through to the mountains beyond. Buttermilk is a great mountain for beginner & intermediate levels.

Rooms here are a little more simple than the Ritz or The Little Nell, but with that comes a lower price tag.

You’ll still get a sense of style here in the newly renovated Inn. Photo by Booking.com.

“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 outside, & ski maybe 50 feet to the Buttermilk Lift. Buttermilk has a reputation for being an easier mountain, & it is: 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 green terrain.”

 

– Linda D.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out in Aspen-Snowmass

4. Viceroy Snowmass ($399+) = Great for Romance

Snowmass is many people’s first-choice for skiing in Aspen, as it’s the largest mountain of the bunch, offering a wider variety of terrain than Ajax or Buttermilk.  And you’ve got a lot of wide, groomed runs here ~ making it popular with both snowboarders & 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 Assay Hill Lift. 

Closest Ski Lift: Assay Hill Lift

Nestled right against Aspen-Snowmass is the Viceroy. Photo by 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 right at the hotel, or use their convenient ski valet service…then slip into their heated saltwater pool & outdoor hot tubs after a hard day’s ski.  Get sore muscles rubbed in their luxurious spa, apres-ski slopeside at the Nest Bar & Grill, or simply enjoy the privacy of in-room dining.  Even among a high-end selection of hotels in Aspen: the Viceroy stands out as one of the most sophisticated. 

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 scene.  Plus Snowmass Mountain is better-suited to all ability levels, where Aspen is best for advanced skiers.

You’re so close to the lifts at the Viceroy ~ they practically go right over the pool area!

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

“My girlfriend & I had a true 5-star experience at Viceroy Snowmass! Everything from the flawless arrival, which included champagne, to an amazing room with vaulted ceilings & full-kitchen with beautiful views down the valley. Amazing!! Situated at the heart of Base Village with multiple restaurant options, we were transported in a Viceroy Escalade to an amazing restaurant, Pinions.

 

Fantastic!

 

– Max W.

Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Aspen

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