Worth it? YES for beginners, families, and learners; Buttermilk is the friendliest place in Aspen to learn or ski mellow terrain, and the X Games (late January) turn it into a world-class freestyle spectacle. The play — learners base their ski days here; spectators plan around the X Games dates.
Who it’s NOT for: Expert skiers seeking steep, challenging terrain — Buttermilk is gentle by design (ski Highlands/Ajax for steeps). Anyone wanting a big, varied all-day mountain — it's the smallest of the four (Snowmass is the giant). Visitors expecting X Games access without planning — the event (late Jan) is a ticketed, crowded spectacle; confirm dates. Summer visitors expecting lift skiing — this is a winter ski draw (some summer trail/event use).
Skip it if: You're an expert chasing steeps (go to Highlands/Ajax) or you want the biggest, most varied mountain (go to Snowmass). Skip in summer for skiing.
Time needed: A ski/lesson day for learners; the X Games is a multi-day event (plan around the schedule). (research: Aspen Snowmass)
Best time: Winter ski season for learning/family skiing; late January for Winter X Games Aspen (confirm current dates). Confirm the current season/hours live.
Cost: $$-$$$$Booking: Buy lift tickets/lessons AHEAD (consider the Ikon Pass, which includes Aspen Snowmass); the X Games has its own ticketing/schedule — book/plan around it separately. Verify current season/hours/prices/X-Games dates at aspensnowmass.com.
RESEARCH LEAN — YES for beginners, families, and learners; Buttermilk is the friendliest place in Aspen to learn or ski mellow terrain, and the X Games (late January) turn it into a world-class freestyle spectacle. The play — learners base their ski days here; spectators plan around the X Games dates.
Who is Buttermilk Mountain for?
Buttermilk Mountain is for winter ski luxe, celebration group, and summer mountains maroon bells.
Who is Buttermilk Mountain not for?
Buttermilk Mountain is not for Expert skiers seeking steep, challenging terrain — Buttermilk is gentle by design (ski Highlands/Ajax for steeps). Anyone wanting a big, varied all-day mountain — it's the smallest of the four (Snowmass is the giant). Visitors expecting X Games access without planning — the event (late Jan) is a ticketed, crowded spectacle; confirm dates. Summer visitors expecting lift skiing — this is a winter ski draw (some summer trail/event use).
When is the best time to visit Buttermilk Mountain?
Winter ski season for learning/family skiing; late January for Winter X Games Aspen (confirm current dates). Confirm the current season/hours live.
How expensive is Buttermilk Mountain?
Buttermilk Mountain is in the $$-$$$$ range. Meravella shows prices as bands and never publishes exact figures it hasn't verified.
Basis research · last verified Sat Aug 08 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time). Prices are shown as bands; confirm live before you go. We never rank by commission.
