Aspen Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Aspen Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pitkin County, Colorado. The mountain is known for its beautiful scenery, challenging ski slopes, and variety of activities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also go dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and tubing. There are also several restaurants and shops at the base of the mountain. Visitors can explore the Aspen Art Museum or take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain. With so much to do, Aspen Mountain is the perfect place to spend a day or two during your next visit to Colorado.

Aspen Mountain is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world, but it didn't always look like it does today. In fact, the history of Aspen Mountain is a fascinating story of transformation.

The first recorded mention of Aspen Mountain was in a Ute Indian folktale about a great warrior who was turned into a rock on the mountain. The Utes called the mountain "Tava", which means "sun" in their language. It wasn't until 1879 that the first Anglo-Americans arrived in the area and began to mine for silver and other minerals.

As word of the area's mineral wealth spread, more and more people began to flock to Aspen Mountain. Soon, there were several mining camps established on the mountain. In 1891, one of these camps was transformed into a full-fledged town, and Aspen officially became a city.

During the early 1900s, Aspen was known as a rowdy place where miners caroused in its many bars and brothels. But all that changed when Pitkin County voted to ban alcohol in 1914. Suddenly, Aspen became a much quieter place. However, it wasn't long before another transformation took place.

In 1936, the first ski lift was built on Aspen Mountain, and the area quickly became a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Today, Aspen Mountain is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado and is known for its luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops. But no matter how much it has changed over the years, one thing remains constant: its breathtaking views.

The best time to visit Aspen Mountain is typically mid-December to mid-April, when the snow conditions are at their best. However, seasoned skiers and snowboarders can often find excellent conditions well into May.

1. Take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the area. Hike or bike one of the many trails that wind through the mountains and forests.
2. Aspen Mountain is open from late November to early April, and offers a variety of activities for visitors including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding. 
3. Visitors can purchase tickets for ski lift access online in advance or at the ticket office when they arrive. 
4. Aspen Mountain is known for its advanced terrain and powdery snowfall, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders. 
5. There are three main areas on the mountain: the confounding Pyramid Peak; the deep and steep groomed runs of Spruce; and the notoriously challenging Highlands Bowl – one of North America’s premier backcountry bowls.
6. Other attractions on the mountain include the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, an outdoor heated pool, and wellness center with spa treatments. 

1. Aspen Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Aspen area, at 11,212 feet.
2. In the winter, the mountain is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, with over 50 trails to explore.
3. The mountain is also home to several restaurants and cafes, as well as a variety of shops.
4. The mountain has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Sopranos”.
5.  In 2008, Aspen Mountain was ranked as one of the “Top 10 Places to Visit in North America” by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
6. Aspen Mountain is truly a unique place that has something to offer everyone – from the adventurer to the shopper, from the skier to the hiker – there is something for everyone!
7. The mountain receives an average of 300 inches of snow each winter season. 
8. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding on Aspen Mountain. 

The average hiker will need approximately four hours to reach the summit, with an additional two hours required for descent. 

There are a few ways to get to Aspen Mountain in Pitkin County, Colorado. The most popular method is to take the gondola from either the Aspen or Snowmass Village base area. The gondola ride takes about 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the valley below. There are also a few hiking trails that lead to the summit, though they are much longer and more challenging than taking the gondola. For those looking for a truly unique experience, there is also the option of taking a four-wheel drive vehicle up Last Chance Road. This road is only open during the summer months and requires a permit from the US Forest Service. Regardless of how you choose to reach the top of Aspen Mountain, you are sure to be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

While there is no entrance fee to explore the mountain, visitors are encouraged to purchase a Pitkin County recreation pass. This pass provides access to all of the county's parks and recreation facilities, including Aspen Mountain.

The mountain is open for skiing from November to April. The operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The mountain is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Aspen Mountain has a base elevation of 9,700 feet (2,960 m) and a summit elevation of 11,212 feet (3,415 m). The mountain has 76 trails and eight lifts.