Aspen Skiing Company - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Aspen Skiing Company is more than just a place to ski. In fact, there's a lot to do for non-skiers as well. For starters, the company offers scenic chairlift rides that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are also several hiking and biking trails that wind through the area, perfect for exploring on a summer day. After a long day of exploring, visitors can relax in one of the company's hot springs or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride under the stars. With so much to do, it's no wonder that Aspen Skiing Company is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado.

Aspen Skiing Company is one of the largest ski resort operators in the United States, owning and operating four resorts in Colorado: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands. The company was founded in 1946 by Walter Paepcke, an industrialist who had recently purchased the Aspen Ski Area. Paepcke's vision for the company was to create a world-class ski destination that would embody his ideals of environmental stewardship and physical fitness. Today, Aspen Skiing Company is a publicly-traded company with over 2,000 employees. The company is headquartered in Aspen, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. In addition to its four ski resorts, Aspen Skiing Company also owns and operates a golf course, several restaurants, and a retail store. The company's primary mission is still to provide world-class skiing and snowboarding experiences for its guests. Aspen Skiing Company is committed to environmental sustainability and has been recognized as one of the most environmentally responsible companies in the ski industry.

The best time to visit Aspen Skiing Company is during the winter months, when the slopes are covered in snow and the scenery is truly breathtaking. Although it can be cold, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

1. Start planning your trip early so that you can get the best deals on lodging and Lift tickets. Be sure to book accommodations near the slopes so that you can take advantage of early morning skiing and avoid long lines at the lifts.

2. Purchase your Lift tickets in advance online or at a local Colorado ski shop. You can often find discounts for multi-day passes or for purchasing tickets early in the season.

3. If you plan to rent skis or snowboards, make reservations in advance and be sure to ask about package deals that include rentals, Lift tickets, and lessons.

4. Be prepared for high altitudes when visiting Aspen Snowmass – altitude sickness is a real danger. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and take it easy for the first few days until your body adjusts.

5. Warm clothes are essential – temperatures can drop below zero at night, even in the middle of summer. Dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer, and be sure to pack gloves, a scarf, and a hat.  

6. If you’re not an experienced skier or snowboarder, consider taking a lesson from one of the many qualified instructors at Aspen Snowmass. Even if you’re only planning to hit the beginner slopes, a lesson will help you learn how to use the equipment and avoid injuries.

7. There are many other activities to enjoy in Aspen Snowmass besides skiing and snowboarding, such as ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, tubing, shopping, and dining.

8. Be sure to leave time to explore the charming town of Aspen itself – there are plenty of art galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants to enjoy when you need a break from the slopes.

1. Aspen Skiing Company was founded by three partners: Walter Paepcke, Friedl Pfeifer, and Dolph Schlocum. The company's first ski area was Aspen Mountain, which opened in 1947 with a single chairlift and two tow ropes.
2. Snowmass, the company's second ski area, opened in December of 1966. It was originally developed as a family-friendly alternative to Aspen Mountain.
3. Highlands debuted in 1980 as the only beginner-specific mountain in the Aspen/Snowmass area. It is also home to some of the best views of all four ski areas.
4. In 2016, Snowmass became home to North America's first Lift-served Bike Park. The bike park features lift-served access to over 35 miles of trails for all abilities levels.
5. lift tickets at Aspen Skiing Company are some of the most expensive in North America, with a single day ticket costing up to $159 USD. 
6. In 2016, Forbes magazine named Aspen Skiing Company one of America's Best Employers.

It is a  perfect place to spend a day (or two) exploring everything that Aspen Skiing Company has to offer.

The best way to reach the company is by car. From Denver, take I-70 west to Glenwood Springs. From Glenwood Springs, take Colorado Highway 82 north to Aspen. The drive from Denver will take approximately four hours. Once you arrive in Aspen, you can find parking near the Aspen Skiing Company offices. 

While there is no entrance fee to explore the resort, guests are required to purchase a lift ticket in order to use the ski lifts. Lift tickets can be purchased for a single day or for multiple days, and discounts are often available for larger groups. 

The company is open from Monday to Friday 9 AM-5PM and on Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.