Aspen Mountain, Snowmass open early amid incoming snowstorm
Experts expect about 1-2 feet of snowfall for ski runs by Thanksgiving
Aspen Skiing Company/Courtesy photo
The wait is over.
Opening five days ahead of schedule, the lifts started spinning at Aspen Mountain and Snowmass on Saturday, after recent snowstorms delivered 2.5 feet of fresh snow this month, including over eight inches in the past week.
The early start sets the stage for an exciting ski season, offering ideal conditions for skiers and riders.
Aspen Mountain features 132 acres of top-to-bottom skiing, including iconic runs such as Silver Bell, Spar Gulch, and Little Nell, accessed via the Silver Queen Gondola and Ajax Express. Lifts are operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with sightseeing rides available until 3:30 p.m.
Snowmass offers 109 acres of terrain, including Max Park, Lunchline, and Upper Scooper, as well as a pocket terrain park on Fanny Hill. The Village Express and Elk Camp Gondola are running from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with sightseeing and rides on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Early-season perks include free parking in the Snowmass Base Village garage and numbered lots through Nov. 27.
Lift tickets during this period start at $82 for adults and $62 for children, teens, and seniors, with price increases expected Nov. 28. Season passes are valid and still available, and equipment rentals are offered at Four Mountain Sports locations.
Norv Larson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, highlighted that opening day coincides with an incoming atmospheric river system expected to bring significant snowfall to Aspen.
“That stream of moisture is going to take aim at the area starting on Saturday into Sunday night,” he said. “Then an even heavier round (is) slated for Monday that will last through Thanksgiving.”
Initial snowfall from Saturday into Monday morning is forecast to bring 1.5 to 3 inches to Aspen and 3 to 6 inches to the mountains.
Heavier snow is expected to begin Monday night, with Ajax and Snowmass anticipating 1 to 2 feet by Thanksgiving, while Aspen proper could see 6 to 10 inches.
Ben Pritchett of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center shared a slightly different timeline, suggesting that Tuesday into Wednesday will see the most significant snowfall.
“Light snow will start late on Sunday … then into Monday evening, we can expect to see the ramp up,” he said.
He also warned backcountry enthusiasts to prepare for changing avalanche conditions, saying conditions could worsen by midweek.
“Avalanches have been small and confined … but we expect those avalanches to break wider and further,” he said. “That means the avalanche will grow in size, too.”
Skiers can enjoy dining options at Snowmass’ Elk Camp and Ullrhof, open from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Sam’s scheduled to open on Nov. 28.
Festivities to celebrate the season include DJ sets, drink specials, and prizes at Elk Camp on Nov. 29 and the Sundeck on Nov. 30, with free gondola access for foot passengers on those dates.
Aspen Skiing Company CEO Geoff Buchheister expressed excitement for the early opening.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to the slopes and to share the unique experience our mountains provide,” Buchheister said in a news release.
Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are set to open on Dec. 14, with terrain across all four mountains expanding as conditions improve.
Uphilling is temporarily restricted during early-season preparations, and visitors are encouraged to check the Aspen Snowmass app for updates on trails, snow totals, and events.
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