Buttermilk: Aspen’s Playground for Beginners, Families & Freestyle
The Buttermilk Ski Resort Aspen Guide
The Friendliest Mountain in Aspen
Among Aspen’s four ski areas, Buttermilk is best known as the most approachable. Wide, gentle slopes and perfectly groomed runs make it the ideal place for beginners to gain confidence and for families to enjoy the mountain together. Backed by Aspen’s award-winning Ski & Snowboard School, new skiers can progress quickly while parents relax knowing their kids are in good hands.
Freestyle Skiing’s Global Stage
Buttermilk is also home to some of the best freestyle terrain in the world. Its meticulously maintained terrain parks and legendary 22-foot superpipe have hosted the Winter X Games for more than two decades. From first rail slides to elite-level tricks, Buttermilk continues to attract riders from around the globe looking to push the sport forward.
Tiehack: Aspen’s Uphilling Hotspot
On the opposite side of the mountain, Tiehack offers a different vibe—fewer crowds, steeper pitches, and a lively uphilling scene. Skinning up Tiehack has become a daily ritual for locals, blending fitness and mountain adventure with one of the best sunrise views in Aspen. For those ready to step up from beginner runs, the terrain here also serves as a smooth transition into intermediate skiing.
Designed With Families In Mind
Kids love Buttermilk for its magic carpet, interactive tree trails, and the iconic Fort Frog play area. Parents appreciate the dedicated children’s programs that balance learning and fun, creating a ski experience the whole family will remember.
The Perfect Launch Pad
Once you’ve mastered Buttermilk, the rest of Aspen’s “Power of Four” mountains—Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, and Aspen Highlands—are within easy reach, offering steeper terrain and endless new challenges. Buttermilk provides the foundation; the other mountains let you expand your adventure.
Gear Up for the Experience
Whether you’re just learning, chasing park laps, or skinning up Tiehack, the right gear makes all the difference. Miller Sports ski shops in Aspen and Vail has you covered with premium ski apparel, accessories, and expert advice to keep you warm, protected, and ready for the mountain.
New Base Area — Big Improvements for Buttermilk
Aspen Ski Company completed a major $23 million renovation of Buttermilk’s base area ahead of the 2022–23 season, transforming it into a modern and welcoming entrance to Aspen’s most beginner-friendly mountain. The upgrades include:
All-electric Guest Services building — A sleek, sustainable, one-stop hub for purchasing lift tickets, renting gear, picking up day lockers, or grabbing lessons.
Renovated Buttermilk Mountain Lodge (formerly “Bumps”) — Expanded dining and lounge area, more indoor seating, and a heated outdoor patio called The Backyard with mountain views and live DJs on weekends.
Sustainability-focused design — Built with passive solar architecture, zero natural gas usage, and advanced insulation to support Aspen’s goal of becoming net-zero by 2030.
CCY Architects
These updates make the base experience as relaxed and intuitive as the skiing itself — simple, comfortable, and modern.
