Winter in the Aspen/Snowmass area is very different than winter in most other snow filled areas. For one thing, the humidity is low making it a dry cold. We often go out in 20 degree weather with only a light jacket, no hat or gloves. Since we live in a condo complex, we don't have to worry about shoveling the sidewalks and driveways. And there is free bus service all around the town so we don't have to drive in bad weather. But the best part of living here in the winter is the skiing. Aspen/Snowmass is one of the premier ski areas in the world. For one lift ticket, you have access to four incredible mountains: Aspen (also known as Ajax by the locals), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Each has its own personality and level of difficulty.

Snowmass Mountain is the largest - bigger than all the other 3 put together. It also offers the most variety of terrain, from easy beginner slopes to double black diamond tree and bowl skiing. Because it is so large, the runs seldom seem crowded. Getting first tracks down our favorite run is indeed "Sheer Bliss".

Aspen Highlands is know as the locals mountain. It features a huge back bowl for expert skiers that offers "epic" runs on ungroomed snow. Views from the top are spectacular - on clear days you can see the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.

Aspen Mountain rises out of downtown Aspen. A 15 minute gondola ride takes you to the top where there are some nice intermediate (blue) runs. There are no beginner or green runs on Aspen Mt. but there are plenty of blacks and double blacks for the experts. And lots of trees and glade skiing down the steep sides. Barbara sells lift tickets in the kiosk at Aspen Mountain - once in a while she even spots one of the many celebrities that like to visit Aspen.

Every year, Aspen hosts Gay Ski Week. There is a parade down the slope at the base of Aspen Mt. with prizes for the best costume.

Besides skiing, there are other winter activities to enjoy. We love the snowshoeing tour that takes you for a walk along Richmond Ridge on Aspen Mountain. It is lead by a naturalist who provides info on how animals survive in the winter, and what causes avalanches.

For his birthday, Fred got to go tandem paragliding. Once hooked up to the sail, they pointed their skiis downhill and took off over the ski slope. Of course now he wants to do it again in the summer.

Snowmass celebrates Mardi Gras with a parade down the center of the mall. There are floats, bands and lots of beads. And of course all the restaurants feature Cajun cuisine.

Snowmobiling is another favorite activity. Click here to see information and photos from our Snowmobiling adventures.

To view more photos of winter fun in Snowmass and Aspen click here: Winter in Snowmass/Aspen Photo Gallery.

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