Aspen Snowmass vs Telluride for Skiing

Aspen Snowmass and Telluride are two of Colorado’s best-known. But how do they compare, and which one is best for your needs? Here we will take a deep dive into both resorts and see how they level up.

Ski Area Compared

Aspen Snowmass Telluride
Number of Ski Trails 94 148
Combined Distance of Ski Trails (miles) 336 148
Percentage of Beginner Trails 6% 23%
Percentage of Intermediate Trails 50% 36%
Percentage of Expert Trails 44% 41%
If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Aspen Snowmass Telluride.

If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Aspen Snowmass or Telluride.

Cost

Day pass price at Aspen Snowmass

Peak season: $199
Off-peak season: Adult lift ticket: $169

Day pass price at Telluride

Peak season: $169
Off-peak season: $139

Winner: Telluride

Accommodation Options

Both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Visitors can choose from luxury hotels, condos, vacation rentals, and lodges in both resorts. Some popular options in Aspen include The Little Nell, St. Regis Aspen Resort, Limelight Hotel, and Viceroy Snowmass. There are also budget-friendly options such as the Snowmass Inn and the Pokolodi Lodge.

In Telluride, some of the popular options include The Peaks Resort and Spa, Madeline Hotel and Residences, Lumiere with Inspirato, and The Hotel Telluride. There are also budget-friendly options such as the Victorian Inn and the Mountainside Inn.

Getting there

Aspen Snowmass and Telluride are both popular ski destinations in Colorado. When it comes to transport options and travel times from the closest major cities, there are some differences between the two.

Aspen Snowmass is located about 220 miles southwest of Denver, the closest major city. The most common way to get to Aspen Snowmass is by flying into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which is just 6 miles from the resort. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Denver International Airport and take a shuttle or rental car to Aspen Snowmass, which takes about 4 hours.

On the other hand, Telluride is located about 330 miles southwest of Denver. The closest major city to Telluride is Montrose, which is about 65 miles away. Visitors can fly into Montrose Regional Airport and take a shuttle or rental car to Telluride, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Denver International Airport and take a shuttle or rental car to Telluride, which takes about 6 hours.

Overall, both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride are easily accessible by air and ground transportation. However, Aspen Snowmass is closer to Denver and has a closer airport, making it slightly more convenient for visitors coming from that direction.

Winner: Aspen

For Beginner skiers

Both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride are great for beginners, but Aspen Snowmass may be slightly more beginner-friendly. Aspen Snowmass has a larger beginner area and more gentle slopes, while Telluride has steeper terrain overall. However, both resorts offer excellent ski schools and beginner programs to help new skiers and snowboarders get started.

Ultimately, the choice between the two resorts may come down to personal preference and other factors such as location and amenities.

Winner: Aspen

For Families

Both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride are both great familiy ski resorts, but they have different strengths. Aspen Snowmass has a larger variety of terrain and activities for all ages, including a dedicated children’s ski school and a snow park. It also has a vibrant town with plenty of dining and shopping options.

On the other hand, Telluride has a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, with fewer crowds and a charming historic town. It also has a great ski school and a range of family-friendly activities, such as ice skating and sleigh rides. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the preferences and needs of each family.

Winner: Tie

For Advanced Skiers

Both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride are suitable for advanced skiers, but Aspen Snowmass may have more challenging runs overall.

Aspen Snowmass has four mountains with a variety of terrain, including steep chutes, glades, and bowls. Some of the more challenging runs include the Highland Bowl, which requires a hike to access and has steep, narrow terrain, and the Hanging Valley Wall, which has steep pitches and moguls. The Cirque and the Burn are also known for their challenging terrain.

Telluride also has a variety of terrain for advanced skiers, including steep chutes and bowls. Some of the more challenging runs include the Gold Hill Chutes, which have steep, narrow terrain and require a hike to access, and the Palmyra Peak, which has steep pitches and moguls. The Black Iron Bowl and Revelation Bowl are also known for their challenging terrain.

Overall, both resorts offer plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers, but Aspen Snowmass may have a slight edge in terms of overall difficulty.

Winner: Aspen

Terrain Parks

Aspen Snowmass and Telluride both have excellent terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but there are some differences between the two.

Aspen Snowmass has four terrain parks spread across its four mountains, with a variety of features for all skill levels. The parks are regularly maintained and updated, and there are also dedicated halfpipes and a superpipe. Aspen Snowmass is known for its progressive park design and commitment to sustainability.

Telluride has one terrain park, but it is a large and well-designed park with a variety of features. The park is located on the lower portion of the mountain, making it easily accessible for riders of all levels. Telluride also has a dedicated halfpipe and a rail garden.

Overall, both offer great terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but Aspen Snowmass has a wider variety of parks and a reputation for innovative design.

Winner: Aspen

For Non-Skiers

Both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride offer a variety of options for non-skiers. In Aspen, non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and taking scenic gondola rides. The area also has plenty of shops, restaurants, and spas to explore.

In Telluride, non-skiers can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and taking scenic gondola rides. The town also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, such as the Telluride Historical Museum and the Sheridan Opera House.

Overall, both resorts offer plenty of options for non-skiers. However, Aspen Snowmass may be a better choice for those looking for a wider variety of activities and amenities, while Telluride may be a better choice for those looking for a more laid-back, small-town atmosphere.

Winner: Telluride

Conclusion

To sum up, both Aspen Snowmass and Telluride offer exceptional skiing experiences with their unique features and attractions. Aspen Snowmass is a larger resort with more diverse terrain and a lively après-ski scene, while Telluride offers a more intimate and secluded atmosphere with stunning scenery and challenging terrain.

As a much larger Ski area and resort, Aspen comes out on top in many of the areas that we have looked at. But that comes at a price; Aspen Snowmass is a much more expensive resort than Telluride.

While it may not have as many amenities; Telluride has a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere which could clinch it for many skiers comparing the two.

Unlitmately it comes down to your own personal taste and your budget.

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