Nov 22, 2021 / PROPERTY

Is Aspen Mountain the ultimate Black Diamond destination?

The name Aspen Mountain conjures so many aspects - it’s the pinnacle of the A-lister ski scene and home to some of the world’s most respected ski competitions. It’s a place of outstanding beauty ( the sunset light behind of the mountains is said to have been the inspiration for John Denver’s Apsenglow) and a place where community, snowsports and glamour work together to create a town with a unique atmosphere and sense of wonder.

What makes Aspen mountain different from other Snowmass towns?

Aspen Mountain is one of four towns that make up the Snowmass ski resorts. The famous Black Diamond terrain is set on the Elk Mountains section of the Rockies and sits on the southern border of the White River National Forest. Founded as a ski resort in 1947, this former mining town offers direct access to the slopes - which is one of it’s big draws. It’s a walkable town, with a range of stunning restaurants and elegant boutiques that is almost as impressive as the scenery that surrounds it. 

Aspen is the stuff of ski town legend. It’s definitely somewhere to keep an eye on for your next investment, ideal ski home or as a potential primary residence and our property alert system will help you stay on top of the market. 

Skiing in Aspen Mountain

Here are the ski stats 

  • 762cm/300 inches of snowfall each year
  • Base elevation - 7945ft/2722m
  • Summit elevation - 11,212ft/3417m
  • Ski season - November to April
  • 675 skiable acres/273 skiable hectares
  • Snowmaking - 230 acres/93 hectares
  • Bowl skiing
  • Cat skiing
  • Ski run breakout is 0% beginner, 48% intermediate, 26% advanced and 26% expert
  • Longest ski run is 3 miles

The absence of green runs may make you cautious about choosing Aspen as a family base, or if you’re a beginner yourself. Worry not - the sheer range of non-ski activities, as well as the fact that beginner friendly Aspen Snowmass is just twenty minutes away make this a great option for newbies as well as experts, plus when you’re up and skiing, you’ll have access to some on the world’s best black diamond terrain right on your doorstep. 

Beautiful interiors grace this Morningstar residence

What else can I do in winter on Aspen Mountain?

It’s not all about skiing of course and there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this unique slice of the rockies. Wintry activities like snowshoeing, ice skating and dog sledding at Krablooniks are all possible from Aspen Mountain, or you could hop on a snow cat to Cloud Nine bistro. Throw in world class shopping and the simple beauty of the alpine landscape and it’s clear Aspen Mountain is a perfect destination for skiers and non-skiers alike. 

Summer in Aspen Mountain

Aspen Mountain is a four season town - the scenery is always stunning, the town always has a buzz and a packed programme of events means there’s always something to draw visitors and amuse the locals. You could find yourself packing a picnic and heading over to Benedict Music Tent to enjoy a Sunday afternoon picnic, or while away the day on an SUP at the North Star nature reserve. There’s superb mountain bike trails, as well as the Ute Trail, one of Colorado’s most celebrated hiking routes with panoramic views of alpine tundra. 

Events wise you’re spoilt for choice.One of the most famous is Winterskol, a four day celebration of all things Aspen that dates back to 1951, whilst events like the Apres Ski Cocktail Classic, a celebration of craft spirits with tasitngs and seminars or Aspen Gay Ski week, the first of its kind and model for similar events across US ski towns, are major dates on the calendar. Aspen’s status in the celebrity world means some of the world’s best musicians deliver stupendous mountain concerts and poets and artists will revel in the carefully selected exhibitions and readings. 

What else makes Aspen Mountain so good?

If superb skiing, chilled out mountain summers and a jam-packed events programme aren’t quite enough, how about the fact that Aspen Mountain has superb places to eat, from the famous Bonnie’s - an on-mountain breakfast spot with pancakes as big as your head - to fine dining at the legendary Little Nell? Or what about the fact that Aspen is known for being exceptionally pet friendly? Not a fan of pets? How about the fact that the area plays host to the famous Aspen Film festival? The list goes on and the more you explore, the reasons for Aspen's celebrated status becomes clear. 

Could I live in Aspen Mountain? 

Aspen is a great base for a ski holiday but it’s also home to around 7,000 permanent residents. Schools are well respected, there's a sound infrastructure all year round, and opportunities for conventional employment as well as the freedom of remote work. It’s a great place to make a home, which just happens to have direct access to some of Colorado’s best skiing and most beautiful vistas. 

What sort of property could I buy in Aspen Mountain? 

SnowOnly is a property portal, which means you can explore property in Aspen Mountain without having to trawl every single agent’s site. The magical setting of Morningstar , just minutes from Aspen mountain, is home to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 6 bathroom home. Butter coloured stone, impossibly elegant interiors and amenities that are nothing short of outstanding combined with the peace of the surroundings to create a home that is as calming as it is enchanting - perfect for a primary residence or as a family home. 

At the other end of the design scale you have this stunning three bedroom, four bathroom home in Aspen Mountain’s West End. Completely remodelled it has a sleek contemporary interior, with outstanding design features like the wood cut accent wall as well as charming woodland views. Being in the West End gives superb access to the many attractions of Aspen Mountain, and a property like this four bedroom house is perfectly placed to enjoy the year round joy that comes with living in Aspen Mountain. 

Perfect for enjoying all seasons in Aspen Mountain

Is Aspen Mountain the ultimate Black Diamond ski resort?

We think it’s pretty close - the skiing is second to none, the town is vibrant and full of life all year round, and the glamour that playing host to stars of stage and screen brings just adds to the attraction. Aspen Mountain is a bit more than that though - it’s a town with a sense of community, and a great passion for the mountains. Whether you’re seeking a family home, a great investment or something in between, Aspen Mountain is up there with the greats.