Ranking ski areas this good eventually becomes a little ridiculous. I have called Aspen Highlands…read moremy favorite of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains, and on pure terrain, especially Highland Bowl and Deep Temerity, I understand why I said it. Still, all four earn five stars from me for different reasons, and forcing them into a rigid hierarchy misses what each one does so well. Ajax makes perhaps the strongest case that technical skiing and an effortless overall experience can coexist. What makes Ajax singular is its position directly above the town of Aspen. You walk from the street onto the Silver Queen Gondola, climb thousands of vertical feet, and spend the day skiing sustained fall lines that deliver you right back where you started. With its remarkable setting, vibrant energy, and almost comical wealth, Aspen remains unlike anywhere else on Earth; I also understand why its excess wears on some people. The Little Nell and the other hotels at the base are second to none, while downtown sits close enough that the transition from ski boots to normal life feels almost absurdly easy. Beneath all that polish, Ajax is a serious skier's mountain. There are no beginner runs, and its steep vertical layout favors strong skiers who enjoy bumps, glades, and terrain that keeps asking for attention. The fast gondola makes full mountain laps remarkably efficient, and the compact trail pattern keeps the day moving. I like technical skiing, so the mountain's directness suits me: ride up, choose a line, and ski hard all the way down. Late in the day, the lower face often drops into shade, firms up, and can get icy enough to demand real concentration. Some visitors step onto the Silver Queen because it is beside their hotel and discover several hours later that convenience does not make the final descent forgiving. Ajax has a funny way of humbling people who came mainly for the town, which may be healthy in a place surrounded by so much luxury. I go in with my eyes wide open and genuinely enjoy the focus that the mountain demands when conditions get firm. Finishing a run on Ajax is part of the magic. After clicking out, you can head to Ajax Tavern, walk downtown for a meal, or stop at a bar. The shops and even a dispensary are right there, so the end of the session can take whatever shape you want. If you rent, Aspen Snowmass can transfer your skis between its mountains, while the excellent bus network makes the entire area remarkably easy to navigate. Summer deserves equal billing in any review of Aspen. The weather is beautiful, the pace is gentler, and outdoor life fills the valley. Crowds thin, prices ease somewhat, and the fresh alpine air remains every bit as restorative. People often say that locals come for the winter and stay for the summer; after experiencing both seasons, I understand exactly why. Ultimately, Ajax is one of the best ski areas in the world, full stop. Its sustained terrain, immediate town access, and slightly intimidating late-day personality give it an identity all its own. Highlands holds a special place for its Bowl and Deep Temerity, and Ajax earns the same five stars through a completely different combination of terrain and place. Every visit feels like a privilege, and I never leave Aspen without feeling lucky that I got to spend time there.

Even in Hawaii's version of cold, I find myself missing snow-covered mornings and accidentally…read morefalling asleep on a gondola ride in my travels to Aspen, Colorado. Some memories just stay warm forever. I truly enjoyed my experience on the gondola ride. I rode it so many times I fell asleep! Snow will always be magical to me.

I can't recommend this place enough. I spent six days there beginning December 7th. I was with a…read moregroup of 60 people. When we arrived the staff took all luggage to each individual room-nice when you have a week's worth of clothes, ski clothes, skis boots and poles and some food. We had a three bedroom unit, the third was a private room. Everything was perfect. The condo was built well and solid. Good sound suppression, stays warm, keeps heat on. We had a sunken living room, kitchen although its was a little small, fireplace, the bedrooms and the full baths. Maid service was daily. There were multiple buses to take and pick you up at all times of the day, never waited more than three minutes to be picked up. Staff were all attentive and professional. Front desk always had two desk people and one guest assistant. They recommended great places to go. Sheets and towels thick and clean, medium softness beds. Never did try the fireplace. Six blocks from Aspen Mountain base. Six minute walk with ski boots or one minute on one of the shuttles. They run every five minutes. Enjoyed one of the three hot tubs. It also had heated towels for during and after the experience. Trick: put you your clothes in there while bathing-nice and warm when you leave. The management also has a ski storage system for overnight so you didn't have to carry then to and from your unit. Would definitely recommend to anyone. I'm already reserved for next year. Note: great powder this year.

Our family recently spent 10 nights at The Gant and paid approximately $16,000 for our stay. Given…read morethe price, we expected a high-quality experience and a level of service that matched the cost. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. After seven nights, we discovered a large bat living underneath the bed in one of the bedrooms. This was obviously disturbing and completely unacceptable for a property of this caliber. We had no choice but to ask to be moved to another unit. The inconvenience didn't end there. We had to pack up all of our belongings, move everything to another room, and then unpack everything again. This took time away from our family vacation and was an unnecessary disruption caused by a problem at the property. What was even more disappointing was the complete lack of meaningful response from management. Despite paying approximately $16,000 for our stay and having to relocate because there was a bat in our bedroom, there was no compensation and no meaningful gesture whatsoever. We were left with the distinct impression that management simply did not care. We understand that unexpected issues can happen at hotels and resorts. What matters is how management handles them. In our case, the response was incredibly disappointing. At this price point, we expected management to take responsibility, acknowledge the seriousness of the situation, and make some effort to compensate us for the disruption. Instead, we received essentially none of that. A bat living under a guest's bed for an extended period is bad enough. Having management show so little concern afterward made the experience considerably worse. For $16,000, we expected far better. The property may be beautiful, but beautiful surroundings do not make up for poor customer service when something goes seriously wrong. Our family vacation should have been memorable for all the right reasons. Unfortunately, discovering a large bat under the bed--and then feeling completely disregarded by management--is what we will remember most.

Had a wondeful weekend skiing here! This was my first time in Aspen and it did not disappoint. The…read moregondolas were awesome and fast! The place is huge and theres so much to ski and do! I havent skiied in ten years so i started with some much needed practice on the bunny slopes. Brenda at the rental shop was awesome and helped me get the perfect rental skis & get the right boots. Hopefully I can make it back here in the next few years to ski again!

If it weren't for gouging the locals who work for the Aspen Ski Company and the locals who ski it,…read moreit'd be a decent place. But Aspen is all about money over affordability. So, for the first time in 32 years, I'm considering finding another mountain to ski, even though it's 45 miles away.

Parking is included and they have an underground part that does not require tickets/security- I…read moreliked that. The room was very clean and I really liked the decor. The pool and spas seem nice although I don't love that you have to ask to have them uncovered when it's 75 outside. We really enjoyed our stay in our room and appreciate all the free goodies and amenities we were provided. These are full condo-like rooms that you can practically feel at home in with all the cooking and cocktail utensils one could want. I would change the fact it's not pet friendly as that's what this town is all about, also I'd make all the decor a bit more modern... not that it's not nice but many other rooms we walked by looked pretty amazing. =)

Terrible service for such a popular resort. I came with a group of colleagues with the idea that we…read morewould all have our rooms ready. Not true. Got here 4 hours early with that assumption and now I have to wait.

It's a lovely mountain if you are a new or learner…read more Not much in the way of advanced terrain here. Short groomers. Some fun spots to dip into the trees or small sections of bumps. 5 lifts and a terrain park. Lots of ski school lessons for kids and adults. Ski school sucks up a lot of lift capacity. CliffHouse lodge on the summit is nice for lunch. Lower base buildings are new and fresh and clean. Shops. Food. Booze. Gear. Aspen priced so look away! Lots of entitlement here. Lots!! I think this would be a great place for an easy powder day. Nothing special here.

It's probably time I write a review of our visit to Aspen about a week ago, specifically…read moreButtermilk. This mountain is heaven for skiers and snowboarders! I underestimated this mountain and all of its glorious trails that were fun and scary at the same time lol. Super friendly staff everywhere from the lodge, the lifts, and each of the bases. So happy to have been able to experience Aspen!

We had such a great stay at the Ritz-Carlton Aspen. The staff were warm and attentive, Everyone we…read moreinteracted with was helpful. The rooms are very comfortable, clean, and cozy, with beautiful views of the mountains. The property itself has such a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The location is incredible, right at the base of Aspen Highlands with ski-in ski out access. It made getting on the slopes so easy.

*********************** 750 *************************…read more I got invited here by my friends for the Aspen Food & Wine Classic 30th. I've been to Aspen before for snowboarding, but never been here in the summer. Aspen is known for the social, the wealth, the world class shopping,and of course the four local "super quartet" of mountains: Aspen, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. When they told me it's the Ritz, and the Food & Wine Classic Grand Cochon, I said yes as quick as possibly could :-) The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands sits at the foot of a 12,500 ft. mountain with stunning views and 125 trails. Beside the perfect location for skiing in the winter, but being here in the summer, it's stunning. It's picturesque as you see in postcards. The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands also has an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi that facing the mountain. Each day I made time to stay out here for an hour, while everyone chowed down at the Food & Wine Classic. Then I walked to downtown Aspen, and hiked back up here, 6 miles round trip, admire this beautiful outdoor friendly city. So many trails, and I feel so safe by myself wandering this town that I've never had a chance to do in the winter. The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands has a well-appointed spa and fitness center, the service is impeccable here. The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands is located 5 minutes from the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, and they offer the shuttle to pick you up and drop you off. The shuttle also offer pick up and drop off daily from 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM, except special events and holidays, they pick us up even at 2 AM. The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen Highlands20 minutes from Snowmass, 2 hours from Vail and Vail/Eagle Airport, and 4 hours drive from Denver. The 3 bedrooms we had, 2 master bedrooms, 1 regular room, spacious, wooden entire unit. Marbled kitchen, fully equipped, titanium refrigerator and stove. 3 bathrooms, marbled bathtub, separate shower, and Bvlgary bath products, hard to beat this! Open balcony to the mountain views, fireplace, separate living room, dining table for 8, hallway, walk in closets, just perfect. Library with cookies, snacks, coffee, in the morning and wines in afternoon. Anything you want, they will go out of their way to get it for you, the guarantee of Ritz, no less.!

Gorgeous hotel with impeccable service! From the front door…read moreuntil checkout we only experienced the most beautiful people who work at The St. Regis. Great ambience, food, spa, and a decent gym as well! The location is ideal with only a 5 minute walk from town, yet it sits above the town so you actually feel secluded and peaceful. The outdoor dining is lovely and spacious. The pool is above the outdoor dining, so it's private, comfortable and stunningly beautiful tucked into the mountains. We will be back!

The St Regis is a must stop in Aspen. And you can't go wrong w the espresso martini. Don't forget…read morethe Caribou Club....... If you can get in. Here's to the good life!!! Ola, mi amigos!

For its price, this hotel is pretty beat up not just inside the rooms but even walking along the…read morehallways you will see the most simplest cosmetic items that can easily be done like simple painting that seems to be abandoned and forgotten. Shocking to see the neglect done on a property like this that can easily get taken care of with just a little care. The bed was nice in the room with spacious but again just kind of beat up and old.

This place is run like a well oiled machine. Comfy and quiet. The community coffee and the shuttle…read morebusses that run all day take this hotel up a notch. I wish they offered more food options and the front desk staff seemed indifferent, which I was ok with.

So when I got an email from a hiking friend to stay at Walter's cabin...I was like hell yeah!…read more Walter's is the Ritz Carlton of huts. Electricity, potable running water, indoor plumbing, shower, cell phone service, and Verizon wifi ( at least for me). Full kitchen...nothing fancy. Two bedrooms and two beds in the main room. Amazing stunning views. Highly recommend. Winter was fun but definitely requires more skill than summer.

Uncle Bud's Cabin was awesome with a great layout for sitting around the fire and looking out at…read morethe amazing views. The kitchen was well equipped and the sleeping rooms had nice ventilation. The 10th mountain hut employees are super helpful and quick to respond. The only negative our family experienced was that the 6 mile hike was actually more difficult than we expected. The 1500 ft elevation gain took our very active, but not elite, family 6 hours to reach the hut which was a mircle given the extremely poor signage. (1 cardboard sign, that was blown in half, which was on a tree that was not obvious, especially when it was dark.) It only took us 3.5 hours to get back to the parking lot. Highly recommend this hut but don't rely on the signage. GPS worked the entire route thankfully.

Perfect location and beautiful inside too. Accommodating hosts for this home.read more

I stayed here 4 a week on a girl's trip with 4 other girls & we got a 2 bedroom. The view was…read moreamazing from our 2nd floor balcony & it was fully stocked, including groceries, like condiments & common beverages. Very cool! We didn't like the 1st room offered, so we moved 2 another room. The pool has a wine & appetizer party every Friday afternoon. There are 2 hot tubs, a beautiful waterfall at the pool, a fitness center & of course, towel service. I would definitely recommend this hotel all year round, but for the best rates, visit the off-season during the spring.