For the Non Skier: So, You’re In Aspen And Want To Ski But Don’t Know How
The process of renting skis, getting a ski pass, and going skiing is not as overwhelming or as expensive as you might think
Aspen is one of the dreamiest ski towns in America. It’s like a village filled with restaurants, hotels, shops, and mountains for skiing. Now, if you’re not from an area where skiing is a thing and the idea of sliding down a mountain sounds both scary yet intriguing, we’ve got you.
Step 1- Get some skiwear
All you need for skiwear are ski pants, a snow jacket, goggles, and gloves. Before arriving in Aspen, we found our ski pants on Amazon for $39.99, and for the snow jacket, well we had a jacket that would do, already in our closet. But, you can find skiwear when arriving in Aspen and it’s not terribly expensive. A good option is Christy Sports, now you can find a good deal on ski pants, and a snow jacket. We love Sprayground’s goggles, and you can find our skiwear guide here.
Step 2- Rent ski gear
Hands down Christy Sports is the go-to spot for renting your skis. There are three locations in the Aspen area, one in the center of the city located inside the St. Regis, one in Snowmass Village, and one in Woodrun Place Condos Snowmass. You can reserve your gear online by going to the rental page and putting in your reservation dates. There are four adult ski and snowboarding packages that range from $45.95-65.95. There are four kids (12 and under) snowboarding packages that range from $31.95-$47.95. And the ski packages for kids range from $35.95-$61.95.
Christys Sports will size you up for the right ski equipment.
We went to the location inside the St. Regis hotel, and as soon as you walk in, bear to the left and one of the guys at the counter will get you fitted for ski boots. They’re very helpful and thorough, making sure that you have the right boot that fits perfectly. The skis that are given to each person ranges from your skiing ability, height, and weight. You’re given ski poles according to your height, and you’ll also want to rent a helmet too. After they input your gear into the computer and you sign the agreement, you’re good to go, and voila you’re ready to ski.
Step 3- Head to the Aspen bus station
Buses to Buttermilk Mountain and Snowmass Mountain are free. Aspen Mountain is located in the center of the city, but there are no beginner or bunny slopes at this mountain. Buttermilk Mountain is known for its ease of skiing and Panda Peak bunny slope, which is free (meaning you don’t need to buy a ski pass). They even have a ropes course for those that need an extra beginner course, which is also free (meaning you don’t need to buy a ski pass). It’s only a 10-minute ride to Buttermilk Mountain and the bus lets you off right at the entrance.
The Aspen bus station downtown, where busses take you for free to Buttermilk Mountain or Snowmass Mountain | Photo Credit: SEELE
Now, Snowmass is about a 20-30-minute bus ride, and the bus lets you off in the parking garage and you have to make your way up to the little village and various slopes. While it’s further out, we prefer Snowmass Mountain because they have a magic carpet, which is a conveyor belt that moves skiers and snowboarders up a small slope. And, their bunny slope is not nearly as steep as Buttermilk Mountain’s Panda Peak. You do have to purchase a ski pass to go up to the bunny slope though. When you arrive to Buttermilk Mountain, there is a locker section, where you pay $17 for the day, or you can find an available shoe cubby hole and place your shoes for free. I did the free option, but do that at your own risk, especially if you have a bag.
Lockers are $17 per day.
Buttermilk lockers
Buttermilk cubby holes (for free)
Everything is a straight shot from Christys Sports. The bus station is a 5-minute walk from Christys, and when you arrive at whichever mountain you choose, the walk to the lifts is not that long and you’ll be skiing in no time.
Step 4- ski pass prices
There are 25% off discounts to retired veterans, active duty, and honorably discharged military personnel. A one-day advance purchase or in-resort purchase ski pass is $244 ($164 for children, teens, and seniors). You can find ticket pricing online here.
If you’re staying in a hotel, the concierge can arrange ski passes for you, as well as book private lessons one-on-one with a ski instructor or in a group. For a sport like skiing, taking private lessons is beneficial to learn key techniques. The thought of skiing may seem overwhelming of where to start and how to rent equipment, but your hotel, Christys Sports for ski rental, and the info centers at the various mountains themselves are all helpful and will get you on the slopes in no time.
