Aspen

The town itself has a permanent population of over 7000 and is very vibrant.

Numerous bars and restaurants make this a great base for skiing, just be sure to keep an eye on your wallet – Aspen is the destination for the rich and famous and the prices have in many places been set accordingly.

Aspen Mountain is the home hill, directly above the town of Aspen itself. The long Silver Queen gondola runs from top to bottom, giving almost 1000m of vertical – all of which can be covered on immaculately groomed blues, or if you’re looking for more of a challenge, steep gullies and tree-lined glades. In what will be a great boost to the ski area, the final go-ahead has been given to build the Pandora chairlift which will add 180 acres of skiable terrain to the upper east side of Aspen Mountain.

Highlands is a mountain of two halves. The lower slopes offer some great beginner terrain, but the top of the mountain is what most skiers and boarders come to the sector for. Steep glades and tree runs can be found off the Deep Temerity lift, but the jewel in the crown is Highlands Bowl. This is a vast playground for off piste warriors and is served by a snowcat and a short hike.

Buttermilk is the smallest of the four and is predominantly suited to beginners, who will enjoy the gentle groomed slopes. It is also however home to the world famous terrain park that hosts the X Games each winter – so if freestyle is your thing then be sure to head across to this area.

The fourth area of Snowmass is the largest and could function as a ski area in its own right. You can pick up some huge vertical on mostly uncrowded slopes, which are frequently in immaculate condition thanks to the grooming team.

Experts will really enjoy the steep terrain off the High Alpine chair and The Cirque drag, which after fresh snow can offer some of Colorado’s best off piste.