Aspen Snowmass

Adult or child, skier or snowboarder, beginner or expert, Aspen has a ski school or tutor to suit you and your needs, including women-only tutorials. Every program offered by Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen is 100 percent guaranteed in two ways. First, all lesson tickets purchased but not used are fully refundable. Second, if you are not completely satisfied with your ski instructor, you will be enrolled in a new lesson or provided a full refund. Group lessons cost around US$105 (US$70 for kids) for one day, and about US$460 (US$320 for kids) for five days. Private lessons in Aspen are expensive: US$460 for one day or US$2,150 for five days!

For those wanting guiding, off-piste adventures for skiers and boarders are offered at Snowmass (Wednesdays) and Highlands (Fridays). Off-Piste Adventures are designed to give advanced and expert skiers and riders a chance to discover some of the area’s famous terrain. Explore Steeplechase and Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands, or the Cirque and Hanging Valley areas at Snowmass with experienced guides. Programs depend on snow and weather conditions. Adventures begin at 10:00 am and end at 3:00 pm. You should arrive at the meeting place at 9:45 am with your lift ticket and Off-Piste Adventure ticket (price US$105).

Heli-skiing is not on offer at Aspen but cat-skiing is. Luxury snowcats take guests to prime, untracked stashes on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Fresh tracks are guaranteed, and lunch is served at a wood-stove heated cabin set in the Elk Mountains. Snacks and drinks are provided on board the cat throughout the day. Cost is around US$275 per day and you can expect around 10 runs.