Ski resorts: Vail vs. Aspen Snowmass
Quick Verdict
Both Vail and Aspen Snowmass offer excellent ski experiences, with Vail being more expensive and Aspen Snowmass providing more terrain variety and potentially better value.
- Aspen Snowmass generally has more skiable acreage and lifts across its four mountains.
- Vail's lift ticket prices are generally higher than Aspen Snowmass.
- Both resorts offer a vibrant après-ski scene and luxury accommodations.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Vail | Aspen Snowmass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Snowfall | 195 to 370 inches | 300-307 inches |
| Skiable Acreage | 5,289 acres | 3,332 to over 5,500 acres |
| Number of Lifts | 31 to 34 | 39-41 |
| Vertical Drop | 3,450 feet | 4,406 feet (Snowmass) |
| Lift Ticket Price (Daily) | $227.00 to $329.00 | $135-$169 (Snowmass) |
| Accessibility from Major Airports | Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) |
Overall Comparison
Snowfall: Aspen Snowmass wins; Acreage: Aspen Snowmass wins; Price: Aspen Snowmass wins
Pros and Cons
Vail
Pros:
- Groomed corduroy runs
- Wide variety of terrain
- Vibrant après-ski scene
- Family-friendly activities
- Upgraded lift system
Cons:
- Can get crowded during peak season
- On-mountain dining can be pricey
- Lift tickets can be expensive
Aspen Snowmass
Pros:
- Diverse range of terrain for all skill levels
- Vibrant après-ski scene
- Wide range of luxury accommodations
- Many family-friendly activities
- Generally manageable crowd levels due to the resort's size
- Most lifts are high-speed
Cons:
- Lift tickets are expensive
- Some lifts can experience lines during peak times
User Experiences and Feedback
Vail
What Users Love
- Beginner-friendly areas at Golden Peak and Eagle's Nest
- Offers a wide variety of terrain, including beginner areas, intermediate groomers, and advanced bowls and glades
- Vail is known for its vibrant après-ski scene with many bars and restaurants.
- Vail offers childcare facilities and activities for families.
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is located near Vail.
- Vail has invested in upgrading its lift system.
Common Complaints
- Vail lift tickets can be expensive, but deals and discounts are available.
- Vail offers a range of on-mountain dining options, but some may find them pricey.
Value Perception
- Vail lift tickets can be expensive, but deals and discounts are available.
Aspen Snowmass
What Users Love
- Offers a diverse range of terrain, with something for all skill levels.
- Known for its vibrant après-ski scene.
- Buttermilk is the best mountain for beginners.
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is very close.
Common Complaints
- Lift tickets are expensive.
- Crowds are generally manageable due to the resort's size, but some lifts can experience lines during peak times.
Value Perception
- On-mountain dining options range from casual to fine dining, with a variety of cuisines available. Quality and value can vary.