Both Zermatt and Aspen Snowmass offer excellent skiing experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Zermatt, with its larger terrain and reliable snow, is ideal for experienced skiers willing to navigate its car-free access and potentially higher costs. Aspen Snowmass, with its varied terrain across four mountains and convenient airport access, is a great choice for families and skiers of all levels, though it can be expensive and crowded during peak season.
| Attribute | Zermatt | Aspen Snowmass |
|---|---|---|
| Skiable Terrain (acres/hectares) | 360 km including Cervinia, 200 km in Zermatt only. Approximately 79,532.80 acres. | 5,600+ acres (2,300 hectares) across four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Snowmass alone has 3,342 acres (1,352 hectares). |
| Average Annual Snowfall (inches/cm) | Averages 414cm per year. Around 3-4 meters (13-14 ft). | Around 300 inches (762 cm). Some sources cite an average of 307 inches (780 cm). Aspen's average is around 179 inches. |
| Number of Lifts | 53 lifts. | Over 38 lifts across the four mountains. Snowmass has 20 lifts. |
| Vertical Drop (feet/meters) | 2,279 meters (7,477 feet). | Snowmass has a vertical drop of 4,406 feet (1,343 m), the most in the USA. Aspen Mountain has a vertical drop of 3,267 feet (996 m). Aspen Highlands has a vertical drop of 3,635 feet (1,108 m). |
| Types of Terrain (beginner, intermediate, expert) | Beginner: 75 km (22%), Intermediate: 220 km (60%), Advanced/Expert: 27 km (18%). | Snowmass: Beginner: 5%, Intermediate: 48%, Expert: 30%. Aspen Mountain: Easiest: 0%, More Difficult: 48%, Most Difficult: 26%, Expert: 26%. Aspen Highlands: Easiest: 18%, More Difficult: 30%, Most Difficult: 16%, Expert: 36%. Buttermilk: Generally a beginner area. |
| Lift Ticket Price (daily adult) | From CHF 88. Dynamic pricing is used. | $135-$169. Prices vary depending on the season and how far in advance tickets are purchased. |
| On-Mountain Dining Options (number and variety) | Many mountain restaurants are available, particularly in the Sunnegga-Rothorn sector. | Wide range of restaurants on each of its mountains. |
| Apr s-Ski Scene (nightlife, restaurants) | Vibrant apr s-ski scene with pubs, live music, open-air bars, and clubs. Popular spots include Hennu Stall, Papperla Pub, and CERVO. | Vibrant apr s-ski scene. Options range from on-mountain bistros to bars and lounges in town. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is known for its lively, European-style apr s-ski party. Ajax Tavern is a classic spot at the base of Aspen Mountain. Venga Venga in Snowmass offers a lively scene with Mexican food and drinks. Highlands Alehouse is a local favorite at Aspen Highlands. |
| Accommodation Options (hotels, condos, chalets) | Hotels, condos, and chalets are available. Slopeside lodging provides 13,000 beds. | Wide range of options available, including hotels, condos, and chalets, with many offering ski-in/ski-out access, especially in Snowmass Village. |
| Accessibility (airport proximity, transportation) | Airports closest to Zermatt are in Geneva, Sion, Milan, and Zurich. Zermatt is car-free; access is via train to T sch, then transfer service. | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is close to the resort with flights from major cities. |
| Snow Quality & Grooming | High altitude and glaciers ensure good snow quality. Grooming teams prepare trails, and snow cannons are used. | Generally has high-quality snow, with frequent storms and snowmaking capabilities. Known for good grooming. |
| Crowd Levels (peak season) | Can get crowded during peak season. | Popular destination and can get crowded during peak season. Buying tickets online in advance can help avoid long lines. |