Buttermilk is a lovely unintimidating ski resort to learn to ski or snowboard. The terrain has nice steps for progression, and the lack of expert riders whizzing past also makes it less daunting and easier to learn in peace.

One disadvantage of Buttermilk is that most people have to catch a bus there, unlike Snowmass where the ski-in ski-out accommodation is really convenient and it’s super easy to drop off the kids at ski school or child care. A plus for Buttermilk is that kids 5 and over can catch a bus from Aspen with their ski instructor. However families with kids under 5 may find it easier to stay and ski at Snowmass.

Powderhounds may find Buttermilk a bit of fun. Most advanced and expert powderhounds skip Buttermilk, so you can relish in the powder all by yourself. We skied some little freshies in the trees and it hadn’t snowed for a few days.

Buttermilk Park is an amazing terrain park, but much of it was closed when we visited, even though the X games were still a few weeks away. The reason for closure may have been associated with the lack of snow early season. Double check the park is open before you venture there.

When we visited, the grooming in the Tiehack area was very shoddy. Perhaps they’d sent out the apprentice to groom the slopes whilst the experts worked on the terrain parks!

One con of Buttermilk is the cost of lift passes. The hill is tiny and has limited infrastructure, particularly in comparison to Snowmass, so it seems ludicrous that lift ticket prices are the same for all four Aspen Snowmass resorts. Ski lessons and equipment rentals also attract a premium. Of course there’s no point complaining about the prices. If you have the funds for Aspen then enjoy. If not, go somewhere else!
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