* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. * WHERE...Flat Tops, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains above 9500 feet. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 5 PM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Happy New Year from Aspen Mountain, where crisp alpine air and clear skies greet skiers on January 1, 2026. Aspen Mountain ski resort in the United States is known for its challenging terrain, from the bumps on the Bell Mountain to the steeps on Ruthie's Run.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures dipped to a brisk 19.6°F, keeping the 12-inch snowpack firm. While current snow depth sits 60% below average for this time of year, snowmaking efforts and recent terrain expansions, including the highly anticipated Pandora’s zone, are helping maintain solid early-season coverage across 180 acres of skiable terrain. Expect machine-groomed runs with variable conditions off-piste. The 24-hour snow forecast calls for a light 0.7 inches, but skiers can look forward to a more promising 72-hour forecast of 2.3 inches and another 2 inches in the five-day outlook—potentially creating a softer base for mid-week turns.
Off the slopes, Aspen buzzes with news and excitement. Renowned artist Rashid Johnson brings flair to the season’s ski pass design, blending art with alpine culture. Construction is underway on a luxury hotel and residential retreat at Aspen Snowmass, while the Aman project moves closer with pending permits—signaling a new era of mountain elegance. Snowboarders also mark 20 years of access to Aspen Mountain, celebrating a shift that once stirred controversy. With top-to-bottom snowmaking now in place, Aspen Mountain is poised for a season that promises both adventure and après sophistication.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Independence Pass.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Aspen Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Aspen Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Aspen Mountain ski resort in Colorado is located in the Elk Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains. The resort is known for its challenging terrain and steep slopes, with the summit of Aspen Mountain reaching an elevation of 11,212 feet. The mountain features several iconic runs, such as the Silver Queen Gondola and the Ruthie's Run. Aspen Mountain is also known for its stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.
For beginners, a great option is the Little Nell run, which offers a gentle slope with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. An interesting fact about Aspen Mountain is that it was the first ski resort in the world to have a chairlift, which was installed in 1946. For apres-ski, the Ajax Tavern is a must-visit, with its legendary truffle fries and lively atmosphere. Overall, Aspen Mountain is a great choice for advanced skiers seeking a challenging mountain with stunning scenery.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 8 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 10755 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2422 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 673 Acres |
Established | 1946 |
Run Count | 76 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow showers. high near 36. west wind 10 to 15 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Aspen Mountain is expected to receive up to 2.51" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Aspen Highlands
Buttermilk Mountain
Snowmass
Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Routt National Forest are primed for the heaviest snowfall over the next five days, with Dry Lake and Elk River sensors forecasting 13 inches, and nearby Tower projecting 12 inches. These areas feed directly into Steamboat Ski Resort, making it the top pick for powder chasers. Rabbit Ears Pass and Scotch Creek are also expecting ... Read more