* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and power outages may result.
A chilly start to December 17th greets skiers on Aspen Mountain with overnight temperatures dipping to 13.8°F and a modest 10-inch snowpack—noticeably 58% below seasonal average. 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
But there’s hope on the horizon: nearly 2 inches of fresh snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours, with an additional dusting expected over the coming days. The mountainside remains skiable, thanks in part to expanded snowmaking efforts that helped Aspen and Snowmass open early this season. Conditions may be thin in spots, but groomed runs remain smooth and rideable, offering an enjoyable experience for early-season adventurers.
Beyond the slopes, Aspen is buzzing. Artists and environmental advocates converge at the summit to view the striking "melting gondola" installation—a stark reminder of climate change’s impact on mountain snowfall. Meanwhile, Aspen Skiing Company celebrates 75 years since the original chairlifts first spun to life, marking a legacy of resilience and evolution. Big plans are shaping the future too, with the Forest Service greenlighting a new lift and terrain expansion, promising fresh excitement in seasons to come. Whether you're carving turns or soaking in the culture, Aspen Mountain continues to blend alpine tradition with forward momentum—even in a season where every snowflake counts.
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 likely, mainly after 5pm. patchy blowing snow after 4pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 37. breezy, with a west wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 40 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Aspen Mountain is expected to receive up to 2.29" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Aspen Highlands
Buttermilk Mountain
Snowmass
Northern Colorado is seeing the strongest snow activity this week. The Bear Lake and Copeland Lake areas near Rocky Mountain National Park are forecasted to receive 8–9 inches of fresh snow over the next five days. Located near Estes Park and close to Eldora Mountain Resort, these conditions suggest excellent skiing potential. Further north, the Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat ... Read more