A crisp winter morning greets visitors at Buttermilk Mountain this December 18, 2025, with overnight temps dipping to 15.8°F. Buttermilk Mountain ski resort is located in Aspen, United States.
Wind
Humidity
While the current snowpack sits at 10 inches—about 49% below average for this time of year—conditions are still carving-friendly for early-season turns. The mountain’s Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) holds at 2.4 inches, signaling compact, skiable terrain, especially on well-groomed runs. The 24-hour forecast calls for a light dusting of 0.08 inches, with a more promising 0.41 inches of snowfall expected through the next 72 hours, offering a refreshing topcoat for the weekend.
Despite the lean snowpack, the energy at Buttermilk remains high as excitement builds for the upcoming X Games Aspen 2025. The mountain also recently unveiled its revitalized base area—a project hailed as a community triumph—offering enhanced amenities and an improved guest experience. Meanwhile, safety is top of mind following reports that the Fort Frog fire was likely human-caused, reminding all to remain vigilant. Whether you're a beginner chasing Colorado’s best mountain views or a freestyle fan recalling legends like Simon Dumont and Gretchen Bleiler, Buttermilk continues to shine with its unique blend of culture, comfort, and classic Rocky Mountain charm.
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 Upper Taylor.
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 Buttermilk Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Buttermilk Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Buttermilk Mountain is part of the Elk Mountain Range in Colorado. The mountain has a summit elevation of 9,900 feet and offers skiers and snowboarders a variety of runs and terrain parks. The terrain at Buttermilk Mountain is known for its gentle slopes, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Some of the key aspects of Buttermilk Mountain include its wide-open runs, which are perfect for carving turns and practicing your technique. The mountain is also home to the X Games Aspen, which features some of the best freestyle skiing and snowboarding in the world.
Overall, Buttermilk Mountain is a popular destination for families and those looking for a more relaxed skiing experience in Colorado.
It is known for its beginner-friendly terrain and family-friendly atmosphere. Some of the best trails at Buttermilk Mountain include Tiehack, which offers stunning views of the Maroon Bells and a variety of challenging runs for advanced skiers, and Panda Peak, perfect for beginners. An interesting fact about the resort is that it hosted the Winter X Games for 14 consecutive years. For beginners, try the Panda Peak area, which has gentle slopes and magic carpets. For après ski, head to the Limelight Lounge or the Ajax Tavern for delicious food and drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 7 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 8250 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2399 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 470 Acres |
Established | 1958 |
Run Count | 44 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, patchy blowing snow before 7am. mostly sunny, with a high near 28. wind chill values as low as -10. blustery, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Aspen Highlands
Aspen Mountain
Snowmass
Colorado is experiencing moderate snow conditions with the heaviest 5-day snowfall forecasts concentrated in the north-central mountains near Steamboat Springs. The Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat indicates the highest forecasted accumulation at 7", with nearby Dry Lake and Lost Dog also expecting 7" and 6", respectively. Zirkel, Columbine, and Joe Wright are all forecasted to receive 5–6", supporting good snow ... Read more